32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development

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 https://www.windowworks-nj.com/robinbaron

31: Steven Cooper – The Value of a Trusted Vendor

Steven Cooper
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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

  https://www.cooperpacific.com

 

30: Kimberly Serafim – Advice to New Grads in Their 1st Job

Kimberly Serafim

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

29: Shannon Leddy Returns for Graduation Week- Best Tips for Landing Your 1st Job

Shannon Leddy

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

28: Andrew Suvalsky – What Are You Waiting For?

Andrew Suvalsky




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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

27: Marlaina Teich- Balancing the Line Between Interior Designer and Therapist

Marlaina Teich

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:

26: Kae Whitaker- Branding Your Business- Finally I Understand It!

Kae Whitaker

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:

https://www.kaewhitaker.com

https://www.instagram.com/kaewhitaker

https://www.facebook.com/kaewhitaker

https://www.twitter.com/kaewhitaker

25: Peter Fasano – An Exceptional Artist, A Humble Man

Peter Fasano




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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:

24: Krista Coupar- Not Your Average Business Consultant

Krista Coupar




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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:

23: Rio Hamilton – Media Expert and Author of the Wildly Popular Industry Blog, Mon Oncle

Rio Hamilton

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