Grit By Design

This week, Corinne Acampora goes one-on-one with Bettina Huang, GM and Head of Platform, a leading e-commerce site that brings art-world expertise to a new generation of collectors and art enthusiasts. With a focus on accessibility, diversity and inclusivity, Bettina has established both a work environment and a collecting resource that strives to break down art world barriers historically built on elitism, exclusivity, and opacity. In contrast, Bettina's vision for Platform is to create a space where art enthusiasts can easily discover a diverse offering of art and artists that speaks to their individual aesthetic, lifestyle, and personal interests -- without any prior art world expertise required. In this engaging conversation, Bettina reveals how she initially pitched her concept to leading gallerist David Zwirner, how she laid the groundwork to build the company's infrastructure, and her plans for future company growth.

This week, Corinne sits down with artist Julia Powell to discuss how she successfully transitioned from a career in law to a career as an artist. The Boston-based abstract painter discusses Instagram, how the platform has changed the game for her business, and strategies for staying one step ahead of algorithm changes. Additionally, Julia shares her insights on finding balance each day and reserving time for mindfulness in her routine. She opens up about creating time for both work and family and her role as a mom. Don’t miss this insightful conversation with one of Boston’s leading contemporary artists.

Allison Iantosca, Owner and President of F.H. Perry Builder, goes one-on-one with Corinne Acampora for a discussion on career shifts, sharing the inspiring story of how she transitioned from an early career in the performing arts to taking on a leadership role at one of the premier residential builders in New England. Allison shares insights on combatting imposter syndrome, and when -- if ever -- we actually stop grappling with the concept. Corinne and Allison also discuss how to leverage emotional intelligence in the workplace. Allison shares her thoughts on why emotional intelligence is "strategic, not soft," and provides insight on why it's believed that your E.Q. may actually be more important than your I.Q. Don't miss this dynamic conversation about trusting -- and embracing -- what comes naturally to you.

In this poignant conversation with Manny Makkas, owner of Makkas Drapery Workroom, Corinne Acampora discusses everything from management style and motivation to problem-solving and parenthood. Manny shares heartfelt insights on the tenacity and hard work of his mother, father and uncle, and the challenges his parents faced starting a business after immigrating to the United States from Greece. He sheds light on how they nimbly launched their custom window treatment business right from their basement over 40 years ago. 

Manny also discusses the evolution of the company and what the pandemic has taught him about planning for the unforeseen. Anyone who works with Manny Makkas and his extraordinary team knows first-hand his gracious, authentic, and hard-working spirit. This insightful conversation only underscores those qualities, and is not to miss.

Rapid growth is something all businesses aspire to achieve, but navigating the challenges that come along with it aren't always easy. Through four office moves in just seven years to accommodate expansion, Brittany Nolan, co-owner at Allstate Glass, remains undaunted. Having developed Allstate's residential division from the ground up, she's a woman who's not afraid to roll up her sleeves and put in the work.

On this week's episode of Grit by Design, photographer Jessica Delaney joins Corinne Acampora for an engaging, candid conversation. Jessica discusses how she made a mid-career move away from the corporate world to become a successful interiors and architecture photographer. She shares key insights on navigating PR in the design industry, how social media has raised the bar for her business, and the enduring value of a face-to-face connection with clients. Jessica talks the challenge of parenting as an entrepreneur, why failure is an important lesson for adults and kids alike, and why you should re-evaluate your work situation when "the grit" becomes "the grind". Tune in for this lively conversation with valuable insights you won't want to miss.

Alicia Lund, founder of popular lifestyle blog Cheetah is the New Black, talks all about growing a successful business out of her passion project. She discusses finding balance between work life and home life during a pandemic, the need for authenticity and the power of saying "no", and how being gutsy landed her a job as a fashion editor at ELLE magazine.

Art Advisor Hadley Powell discusses the foundation of starting a business -- and leaves no stone unturned. From trusting your "Spidey Sense" and overcoming challenges to how becoming a parent has changed the game, we cover all things entrepreneurship. Hadley talks the importance of trust in client relationships and the art of "matchmaking" in her role as an advisor. She offers insight into the world of philanthropy and the organizations she's most passionate about, and how professional networking has evolved in the age of Covid. Don't miss this engaging conversation with one of the art world's brightest minds.