Season 7 Recap: Winning Strategies for Interior Products with Nicole Lashae (Ben) Hall 

Designing and selling interior products isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic game where creativity meets precision and innovation fuels connection. In today’s competitive landscape, the brands that thrive are those that know how to combine compelling visuals with functionality, personalize their approach through technology, and tell stories that truly resonate with both designers and clients. From navigating customization challenges to leveraging digital tools, the most successful brands are redefining how interior spaces are brought to life—and how products leave lasting impressions.

In this exciting recap of Season 7 of Thrive In Design, we dive into how top brands in the interior design industry are redefining success through creativity, customization, and cutting-edge technology. With incredible guests throughout the season, we explore the hidden tactics behind impactful product design, seamless collaboration between designers and manufacturers, and the digital innovations transforming how spaces are imagined.

Tune in and get inspired!

“You’re shooting for the brand, and you have to understand where the brand has been, where they’re going, and what they’re looking for.”

“The story has to capture an emotion, and that emotion should connect with who we want to attract. Inconsistency can be devastating.”

“Your digital presence is your storefront. If you don’t maintain consistency, your online footprint won’t reflect expertise.”

“Communicating with customers on an individual basis is critical to providing them with a truly functional product.”

Becoming a successful interior designer is about thinking outside the box and staying true to your authentic self. Creativity thrives when you embrace your unique perspective and align it with what truly resonates with you. Success lies in blending authenticity with innovative design principles—crafting sensory-driven spaces that tell meaningful stories, staying ahead of the latest trends in luxury, and addressing client pain points with thoughtful, impactful designs.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Yvette Craddock to explore her incredible journey into design and her approach to creating sensory-driven spaces that tell meaningful stories. Yvette Craddock, founder of Yvette Craddock Designs, is a celebrated designer renowned for her distinctive interiors and brand experiences. She specializes in luxury residential, boutique hospitality, multifamily, and vacation properties. With a unique fusion of creativity, cultural references, and innovation, Yvette transforms undefined spaces into harmonious, authentic masterpieces.

Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and a bit about our today’s guest, Yvette Craddock

[02:10] Yvette’s inspiration to start her own design firm

[04:50] How crafting immersive and sensory design experiences is her hallmark of success

[06:10] Her favorite types of projects to work with and what she looks forward to in 2025

[08:00] Yvette’s process from identifying the problem to getting the final result

[14:42] How she ensures the project tells a unique and authentic story of the client

[20:24] Understanding trends & how they fit in her specifications process during the design

[26:06] Things that stand out to Yvette when sourcing design products from brands

[29:09] Some of the best projects Yvette has worked on previously

[30:55] Her advice to anyone looking to make their mark in design

[32:16] Where and how to get a mentor for your design career

[38:08] New and exciting things coming up in 2025 from Yvette

[38:55] Best ways to connect with Yvette, episode wrap-up, and calls to action

Website: https://www.yvettecraddock.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/yvettecraddockdesigns/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvettecraddockdesigns

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvettecraddock/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/yvettecraddockdesigns/

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Trade shows have been a game-changer for brands looking to gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and drive sales—but standing out in a sea of exhibitors requires more than just showing up. To make a lasting impact, you have to be strategic in how you network, market, and follow up. Planning your approach before the event, focusing on creating memorable interactions during it, and maximizing post-show follow-ups are essential steps in your strategy. By approaching trade shows with intention and a clear plan, you can transform a single event into a powerful catalyst for long-term business growth. Whether you have a booth or not, success lies in your ability to differentiate your brand, create meaningful connections, and convert those connections into lasting relationships.

In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, shares powerful strategies to help you amplify your brand presence and make the most of trade shows—whether you have a booth or not. Listen and get valuable insights on how to make your next trade show experience more impactful by leveraging strategic networking, creative marketing tactics, and effective follow-up techniques.

Tune in now!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Intro & what in for you in today’s show

[03:52] A very special announcement: Speaking at NeoCon 2025 

[06:53] Three key reasons to attend a trade show

[08:53] Three ways to thrive in a trade show without a booth

[09:14] 1# Leveraging strategic networking before and during the trade shows  

[18:21] 2# Creating Buzz with gorilla marketing and thought leadership 

[24:36] 3# Maximizing followup in post-show engagement 

[30:06] Additional strategies that Nicole does for her clients 

[31:00] Quick recap: Three ways to thrive at a trade show

[31:50] Wrap-up and end of the show

Notable Quotes: 

Resources Mentioned 

How To Use Gorilla Marketing S6E5: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s6-e5-how-to-use-guerilla-marketing-to-maximize-your/id1596367503?i=1000665443416

Let’s Connect:

Learn more about Thrive In Design: 

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Your creativity is the spark that transforms ideas into inspiring spaces, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable experiences. But what happens when that spark meets the hurdles of procurement—delayed timelines, endless paperwork, and brand inconsistencies? Bridging the gap between design and procurement isn’t just about fixing processes; it’s about amplifying your brilliance. By aligning your artistic vision with efficient, technology-driven workflows, you can focus on what you do best: designing. In this episode with Huibin Yu, we discuss how design and procurement teams can collaborate more effectively, the importance of simplifying the specification process, and ensuring brand compliance in large-scale projects. Huibin also shares practical strategies and insights that design firms should focus on right now to deliver more value to their clients.

Huibin Yu is the founder and CEO of Fohlio Inc. Fohlio is revolutionizing the way organizations manage product data, procurement, brand standards, and inventory. Since its founding in 2016, Fohlio has become an invaluable asset for multi-location organizations like restaurants, hotels, schools, and banks, helping them maintain brand consistency and efficiency across the board. Prior to Fohlio, Huibin launched Home Inspirer, an e-commerce platform for home furnishing, and has had an impressive career in finance, holding leadership positions at prestigious institutions like J.P Morgan, Calient, and Goldman Sachs during critical periods.    

Tune in for an insightful conversation with a true leader in both the finance and design world.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

Notable Quotes:

Connect with Huibin Yu:

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Customization is transforming the interior design industry, making it easier than ever to bring unique visions to life. With the rise of digital galleries and on-demand printing, clients can now browse designs online, select what resonates with them, and have it tailored to their needs without the usual concerns of high costs or long wait times. This approach is shifting interior design away from generic templates, offering a seamless way to create personalized spaces that reflect individual tastes, especially in areas like hospitality, where customization is key. In today’s episode with Kristen, we will dive into the fascinating world of printing on demand and how this game-changing technology is transforming the interior landscape.

Kristen is a prolific designer and artist with 30 years of experience creating innovative patterns and prints for commercial, residential, and automotive interiors. Kristen is an award-winning designer and the founder of Design Pool, the first online image library dedicated to commercial and residential interiors. Her revolutionary approach has earned recognition from top industry authorities, and her cryptology collection received accolades like the Hip Award from Interior Design magazine and Metropolis in 2021. Kristen continues to push the boundaries of design.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

Notable Quotes:

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Kristen Dettoni:

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Imagine stepping into a room filled with interior designers and buyers, only to be met with blank stares because they don’t quite understand what you’re offering. Even the most innovative interior product can struggle if its value isn’t communicated effectively. Selling interior products isn’t just about listing materials and specifications—it’s about crafting a compelling story that resonates with your ideal audience.

In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, shares three powerful strategies to help you clearly communicate the value of your interior product line. You’ll learn how to refine your messaging, choose the right sales approach, and leverage strategic launches to turn interest into action. Whether you're struggling to articulate your unique value, position your product effectively in the market, or convert leads into sales, these techniques will equip you with the tools to boost engagement and drive growth.

Tune in now to transform the way you present your interior product and elevate your sales strategy!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Intro & exciting updates happening at Thrive In Design

[04:45] Three ways to work with Nicole and her team in 2025  

[09:29] Case study: Two companies that inspired this episode

[13:03] Three strategies for explaining your product offering 

[14:13] Strategy 1: Honing & auditing your product

[19:02] Strategy 2: Choosing between manufacturing & licensing agreements 

[23:39] Strategy 3: Launching your product & building your sales force

[27:53] Practical example of how to execute a strategic A+ product launch

[29:04] A quick recap on how to amplify your sales 

[31:19] Wrap-up and end of the show

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Design has the power to influence the way we live and interact with the world. When guided by principles of equity and inclusion, it has the potential to make a profound difference in people’s lives. As a designer, you create for everyone, and your work should reflect the rich diversity of the people who will use it. By embracing and respecting different perspectives, design can create spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and fair for all.

From buildings to products to interiors, thoughtful design can ensure everyone feels valued and included. In this episode, we delve into how design can serve as a powerful tool to foster equality, diversity, and belonging.

Our guest, Jessica Bantom, is a trailblazer in the fields of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). As an accomplished interior design consultant, speaker, and the author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World, Jessica equips designers with the skills and insights needed to create spaces that honor and reflect the identities of all people.

In her role as Global Leader for Equity, Diversity, and Belonging at DLR Group, Jessica is driving transformative change in the design industry. She’s on a mission to enhance cultural competence among designers and to foster meaningful outcomes for historically excluded communities.

Join us as we explore actionable strategies to make design more inclusive and impactful. Let’s get started!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and who today’s guest is: Jessica Bantom

[02:25] Jessica’s journey in design and what inspired her to focus on DEIB

[05:26] What does her work entail as a DEI consultant?

[07:50] Why interior product brands should focus on DEIB initiatives in their operations

[12:51] What key actions or processes must organizations take to integrate DEIB?

[17:55] About Jessica’s book and the outcomes that people can move towards

[22:37] Tips on becoming a better expert with more awareness of the design process

[29:15] Where to start in integrating DEIB into your workplace culture or how you design

[33:45] Best ways to connect, episode wrap-up, and calls to action

Website: https://www.jessicabantom.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicabantom/

Jessica’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Identity-Authentically-Diverse-World/dp/B0BXMJP98C

Website: https://www.jdavisdigital.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Design is more than aesthetics; it’s about forging a deep connection between a product and its owner.

Bespoke design transforms ordinary objects into rare and beautiful expressions that tell personal stories. From sourcing unique materials to the intricate transformation process, bespoke design captures the essence of an owner’s personality and aspirations. It transcends mere customization, becoming an art form that produces timeless creations with both beauty and emotional depth.

In today’s episode, we delve into the innovative design process of Lorna Gross. We explore her approach to sourcing rare and distinctive elements and her vision for fostering impactful designer-manufacturer partnerships.

Lorna Gross is a renowned interior designer, speaker, and lifestyle authority whose expertise has captivated audiences and transformed homes across the globe. From North America to London, her designs are celebrated for their sophistication, personalization, and artistic flair.

Recognized by Architectural Digest as one of the top designers to know in Washington, DC, Lorna’s accolades include the prestigious Designer of Distinction Award from the American Society of Interior Designers. Her work has been prominently featured in publications such as Veranda, House Beautiful, and The Washington Post.

With a unique blend of analytical and creative thinking, Lorna brings a holistic approach to creating memorable bespoke spaces that resonate on both aesthetic and emotional levels.

Let’s dive in!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

Notable Quotes:

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Lorna Gross:

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

Creativity goes beyond self-expression—it’s a way to thoughtfully and intentionally shape the world. Designing with purpose means harmonizing artistry with values that prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and conscious living. It’s about creating beauty that enriches lives while respecting the planet, minimizing waste, and enhancing mindful consumption. This approach bridges aesthetics with responsibility, proving that design can inspire, empower, and contribute to a better future without sacrificing style or functionality.

In this episode, Rochelle Porter shares her inspiring journey, creative process, and how she seamlessly blends artistry with conscious living. Rochelle is the visionary designer behind Rochelle Porter Design (RPD), renowned for her vibrant patterns that bring a modern twist to timeless global and Caribbean influences. Her work spans wallpaper, textiles, and interiors across hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces.

Rooted in the ethos of "designing for abundant living," Rochelle's brand focuses on low-waste production methods and ethical manufacturing practices. Her designs have been spotlighted in Elle Decor, Hospitality Design, House Beautiful, and HGTV Magazine, and her home accessories are carried by retailers like West Elm, Nordstrom, and Target.

Let’s dive into Rochelle’s journey and learn how she’s reshaping the design industry with her purposeful approach!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

Notable Quotes:

Connect with Rochelle Porter:

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here:

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales" here:

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog

In today’s fast-paced, post-pandemic world, the old business playbook simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Face-to-face meetings are rare, inboxes are overflowing, and traditional sales tactics like cold calls, showroom visits, and product catalogs are losing their impact. So, how can you stand out and stay top-of-mind with your audience?

In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, dives into the essential strategies you need to thrive in a digital-first, time-limited world. Nicole shares actionable insights on how to innovate your approach, build trust within key online communities, and create value-driven experiences that resonate with your audience. Whether you're in interior design, manufacturing, or any other industry navigating today's challenges, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you pivot and stay ahead.

Don't miss out—learn how to adapt, connect, and position yourself as an industry leader in an ever-changing landscape. Tune in now!

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Episode intro and what in for you in today’s show

[03:31] Five ways to stay relevant and innovative in the ‘post-pandemic society’ 

[05:53] Partnership with non-competing brands that complement your company   

[07:56] Creating engaging digital experience on social media 

[10:54] Develop a simple subscription program

[13:49] Leveraging social media to build a personal brand  

[17:15] Developing an insider newsletter through email campaigns 

[20:53] A quick recap on how to stay relevant in this limited-time era

[16:22] Wrap-up and end of the show

Website: ai.thriveindesign.co

Website: https://www.thriveindesign.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thriveindesign/

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

Register for the next Thrive In Design live training here: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps.

Read the Thrive In Design Insights blog for more in-depth strategies and expert tips: https://www.thriveindesign.co/our-blog