Designed by Wingnut Social | Interior Design Business

Many times, design projects need something special, something unique to set off the entire vibe of what you’re doing in a room. Enter custom furniture design.

Yes, it sounds intimidating and like it might require skills you don’t have, but there are ways around that. Darla and Natalie’s guest on this episode is going to explain how you can pull it off.

Kelley Bishop is the owner and designer behind Steel and Plank furnishings, a custom design furniture company that she started as a second business while she was still working as an architect (she’s still partner in an architectural firm even now, BTW). Kelley has developed a custom fabrication shop that enables her to create both entire structures or custom pieces that delight her clients.

Join the conversation to hear how Kelley made the transition from architect to custom furniture designer, how she’s getting her custom wares out into the world, and how she suggests you think about offering custom-designed furniture to your clients and developing the partnerships that will enable you to do it.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social

• [1:51] Darla’s upcoming speaking gigs you don’t want to miss
• [5:02] What you’re going to hear from Kelley Bishop on this episode
• [7:10] The frustration that moved Kelley from being an architect to a furniture designer
• [14:10] How can designers get started creating custom pieces for client homes?
• [17:34] The best ways to offer custom furniture design to clients
• [21:50] Is it possible to design furniture that could lead to licensing agreements?
• [26:32] Kelley’s newest ventures: curating and manufacturing her own lines
• [30:13] The “What Up Wingnut” round

Connect with Kelley Bishop

• Steel and Plank - Kelley’s business
• Kelley’s Instagram: @SteelAndPlank
• Steel and Plank on Pinterest
• Steel and Plank on Facebook

Resources & People Mentioned

• Darla is speaking at Highpoint Market with Nicole Heymer
• She’s also speaking at the RESA Edge chapter - https://ResaEdgeBroward.4stagers.com
• The Design Influencers Conference
• Wingnut Social episode with Nicole White
• Auburn University’s Rural Studio
• Widell and Boschetti
• Furniture Branding
• BOOK: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

From architect to custom furniture designer? How did THAT happen?

In this episode, Kelley shares how she got into designing custom furniture - and the story goes way back to her childhood. Her father both modeled and encouraged her to figure things out so that she could do them herself. He was always fixing or building things on his own instead of hiring someone to do it for him. Kelley learned the lesson so well that she partnered with her Dad to rebuild an MG motorcar as a teen. Fast forward from there and apply that attitude to the design of furniture, and you’ll see how her creative, industrious bent could create some amazing pieces.

If you take the time to listen to this episode, you’ll see how Kelley's “figure it out” attitude has lead to an entirely new and profitable business that she absolutely loves, and how Steel and Plank has become a showcase for her work and the work of others who offer complementary wares. It’s a great story you’ll want to hear..

Why would you want to suggest custom furniture as a designer?

As designers, most of us are busy enough with all the moving parts of the typical design project. But we have to admit that we come across situations when something else is needed for a project, something special to bring things into focus and alignment. Could that “something” be a special piece of furniture that is truly one-of-a-kind?

Naturally, not every client is going to be interested in custom furniture pieces as part of the design package you put together for them. But some will be - and “custom” means “cha-ching” for your bank account. The beautiful part is this: Clients who are interested in custom pieces typically know that fact - and are willing to pay the extra money to have something unique in their homes.

What’s the best way to talk about custom f...

Are you a female founder who’s tired of the hustle mentality? Do you feel like your mental burden is becoming too much to carry? Or maybe you’re a visionary dreamer stuck in the role of CEO? In this episode of Wingnut Social, Casey Gromer shares how you can step away from being the “boss” and still be a passionate and purposeful leader of your business.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social

• [1:49] I just bought a new house!
• [3:49] Mini News Sesh: How Instagram search works
• [9:21] Learn all about Casey Gromer
• [11:29] What you’re doing wrong with vision statements
• [19:15] Outdated leadership structures don't work for women
• [24:30] Check out Build Lane for custom furniture!
• [25:57] Learn more about the Wingnut Social Marketing Agency
• [32:12] The difference between being a CEO and a visionary leader
• [37:17] The steps to take to move out of day-to-day operations
• [39:48] The What Up Wingnut Round!
• [42:40] How to learn more about Casey Gromer
• [47:07] Blooper Reel!

Connect with Casey Gromer

• The SHE Suite Boutique
• Connect with Casey on LinkedIn
• Casey’s book: A Fresh Wave of Marketing
• Casey’s podcast: Female Founders Breaking Boundaries

Resources & People Mentioned

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman

Toss out outdated leadership structures that don't work for women

When Casey left the corporate world and went out on her own, she realized the advice that women are getting didn’t work. Why? The hustle mentality. As a woman and mom, you’re likely raising kids, taking care of your home, and working full-time. Women need a flexible structure for their work and life. But that often isn’t the case, so women carry a large mental load. Corporate environments put work first and leave everything else to come second. That mentality doesn’t fly for most women—it can’t.

Casey emphasizes that “We’ve created a society where if we’re not hustling, we’re not worthy of making the money.” Women hustle just as much as men—but not all 120 hours of hustle are dedicated to the business. Yet women feel they don’t deserve to get paid when all of their time and energy isn’t focused on hustling. That needs to change.

It’s a new concept that you can build a business where you can step away and have other people run it and take ownership. As long as you’re working with a team toward the same vision, it doesn’t matter if you’re the one doing all the things. You’re still the owner of the business.

The difference between being a CEO and a visionary leader

Your typical CEO is someone who is a leader, a planner, an executor, well-organized, and knows what’s happening in the business at all times. They get stuff done. That’s where Casey feels her sweet spot is. But a visionary leader is an idea person. They have 100 ideas a day, hate being tied to a desk, don’t like being responsible for people, etc. These are the people that start amazing companies and get burned out.

The CEO doesn’t generate ideas so their business tends to stay stagnant. They don’t get to dream about tomorrow. That’s why you have to partner with visionary-style leaders and allow them to dream. Casey partners with visionaries so they can dream and she can plan and execute.

If you’re a female founder who’s ready to step back from the day-to-day and leave behind the hustle mentality, Casey has some tips for you. Ask yourself these simple questions:

• What are the major functions that keep your business running?
• What’s involved in each function?
• What are you good at and what should be delegated?

But even before you do this, Casey implores you to get an assistant that can make sure your ideas have a place to go who works to keep you organized and focused.

To hear a full discussion about crafting a vision statement for your company that actually works, listen to the whole episode!

Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social

• www.WingnutSocial.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
• On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
• Darla’s Interior Design Website
• Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group<...

Anne Gillyard—along with Jodi Arellano—own and operate GrOH! Playrooms, specializing in educationally-based children’s interiors. They strive to create spaces full of color, joy, fun, and playfulness that encourage your child’s development. But how did they choose to niche down into something so specific? How have they built a thriving play-focused business? Anne joins Darla to discuss all things marketing, niching down, and incorporating play into your child’s every day.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social

• [1:02] Subscribe to Wingnut Social on YouTube!
• [2:01] Mini News Sesh: YouTube Shorts
• [5:43] Learn all about Anne Gillyard
• [7:55] How Anne chose her interior design niche
• [12:39] How Anne reaches her ideal clients
• [16:01] The benefit of industry partnerships
• [22:36] How to choose work you enjoy
• [25:05] Tips for mastering reels and videos
• [28:55] The What Up Wingnut Round!

Connect with Anne GillYard

• Connect on Instagram
• GrOH! Playrooms

Resources & People Mentioned

• Mike Michalowicz’s books

How Anne landed on a niche in playrooms

Anne worked in early education for years as a teacher and curriculum designer. But her expertise is play. She always wanted to be an interior designer but never thought she’d land there. Now, she designs family rooms, playrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor spaces where the intention is to live, breathe, and move around with your kids.

When they launched GrOh!, they were worried they wouldn’t survive if they niched down too far. So if a client asked them to do something outside their scope, they quickly agreed to it. But it wasn’t where they thrived. Once they fully committed to their niche, they took off. Now they have a waitlist of 6+ months.

How to choose your interior design niche

Anne says to pour your favorite drink, get comfy, and spend some time thinking. What lights your fire? What takes the least amount of energy to brainstorm about? When you complete a project, what are you proud of? How can you make your experience special? What can you do to make your relationship with your client wonderful and easy?

Reflect after every project and determine what you enjoyed—and what you didn’t. What did you find to be easiest? Anne once created a gorgeous custom kitchen, designed to help create independence for kids. While the project was a smashing success, they didn’t enjoy the work. Now, they only focus on what they love.

How GrOH! Reaches their ideal clients

In December 2019, GrOH! had committed to only doing commercial spaces. A few months later, because of covid, no one was going to commercial play spaces—maybe ever again. So they pivoted to residential spaces. Word-of-mouth wasn’t a possibility at that point. So what marketing stuck?

They invested in photography immediately. Then they hired social media out to professionals (Wingnut Social, of course) and the change was transformative. It’s allowed them to niche and establish themselves as go-to experts. Since then, 99% of their clients find them through social media.

And Anne is a social media genius. Her content is eye-catching, playful, and educational all while perfectly showcasing their designs. How has she found such social success (aside from Wingnut Social, of course)? She shares her tricks of the trade in this episode. Don’t miss it!

Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social

• www.WingnutSocial.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
• On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Darla’s Interior Design Website
• Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
• 786-206-4331 (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

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Instagram is rolling out one new feature after another and this week is no exception. Instagram announced the launch of Badges for Instagram Live and ads for IGTV. The goal is to help support creators by implementing various ways to monetize their accounts.

Right now there are a lot of unknowns and unanswered questions. However, with the 70% increase in Instagram Live views since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, these new opportunities can’t be passed up. Listen to this Monday Marketing Minisode to learn more!

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social

• [0:38] How to monetize your Instagram
• [1:30] Wingnut Social Webinar coming up!
• [2:58] Instagram’s slow roll-out of Live ‘Badges’
• [6:47] Doubling down on IGTV and launching ads
• [9:42] What are the video qualifications for an ad?
• [10:37] WHY designers should embrace monetization
• [13:53] Check out this week’s Blooper Reel!

Resources & People Mentioned

• Register for the Wingnut Social Webinar!
• Instagram’s new features to support creators
• Apply for badges in Live: FORM

What are Instagram Live ‘Badges’?

Firstly, ‘Badges’ are NOT the same thing as ‘Verified Badges’, which are the little check marks you’ll see next to a verified celebrity, for example. A Live Badge will appear as a small heart (or multiple hearts, depending on what you purchase) next to your name.

Live Badges will be available for followers to purchase during a live stream to help support their favorite creators. It’s a simple way to generate revenue—while being 100% optional for your followers. It’s currently being beta-tested, so stay tuned for a widespread launch.

To apply for early access, go to this Instagram page.

Instagram strengthens its investment in IGTV with new ‘ads’ feature

Instagram will now be allowing revenue on IGTV through the use of ads. Currently, they’ve chosen a select group of 200 creators to beta test the feature. When you click to watch an IGTV video you’ll be presented with a 15-second mobile-friendly ad.

While not confirmed, it’s being speculated that creators will see 55% of the ad revenue, with the other 45% going to Instagram. Darla and Natalie point out that it’s also unknown who will qualify for ads, though you’ll likely need to have 10,000+ followers and a verified account.

They do know that for a video to qualify, it needs to be at least two minutes in length, it must be all-new content, and you MUST use the preview option in your Instagram feed. You need to commit to creating original and valuable content on IGTV consistently to monetize your account.

If you have a large following and some seriously good content, it’s an easy option to monetize your videos. Plus, Darla and Natalie point out that diversifying your revenue stream is important for the longevity of your business. What are your thoughts? Let them know!

Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social

• www.WingnutSocial.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
• On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
• Darla’s Interior Design Website
• Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
• 1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn

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If you’re stuck in an old-school way of running your business, it’s time to begin embracing some tech tools. Gone are the days of just using Quickbooks. There are multiple project management systems available geared towards designers. If you’re ready to update some antiquated systems and embrace the technology that’s available, don’t miss this 100th episode of the Wingnut Social Podcast!

Jarret Yoshida joins Darla and Natalie to chat about the systems and tools he’s integrated into his design business. Jarret is an interior designer in New York City, specializing in high-end residential spaces. His background in the tech space drove him to fully embrace tech tools to drive his business forward.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social

• [1:00] Special Blooper Reel episode for Christmas!
• [4:50] Jarret Yoshida joins Darla and Natalie
• [6:30] Project Management Software for designers
• [15:40] Find what works best for your firm
• [18:15] Jarret’s Interior design style
• [19:30] How Jarret schedules meetings
• [23:05] Client communication
• [25:45] Client presentations
• [30:20] Internal communication
• [36:55] Google Suite for emails
• [38:30] Embracing technology will make your life easier
• [40:40] What up Wingut Round!
• [43:15] Connect with Jarrett

Connect with Jarret Yoshida

• Jarret’s Website
• Twitter
• Instagram

Resources & People Mentioned

• Design Manager
• Mydoma Studio
• Ivy Business Management Software
• Asana Work Management Platform
• Book: Becoming a Man by Paul Monette
• Slack
• G Suite

Project Management Software for designers

If you’re like most designers, the majority of your time is spent designing and being creative. No one likes to take time away from what they love to invest time into bookkeeping—especially on a platform that doesn’t serve you. Jarret found that Quickbooks was too generic, and began searching for a system that better served the needs of a designer.

So he started using Design Manager, and the difference was astounding. It was easy to learn. The financial tracking and project management was geared towards the design industry. It helped him become more productive and efficient. He points out that you can’t be afraid to stray from the industry standards to find something better.

Darla and Natalie have tried Ivy and currently use Mydoma and adore it. The goal is to find what works best for you and your firm. To hear more about how Design Manager and Mydoma integrate with the design world, be sure to listen to the whole episode!

Tech tools: shiny, new, and unexpected

Jarret, Darla, and Natalie all advocate embracing technology and the tools that simplify your life and business. Slack is a great tool for internal communication within your business. Asana is a platform that Darla and Natalie love for keeping on-task with projects. G Suite (Google) is great for client presentations, email, and much more.

While advocating for technology, Jarret also points out that we cannot forget the human element. There is something special about the human touch and engaging with clients face-to-face. After all, they hired you because they like you, who you are, and what your design aesthetic is. It is all part of the luxury experience you want your clients to feel.

Jarret loves being surrounded by his team. It’s so much easier to collaborate, critique ideas, and be productive when you can communicate in-person. His firm is small and intimate enough that this is still feasible. Embracing technology is not about forgetting your roots or removing the human touch. It’s about integrating tools into your system that allows you to focus on what you do best.

Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social

• www.WingnutSocial.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
• On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
• Darla’s Interior Design Website
• 1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

Subscribe to The Wingnut So...