In this episode, Steve Larosiliere interviews Allison Handler, an interior designer who transitioned from a successful career in the fashion industry to establish her own design firm. Allison shares her journey, the skills she brought from fashion to design, and how she developed her unique style. She discusses the importance of social media in growing her business, the challenges of managing client relationships, and the excitement of working on unique design projects. The conversation also touches on the significance of continuous learning and building a strong team to support business growth.

Takeaways

• Allison Handler transitioned from a 20-year fashion career to interior design, leveraging her business degree to run her design firm.
• She describes her design style as modern organic, focusing on warmth and coziness while transforming clients' visions into reality.
• Social media, especially Instagram, has been crucial for her business growth alongside building strong personal relationships with clients.
• Continuous learning, exposure to new trends, and building a strong team of designers are vital for her professional development and success.
• Managing business growth and implementing efficient systems remain constant challenges, highlighting the importance of having a personal assistant.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Allison Handler and Her Journey

03:11 Transition from Fashion to Interior Design

05:58 Defining Personal Style in Design

09:03 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth

11:59 Project Management and Client Relationships

15:02 Exploring Unique Design Projects

17:53 Continuous Learning and Professional Development

20:51 Building a Strong Team and Managing Growth

24:05 Showcasing a Notable Project

27:05 Challenges in Managing a Growing Business

30:02 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations