In this episode of “To-The-Trade”, hosts Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson interview Deb Barrett, an experienced interior designer who made the leap from the fashion industry to home design. Deb shares her journey from being a buyer for a major retailer to becoming an independent design entrepreneur specializing in window coverings. She discusses her roles in design education, consulting, and content creation for leading manufacturers. The conversation underscores the importance of finding a niche and showcases the profitability of specialized fields, such as window coverings. Deb also highlights her mentoring of emerging designers and the significance of storytelling within the industry. Additionally, she presents her DECO tours, which offer small-group luxury experiences for designers, including exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access to design studios. These tours provide unique insights and foster lifelong friendships among participants.
Decor Tours link
Paris Decoff Recap webinar-
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3569743065566012249
Time Stamp-
00:00 Introduction and Paris Event Recap
00:32 Journey into Interior Design
02:40 Finding a Niche in Window Coverings
02:48 Mentorship and Advice for New Designers
15:10 The Importance of Storytelling in Design
18:48 Challenges and Misconceptions in the Industry
22:10 The Role of Education and CEUs
23:21 Marketing and Social Media Strategies
29:06 Dealing with Social Media Anxiety
29:39 Turning Envy into Positivity
30:05 Understanding Each Other’s Intentions
31:27 Self-Esteem in the Interior Design Industry
32:53 The Joy of Living in the Moment
33:44 Finding Inspiration and Creativity
35:02 The Birth of Decor Tours
40:54 Unique Experiences on Decor Tours
42:26 Exclusive Access and Networking
49:15 Upcoming Decor Tours and Final Thoughts