In this episode of The Business of Antiques, Toma, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, shares a behind-the-scenes conversation with one of the interior design industry’s true unsung heroes: Derek Ricketts, Director of Sales, Hospitality at Palecek. From their chance meeting at High Point Market to an impulsive trip to Buenos Aires that involved polo ponies, countesses, and Austrian-steel fortunes, Derek and Toma unpack how curiosity, courage, and relationships can completely reshape a career in design. Along the way, Derek traces his unlikely path from radio and Shakespeare festivals to national sales roles, luxury linens, and hospitality design, revealing what he’s learned about sales, merchandising, and owning your value in the trade.

They also dig into the realities behind the “jet-set” life that shows up on Instagram—points hacking, hotel loyalty, and doing it all on a shoestring budget—versus the polished perception people see online. Derek shares the inside story of how he brought Diane Keaton and The House That Pinterest Built to the Dallas Market Center, and the powerful lesson in doing your homework before pitching a big idea. If you’re an antique dealer, interior designer, or home furnishings professional who craves more travel, bigger opportunities, and the confidence to take risks in your business, this conversation will make you laugh, think, and dream a little bigger.

Check out the links from our episode.

• Derek: Instagram
• Toma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

Host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, sits down with interior design legend Mitzi Beach to unpack Life-Sizing—Mitzi’s niche approach to designing purposeful, wellness-driven homes for clients 50, 60, and 70+. Drawing on thirty-five years serving high-end clientele, Mitzi reveals the “forgotten middle” of the market and why cookie-cutter plans fail this 87-million-strong demographic. She shares the curbless-shower story that sparked her mission to move design beyond “pretty” into safe, ergonomic, future-ready spaces—and how small choices prevent big setbacks.

You’ll hear how universal design and aging-in-place can be beautiful, why multi-purpose pieces (hello, secretaries and desks) support real life, and how antiques add meaning, story, and calm to wellness-focused interiors. Mitzi also previews her new Housing Change Warriors certification for designers and realtors—bridging the gap between selling homes and creating spaces that truly fit how people live now. Plus, smart time-management habits for creatives, the power of CEU-level education, and using social media to build authority by “showing up” with value.

Whether you’re an antique dealer, designer, or realtor, this episode shows how to sell—and design—for needs, narratives, and longevity.

Check out the links from our episode.

• Mitzi: mitzibeach.com
• Toma, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines is joined by Tara Connaghan, Donegal fiddle player, tour guide, and podcast host of In Tune With Tradition, who shares her journey from construction to auctions, from antique rings and fur coats to violins (including Collin-Mezin and that unforgettable Lupo). Together they explore overcoming imposter syndrome, choosing your niche, playing the long game in dealer relationships, and why etiquette—whether in Irish music sessions or the trade—matters. You’ll hear practical tips on buying at auction, building trust with hotels and local partners, and matching unique inventory to the right buyer.

Toma also pulls back the curtain on how dealers really buy—before items ever hit a fair or a feed. Toma announces the launch of her Private Buyers Club on Substack, giving paid members access to never-before-seen European inventory sourced through back barns, dealer networks, and private WhatsApp groups—commission-free and perfect for topping off a container. Plus, Toma’s latest Substack posts on fast movers and selling in a slower market. 

Whether you’re an antique dealer, interior designer, or design enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in merging authenticity with business strategy. Discover how timeless craftsmanship, storytelling, and a few well-chosen antiques can transform both a space-and a career.

Check out the links from our episode.

• Tara: sessionetiquette.com
• Toma: Instagram | antiquesdiva.com | Substack

In this episode host Toma Clark Haines CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co sits down with internationally published Canadian interior designer Jonathan Legate for an intimate conversation about design, business, and the emotional energy of antiques. From his seaside home in Nova Scotia to luxury projects around the world, Jonathan shares how antiques infuse his interiors with warmth, history, and soul.

Together, Toma and Jonathan explore lessons from decades in the design trade- why some pieces sell instantly while others stagnate, the value of editing your inventory, and how transparency and communication build long-term client trust. Jonathan also opens up about managing creativity, mental health, and work-life balance as an entrepreneur in a fast-changing world.

Whether you’re an antique dealer, interior designer, or design enthusiast, this episode is a masterclass in merging authenticity with business strategy. Discover how timeless craftsmanship, storytelling, and a few well-chosen antiques can transform both a space-and a career.

Check out the links from our episode.

• Jonathan: Chestnut Cottage Chester | @JonathanLegate | Linktree
• Toma: Instagram |  antiquesdiva.com

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co welcomes Mark Lukas, Owner of Maison Palm Beach, to talk about the dynamics of the antique world and the need for dealers to adapt to evolving consumer preferences.

Mark shares his journey from the fashion industry to the establishment of his gallery, Maison Palm Beach and the transformative question he posed to himself during his relocation to Florida: "As a creative, who am I now?". This question led to a profound exploration of his passions, culminating in his newfound dedication to large sculptures.

Toma and Mark discuss the importance of curiosity, self-discovery, and the value of embracing change in both personal and professional endeavors. Mark emphasizes the significance of creating an antiques business that reflects one's values and lifestyle, advocating for authenticity and collaboration as essential components of success in the antiques industry.

Tune in for insights that transcend baking and antiques, offering practical inspiration for anyone ready to turn their passion into a sustainable, impactful business.

Connect with Mark on Instagram and stay tuned for the launch of maisonpalmbeach.com in the near future.

Connect with Toma on Instagram and at antiquesdiva.com.

In this inspiring episode of The Business of Antiques, host Toma Clark Haines, CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co sits down with Linda Holt, professional photographer turned interior designer and founder of Linda Holt Creative. Together, they explore the power of authenticity in business, Linda’s journey of reinvention from a 25-year photography career to teaching smartphone photography, and actionable tips antique dealers and designers can use to elevate their product photography.

Linda shares insider strategies for photographing antiques getting the perfect hero shots, vignette styling, and social-media-worthy images — even in tricky lighting conditions. You’ll learn how to photograph mirrors without catching your reflection, the importance of consistency in your Instagram feed, and which apps and tools will make your photos look polished and professional.

Whether you’re an antique dealer, designer, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical advice and a dose of inspiration on embracing reinvention, curating your online presence, and finding the beauty in imperfection.

Find out more about Linda at lindaholtcreative and connect on Instagram.

Connect with Toma on Instagram and at antiquesdiva.com.

CEO of The Antiques Diva & Co, Toma Clark Haines sits down with vintage and fine jewelry curator–designer Naz Kretlow, founder of 3 Graces of Gold, for a luminous conversation about turning a lifelong obsession into a purpose-driven antiques business. From childhood treasure hunts and stamp collections to designing heirloom-quality gold bands, Naz shares how collecting became curation and then a calling. She opens up about leaving a 15-year corporate career, the financial and emotional prep behind that leap, and why community, craftsmanship, and joy are her non-negotiables. 

You’ll hear practical sourcing tips (from Miami to New York shows), how to work with bench jewelers, and why bold, wearable design beats “too precious” pieces that live in a drawer. If you’re an antiques dealer, designer, or collector, this episode is your reminder that when you follow the fun - and serve real needs - the work sustains itself. Plus: Toma’s mantra for building a business you love, and Naz’s mindset for building networks that last.

Check out the links from our episode.

• Naz Kretlow: 3gracesofgold.com | Instagram
• Toma: Instagram |  antiquesdiva.com

In this episode of The Business of Antiques, Toma welcomes Brian Hart Hoffman—President and Chief Creative Officer of Hoffman Media, and Editor-in-Chief of Bake from Scratch magazine—to talk about the intersection between creativity and entrepreneurship.

Toma and Brian explore his remarkable journey from traveling the world as a flight attendant to leading a globally recognized baking brand. Influenced deeply by the legacy of his late mother, Brian shares how his early love for baking evolved into a thriving publishing career, with bestselling cookbooks, television appearances, and baking retreats around the world.

They discuss the art of building a brand in today’s landscape—why authenticity matters, how embracing discomfort fuels growth and innovation, and the role of storytelling in connecting with your audience. The conversation also touches on the importance of fostering community through shared experiences, whether in the kitchen, at the table, or within the larger creative industry.

Tune in for insights that transcend baking and antiques, offering practical inspiration for anyone ready to turn their passion into a sustainable, impactful business.

Find out more about Brian at brianharthoffman.com and connect with him on Instagram @thebakefeed.

Connect with Toma on Instagram and at antiquesdiva.com.

In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma welcomes the owner of Debbe Daley Designs, Debe Daley, to talk about the necessity for profitability and innovative marketing strategies in the contemporary marketplace.

The conversation dives into the intricacies of recession-proofing one’s business and highlights the critical principle that profitability starts at the acquisition phase rather then at the point of sale. 

Debe shares insights gained from her illustrious career and personal encounters with antique dealers worldwide. 

Tune in for invaluable insights on making your passion for antiques profitable!

Find out more about Debbe Daley at Debbe Daley Designs and connect on Instagram.

Connect with Toma on Instagram and antiquesdiva.com.

In this episode of the Business of Antiques, Toma welcomes the owner of Collect for the Home, Deke Rogers, to talk about how passion and profitability can work in the world of antiques.

Both Toma and Deke are strong proponents if you are not making money in your antiques business it is just a hobby then. The talk then turns to strategies necessary to recession-proof your business including developing targeted marketing plans and brand elevation to attract discerning clientele. Rogers also shares valuable insights from his own journey, detailing the evolution of his business from a personal collection to a thriving retail space in Birmingham, Alabama, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and strategic sourcing.

Tune in for invaluable insights on making your passion for antiques profitable!

Find out more about Deke Rogers at collectedforthehome.com and connect on Instagram.

Connect with Toma on Instagram and antiquesdiva.com.