Market Pros

High Point Market Pros

Spring 2024 Market Pros coming soon! 

Newly refreshed for Fall Market, our expanded social media program to feature products across our buildings discovered by the Pros of ANDMORE at High Point Market! These Market Pros are excited to get to High Point Market this Fall and want to share their Market tips for you to get prepared too.

Follow along on our Instagram before and during Spring Market (April 13-17, 2024) to discover each Market Pro's favorite products and trends!  

Get to know the Market Pros and be inspired for Spring Market as they give us some insight to their thoughts & approach making things successful.

 
Jasmine Crockett

Jasmine Crockett

LDD Interiors & Cashmere & Blue Jeans®

@jasminescrockett

@joymeetshome

 Covering: Showplace, IHFC floors 2-6, SAMS

 

Jasmine Crockett

Jasmine Crockett is an Atlanta-based interior designer, content creator, and founder of Joy Meets Home. Jasmine got her start as a content creator in 2013 when she started a successful lifestyle blog. After documenting her own home design journey and getting inquiries from her followers to design their spaces, Jasmine created Joy Meets Home--a go-to interior design resource offering an effortless way to shop and design your space. One of her most notable projects was a 6,000sq ft renovation for Super Bowl champion Courtney Upshaw and his wife, which really help establish her as a designer.


Her design style can be described as transitional, elevated, and approachable. As a wife and mom of two, Jasmine's priority is making sure spaces are beautiful, but also functional and family-friendly. Some of her favorite things include spending time with her family, watching home design shows like ‘Dream Home Makeover,’ and traveling.Jasmine has been featured in People Magazine’s Style Watch and Modern Luxury Interiors magazine, and has had partnerships with major brands like Target, Lowe's, and Pottery Barn. She continues to create content on social media and run Joy Meets Home, where she currently has over a dozen projects in various stages.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

At market, I'm usually sourcing a variety of items within home decor and furnishings, lighting, rugs, and wall art. My favorite exhibitors at the market include Loloi, Four Hands, Tov Furniture, Jaipur Living, Surya, Sagebrook Home, Visual Comfort, and Stark. These brands are some we've worked with before in client projects and/or sourced for personal projects and their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative designs, and high-quality products always keep me coming back. Whenever I visit their showrooms, I am inspired by their collections, which perfectly blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, making them stand out as top choices for anyone seeking to elevate their living spaces.

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

Definitely have a plan of action. Make a list of current projects you could be potentially shopping for, items needing to source, and think ahead on what you could potentially need for styling projects, potential projects in the future etc. I also love to research brands planned to be in attendance shown on the market site and check out their social media channels to get a glimpse of what they carry and if it falls in line with my style before spending time of the day to plan a visit and it's not a good fit.

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

When buying at market, I prioritize versatile and timeless designs that can transition to different styles and withstand changing trends. This approach ensures longevity and reduces the need for frequent replacements, which is particularly important when considering a budget. Additionally, consider the functional practicality of the items to ensure they meet my needs and provide value for the investment.

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

Start with your own home and family/friends' spaces to build a portfolio. When starting out, it's easy to overthink not having clients but you can be your own first client and go all out to truly show your design style in a variety of places throughout your home using that content to promote what you can do.

Lisa Davenport

Lisa Davenport

JZ Interiors

@lddinteriors

@cashmereandbluejeans

 Covering: Hamilton Place, SAMS, National Furniture Mart, Showplace

 

Lisa Davenport

Lisa Davenport has been designing fine custom interiors and exteriors for 25 years. Her passion for design began during childhood through her mother's artistic talent and her father's mechanical ability. That path led her to become an interior designer and since then she’s spent decades crafting beautiful interiors that go beyond aesthetics, aiming to create an unforgettable experience for her clients. In 2016, she realized that the stories behind her designs felt incomplete without the inclusion of the makers, leading her to fall in love with the stories crafted by makers, and American Craftsmanship. Today, her designs reflect her clients' personalities while celebrating the rich heritage of American Craftsmanship.


Throughout her career, Lisa’s work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Modern Farmhouse Style, Aspire, Flower, Luxury Pools, Florida Design, Design & Décor, and New England Home. With a design style that can be best described as "Cashmere & Blue Jeans®," Lisa creates spaces that exude a sense of comfort and elegance.


While Lisa has many beloved projects, one that stands out is the Little House, a labor of love and a personal mission to showcase that homes can be built or remodeled using almost exclusively American-made products, without being cost-prohibitive. Beyond her design work, Lisa's three favorite things are the proof copy of Life with MIL, a memoir she authored, her kitchen wallpaper that hold her grandfather's handwritten recipes, and the home she’s created with her husband Joe.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

It is a hunt! I am always looking for that next great American craftsman, manufacturer -and of course their story.


Products include all I need to create fabulous interiors and exteriors… although admittedly I often breeze by fabric showrooms…


Favorite Exhibitors: Hubbarton Forge, Abner Henry, Capel Rug, Lloyd Flanders, Hancock & Moore, Jessica Charles

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

Comfortable shoes…


Pace yourself… Get a good nights’ sleep each night


Drink plenty of water


Plan showroom visits by district – High Point is a big Market do not schedule an appoint in IHFC for 10 am and your noon appt in the Steel Building

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

Quality & American made. As designers we need to show and educate our clients on the value of purchases, that they are making an investment –


Frank Llyod Wright once said - “invest in beauty it will remain with you all the days of your life.”


Quality and longevity of a purchase is also sustainable. If you purchase a good quality sofa that is built in North Carolina or Ohio, it has been subjected to some of the restrictive EPA laws across the globe, the carbon footprint during manufacturing is less than product made overseas. Then consider the smaller carbon footprint needed to deliver the sofa from the work room to your warehouse, heck of a lot less than bringing across an ocean. Think of your investment not only as a piece to make your clients home more beautiful – but also as an act to keep our planet beautiful.

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

Understanding and not resisting new technology, like AI. I don’t have to love what is coming down the pike but I better understand what it’s capabilities are, and honestly there have already been ways for LDD to use AI that have been enormous time savers. Time is a precious gift - I’ll somewhat embrace AI if it give me a little more time.

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

Option 1 Designers. We are the mainstay in design. For decades our worth, our value has been challenged by the DYI design movement. These days everyone is a Designer, celebrities, sport figures, chefs and more … and I welcome them with open arms they have brought awareness to our industry. In the end we the Designers are the ones the captain the boat of design.


Option 2 History. What goes around comes around, what was old is new again. As Designers we need to rely on our history and reinvent it. Many of us couldn’t imagine grey ever returning after we spent most of the late 80’s choking on it with Mauve … then in in 2018 we couldn’t get enough of it. Look back … the mainstays have been there all along.

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

One piece of advice … ‘The view is always better from the high road.


Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Be that designer that is always kind & respectful, will admit and own a mistake, is easy to work with, and brings coffee & donuts to the contractors on the jobsite. It will take you miles, if you don’t do this -- your talent will be lost.

Jaime Zehner

Jaime Zehner

Goralnick Architecture Design Studio D.P.C

@jzinteriordesigns

 Covering: Furniture Plaza, Hamilton Wrenn (200,320,330), IHFC, Showplace

 

Jaime Zehner

Jaime Zehner is the founder and principal designer of JZ Interior Designs, a high-end residential design firm based in Southern California. With a desire to create beautiful spaces, she entered the industry in 2014, initially working for a new home builder while taking on various design side projects. In 2019, she took a bold step toward her dreams and ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing JZ Interiors. Inspired by her California roots, Jaime’s aesthetic blends the fresh and natural beauty of the west coast with traditional touches that finish each space. Her work has been published in Rue Magazine, Jenni Kayne, My Domaine, and The Haven List, and her design style can be described as elevated, collected, and classic.


Among her impressive portfolio, Jaime’s favorite project to date is the Newport Cottage. Inspired by shifting design trends, she incorporated darker stains and details that took on more texture and craftsmanship. What began as a small project transformed into one that encompassed various design elements such as color, dark stains, and custom intricate details, resulting in a larger-scale custom project that leaned into her client’s initial inspiration. When she’s not working on a project, Jaime thrives on adventure and is an avid traveler. Her favorite things include road trips up the California coast, and traveling to new places that fuel her inspiration. She also loves owning her own business, which allows her to connect and learn from new people.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

Lighting is our favorite thing to look for! We also try to be on the forefront of designs and trends while maintaining a classic style that stands the test of time. When looking for furniture, we look for unique pieces, colors, shapes that blends with our aesthetic.

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

Take the time to talk to the vendors you love and establish a relationship with them. This helps so much with questions down the line and how to work with trades. I think our best takeaway has been grabbing a business card or company brochure in each showroom and taking a picture of the furniture or items we like with that card in it. There is nothing worse than finding an item you love and not remembering where it is from!

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

Where our clients' investments are going. We obviously want to expand our resources to include project scopes of all sizes, but we understand that this shift has changed the way we have previously been working. In a post covid world, we are more understanding about delays and damages, but we are as upfront with our clients as possible about this. We want to find resources that will be worth their price tag and pride themselves on customer service as well.

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

With the industry always changing, we like to be as adaptable as possible for the services we offer; we’re always continuing to change our packages so that they’re desirable to all project scopes. Most recently, we have moved out of our Southern California base to take on projects across the country. It will be a slow roll out but we know that we offer something that isn’t specific to our hometown and want to share that beauty across the US. We are expanding our team to take on these projects while maintaining a boutique studio environment. Additionally, we hope to expand our shop. This is a passion project that has always been something we have loved to source for clients. So adding in items sourced all over the world, especially antique and handcrafted goods, is something we are working toward. Just keep evolving!

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

It feels like there are so many designers, processes, checklists to implement, websites to update, instagram and social channels to maintain while running a business. It can definitely feel overwhelming, especially with technology (looking at you, AI). But I think the best part of this business is how personal it is and that’s ultimately what people are looking for when they hire us. The whole design and construction process is so customized. That’s why we need cabinet samples, drawings and are still onsite when lighting is installed. It can all look accurate on technical drawings, but the personal touch and professional eye are really the things that will be hard to phase out.

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

Be honest and say you are new, but reach out to anyone and everyone you can. Networking is a huge part of this business. I know it’s intimidating at first, but connecting with like-minded individuals, especially within the same industry, is a huge way to expand your network and will be helpful along the way. You will learn so much about the people around you that will have you constantly evolve into a better version of yourself and business.

Barry Goralnick

Barry Goralnick

Arianne Bellizaire Interiors, LLC

@barry.goralnick

 Covering: C&D, Market Square, SAMS, SHOPPE HIGH POINT

 

Barry Goralnick

Barry Goralnick embarked on his design journey after graduating from the Harvard Graduate School of Design, honing his craft alongside luminaries like Wayne Berg and Robert A. M. Stern. He established his eponymous firm in the heart of NOMAD where he seamlessly weaves architecture, interior design, and bespoke creations into cohesive design narratives. Since 2008, Goralnick's original product designs have been embraced by an expanding roster of manufacturers.


His design prowess has garnered widespread acclaim, gracing the pages of prestigious publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, The New York Times, and Vogue Italia. Notably featured in Rizzoli's best-selling book "Interior Design Master Class," Goralnick is celebrated for his fusion of classic, modern, and luxurious aesthetics.


Among his achievements, Goralnick's legacy includes designing spaces for luminaries like John Lithgow, and designing the iconic Four Freedoms Park in NYC, a testament to his profound reverence for design luminary Louis Kahn.


Driven by an enduring passion for design, Goralnick frequents markets to explore uncharted realms, seeking innovative products that captivate his discerning eye. His keen advice for market exploration involves meticulous planning, prioritizing new items, and donning comfortable shoes for a comprehensive experience. In the evolving economic climate, Goralnick furthers his success by expanding his product design venture across diverse categories including lighting, tabletop, furniture and luxury faucets, showers, and bath accessories.


For aspiring designers, Goralnick underscores the importance of business acumen, believing that a solid foundation in business enriches every facet of the design realm. With an illustrious portfolio and a commitment to excellence, Barry Goralnick continues to shape the world of design, leaving an indelible mark of sophistication, innovation, and timeless elegance.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

I am looking to see things in person that I have seen online and are not in the NY showroom or maybe don’t have a NY Showroom. I want to sit on them, check the quality, and the finishes. Every season I discover new sources.

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

Plan ahead, research what you need. Look at the categories for new items.


Most important wear comfortable shoes, make good dinner reservations ahead.

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

My work is eclectic. I always need good basics, like upholstery, and I try to find things that I can’t find in the vintage stores, be it size, detail, or multiples like chairs. The vintage shopping at High Point is fantastic

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

I am continuing to work with new clients on the East Coast and West Coast, and I am expanding my product design business into several new categories.

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

Great lighting. Every room should have lighting at all levels – from the floor, walls, table height, and ceiling. Every room and every task has different needs. High Point has a large array of the best lighting showrooms.

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

Take a business course. It will help you no matter what part of the business you are in.

Arianne Bellizaire

Arianne Bellizaire

Laura Kirar Design

@ariannebellizaireinteriors

@ariannebellizaire

 Covering: IHFC, Showplace, Market Square, Shoppe High Point

 

Arianne Bellizaire

Arianne Bellizaire is a sought-after media personality and the CEO/Creative Director behind her eponymous design firm, Arianne Bellizaire Interiors. Recognized as a leader for the next generation of design, her integrated tech, ROI-focused strategy, and trendforward work has graced the pages of Architectural Digest, Forbes, and House Beautiful. Based out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hospitality is embedded in her firm's DNA and can be felt from the way she designs to how she partners with her clients.


Celebrated as one of the nation's top interior design tastemakers, Arianne has earned a name for herself as a relatable yet aspirational designer, taking the design industry by storm. Marketing teams from Pottery Barn to Wayfair have developed extensive partnerships with her personal brand, and former producers of the Oprah Winfrey Show tapped her to create content for a new women-focused community resource. Additionally, she is sought after on the speaker's circuit, educating at The Kitchen Bath Industry Show and High Point Market.


She also sits on the High Point Market Authority Diversity Advocacy Alliance, the editorial advisory board of Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine, and the Design Influencer’s Conference advisory board.


For over a decade, clients ranging from real estate developers to attorneys, doctors, and entrepreneurial families have turned to Arianne for her cutting-edge approach to design and nod to Southern hospitality. She uses her keen understanding of project management and VIP client service to design properties that are effortlessly sophisticated. Today, her savvy team is the "go-to" call when a project needs a strategic, tech-forward, and ROI-focused approach to design. Frequent projects include custom builds, luxury kitchen renovations, and multi-family developments.


When not designing, you can find Arianne drinking coffee and reading a good book or brainstorming business ideas with her husband, Reggie (also her COO). She loves to explore different parts of the country with her two kids, contributing to professional organizations like The Black Interior Design, Inc. and the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

I'm always looking for new vendors, new resources, and new relationships to help me create stronger and more unique designs for my clients. My favorite product categories are case goods and textiles (fabrics and wallcoverings)

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

My top tips for shopping at market are to take the time to develop a high level plan. I always find that working through market systematically helps me create the space and time to find hidden gems. Instead of zigzagging from one building to the next, I plan my days around exploring one area at a time (for example, I'll conquer IHFC and Showplace on one day and then head to Hamilton Wrenn on another day).

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

In today's economic climate, I try to keep in mind the elements that will be good investments for the long run, and I also pay close attention to the level of service a vendor will provide to me and my clients. Communication is everything, and with the challenges we've seen in supply chain issues, I know that I will likely need to communicate "bad news" to clients despite the vendor's best efforts. So, it's important to me to get a gauge for the relationship the vendor will have with me as an extension of my team.

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

I'm paying attention to refining our processes internally so that we can deliver the best experience to our clients possible.

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

I see function over form as a mainstay. It doesn't matter the design style, if something doesn't function well, it's going to be a lower priority for my clients.

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

I see function over form as a mainstay. It doesn't matter the design style, if something doesn't function well, it's going to be a lower priority for my clients.

Laura Kirar

Laura Kirar

Designbar

@laurakirar

 Covering: C&D, IHFC, Market Square, SHOPPE HIGH POINT

 

Laura Kirar

Laura Kirar is the founder & creative director of Laura Kirar Design. A globally acclaimed interior and product designer, sculptor, and creative experience producer, Laura's mission is to inspire artistic exploration and merge LKD's work with new talents and authentic design. While her career began as a sculptor, Laura transitioned to crafting conceptual "art furniture," which later evolved into designing custom pieces and high-end interiors and envisioning licensed product collections for prestigious brands.


Her portfolio spans luxurious residences, award-winning commercial spaces, restaurants, showrooms, and her own published MESóN Hidalgo – Guesthouse Boutique in San Miguel de Allende. Her designs have been featured in esteemed publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, Luxe, Cottages & Gardens, W Magazine, The New York Times, New York Magazine, and Time.


In just three words, Laura describes her design style as layered, provocative, and irreverent. Among her array of exciting projects, Laura holds a special place in her heart for MESóN Hidalgo. Beyond her passion for design, Laura finds inspiration in the natural world, embracing art in all its forms, and the human experience.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?


  1. I’m looking for new voices and new ideas - anyone thinking differently and the nucleus of a trend.
  2. Looking for accessories and lighting always because you can’t have enough, as well as great upholstery and antiques.
  3. My favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors are always my people at Arteriors, Bakèr/McGuire, New love for Wildwood, Century, Theodore Alexander, Tarrecea, all the outdoor brands too…Gloster etc
 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

Have a shortlist and hit that first to take the pressure off. Then browse - you’ll see so much more without pressure and make new friends too.

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

I’m always looking for longevity for clients. Things well made with quality.

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

I believe in diversification. We utilize our sources and contacts to be nimble and take on various projects without internal overhead.

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

Curated interiors

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

Get an administrator you can trust so you can focus on the clients and the creative.

Monika Nessbach

Monika Nessbach

 

@designbar

 Covering: C&D, Plaza Suites, SAMS, SHOPPE HIGH POINT

 

Monika Nessbach

Monika Nessbach, the creative force behind Designbar in Charlotte, NC, defies conventions with her rebellious approach to design. Raised near Köln, Germany, she absorbed the essence of modern and postmodern design, forging her unique creative voice. With a background in international business and an insatiable thirst for a more daring existence, Monika delved into the world of commercial design, founding Designbar as a haven for audacity. Her work has been published in The Spruce, Southern Living, Designers Today, Business of Home, Home Accents Today, and many more.


Monika’s self-described style is a combination of European Modern and Contemporary, with a funky edge that can be seen within her work. While she’s worked on countless incredible hospitality projects over the years, her favorite to date is the Eight Sushi and Asian Kitchen in Charlotte, NC. Eight Sushi wrapped up in 2014, and was trailblazer in the Charlotte, NC scene, blending street art vibes with a splash of Asian culture. While street art and design are part of any major city today, at the time, this project turned heads in all the right ways! In addition to all her cutting-edge work, Monika’s favorite things include dance music, hosting her friends, and her boxer, Cosmo.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

I have several objectives when I go to market: Find new cool products and get ideas, Continued Education and Networking.

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

One of my tips would be to go with someone who has been to market several times if possible. I was lucky and had dear friends help me navigate the market for the first couple of times. It’s like going on a trip. It’s always more fun (and more time-effective) to explore a new destination with natives.


If that’s not an option, then I’d suggest using the vast number of resources that ANDMORE and Highpoint Market have to offer. Explore the Designer Guide first and make a list of exhibitors that interest you and market events that you want to attend. There are so many directories that let you find the events and also filter exhibitors by neighborhood so you can plan out your days and save your feet.


Once you are ready to see the showrooms and products, create an album on your phone, always take a picture of the name of the showroom first, then the products you like and the tags so you will be able to find them later and contact your reps if you need to.


Last but not least, in order to save your battery, the first thing you want to do is to turn Bluetooth and wifi off at the beginning of the day and put your battery on low power mode, even though it is fully charged. I found myself being able to keep it going for the entire day that way. Only turn wifi on if you need to upload anything to social and have it ready to go when you do (pre-write posts in your notes with your hashtags).

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

Durability and Sustainability – Our clients expect items that are not only sustainably sourced but also will be durable and last the test of time. Lastly, a lot of showrooms offer additional discounts when ordering for your clients at the market. Any business owner will tell you that every little thing makes a difference.

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

Innovation and Creativity: We continually foster a culture of innovation and creativity within our team. By staying at the forefront of design trends and technology, we ensure that our designs remain fresh and relevant. This also enables us stay agile to changing market conditions, and technology advancements

Client-focus Alignment: We prioritize our clients' needs and aspirations while keeping our work focused in our three client segments.

Talent acquisition and development: Our commitment to success starts with our design squad. We invest in continuous learning and skill development for our designers to ensure they are equipped with the latest tools and knowledge. Additionally, we offer financial compensation and incentives for achieving licensure and certifications

Sustainability: We recognize that sustainability in design is the future. We incorporate eco-friendly practices and materials into our projects wherever we can, which contributes to a better world for future generations.

Collaborative Partnerships: We believe in the power of collaboration. Building strong relationships with our vendors, contractors, and industry peers ensures seamless project execution and the best results

Client Feedback: We actively seek and value our client’s feedback. By listening to our clients' experiences and suggestions, we continuously improve our services and processes.

Community Engagement: As a responsible business, we engage with our local community

Technology: Embracing technology is vital. We leverage design software and tools to enhance our efficiency

Strategic Planning: Our success is built on strategic planning that outlines clear goals and objectives, allowing us to measure our progress and adapt as needed

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

A.I. - it's here to stay.

Megan Molten

Megan Molten

 

@meganmolten

 Covering: 129 S. Hamilton, IHFC, SAMS, SHOPPE HIGH POINT, Showplace

 

Megan Molten

Megan Molten is a southeastern-based interior designer and product designer renowned for her “Lowcountry Luxe” design style that features airy, modern interiors with thoughtful colors drawn from her coastal surroundings. Her namesake Charleston-based design studio, online shop and retail shop is a favorite among her local clientele and visitors alike. Megan’s product design work debuted in 2022 with Mitzi Lighting and continues to expand with new collaborations debuting in 2024. A true entrepreneurial force, Megan has grown her design team to over 20 employees, is a 40 under 40 award recipient by Charleston Business Journal, has over 100,000 devoted social media followers, and has been recognized in top design publications across the United States including Southern Living, Domino, Charleston Magazine and Good Housekeeping.


Outside of her day-to-day design businesses, Megan spearheaded the Charleston Design Network, a group that practices community over competition by helping connect designers across the Lowcountry. As part of the Charleston Design Network’s non-profit mission, the network gives back to the community by giving a child in need a one-room makeover each year.

 

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

 

What are you looking for when you go to market? Types of products? Favorite ANDMORE Exhibitors?

New fun items for our shop! I’m on the lookout for smaller vendors and makers we haven't seen. And I’ll definitely be checking out all the vintage finds in the antiques center.

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

 

What are your top tips for shopping market?

Get to antiques early for all the good stuff. Spend a lot of time in Suites at Market Square discovering the new artists, vendors, and makers that are unique and growing their businesses. We have found some of our favorite vendors there. Take a lot of photos and videos – use these when selling design clients on products since they are not seeing them in person.

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

 

With today’s economic climate, what do you see as important considerations when buying at market?

Buy lower quantities and change up your product often. We have shifted our buying from always keeping stapes in stock in larger quantities to specializing in new unique finds in smaller quantities. Then when they sell out, they are gone – we move on to something new. We are getting more seasonal and focusing our buying on the seasons and holidays which make a major impact in home decor. We are launching new collections in our shop every 8 weeks to really highlight those seasons and the specialty items we are selling to support them.

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

 

How are you planning ahead for success in your business?

Continuing to diversify my business and create strong long-term brand partnerships. We now have our retail store, online shop, design business, shipping/receiving business, affiliate linking, brand partnerships, and private label collections to name a few different revenue streams within our business. It's important to me that we capture all the different opportunities so that we are never too reliant on one thing. It also keeps me growing and thinking outside the box, allows me to travel (which I love!) and creates more team members and growth positions within our company. All good things.

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

 

What is something you see as a mainstay in design?

Color – more than ever we are using color. It's so fun to incorporate all the different color palettes in our projects based on the location, architecture of the home, client's style, and personalities. All these have an impact on our selections; I've definitely noticed a shift in clients being more open to color than ever. We haven’t done a white kitchen in quite some time which used to be all we did! Ever since the pandemic, I feel like our clients are more open to taking risks and don't care to be like everybody else. They want unique and different which is music to a designer's ears!

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

 

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new designers?

Only do what you can do-focus on your superpower – then hire others to do things they are better at than you. This is the key. If you want to grow, you have to delegate and do this. It's the only way. It's risky and scary but worth it. I've always said High Risk = High Reward.