I originally found Carla through her fantastic blog Carla Aston Designed. There is so much value packed into her posts about the business of design as well as great design tips. In the interview we talked about how her blog has made for more prepared and aware clients.
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Show Notes Below
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Background
Carla realized she wanted to be a designer when she was in high school. A contest in Home Economics piqued her interested in design, and she went on to major in interior design in college. Starting out she worked for a small design firm directly under a designer for 2 years. For another 7 years Carla worked for a larger architectural firm. “It gave me a great background for establishing my own business." Carla stopped working for a while when her husband was transferred overseas and her children were young. Coming back to Dallas and getting started again in design, she gained clients organically working with friends and neighbors. Her first project was published in a national magazine and everything grew from there.
- Establishing yourself with your blog makes from more prepared and aware clients.
- Learn to say no. Taking on too much and realizing that there are some people out there that you just shouldn’t work with.
- Favorite trend: large photo murals on walls
- Biggest challenge: filtering clients and saying no. Trying to hone down clientele. Profitable and good results are key. It has to be a win-win for the client and designer. Approach a project with the question of, is this going to benefit
- Try not to take a break in your career. If you do need to take a break, keep in touch with the industry.
- Look for clients who are respectful for what the designer brings to the table and understand that there is value.
- “That which does not kill me makes me stronger.”
Links Mentioned
Mothers: When the kids move out, the stage remains set for your professional encore
In rural areas, interior design careers aren't growing on trees (but they should be)
