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Layton Campbell: The Drama of Interior Design: A Former Broadway Performer Sets the Stage for Building a Design Business

Episode 822 of A Well-Designed Business®

Today With Layton Campbell:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors on the show. Layton wasn’t always an owner of a successful design firm. He originally started out on Broadway in NYC and performed on cruise ships as a dancer and singer. He always had a passion for stage sets and the interiors of places which grew his desire to do interior design, an interest he already had. Ultimately, he moved back to his native Charlotte, NC and launched his own firm. While scary as it was, there were a lot of lessons Layton learned along the way, and shares with us today.

Pick It Apart

[7:30] Layton and LuAnn discuss how having prior experience in a career, like working for another design firm, will give you transferable skills.

[10:25] Layton goes into best practices of when he worked for another firm.  

[22:40] How Layton approached going out onto his own.

[27:00] Layton talks about his How to Guide For Starting a Design Business From the Ground Up.

[34:07] How Layton approached marketing for his design firm.

LuAnn Nigara and Layton Campbell’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Branching out on my own was terrifying because I was comfortable and you’re putting yourself in uncharted territories, but you have to believe in yourself, your background, and the things you have learned and know that they will serve you.” – Layton Campbell

“When you think of marketing, think about the layering of it in various forms. That’s where it’s beneficial.” – Layton Campbell

More About Layton Campbell:

Layton Campbell is a true native Charlottean and proud of it. Many are surprised to learn that he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then moved to live in New York City for a little over a decade. While there, he studied his other passion: Interior Design at the prestigious Parsons School of Design.

His design studies beckoned Layton to travel extensively around the world in search of diverse craft and traditions. His professional design aesthetic has been demonstrably shaped by surrounding himself with the rich culture and styles of Russia, Asia, Australia, Europe and The Middle East.

After moving back to Charlotte and working as an Associate Designer, Layton launched JLayton Interiors in 2004. During this time, he also acted as lead buyer, designer and store manager for a popular Charlotte-based luxury gift, decor and furnishing retail boutique called Bella Casa from 2005 to 2011.

Layton’s biggest sense of accomplishment is that he can work within a broad variety of design styles. Thus, his work does not have a routine standard appearance. Each project is an individually inspired expression of originality. His creative philosophy centers on juxtaposing a collection of varying styles for a genuine personalized result for each client. The only thing routine about his approach is that he wants to listen to his client’s needs and desires so that he can match and surpass their expectations.

Connect with Layton Campbell

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Other Shows Mentioned:

#12: How to Get Your Interior Design Projects Published With Ren Miller

#108: Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry: How to Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm 

#134: Paula Grace: How Do I Build Trust With My Clients?

#167: Kelsey Grose – Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017

#203: ​​Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

#291: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design 

#323: Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships

#330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening

#433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet

#455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business 

#601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game

#677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why

#739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life

#796: Allison Handler: From Fashion Designer to Interior Designer: Earning $1 Million Gross in Her First Year

Other Resources Mentioned:

Steal the Show: A Podcast By Heroic Public Speaking

What Level is Your Design Business?