A Well-designed Business® | Interior Design | Designers | Business |interior Design Success

Andrew Suvalsky has been in the interior design business for 11 and a half years! He worked for icon designer Benjamin Noriega Ortiz for a time and then established his own business: Andrew Suvalsky Designs. Andrew has a very interesting story about how he got started in his business and some great tips for running your own business that he learned along the way. Andrew shares with us: 10-year business mark was a turning point Bought two apartments and renovated them Worked from home for a time Sometimes you just need a nudge Listen to the “voice”! You have to take risks! In the new place the first three months were slow It took a year or so for everything to come true A business coach is a good idea Have knowledge on the different jobs in your business Be flexible Links Mentioned: www.suvalskydesigns.com

Marlaina Teich has been in business for ten plus years with her business Marlaina Teich Designs. She did not start out in interior design. She started out in fashion and then had a family and while she was home taking care of family she decided to go back to school for interior design. It turns out going to school and starting her own business in interior design was a great choice. Marlaina has some great advice on how to avoid the blurry lines between an interior designer and client(s). Marlaina shares with us: Success of client = relationship with client The top signs that your client is crossing the line How to draw the line Interior designer therapy How to deal with the “elephant” in the room Don’t get taken advantage of Know your worth! Learn to delegate How to keep up with time with clients Limit alcohol Links Mentioned: www.mtdny.com 

Kae Whitaker and her husband/business partner have a unique business called Kae Whitaker Solutions. Kae is a personal branding and business development coach who specializes in creative business. She will teach you specific strategies to build your business to success. Remember “just because you are a master at design does not mean you are a master at business.” Kae shares with us: What about brands? Know the background Personality draws customers You need to have core values to make decisions Initial coaching sessions: how they work How she works together with her husband Sometimes you need to have people to delegate to Tips for struggling businesses Links Mentioned: www.kaewhitaker.com  www.instagram.com/kaewhitaker  www.facebook.com/kaewhitaker  www.twitter.com/kaewhitaker  www.snapchat.com/kaewhitaker  www.periscope.com/kaewhitaker www.periscope.com/tv/kaewhitaker 

On the show today, we have Peter Fasano who sells hand-silk screen, hand painted fabrics and wall coverings. Peter’s story is special because he discovered his business by accident. He had gotten out of the Army and started painting, and that’s where he discovered the potential for a successful business. Peter has done just that: made a super successful and environmentally friendly business, I might add! Peter shares with us: Art gallery vs. fabric painting Location, location, location Fabric painter vs. fabric designer He works with his wife and has been for forever 1/3 of his studio is commissioned by other designers His most rewarding experience A new collection! His work is showcased in 15 states in the United States and in other countries! Links Mentioned: www.elizabethhamiltoncollection.com  www.peterfasano.com 

I am so excited about our guest today on the show. Krista Coupar has a unique business that includes business coaching, PR, marketing, staffing, design support and management. Wow! She can work virtually or in person. If you can FedEx, you can work. You have got to listen to this episode! It will blow your mind! Krista shares with us: Showcasing designers work online Started business coaching in 2007 The who, what, when, where, why and how much you should spend on billable How to get the least amount of pushback Plan out your day Facing the “NO” Don’t be afraid to ask for help Online designing for designers Have a place to hold court Links Mentioned: www.couparconsulting.com  www.instagram.com/couparconsulting  www.facebook.com/couparconsulting  krista@couparconsulting.com 

Rio Hamilton is a marketing and business development strategist who is based in Manhattan for interior design industry. He has had the privilege to work at NIEDERMAIER and be an apprentice to Judy Niedermaier as director of sales and marketing. He also has a wonderful blog. If you have not read it, you should! Rio shares with us:  Designed his own furniture Niedermaier was family owned until doors closed Share your knowledge The Holiday House How does his business work? Mon Oncle How did the blog come about? Unexpected things make things fun Bigger camera = serious Links Mentioned: www.riohamilton.com  http://www.riohamilton.com/2015/09/the-profile-all-about-alexa.html   http://design-bloggers-conference.com  

Fred Berns is a Denver based coach for interior designers. He teaches interior designers how to be successful at copywriting and Bios. His motto is “Your most important sale is a personal sale.” You wouldn’t believe how many ways you can use your bio. Fred has some very in depth information and tips on how to beef up that bio, so that it really sells you. Fred shares with us:  Best way to promote yourself- most important sale is a personal sale What goes into a good bio? Is there an order the information should be placed? Don’t sell yourself short Your bio is worth more than just the “about me” section of your website Links Mentioned: www.biobriefing.com  www.interiordesignbusiness.net  fred@fredberns.com 303-589-3013

Our guest today is our first guest who specializes in hospitality! Stacy Garcia has three different businesses in three different markets! Talk about talent! Stacy has a degree from Syracuse University in Surface Pattern Design. She started her first business in 1999 called Lebatex Inc. and she named it after her great grandmother. So sweet! Stacy is going to share some great advice on the differences between trends and fads and how to use it to your advantage. Stacy shares with us: Worked at Ralph Lauren Educate yourself! What is the difference between a trend and a fad? Influencers “Trend is your friend” How to forecast Her new brands! Links Mentioned: www.stacygarcianewyork.com  www.stacygarciainc.com 

Today on the show we are going to talk to Arianne Bellizaire! Arianne is not only a successful business owner of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors, she is a blogger, public speaker and an author of a Kindle Amazon top seller! She has been featured in several magazines. What really makes Arianne’s website so special are her videos. The story behind her passion for using videos in her work is very touching. Arianne shares with us: How the videos on her website came to be Have the customer tell the story IMovie on mac Measure time with video How did she start her platform? Keep learning new things Find what you are good at or passionate about and figure out a way to incorporate that into your work “How To Get Moved In & Totally Unpacked: In 30 Days Or Less” More books coming soon?? Use outlines to see progress Links Mentioned: www.ariannebellizaire.com Get her book “How To Get Moved In & Totally Unpacked: In 30 Days Or Less” Check out this video of Arianne that we mentioned in the show

Welcome back! Today we are going to be talking to a fabulous designer who is always up for a new adventure: Susan Jamieson. Susan has been an interior designer for 25 years and has been featured in several magazines and tv shows. Her newest projects include her own paint line called Bridget Beari paints that has about 200 different colors and custom wallpaper designs. Stay tuned to hear her tips and upcoming projects and events! Susan shares with us: Richmond show house pictures- you have to check them out on her website! What is Design on a Dime? Have a PR agent to help get out past your local area Blogging since 2007 Is there a book coming??? Where does she get the names of her products? Links Mentioned: Bridgetbearidesigns.com windowworks-nj.com/Susan  

Today on the show we have a brilliant and when I say brilliant I really mean it, brilliant business woman: Vanessa DeLeon. Vanessa has starred on several television shows on some big television networks such as NBC, Bravo, HGTV and DIY Network. She has also been in several magazines such as TIME, Cosmopolitan etc. and on top of that she is a spokesperson! Wow! Talk about impressive resume! Please stay tuned to hear all of her great advice and her shared experiences. Vanessa shares with us: The triple “D’s” What she would have done differently before starting her own business at 20 When does the momentum pick up? Dreams do come true Are vision boards a yes or a no? Entitlement…I don’t think so! Vacation? What’s that?

Elizabeth Lamont is a self-made entrepreneur, interior designer and the owner of her store “Room at the Beach”, which has been named a top store in LA Magazine to name a few of her accomplishments. She has been in business since 1990! Elizabeth shares with us her tips and advice on how to be successful and stay successful. You don’t want to miss out on this episode! Elizabeth shares with us: Her transition from a 5500 sq. ft. store to an 1800 sq. ft. store! How to source product Make your shop an experience! Kravet = the best The most important thing to remember! How to be successful in business Vision boards! What is in the future for Elizabeth… Check out the full show notes at www.windowworks-nj.com/elizabeth

Charles founded Pavarini Design nearly 30 years ago and it is a full-scale New York based Interior Design Firm that specializes in Architectural Interior Design, Custom Furniture Design and Lighting Design.   Charles has sat on the Designer’s Lighting Forum of New York, board of directors for twenty-eight years. And his talent has earned 21 awards for excellence in design over his career. The list includes the most prestigious of lighting awards, the coveted Lumen Award. In addition he has received the Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Award for Architectural Lighting, an Award of Merit from the Illuminating Engineering Society for Lighting, a 2014 International Property Award for the Americas, an ASID Design Specialty Award, a CODA Works Award for a Public Art Installation,a Circle of Excellence Award and now lets add- to the list an award for Best in Show Architectural Digest Design. You can see the full show notes at www.windowworks-nj.com/charles

Today on the show we have Nancy Ganzekaufer! Nancy is an art and accessories consultant. She is the founder and owner of her business Expressive Living. Before her business she worked in banking all the way to vice president! After this she was a stay at home mom and then became a personal trainer. While trying to figure out what to do next she got a phone call from her mother one day that would change career plans. Her mother wanted to get rid of her art work. Nancy started having home art parties and this is how her business in art and accessories all began. Nancy shares with us: Build relationships “Niche is rich and broad is broke” Research, research, research! Tools to success New business??? Free giveaways!! Links Mentioned: nancy@expressiveliving.com

Rock star designer Malene Barnett created and built her business specializing in handcrafting custom carpets and dabbling in wall design and tile design. She has a background in surface design from F.I.T (Fashion Institute of Technology) in New York. Malene has some great advice to share with us! Show Notes: Inspiration from experiences behind her work How to get from point A to point B starting out Growth plans E-guide series! Links Mentioned: www.designsponge.com  www.maleneb.com    You can get all the resources at http://windowworks-nj.com/malene

Jeff Brooks has been a designer in business for 30 years! When he was starting out in the design world he did a lot of kitchen design until he decided to open his own design firm in 1986. He does a lot of residential work and has been interested in earth work and environmental design. Jeff has some fantastic advice for designers starting out or even designers who have been doing their thing for any amount of time!   Show Notes: What is the best use of a space? Hospitality and public spaces Execute a plan! How to let someone know if the designer is within their budget       Where does the inspiration come from? Be kind “Plan every project by starting with the intended result”. Jeffrey Brooks   Links Mentioned: Jeff’s Website

  Today my guest is Ren Miller: editor in chief of Design New Jersey! Ren has a background in design and editorial management. He worked with newspapers and then worked with a jewelry magazine. On 9/11 he caught a bus to get to his home in New Jersey and made the observation that the other people were just trying to get home because home is safe. That was his aha moment when he realized he wanted to work for a magazine that portrayed homes. He applied to Design New Jersey and was fortunate enough to get the job. Ren has worked his way up to where he is now and has been doing a fabulous job as editor in chief!  Ren Miller shares with us: Why should designers want to put their work in publication? Know the magazine Keep up with the trends White rooms in publication Background How to get accepted The “No’s” Links Mentioned: www.barnesandnobles.com www.designnewjersey.com   

Robin LaMonte is an amazing interior designer who is based in Atlanta. She spent 13 years in New Jersey building her name and then she and her husband made the decision to move to Atlanta. Robin has started her empire from scratch…again. Today’s show is all about re-establishing yourself and your business after a move to a new city or state. But truthfully the strategies we discuss apply if you are beginning your interior design business or even if you need to give a boost to your established firm. Robin shares with us how she has accomplished this and gives advice for other designers who are starting out in today's episode!

Denise and her team deliver diverse and fashionable designs for those who live on the fast track. Her company specializes in turnkey, concierge-level services---in as little as 90 days! They execute high-end interior design projects with their organization and signature deadline-driven design solutions. Denise honed her business practices, sophisticated methodology, and solid business acumen while working with Neiman-Marcus. You will be impressed with what she accomplishes with her relatively small staff. Join us for more from Denise! In this episode, you’ll hear the following: Denise’s business is built on a three-tiered philosophy: Delivered in 90 days, Designed in a Day, and Designer Full-Time. Stay tuned to learn more! Denise’s full-service design came first, as she found a niche for people who want things quickly. “Doing the job faster means getting your money faster!” The niche was needed in the industry; Denise asked, “How can we brand it and make it happen?” Her systems are driven by project pl

Today on the show we have the talented, go getter Rona Speigel! Rona started her own business, Lifestyle Designs in 1980. About 4 years ago she started another business, Red-Zebra. Red- Zebra started out as just photography but then grew into something extraordinary! Rona shares with us in this episode: How Red-Zebra came to be The “sideline” What is ADA? The process of post-production  Links Mentioned: www.red-zebra.net rjsid@att.net – email