Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. This week, I’m joined by Genevieve Trousdale. After coming from working in two large firms, Genevieve launched her own firm. She grew her business to serve luxury clients and tackle high-income projects. But unlike most other designers on her level, Genevieve chooses to keep some things simple, running her business on her own and taking on just a few projects per year. Today, we’re talking about how she manages it, why she chooses it, and the importance of staying true to your values in your business.
[7:18] Genevieve talks about the experience of working under great influences and what she learned along the way.
[11:58] Genevieve shares why she chooses not to expand her firm and bring on other designers.
[20:44] Genevieve reveals what she looks for in others when she does need to outsource work.
[25:03] LuAnn and Genevieve talk about the expectations in the design world and how to stick true to who you are.
[33:51] Genevieve explains how she created a resource for other designers to get questions answered and form a community.
“This is amazing to me...it’s unusual that you’ve reached that level of design client but you’ve maintained the solo firm and you’re making money.” -LuAnn Nigara
“The pretty part, I can take care of. I like to take care of that. So I’m looking for someone with street smarts.” -Genevieve Trousdale
“There are pressures of ‘Why aren’t you scaling your company and searching for the next best thing.’ I am—but I’m doing it my own way.” -Genevieve Trousdale
More About Genevieve Trousdale:
Steeped in Southern tradition and influenced by sophisticated French style, Genevieve’s finely-honed design sense was originally fostered by two generations of discerning familial role models with exquisite taste. On assignment designing homes, chalets, and estates throughout Europe, the Middle East, and America, Genevieve developed inspired and inventive ideas for each client’s passions and desire for the very best.
Highly regarded for sophisticated design, meticulous attention to detail, creative sourcing of one-of-a-kind pieces, and the ability to manage thousands of special details at once – Genevieve has earned the respect and admiration of the most thoughtful and discriminating clients, worldwide.
Ms. Trousdale, a Louisiana-born designer, boasts a stunning repertoire of world-class projects from American ski chalets, a Parisian flat to a luxurious Middle Eastern palace. Working alongside top AD 100 industry icons, Genevieve is one of the nation’s most accomplished designers.
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
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Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
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Mydoma:
The free industry-leading event for designers is back! This April 13th and 14th, get ready for the return of 19 Hours, a virtual design conference by Mydoma and A Well Designed Business.
We all know by now that the world has changed, and while 2020 was very much about insulating yourself, and your business from what comes next, this year, it's time to learn the lessons that the industry has learned the hard way this past year, and set yourself up for success. It's time to make 2021 your year, with a number of panels, presentations, and talks from some amazing industry partners and experts.
So what are you waiting for? It's a free event, so you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain! Register for 19 Hours at mydomastudio.com/19hours. I'll see you there!
Other Shows Mentioned:
#433 Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
#91 Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio