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

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:

https://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