One of the many challenges for up-and-coming designers (and those of us who have been in the industry for a while, too) is in the area of “working knowledge.” There’s a LOT to know and it seems like nothing but time is going to help you know it. But the guest on this episode proves that even though she’s been in the industry for over 20 years, there are clear things you can do to accelerate your learning curve.
Andrea Hysmith of A.S.H. Designs (in Ellicott City, MD) is an Interior Specialist, Kitchen and Bath Designer, Manufacturer Representative, Speaker, and Presenter, and has been sharing her knowledge of luxury design for over 20 years. She focuses on residential and light commercial spaces and recently opened her own design space in Ellicott City as the first woman of color to do so. She’s a hard-working, hustling woman who has done the work necessary to educate herself about her craft, all for the sake of serving her clients with excellence. You’ll learn a lot about developing your own working knowledge, faster, from her intentional approach, so be sure you listen.
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut SocialIt’s easy to feel that you are handicapped when you need to know more about a specialized area of design but simply don’t. Andrea never let that stop her. She’s a “go get it” kind of woman. She takes the initiative to find the resources and open the doors that will provide her with the knowledge she needs — and you can do the same.
For example, at one point in Andrea’s career, she needed to know more about custom cabinetry so she reached out to establish a relationship with a custom cabinet builder and worked shifts in his facility to learn what she needed to learn. She’s done the same with painters, a plumbers, and other specialized tradesmen, all for the sake of educating herself at the source. Though it may seem that’s a lot of irons in the fire, Andrea says it’s all cohesive if you keep things integrated within a common goal or mission.
Special certifications can help you stand out in a crowded areaAndrea holds a special certification that Darla had never heard of. The National Association of Home Builders offers a “Certified Aging in Place Specialist” certificate and Andrea is one of those who have completed the course they offer. It’s a specialty in the design and refurbishment of homes to enable those who are aging or otherwise disabled to continue to live in their homes rather than having to move.
Andrea says this is especially important to her because she has clients who have been with her for many years. Her certification enables her to serve them in new, fitting ways as they age and the relationship continues. She’s also had people reach out to her specifically because she holds the certification, and at one community event a realtor who works primarily in retirement communities asked if Andrea would serve as a recommended service provider for those the realty group serves. Are there certifications that would serve the community where you work or the clientele you specialize in serving? If so, go get them!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social
Subscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes by
PODCAST FAST TRACK
https://www.podcastfasttrack.com
The Life Moments Trending on Pinterest: How to Get YOUR Pins Noticed
The PR Strategy to Embrace In Times of Crisis with Andrew Joseph
Here’s How to Give Your Boosted Posts a Leg Up
THE Marketing Approach Designers Should Embrace with Kelly Campbell
Breaking News: Facebook Launches Small Business Grant Program
How Taylor Spellman is Switching Gears with her Design Firm During the Pandemic
6 Tips to Stay Productive [and SANE] Working From Home
How the CARES Act Could Help YOUR Small Business with Aaron Smyle
Is the Brick-And-Mortar Furniture Industry in a Tailspin? with Warren Shoulberg
Why You Should Create an Instagram AR Filter
How to Launch a Design Career at ANY Age with Lauren Brown
Should You Turn Your Blog Into a Blogcast? with Jeri Cerutti
A Candid Conversation About the Coronavirus with Jane Dagmi
Learn Savvy Strategies for Building a Design Firm with Julia Miller
Contemplating a Free Consultation? Here’s How it Impacted Our Bottom-Line
Alignable: Should Interior Designers Use This Networking Site? with CEO Eric Groves
Is Email Marketing Dying? Our Top 5 Tips to Keep Yours Alive for Your Design Business.
The Hidden ROI of Starting a Podcast with Katie Freeman
The NEW LinkedIn ‘Featured’ Section: Showcase Your Accomplishments
What is Design Harmony and Why Should Designers Care? with Michelle Castagna and Mike Peterson
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dear Alice | Interior Design
99% Invisible
The John Clay Wolfe Show
The Turn of the Screw
The Federalist Papers
Art + Audience
How to Decorate