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

https://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:

https://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:

• https://www.mtdny.com

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:

• https://www.elizabethhamiltoncollection.com
• https://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:

• https://www.couparconsulting.com 
• https://www.instagram.com/couparconsulting 
• https://www.facebook.com/couparconsulting 
• krista@couparconsulting.com 

Welcome back!

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:

https://www.riohamilton.com 

https://www.riohamilton.com/2015/09/the-profile-all-about-alexa.html

https://design-bloggers-conference.com