Season 7 Recap: Winning Strategies for Interior Products with Nicole Lashae (Ben) Hall

Designing and selling interior products isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic game where creativity meets precision and innovation fuels connection. In today’s competitive landscape, the brands that thrive are those that know how to combine compelling visuals with functionality, personalize their approach through technology, and tell stories that truly resonate with both designers and clients. From navigating customization challenges to leveraging digital tools, the most successful brands are redefining how interior spaces are brought to life—and how products leave lasting impressions.

In this exciting recap of Season 7 of Thrive In Design, we dive into how top brands in the interior design industry are redefining success through creativity, customization, and cutting-edge technology. With incredible guests throughout the season, we explore the hidden tactics behind impactful product design, seamless collaboration between designers and manufacturers, and the digital innovations transforming how spaces are imagined.

Tune in and get inspired!

• [00:01] Introduction to the show and this season’s 7 amazing guests
• [08:27] Balancing creativity and functionality in product development
• [12:06] Challenges and opportunities in product customization
• [13:19] Decorator Industries’ design installation process
• [15:06] The role of visuals in brand identity and client engagement
• [20:51] How designers, manufacturers, and digital experts collaborate
• [23:57] How technology is transforming personalization in interior design
• [31:34] Common pitfalls to avoid when building brand presence and positioning
• [37:08] Key takeaways from the guests and their experiences working with Nicole
• [43:37] Wrap-up and end of the show

“You’re shooting for the brand, and you have to understand where the brand has been, where they’re going, and what they’re looking for.”

“The story has to capture an emotion, and that emotion should connect with who we want to attract. Inconsistency can be devastating.”

“Your digital presence is your storefront. If you don’t maintain consistency, your online footprint won’t reflect expertise.”

“Communicating with customers on an individual basis is critical to providing them with a truly functional product.”

• Tori Sikkema – Bespoke interior, architectural, and celebrity photographer Website: torisikkemaphotos.com
• Dan Hannula – Decorator Industries Website: decoratorindustries.com
• Kristen Dettoni – Design Pool Website: designpoolpatterns.com
• Rochelle Porter – Rochelle Porter Design (RPD) Website: rochelleporter.com
• Ken Lewis – Johnny Davis Digital Solutions Website: johnnydavisphotography.com

• Website: thriveindesign.co
• Instagram: @thriveindesign
• Facebook: Thrive In Design
• LinkedIn: Thrive In Design

• Register for the next Thrive In Design Live Training: training.thriveindesign.co

Grab your copy of The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales: thriveindesign.co/brand-reps

Becoming a successful interior designer is about thinking outside the box and staying true to your authentic self. Creativity thrives when you embrace your unique perspective and align it with what truly resonates with you. Success lies in blending authenticity with innovative design principles—crafting sensory-driven spaces that tell meaningful stories, staying ahead of the latest trends in luxury, and addressing client pain points with thoughtful, impactful designs.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Yvette Craddock to explore her incredible journey into design and her approach to creating sensory-driven spaces that tell meaningful stories. Yvette Craddock, founder of Yvette Craddock Designs, is a celebrated designer renowned for her distinctive interiors and brand experiences. She specializes in luxury residential, boutique hospitality, multifamily, and vacation properties. With a unique fusion of creativity, cultural references, and innovation, Yvette transforms undefined spaces into harmonious, authentic masterpieces.

Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our today’s guest, Yvette Craddock

[02:10] Yvette’s inspiration to start her own design firm

[04:50] How crafting immersive and sensory design experiences is her hallmark of success

[06:10] Her favorite types of projects to work with and what she looks forward to in 2025

[08:00] Yvette’s process from identifying the problem to getting the final result

[14:42] How she ensures the project tells a unique and authentic story of the client

[20:24] Understanding trends & how they fit in her specifications process during the design

[26:06] Things that stand out to Yvette when sourcing design products from brands

[29:09] Some of the best projects Yvette has worked on previously

[30:55] Her advice to anyone looking to make their mark in design

[32:16] Where and how to get a mentor for your design career

[38:08] New and exciting things coming up in 2025 from Yvette

[38:55] Best ways to connect with Yvette, episode wrap-up, and calls to action

• Design takes a bit of analyzing and creativity.
• When designing for a client, listen to their needs and desires, and just as importantly, listen to what they are not telling you verbally but what their body language is telling you.
• Successful designers understand they are in their clients' service, turning dreams into reality rather than chasing personal goals.
• Attention to detail, collaboration, and staying grounded in the client's goals set exceptional designers apart.
• The secret to impactful design is to listen, analyze, create, and deliver with precision, purpose, and passion

Website: https://www.yvettecraddock.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yvettecraddockdesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvettecraddockdesigns

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettecraddock/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yvettecraddockdesigns/

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

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