1. How did you get started in interior design?
I became interested in interior design in elementary school—although I didn’t know it was ‘interior design’ at the time, I just knew that I loved redecorating my room on a fairly routine basis. In junior high I was fascinated with architecture and I used to design my own blueprints to turn in for math projects.
2. What made you decide to start your own business, rather than join an existing firm?
Several reasons:
1} I love the freedom that comes from working for yourself. Being a mother of 2, I need the flexibility to work around their crazy schedules.
2} Interior design involves really personal relationships with your clients and that trust is what allows the evolution of the project to be successful. Sometimes, working with a design ‘team’ can lead to compromises which don’t always have the best result for the customer.
3. What challenges did you face in starting your business?
Deciding the best way to market myself.
4. How do you find new clients?
Referrals from previous clients
5. How do you keep up with trends and best practices in your industry?
I go to the Furniture Market in High Point twice a year and the merchandise Mart in Atlanta twice a year. I subscribe to every design magazine on the planet! I attend industry seminars. I read design blogs everyday.
6. What research tools/resources do you use (for things like demographic research, suppliers, materials, etc.)?
I have a Facebook business page which has a great weekly demographic report. I have a blog and a website through Adobe which provides me with the following reports: geographic, traffic, ip addresses, search engine, visits by source, visitor loyalty, and pageview . My reps supply me with yearly catalogs and weekly email updates.
7. What advice do you have for someone starting a new interior design business?
1} I would suggest mentoring with a designer for at least a year. The insight is invaluable.
2} Make a business plan
3} Create a blog/website
4) Work on small projects for little or no money for family or friends so that you can get pictures of your work to build a portfolio.
5) Take a small business class {MountainBizworks in Dillsboro is a good one}
6} Read the book Inbound Marketing.
7} Take lots of pictures of your work—both before and after.
8. What have been some of your greatest challenges?
Deciding exactly how to charge—by the hour, by the project…at what point to increase the charges.
9. What have been your greatest accomplishments?
{My kids!!}
Working on the Cashiers Showhouse and the publicity from Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine.
