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Join Laurie Laizure as she chats with Mia Johnson, a dynamic interior designer who transitioned from a corporate project management career to thriving in interior design. In this captivating episode, Mia discusses her early inspirations, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the importance of community and mentorship in the industry. Mia also shares valuable insights on project pricing, managing client relationships, and staying authentic while growing her business. Discover how Mia balances creativity with business acumen and learn about her plans to further engage with the design community through various multimedia platforms.
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Join Laurie Laizure from “To-The-Trade” as she interviews cabinet expert Jonathan Rowland, who shares his extensive 30 years of experience in the cabinetry industry. Discover the latest trends, challenges, and tips for selecting the best cabinetry for your home or project. From the resurgence of traditional styles to the impact of AI on design, Jonathan offers valuable insights and practical advice for both designers and homeowners. Learn about the importance of collaborating with trusted advisors and how to future-proof your cabinetry investments. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on all things cabinetry!
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In this insightful discussion hosted by Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from Interior Design Community's To the Trade, Laurie and Nile interview Beth Greene, a veteran in product licensing within the interior design industry. Beth shares her extensive experience, having spent over 30 years at Cravit, leading their marketing efforts and managing her consulting business. The conversation explores various aspects of product licensing, including the importance of a well-thought-out plan, understanding both the designer’s and company’s perspectives, and the effort required to succeed in licensing deals. Beth emphasizes the value of presenting unique ideas to companies and grasping the elements of a successful licensed collection. Additionally, the concept of collaborations versus entire collections and strategies for designers to market themselves effectively are examined. Laurie and Beth also discuss the evolving industry landscape and the need for designers to leverage their accomplishments to create further opportunities. The session highlights the critical role of expert guidance in navigating the complexities of licensing and marketing within the interior design sector.
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In this episode, Laurie from To The Trade for Interior Design Community sits down with Marc and Corey from Designer Advantage, a leading procurement tool and accounting software designed for interior designers. Marc, the founder, narrates his journey from being an accounting major in Boston to launching Designer Advantage, tackling the challenges of effectively managing an interior design back office. Both Marc and Corey explore the difficulties faced by designers, such as overwhelming administrative duties, and explain how their software solutions simplify over 100 steps involved in handling custom orders. They also discuss Marc’s role as a pro bono CFO, audit practices, and how Designer Advantage’s best practices have benefited numerous firms. Laurie highlights the emotional strain on designers and shares strategies for achieving work-life balance, nurturing client relationships, and enhancing profitability. Corey provides insights into their roles and how they work closely with design professionals to ensure success. Tune in for valuable data-driven advice on improving your bottom line and alleviating the stress of managing an interior design business.
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Join Laurie Laizure from Interior Design Community on a special episode of ‘To the Trade’. Laurie interviews Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson from Etch Design Group, based in Austin, Texas. They discuss their unique practice of balancing residential and commercial design, emphasizing their focus on creating beautiful and functional spaces. The conversation covers their experiences at the KBIS show, including exciting new products and trends such as AI-powered cabinetry and mixed finishes. They also delve into the importance of functionality in kitchen and bath design, the growing trend of warm tones and wellness features, and how technological advancements like smart home integration and AI are revolutionizing interior design.
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In this episode of ‘To the Trade,’ Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson i interview Ruben Marquez, a seasoned interior designer from Pasadena, California. Ruben shares his journey from childhood home renovations to a successful 15-year career in high-end design, shaped by his global experiences. He addresses the importance of effective client communication and the challenges of international projects and offers insights on industry trends, such as the revival of traditional design and sustainability. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring designers on balancing creativity with business, highlighting the significance of continuous learning and collaboration within the industry.
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Join Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from ‘To the Trade’ as they host a heartfelt conversation with Ben Warwas, the founder of Byben, an architectural firm specializing in hillside residential projects in Los Angeles. This episode explores the emotional impact of the recent fires on the community, featuring personal stories of loss and resilience. Ben reflects on his professional journey from fashion design to architecture, emphasizing his multidisciplinary approach and ongoing projects. The discussion also highlights the significance of community, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in the design world. Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful episode.
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In this episode, Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from ‘To the Trade’ interview Swedish-American designer Christina Richardson. Christina shares her extensive interior design, construction engineering, and international business background. She discusses her transition from the mining industry in Sweden to pursuing a design career in the U.S., along with the cultural challenges she faced. The conversation covers her experiences across various U.S. markets, the influence of her Scandinavian heritage on her design approach, and her thoughts on balancing functionality with aesthetics. Christina highlights the importance of personalizing spaces to reflect clients’ personalities, managing international projects, the financial aspects of working in different countries, and the supportive community within the U.S. design industry. Other topics include sustainable design practices, design trends, the creative process, and Christina’s aspirations for the future, including her dream of designing a boutique hotel in Europe.
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In this episode of ‘To The Trade,’ Laurie Laizure from the Interior Design Community and co-host Nile Johnson welcome the renowned Kimberly Seldon. They explore Kimberly’s journey from being a television producer to a successful interior designer, television presenter, and design industry coach. Kimberly shares her experiences with early setbacks, the critical importance of business systems, and how she now helps other designers achieve success while sidestepping the challenges she faced. This episode highlights the difference between operating a business and pursuing a creative endeavor while offering valuable insights into client relationships, project management, and achieving financial stability. It is packed with inspirational ideas and practical advice for interior design professionals.
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Laurie Laizure andNile Johnson from theInterior Design Community hostJoy Maier, founder ofAspiring Home Interiors, in an engaging discussion about blogging for interior designers. Joy shares her journey from event planning to managing a full-time interior design firm and blogging for SEO success. They explore the importance of utilizing blogging and social media for business growth, the evolution of platforms like Google Plus and Pinterest, and the significance of consistency and authenticity in content creation. They also talk about overcoming the challenges of SEO, using AI tools like ChatGPT for content optimization, and strategies for monetizing blogs through ads and brand collaborations. The conversation emphasizes the value of community support, continuous learning, and the long-term impact of meaningful content.
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In this episode of “To-The-Trade”, hostsLaurie Laizure andNile Johnson interview Deb Barrett, an experienced interior designer who made the leap from the fashion industry to home design. Deb shares her journey from being a buyer for a major retailer to becoming an independent design entrepreneur specializing in window coverings. She discusses her roles in design education, consulting, and content creation for leading manufacturers. The conversation underscores the importance of finding a niche and showcases the profitability of specialized fields, such as window coverings. Deb also highlights her mentoring of emerging designers and the significance of storytelling within the industry. Additionally, she presents her DECO tours, which offer small-group luxury experiences for designers, including exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access to design studios. These tours provide unique insights and foster lifelong friendships among participants.
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In this conversation, Laurie Laizure from “To The Trade” interviews Elizabeth Scruggs, a general contractor and interior designer from Nashville with 30 years of experience in the industry. Elizabeth discusses her company, Superior Construction and Design, and its multidisciplinary approach to projects that range from new constructions to interior redesigns. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of being a female contractor in a male-dominated field and the relationship between building and design in her work. They talk about the importance of remaining focused amidst the overwhelming variety of new tools, apps, and trends in the industry. Elizabeth shares her strategies for managing social media effectively and staying on top of essential marketing tasks. They also explore how designers can enhance collaboration with brands and emphasize the significance of consistency and prioritizing fundamentals for long-term business success. The conversation concludes with advice on attending industry events and the value of fostering a supportive community among designers.
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Laurie Laizure of Interior Design Community welcomes Renee Leighann, a web and digital marketing expert with a background in interior design. Renee provides her unique perspective on servicing the interior design industry through effective web design and digital marketing strategies. They discuss the importance of having a well-optimized and visually appealing website, emphasizing the need for clear service descriptions, high-quality images, location details, and strategic calls to action. Renee outlines essential elements for various website pages, including the homepage, about page, services page, and portfolio. The focus shifts to digital marketing tactics such as blogging, SEO, email marketing, and collaborating with local businesses to drive traffic and build authority. Renee highlights the significance of addressing client pain points and providing social proof through testimonials and strategic content planning. The conversation underscores the vital role digital presence plays in attracting and retaining clients for interior designers.
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In this interview, Laurie Laizure from the Interior Design Community speaks with Abiola Amusan, founder of AV Luxury Design, about his role as a custom integrator for interior designers, specializing in home technology, automation, entertainment, lighting, and more. They discuss designers’ common challenges when integrating technology into their projects, the importance of early incorporation, and the advantages of customizing tech solutions to meet unique design needs. Abiola offers insights into emerging trends such as AI in home automation, the significance of wellness-focused design, and practical advice for both designers and integrators. Personal anecdotes and successful collaboration stories illustrate the value of seamless tech integration in enhancing client satisfaction and improving the overall design experience.
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Hosts Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from “To The Trade” discuss with Megan Thompson, a Denver-based interior designer, regarding her ID Greenlist website and newsletter designed to help designers make informed decisions about sustainability. Megan shares insights from her background in sustainable interior design, including education on eco-friendly practices and overcoming industry challenges. The conversation covers topics such as sustainable sourcing, client education, managing environmental impact, and the future of green design. Megan underscores the importance of incremental changes and designers’ vital role in promoting sustainability.
https://interiordesigncommunity.com
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Laurie Laizure from "To The Trade" and the Interior Design Community interviews Anna Gibson, the founder of AKG Design Studio about her journey in interior design and managing her business while living with long COVID. Anna shares insights into her background, the initiation of her company, and the expansion of services beyond kitchen and bathroom design to include complete interior projects. She also discusses how chronic illness has affected her business, the significance of managing energy, and the importance of a strong support network. Anna highlights the necessity of delegation, self-care, and task prioritization to maintain business operations during difficult times.
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Laurie Laizure from "To The Trade" and Interior Design Community hosts Fiona Grunwald, a lighting design expert with a fascinating career transition from corporate HR to interior design in the U.S. Fiona discusses her journey, educational background, and passion for lighting design, emphasizing the impact of lighting on residential and commercial spaces. The conversation covers Fiona's approach to personalized lighting plans, the benefits of specialized lighting education, the challenges and solutions in lighting design, and the importance of considering both aesthetic and functional aspects. They also talk about the role of home automation in lighting and the collaborative relationship between designers, clients, and manufacturers. Fiona highlights the individuality of lighting needs and the evolving importance of lighting quality and design in enhancing overall well-being.
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In this episode of "To The Trade" for the Interior Design Community, Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson interview Irene Williams, a digital decluttering coach. Irene shares her journey from being an overwhelmed PR professional to becoming a coach who helps professionals manage their digital lives. She emphasizes the importance of reducing digital clutter to reclaim time, enhance mental clarity, and boost productivity. Irene provides practical tips like turning off phone notifications, utilizing cloud storage, avoiding over-organization, and stressing the significance of starting with small steps. She also discusses the emotional aspects of letting go of both digital and physical clutter and the broader impacts on reducing anxiety and fostering a more peaceful, creative life.
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This podcast features Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson of “To The Trade” in conversation with Sharon Sherman from ‘Time and Place Design.’ A seasoned interior designer, Sharon shares her journey from working in high-end luxury design in Bergen County, NJ, to founding her own company after encountering gender discrimination. She highlights the untapped potential for kitchen designers to specify furniture to enhance profitability. Sharon elaborates on her career’s challenges, transformations, and successes, emphasizing the importance of business planning, process implementation, and education. She also discusses her mission to mentor and guide designers in integrating more holistic and profitable approaches into their work. Sharon’s insights target kitchen and bath designers looking to expand into interior design and vice versa. The discussion covers industry changes, emerging trends, and Sharon’s future goals, including consulting for brands and possibly writing a book.
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Laurie Laizure from Interior Design Community converses with Lori Paranjape about her journey to building a successful interior design business through Instagram. They discuss the importance of authentic engagement, showcasing both successes and failures. Lori emphasizes how transparency and honesty have fostered trust with her audience and clients. They also delve into the challenges of pricing discussions in the interior design industry and the necessity of clear communication with clients about costs. Lori shares her planned initiatives to help other designers by providing educational resources based on her experiences, highlighting the need for process improvement and transparent client relationships.
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