In this episode, Dan Ryan interviews Sonja Haviland and Haley Mistler, Co-Founders of Superette Studio. They discuss their six-year journey in the hospitality design industry, highlighting key projects such as the Napa Valley Lodge and The Lodge at Bodega Bay, the latter of which was awarded Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice - Best Hotel in the World. The duo shares insights on entrepreneurship, their definition of hospitality as the art of making people feel like they belong, and the importance of creative networks. They also touch upon the significance of trust and communication in their partnership, showcasing their nimble and hands-on approach to design and project management. This episode provides valuable guidance for budding entrepreneurs in the design world, emphasizing the synergy between branding and interiors in creating welcoming experiences.

Takeaways: 

• Engage in spaces where you can have unexpected collisions with other professionals, such as creative hubs or co-working spaces.
• Consider working with a career or business coach to help navigate difficult conversations and improve teamwork.
• Perform a vibe check, financial check, and gut check before engaging with new clients. Remember that maintaining a comfortable and positive relationship with clients is crucial.
• When working on projects, think about the small details that enhance user experience, such as intuitive layout, placement of switches, and durability of materials.
• Continuously learn and embrace new roles and responsibilities within your business as it grows.
• Produce and showcase the type of work you want to attract; what you do now is what you will continue to bring in for work.
• Starting small can be advantageous. Focus on your strengths and expertise before scaling.

Quote of the Show: 

“So much of being successful and being able to grow and learn and evolve is surrounding yourself with people who are in a similar position.” - Haley Mistler

Links:

• Sonja’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonja-haviland-8602091/ 
• Haley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haley-mistler-2387735/ 
• Website: https://superettestudio.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• Napa Valley Lodge https://www.napavalleylodge.com/ 
• The Langham https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/ 
• Monterey Plaza Hotel https://montereyplazahotel.com/ 
• The Lodge at Bodega Bay https://www.lodgeatbodegabay.com/ 
• Lafayette Park Hotel https://www.lafayetteparkhotel.com/ 
• Condé Nast https://www.condenast.com/ 
• WeWork https://www.wework.com/ 
• Lawrence McRae https://www.lawrencemcrae.com/ 
• Jill Rosenwald https://www.jillrosenwald.com/ 
• BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/ 
• RISD https://www.risd.edu/ 
• Brown University https://www.brown.edu/ 
• Small Giants https://www.amazon.com/Small-Giants-Companies-Instead-10th-Anniversary/dp/014310960X/ref=sr_1_1?adgrpid=1333708168067507&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QQYhvAjDoMxUtejBDi74ZgZCH5cCddPrse-p6MxQ-hqC5_axJ2H9nlq6hPjcja6LVUytkFP3aWaF-bBCfd7T3SVRifSgip5eh846NLy6cj8630nsW73gLX7LdBeMbyogFWBesgjGNJo5QgTAJ5rvSxK8Kn-8cCPfpJitzMe2HXs6Y5bgB6Ii3j6ZtrILYDNd4kHI3vLuFYNtUm6Z7BskXMpBHxjxxgf6SH2M3YjXYv0.S9dCyXXwVkxnVlvWE9EASQT8x8hp-YMYvwIdKr6-9Dc&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83356831320179&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=104857&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83357101759371%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=24658_10677455&keywords=small+giants+book&msclkid=16538efc73151ef79412e9f124571198&qid=1728927559&sr=8-1 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/