Susan is founder and principal of award-winning Sweet Peas Design, which she launched 13 years ago in the Chicago suburb of Libertyville as a one-woman firm. Today Sweet Peas Design is a full-service studio with a staff of six in downtown Libertyville and a branch office in Chicago. She and her team work with a broad-based clientele of entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals.

 

Susan is an experienced speaker, whether on interior design issues or the business of design. She is a popular speaker on design at libraries on the North Shore of Chicago. Susan has been featured on NBC/LXTV’s  “George to the Rescue” and  “Open House,” and she appeared on CLTV’s “Bring It Home” program. Her work has been published in numerous national and local magazines and newspapers, including Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago, Kitchen + Bath Makeovers, Trends Kitchens, Trends Bathrooms, Color Made Easy, Crain’s Chicago Business  and Chicago Sun-Times’ magazine, Splash.

 

Today on the show we have Susan Brunstrum! She has a big firm in Chicago and a signature line called LivableLuxe with a tagline that says “the little black dress of interior design.” She is a business woman, she is a woman who knows what she wants, knows how to do business and knows how to present herself. Her firm has won several designer awards but today we are going to focus on the financial part of business.

Show Notes:

• The two project fee basis systems 
• The six phases of projects
• How do you utilize the project fee?
• If you don’t charge for your initial consultation you should!
• Three things to assess on a client when you first meet them
• What are the red flags when assessing a client?
• The difference between advertising and public relations
• Be patient!

 

Resources:

www.sweetpeas-inspired.com - Sweet Peas Design

www.studiowebware.com 

www.quickbooks.com

Today on A Well Designed Business we have Jerri Eskow! She is a full-service interior designer and has been in business for more than 20 years! After becoming friends on Instagram I went to her website and did a little research. Sometimes when I have guests on the show I already know what their special skills, talents or lessons are. But with Jerri Eskow I was just so impressed with her as a whole. She is going to talk about her techniques she has used to be a successful interior designer for over 20 years.

Show Notes:

• Where does integrity fit into business?
• How to “create an atmosphere”
• Have the details!
• Why you should give your opinion 
• 3 systems to use to stay organized

Resources:

www.irongateinteriors.com 

Irongateinteriors- Instagram

Irongateinteriors- Facebook

On today’s show, we have Mary Fisher who is a passionate designer of many trades. She is a textile designer, the author of 6 books, a jewelry designer, artist and photographer! Mary had some terrible news in 1992 that she had been diagnosed with HIV. Since then her passion to help others has skyrocketed. Her collection “100 Good Deeds” is a perfect of example that she does just that: Helps others.

Show Notes:

• How did Mary get involved with Kravet Inc.
• What is “100 Good Deeds” jewelry and what does it stand for
• What resources does she use for “100 Good Deeds”?
• Who makes the art for “100 Good Deeds”?
• Don’t let other people define your designs 
• What kind of people are good to have in business?
• What advice did Mary’s mentor give her?

Resources:

Kravet Inc. – kravet.com

Mary Fisher CARE Fund:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB5K9k__SOo

Arlene Angard is a New York City Interior Designer. She manages a full service interior architecture and design firm that specializes in luxury residential and new age commercial. She has been an Art Curator and table top connoisseur most of her life. She has curated global art exhibits, participated in art culture panels and collected fine art from around the world. She recently launched a colorful collection of area rugs inspired by her extensive travels abroad.  

She tries to learn as much as she can about her clients' lifestyle and her design decisions are made within this context. Her work has been featured in prestigious magazines such as  Elle Decor, The New York Times, Traditional Home Magazine, New York Spaces Magazine, Luxe Interior + Design Magazine, Ocean Drive Magazine, EL UNIVERSAL, 1stdibs Introspective Magazine, NYC Cottage & Gardens and numerous other design and art publications.   

• Arlene came from Venezuela to New York in 1997 to pursue her Orthodontics program.
• She enjoyed New York and pursued another specialization, TMD (temporomandibular) after completing her Orthodontics.
• As creativity has always been in her blood, she enrolled at the New York School of Interior Design and decided to become an interior designer.
• As an interior designer, she noticed that her clients didn’t have the right art pieces for their homes and she was always looking for the correct art pieces to match her clients’ furniture pieces and décor.
• Arlene decided to open her own art gallery. She owns and manages an art gallery at Madison Avenue.
• She set up the art gallery to help both her clients and the artists community in the city. She gives the artists a space to feature their artworks.
• She sets up art gallery events depending on the season, one for the winter, one for spring, one for summer, and one for fall.
• She focuses on contemporary art pieces but she loves learning anything about art. Emerging artists attract clients because they offer a different budget. Arlene has pieces for different budget levels.
• To source art, she goes to art events to look for new artists worldwide. She is also approached by artists and art dealers who know her as a contemporary art dealer.
• Arlene discovered that since NY spaces are small, she had to custom-make the furniture pieces to fit the client’s space. Still they are all high-end pieces made of exotic woods and with high gloss lacquer.
• Her exotic wood furniture includes tables, dining tables, meeting tables, and coffee tables, wing back chairs, ottomans, classic chairs.
• The main idea of Arlene’s line of furniture is to have the best quality to help the interior designers and clients to complement the pieces they already have.
• Most of Arlene’s clients go to her Gallery to discuss their projects. Then if projects are feasible, Arlene visits their home.
• Distant clients communicate with her first by sending measurements of their space.
• Arlene is a member of the prestigious 1stdibs.com family.
• Arlene is also designing custom area rugs.
• Learn what materials she is using for rugs.
• She compares a project to delivering a baby.
• Know that if a client is decisive, work would take 6 months, if the client is indecisive, it would take 9 months, sending samples back and forth.
• Arlene serves high-end national and international clients.
• Her advice to new designers: Write down the list of goals to be accomplished daily and week. You have to pursue your dreams with passion. It’s a lot of work to be an interior designer and if you want to succeed, don’t count the hours, the sky is the limit….Do it with passion and every time that you find a product that doesn’t work for you, go far beyond, try to design a new one for your client. If you cannot design, go to a manufacturing company and ask if they can do a custom piece for you.
• She also recommends that a future designer must have a strategy, persistence, patience, dedication, and must be highly organized. A business plan is also a must.
• I’m a humble connoisseur but I have an expert eye. I want to be active as an art dealer and as an interior designer as well. – Arlene Angard.
• When you love what you’re doing, when you have the passion to do it, then the time you spent doing it doesn’t matter at all. – Arlene Angard

  Arlene’s Art Gallery: 15 East 71st Street & Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021

E-mail: arlene@arleneangard.com

Arlene’s website: http://arleneangard.com

Robin Baron, interior designer and lifestyle expert creates homes that are uniquely fabulous , yet captures  her clients’ individual personalities . She brings a striking sense of style to everything she does.  

• Her motto “Confidence begins at home” helps her guide her style and design in creating a sense of  happiness, fulfillment,  and peace in her clients.
• She prides herself on her ability to capture her clients’ individual personalities in their homes. 
• She is currently the President of  American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) for  New York  Metro Chapter; 

• Robin is affiliated with many industry organizations, including:  Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), The  International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), Interior Design Society (IDS), Women in the Home Industries Today (WithIt), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Women President's Organization (WPO) , The Beacon Group, Founding Member Board of the Devereux Glenholme School, Benefit Committee of the Promise Project

• Over the years, her clientele has grown to include many celebrities and top personalities.
• She feels that the best design work comes from the collaboration between her creative vision and the lifestyle and vision of her clients. 
• She has been on TV and in the media, including HGTV
• She has also been featured in many print and online magazines including  ElleDecor.com, Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, New York Cottages & Gardens,  Redbook magazine, among many others. 
• She has spoken at events such as D&D Building, New York Design Center, NY School of Interior Design, Fashion Institute of Technology, Zoffany, Benjamin Moore, and many others. 
• In her blog:  “Simplifying Fabulous”, she shares her design and lifestyle tips and more.
• She has a multi-platform social media presence. 
• She gives back by actively contributing to several charitable organizations. 
• She is also the founder of an independent living program for high-functioning young adults on the autistic spectrum
• She finds inspiration around her and always says:   “You never know where you’re going to find inspiration so always have an open eye and an open mind.”  
• “Our goal is to create beautiful homes that empower our clients and reflect their lifestyles.” – Robin Baron
• Her services include:  Space planning, floor plans, CAD drawings, Furniture, décor, finish selections, Custom furniture design, Window treatment design, Interior architectural design, Project management, Pre-construction consulting,  bath & kitchen design,  comprehensive interior design services, and selection  of construction-related materials and surfaces including: mouldings, doors, flooring, hardware, plumbing selections, etc.

You can read the full show notes at www.windowworks-nj.com/robinbaron

Steven Cooper is the CEO of Cooper Pacific Kitchens, the experts in the field of kitchen design, kitchen remodeling, interior design, engineering, and installation.  Through innovation and premium design, Steven’s team always aims to bring each client’s  unique vision  and sense of expression to life.

They provide homeowners with functional kitchen spaces that are stunning expressions of their individual tastes.

 Cooper Pacific Kitchens was founded in 1986 by Neil and Shirley Cooper, Steven’s parents.

• They have just celebrated their 30th year in business.
• Steven’s parents have retired and the business is now managed by Steven and her 2 daughters. One of them is already working full time and the other daughter is still in school and is working part time.
• His daughters are training on the managing of logistics, scheduling, and installation.
• They have a team of highly qualified kitchen designers.
• They are based in Los Angeles, California
• They have projects all over the country and outside USA too.
• Cooper Pacific Kitchens is also a resource center for the kitchen design business and experts.
• It may take a thousand details in creating and designing a beautiful kitchen.
• A Team of designers and engineers help put the kitchen together.
• They always keep up to date with the latest developments in appliances, construction materials, new processes and trends.
• It’s a fast-changing world. The team has to know which appliance to recommend for each particular client and for which particular location in the kitchen or home – the ovens, dishwasher, cabinets, all other appliances such as refs. He often recommends the combination convection and steam oven rather than microwave oven. The steam oven is taking the place of microwave.
• Each project is a collaborative work of experts
• Every team member is given due recognition and importance.
• Synergy among the team is valued.
• Steven’s projects are worth six figures each and every one is very careful not to make any mistake.
• Steven is on the line for all the minutiae of the work – the small, precise details of the project in order to avoid mistakes

RESOURCES

  www.cooperpacific.com

Graduation is coming up! So I thought we would do a week of podcasts giving advice and tips to the new graduates coming into the design business. One of my employees: Kim is our special guest today. She has been out of school for 9 years now and has been working at “Window Works” for 8 years. She is going to share some of her personal experiences from school to job.

Kim shares with us:

• Dealing with one project a semester taught time management and how to deal with deadlines
• One presentation a year in college
• Don’t underestimate the projects
• Look to create teamwork
• Internships are important ~ start internships as soon as possible to build up resume and get as much experience as you can
• First intern experience was a “what not to do” experience
• Organization and having a system in place is important
• Going from intern to job ~attention to detail very important
• Expect high expectations~ be prepared to deal with everyday issues
• Figure out how to deal with what has been given to you
• Bring good work ethic
• Pay your dues then you will be able to do the bigger, important jobs
• Be in the industry even if it’s not a design assistant
• See how other businesses are run
• Get the tools to run a business before you start your own firm

www.windowworks-nj.com

This is Shannon Leddy’s second time on the show! We are so happy to have her back! She is going to share some tips on how students can be more effective before and after graduation.

Shannon shares with us:

• Keep up with your portfolios- think about how you need to set it up
• Have some flare with your outfit going to an interview
• Research the firm you are going for an interview for
• Go on as many interviews as you can 
• Ask for feedback even if you didn’t get the job
• The follow up- know what you want to get paid
• Ask about benefits and overtime
• Stay at a job for at least 6 months- give it a chance
• Make and keep relationships on good terms
• Keep up with education
• Look to see what you have to do to be a certified interior designer

Shannon's Website

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