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If you are a leader in architectural and design sales aiming to innovate in the future of the interior design industry, then the Thrive In Design Podcast is for you! Join your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, a Design Strategist and Innovation Enthusiast, as she shares her expertise and interviews industry experts. Gain valuable insights on dominating the market by adapting to shifting demands and creating engaging digital experiences for designers. Each week, Nicole delivers inspirational content designed to help you exceed revenue goals for your interior product company while making a lasting impact on the built environment.
Episodes
56 minutes ago
56 minutes ago
Trade shows have been a game-changer for brands looking to gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and drive sales—but standing out in a sea of exhibitors requires more than just showing up. To make a lasting impact, you have to be strategic in how you network, market, and follow up. Planning your approach before the event, focusing on creating memorable interactions during it, and maximizing post-show follow-ups are essential steps in your strategy. By approaching trade shows with intention and a clear plan, you can transform a single event into a powerful catalyst for long-term business growth. Whether you have a booth or not, success lies in your ability to differentiate your brand, create meaningful connections, and convert those connections into lasting relationships.
In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, shares powerful strategies to help you amplify your brand presence and make the most of trade shows—whether you have a booth or not. Listen and get valuable insights on how to make your next trade show experience more impactful by leveraging strategic networking, creative marketing tactics, and effective follow-up techniques.
Tune in now!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro & what in for you in today’s show
[03:52] A very special announcement: Speaking at NeoCon 2025
[06:53] Three key reasons to attend a trade show
[08:53] Three ways to thrive in a trade show without a booth
[09:14] 1# Leveraging strategic networking before and during the trade shows
[18:21] 2# Creating Buzz with gorilla marketing and thought leadership
[24:36] 3# Maximizing followup in post-show engagement
[30:06] Additional strategies that Nicole does for her clients
[31:00] Quick recap: Three ways to thrive at a trade show
[31:50] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes:
- Don’t spend $10-20 on exhibiting at a trade show without knowing if you will have a return on investment.
- Trade shows allow visibility, strategic networking, and creative engagement.
- Being more strategic is thinking about how you will network before and after the event.
- Organize your leads immediately after the event, don’t wait weeks to follow up; strike while the event is still hot.
- The key to follow-up is not only about remaining connected but also being the brand that offers value.
Resources Mentioned
How To Use Gorilla Marketing S6E5: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s6-e5-how-to-use-guerilla-marketing-to-maximize-your/id1596367503?i=1000665443416
Let’s Connect:
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Your creativity is the spark that transforms ideas into inspiring spaces, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable experiences. But what happens when that spark meets the hurdles of procurement—delayed timelines, endless paperwork, and brand inconsistencies? Bridging the gap between design and procurement isn’t just about fixing processes; it’s about amplifying your brilliance. By aligning your artistic vision with efficient, technology-driven workflows, you can focus on what you do best: designing. In this episode with Huibin Yu, we discuss how design and procurement teams can collaborate more effectively, the importance of simplifying the specification process, and ensuring brand compliance in large-scale projects. Huibin also shares practical strategies and insights that design firms should focus on right now to deliver more value to their clients.
Huibin Yu is the founder and CEO of Fohlio Inc. Fohlio is revolutionizing the way organizations manage product data, procurement, brand standards, and inventory. Since its founding in 2016, Fohlio has become an invaluable asset for multi-location organizations like restaurants, hotels, schools, and banks, helping them maintain brand consistency and efficiency across the board. Prior to Fohlio, Huibin launched Home Inspirer, an e-commerce platform for home furnishing, and has had an impressive career in finance, holding leadership positions at prestigious institutions like J.P Morgan, Calient, and Goldman Sachs during critical periods.
Tune in for an insightful conversation with a true leader in both the finance and design world.
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Huibin Yu
[02:44] About Fohlio and what inspired Huibin into the space
[05:09] How Fohlio bridges the gap between design and procurement
[08:06] 3 pain points Fohlio is solving and how they are creating solutions
[11:43] The web clipper tool and how it simplifies the specification process
[14:19] Web clipping vs. copy-paste: Which is more efficient?
[17:22] How to maintain brand compliance in complex projects
[20:03] Common mistakes to avoid in procurement and specification [22:25] How to keep your information updated and integrated with Fohlio
[24:02] Trends and Fohlio’s role in shaping the future of design and procurement
[26:27] How to start leveraging technology to improve your processes
[29:18] How to reach out and connect with Huibin
Notable Quotes:
- "Make the budget as granular as possible for the design team so that they know how much they can spend.”
- “Think longterm about your business.”
- “Financial visibility is important in every business. You have to know where the money is coming from and going so that you can manage all aspects.
Connect with Huibin Yu:
- Website: https://www.fohlio.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fohlio/
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
- Website: thriveindesign.co
- Instagram: @thriveindesign
- Facebook: Thrive In Design
- LinkedIn: Thrive In Design
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:
https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:
https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Thursday Mar 13, 2025
Customization is transforming the interior design industry, making it easier than ever to bring unique visions to life. With the rise of digital galleries and on-demand printing, clients can now browse designs online, select what resonates with them, and have it tailored to their needs without the usual concerns of high costs or long wait times. This approach is shifting interior design away from generic templates, offering a seamless way to create personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes, especially in areas like hospitality, where customization is key. In today’s episode with Kristen, we will dive into the fascinating world of printing on demand and how this game-changing technology is transforming the interior landscape.
Kristen is a prolific designer and artist with 30 years of experience creating innovative patterns and prints for commercial, residential, and automotive interiors. Kristen is an award-winning designer and the founder of Design Pool, the first online image library dedicated to commercial and residential interiors. Her revolutionary approach has earned recognition from top industry authorities, and her cryptology collection received accolades like the Hip Award from Interior Design magazine and Metropolis in 2021. Kristen continues to push the boundaries of design.
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Kristen Dettoni
[02:01] Kristen's journey and what inspired her career in interior design
[04:39] Why she founded Design Pool and its influence on interior design
[06:44] Why customization is the next trend in the interior design industry
[07:53] How to combat the negative connotation of “customization.”
[09:53] About her unique cryptology collection that received prestigious accolades
[14:12] A walkthrough on how to get your preferred print-on-demand design
[19:04] Kristen’s greatest challenge in running the business
[19:54] How Kristen overcomes challenges and stays ahead of trends
[21:46] Kristen's advice to designers interested in printing on-demand designs
[25:57] How to connect with Kristen and explore her work
Notable Quotes:
- "In order to break a code, you don’t need to be a mathematician or a linguist. You just need to look for a pattern."
- "As an interior designer, one of the best ways to be ahead of trends is to go out and be observant of your environment."
- "Anything new is always challenging to you before you get used to the technology of how to use it."
Resources Mentioned
- The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone
Connect with Kristen Dettoni:
- Website: designpoolpatterns
- Instagram: @kristen.Dettoni
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
- Website: thriveindesign.co
- Instagram: @thriveindesign
- Facebook: Thrive In Design
- LinkedIn: Thrive In Design
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:
https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:
https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Thursday Mar 06, 2025
Imagine stepping into a room filled with interior designers and buyers, only to be met with blank stares because they don’t quite understand what you’re offering. Even the most innovative interior product can struggle if its value isn’t communicated effectively. Selling interior products isn’t just about listing materials and specifications—it’s about crafting a compelling story that resonates with your ideal audience.
In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, shares three powerful strategies to help you clearly communicate the value of your interior product line. You’ll learn how to refine your messaging, choose the right sales approach, and leverage strategic launches to turn interest into action. Whether you're struggling to articulate your unique value, position your product effectively in the market, or convert leads into sales, these techniques will equip you with the tools to boost engagement and drive growth.
Tune in now to transform the way you present your interior product and elevate your sales strategy!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro & exciting updates happening at Thrive In Design
[04:45] Three ways to work with Nicole and her team in 2025
[09:29] Case study: Two companies that inspired this episode
[13:03] Three strategies for explaining your product offering
[14:13] Strategy 1: Honing & auditing your product
[19:02] Strategy 2: Choosing between manufacturing & licensing agreements
[23:39] Strategy 3: Launching your product & building your sales force
[27:53] Practical example of how to execute a strategic A+ product launch
[29:04] A quick recap on how to amplify your sales
[31:19] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes:
- The main driving force—and likely will be for at least the next decade—is your sales team.
- Our industry heavily relies on relationship building, with salespeople serving as the face of the brands they represent.
- Your sales force is out there paving the way for your brand—it's up to you to ensure they are equipped for success.
Let’s Connect:
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Design has the power to influence the way we live and interact with the world. When guided by principles of equity and inclusion, it has the potential to make a profound difference in people’s lives. As a designer, you create for everyone, and your work should reflect the rich diversity of the people who will use it. By embracing and respecting different perspectives, design can create spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and fair for all.
From buildings to products to interiors, thoughtful design can ensure everyone feels valued and included. In this episode, we delve into how design can serve as a powerful tool to foster equality, diversity, and belonging.
Our guest, Jessica Bantom, is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As an accomplished interior design consultant, speaker, and the author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, Jessica equips designers with the skills and insights needed to create spaces that honor and reflect the identities of all people.
In her role as Global Leader for Equity, Diversity, and Belonging at DLR Group, Jessica is driving transformative change in the design industry. She’s on a mission to enhance cultural competence among designers and to foster meaningful outcomes for historically excluded communities.
Join us as we explore actionable strategies to make design more inclusive and impactful. Let’s get started!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and who today’s guest is: Jessica Bantom
[02:25] Jessica’s journey in design and what inspired her to focus on DEIB
[05:26] What does her work entail as a DEI consultant?
[07:50] Why interior product brands should focus on DEIB initiatives in their operations
[12:51] What key actions or processes must organizations take to integrate DEIB?
[17:55] About Jessica’s book and the outcomes that people can move towards
[22:37] Tips on becoming a better expert with more awareness of the design process
[29:15] Where to start in integrating DEIB into your workplace culture or how you design
[33:45] Best ways to connect, episode wrap-up, and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- As a designer, you are designing for everyone—every built environment, every type of person occupying that space or using a product—and your design should reflect that diversity.
- Designers don't need to know everything about a particular group to create great designs. What matters is being open to learning and listening.
- You may be the expert in design, but your customers are the true experts on their own experiences and needs.
- You are never going to make progress on something you never talk about.
Connect with Jessica Bantom
Website: https://www.jessicabantom.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabantom/
Jessica’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Identity-Authentically-Diverse-World/dp/B0BXMJP98C
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
Website: https://www.jdavisdigital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Design is more than aesthetics; it’s about forging a deep connection between a product and its owner.
Bespoke design transforms ordinary objects into rare and beautiful expressions that tell personal stories. From sourcing unique materials to the intricate transformation process, bespoke design captures the essence of an owner’s personality and aspirations. It transcends mere customization, becoming an art form that produces timeless creations with both beauty and emotional depth.
In today’s episode, we delve into the innovative design process of Lorna Gross. We explore her approach to sourcing rare and distinctive elements and her vision for fostering impactful designer-manufacturer partnerships.
Lorna Gross is a renowned interior designer, speaker, and lifestyle authority whose expertise has captivated audiences and transformed homes across the globe. From North America to London, her designs are celebrated for their sophistication, personalization, and artistic flair.
Recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the top designers to know in Washington, DC, Lorna’s accolades include the prestigious Designer of Distinction Award from the American Society of Interior Designers. Her work has been prominently featured in publications such as Veranda, House Beautiful, and The Washington Post.
With a unique blend of analytical and creative thinking, Lorna brings a holistic approach to creating memorable bespoke spaces that resonate on both aesthetic and emotional levels.
Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Lorna Gross
[02:38] Aspirations that led Lorna into interior design
[07:18] Lorna’s design philosophy and how it has evolved over the years
[10:06] Lorna’s secret to sourcing rare elements
[13:10] Three key resources manufacturers can offer to support designers
[17:01] What inspires Lorna’s creative process on projects
[20:40] Strategies that distinguish Lorna’s design firm from others
[26:48] How Lorna identifies and tracks design trends
[31:09] Lorna’s most memorable project and its significance
[33:47] Lorna’s advice for emerging designers [36:45] How to connect with Lorna and explore her work
Notable Quotes:
-
- "Don’t be afraid to make a change, even if it’s a huge jump."
- "Referrals are important because you’re going to get a project similar to the one you just did."
- "You have to do all your projects at a high level to get the referrals."
- “Sometimes you have to take the step and move forward despite fear.”
- “Do it scared; feel the fear, do it anyway, and take the leap.”
Resources Mentioned
- Entertaining By Design by Lorna Gross: https://www.amazon.com/Entertaining-Design-Creating-Meaningful-Gatherings/dp/1685555780
- Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers: https://www.amazon.com/Feel-Fear-Do-Anyway/dp/0345487427.
Connect with Lorna Gross:
- Website: https://www.lornagross.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lornagrossdesigns/
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
- Website: thriveindesign.co
- Instagram: @thriveindesign
- Facebook: Thrive In Design
- LinkedIn: Thrive In Design
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:
https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:
https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Creativity goes beyond self-expression—it’s a way to thoughtfully and intentionally shape the world. Designing with purpose means harmonizing artistry with values that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and conscious living. It’s about creating beauty that enriches lives while respecting the planet, minimizing waste, and enhancing mindful consumption. This approach bridges aesthetics with responsibility, proving that design can inspire, empower, and contribute to a better future without sacrificing style or functionality.
In this episode, Rochelle Porter shares her inspiring journey, creative process, and how she seamlessly blends artistry with conscious living. Rochelle is the visionary designer behind Rochelle Porter Design (RPD), renowned for her vibrant patterns that bring a modern twist to timeless global and Caribbean influences. Her work spans wallpaper, textiles, and interiors across hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces.
Rooted in the ethos of "designing for abundant living," Rochelle's brand focuses on low-waste production methods and ethical manufacturing practices. Her designs have been spotlighted in Elle Decor, Hospitality Design, House Beautiful, and HGTV Magazine, and her home accessories are carried by retailers like West Elm, Nordstrom, and Target.
Let’s dive into Rochelle’s journey and learn how she’s reshaping the design industry with her purposeful approach!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Rochelle Porter
[02:07] Rochelle's journey and what inspired her career in interior design
[08:53] About Rochelle Porter Design and its role in interior design
[10:01] Rochelle’s activewear collection, “Fit by Row”
[11:31] The retail side: How Rochelle got her designs into West Elm
[14:39] Rochelle’s approach to product development and new collections
[15:51] Integrating sustainability into design and product development
[19:01] What Rochelle is currently working on and her future goals
[20:55] Overcoming challenges: Rochelle’s biggest hurdle and how she triumphed
[22:01] Rochelle's advice for aspiring designers: “Go for it.”
[23:33] How to connect with Rochelle and explore her work
Notable Quotes:
- "Go for it and get those partnerships with larger brands sooner."
- "Partnering with brands with more capacity is a game-changer."
- "We’re learning as we go; each day is a learning process."
Connect with Rochelle Porter:
- Website: rochelleporter.com
- Instagram: @roporterdesign
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
- Website: thriveindesign.co
- Instagram: @thriveindesign
- Facebook: Thrive In Design
- LinkedIn: Thrive In Design
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:
https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:
https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
In today’s fast-paced, post-pandemic world, the old business playbook simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Face-to-face meetings are rare, inboxes are overflowing, and traditional sales tactics like cold calls, showroom visits, and product catalogs are losing their impact. So, how can you stand out and stay top-of-mind with your audience?
In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, dives into the essential strategies you need to thrive in a digital-first, time-limited world. Nicole shares actionable insights on how to innovate your approach, build trust within key online communities, and create value-driven experiences that resonate with your audience. Whether you're in interior design, manufacturing, or any other industry navigating today's challenges, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you pivot and stay ahead.
Don't miss out—learn how to adapt, connect, and position yourself as an industry leader in an ever-changing landscape. Tune in now!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro and what in for you in today’s show
[03:31] Five ways to stay relevant and innovative in the ‘post-pandemic society’
[05:53] Partnership with non-competing brands that complement your company
[07:56] Creating engaging digital experience on social media
[10:54] Develop a simple subscription program
[13:49] Leveraging social media to build a personal brand
[17:15] Developing an insider newsletter through email campaigns
[20:53] A quick recap on how to stay relevant in this limited-time era
[16:22] Wrap-up and end of the show
Notable Quotes:
- No matter the type of engagement you’re doing, offer value to your customer in a way that helps them in their project.
- Don't create sample boxes and randomly send them to people every time you come up with a product line. They hate that.
- Social selling is on the rise; leverage social media to build a personal brand.
- Outside of sharing value-driven information about the company you rep, it's very important to build your personal brand.
- We're in a human-centered industry in the interior design world, so why not humanize the content you are creating online?
Let’s Connect:
>> Download the PDF of 5 AI Tools for A&D Reps:
Website: ai.thriveindesign.co
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Thursday Jan 30, 2025
Have you ever struggled to capture the true essence of your interior design products with words alone, feeling the need for something more?
Visuals might be the solution you’re searching for. They are more than just decorative elements—they embody your brand’s story. While words convey messages, impactful visuals evoke emotions, spark imagination, and express what words often cannot. Whether it’s showcasing the elegance of a handcrafted piece or highlighting the practicality of a modern design, the right imagery creates lasting impressions and elevates your brand’s identity.
For over 26 years, Johnny Davis of Johnny Davis Digital Solutions has been at the forefront of photography, color management, and retouching, transforming creative visions into reality. Renowned for their seamless concept-to-completion approach, Johnny and his team offer exceptional services in photography, videography, cinematography, and graphic imaging. Since 2010, they have proudly partnered with leading furniture brands, serving the North Carolina furniture industry with excellence.
In this episode, we’ll explore how Johnny Davis and Ken Lewis merge artistry and technology to craft visually stunning results that elevate brand presence. We’ll also delve into their inspiring journey in the furniture industry and uncover valuable insights on how businesses can leverage creative digital solutions to stand out in today’s competitive market.
Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Episode intro with Ken Lewis & Johnny Davis of Johnny Davis Digital Solutions
[01:54] The story behind Johnny Davis Digital Solution & what inspired its creation
[04:01] How the team blends photography, videography,& graphic imaging skills with clients
[09:20] Their ‘concept of completion’ business model and the entire process
[17:58] Significant changes in the furniture & interior product industries over the decades
[21:08] What CGI and AI is and the pros and cons of using them
[23:40] Recommendations to improve your brand visuals
[34:49] New and exciting things coming up in 2025 from Johnny Davis Digital Solutions
[37:55] Best ways to connect, episode wrap-up, and calls to action
Notable Quotes:
- Video is the next evolution of commercial photography.
- Everything can't be told in a story, especially of a furniture piece, in just a photograph. Sometimes, it needs more long-form or even short-form video content.
- By building lasting relationships with brands and designers, financial gain becomes a natural byproduct of the connection.
- Creating something entirely new is far more exciting from a creative standpoint than repeating what has been done for decades.
Connect with Ken Lewis & Johnny Davis
Company Website: https://www.johnnydavisphotography.com/
Ken Lewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-lewis-29901011a
Johnny Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-davis-b2898129
Learn more about Thrive In Design:
Website: https://www.jdavisdigital.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/
Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/
Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Thursday Jan 23, 2025
Imagine the first time a potential client encounters your work—not through a conversation or a handshake, but through a single image. That image holds the power to captivate, inspire, and tell a story that words alone often cannot. For designers, visual storytelling isn’t just a tool; it’s the bridge between their creative vision and how the world perceives it. By crafting a compelling visual narrative that reflects the essence of a space, a brand, or a project, you create an emotional connection, build trust, and establish a unique identity. Every design has a story waiting to be told, and through the lens of photography, those stories come alive, resonating deeply and leaving a lasting impact.
In today’s episode, Tori Sikkema shares her inspiring journey as a visual storyteller, her passion for connecting with creatives, and her unique approach to bespoke photography. We dive into how she helps designers and entrepreneurs build stronger brand identities through compelling imagery, providing you with actionable tools and inspiration to transform your brand through visual storytelling.
Tori is a bespoke interior, architectural, and celebrity photographer whose work radiates the timeless elegance of Hollywood glamour. She doesn’t just take photos—she creates stunning visual narratives that elevate design projects and bring brands to life with a unique blend of artistry and storytelling. Featured in Architectural Digest, Lux, Aspire, House Beautiful, and Good Housekeeping, Tori’s award-winning photography has made waves in the design industry. She is also the dynamic host of The Brand Lift Podcast, where she shares branding, marketing, and business insights for creatives.
Key Highlights from the Episode:
[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Tori Sikkema
[02:32] Tori’s journey into Bespoke Interior and Architectural photography [06:02] Travel and Hollywood: How storytelling inspires Tori’s work
[08:18] Workflow: Creating a process that is consistent and repeatable
[10:22] Tips on how to tell the story of a design through photography
[12:49] How visual narratives build trust and connection with potential clients [14:56] Tori’s most favorite project’s storytelling, branding, and vision alignment
[20:07] How to use storyboard and shortlist to aid visual storytelling
[22:59] What it takes to tell a story, attract a client, and get a sale
[24:27] Tori’s branding and marketing tips for launches
[29:11] The parallels between photography and podcasting
[31:03] What’s next for Tori and how she hopes to continue inspiring creatives [32:32] How to reach out, connect, or learn more about Tori
Notable Quotes:
- "Without understanding who you are, what you do, and who you’re trying to reach, you can’t tell the story."
- "Your visual marketing aspect is your first handshake with your client who has not even met you."
- "Before you even have a conversation with a prospective client, you’re putting your best face of your design project through visual imagery, so it’s critical to capture it through professional photography, it’s your calling card." ● “Find that design project that you can use as your laboratory and go wild”
Connect with Tori Sikkema:
- Website: https://torisikkemaphotos.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torisikkemaphotography/
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- Website: thriveindesign.co
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Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:
https://training.thriveindesign.co/
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https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps
Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog