Two good friends who also happen to be the two co-founders of a creative consultancy for designers, Gail Doby and Erin Weir share how their long and enduring friendship impacts the way they inspire each other and work through whatever life and business challenges come their way. In their own honest musings, and also in their open conversations with speakers, authors, and influencers, they further their own journey as friends and founders, causing us to further our own journeys, too.
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Two good friends who also happen to be the two co-founders of a creative consultancy for designers, Gail Doby and Erin Weir share how their long and enduring friendship impacts the way they inspire each other and work through whatever life and business challenges come their way. In their own honest musings, and also in their open conversations with speakers, authors, and influencers, they further their own journey as friends and founders, causing us to further our own journeys, too.
Career, Community, and Creativity in High Point (Jane Dagmi)
Creative Genius Podcast
1 hour 6 minutes 33 seconds
6 months ago
Career, Community, and Creativity in High Point (Jane Dagmi)
Are you feeling disconnected from the wider design industry, or wondering how to find your place within it? Whether you're a solo designer, studio owner, or team leader, finding your community and knowing your value in the bigger picture of the design world can be a game-changer.
In this episode of the Creative Genius Podcast, host Erin Weir sits down with Jane Dagmi for a conversation about identity, community, and purpose in the interior design industry. Erin first met Jane around the time that Jane was Editor in Chief of Designers Today, and now she is Managing Director of High Point x Design (HPxD), a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization that promotes, unites and builds upon High Point, NC's unique creative ecosystem.
Jane brings a unique perspective as a writer, storyteller, editor, and industry leader. With a career that has spanned media, editorial leadership, and now her work with WithIt and High Point Market Authority, she shares thoughtful reflections on how the design world is evolving—and how designers can find connection, meaning, and impact in their work.
Throughout the episode, Jane and Erin discuss the power of community in an industry that often feels isolating. Jane shares her passion for fostering supportive networks and why organizations like WithIt play such a critical role in elevating women and providing leadership development in design. "Inclusivity is real important to us," she says. "HPxD is kind of connecting all of those steps along the way of the ecosystem and promoting it and uniting those people year-round."
Listen to the full episode to learn:
Why storytelling is at the heart of design, and how every designer has a story worth telling.
The power of vulnerability and authenticity in building meaningful client relationships and professional collaborations.
What makes High Point Market so magical, and how new designers can make the most of the experience.
How to balance personal growth with professional development by staying curious and connected.
Jane also reflects on her transition from being a magazine editor to becoming more deeply involved with the trade side of the industry. She talks about learning to trust her instincts and follow the breadcrumbs that led her to roles that truly aligned with her values.
This is a conversation filled with heart, insight, and inspiration—perfect for anyone who’s ever asked, “Where do I fit in?” or “How do I grow while staying true to myself?”
If you're listening on your favorite podcast platform, view the full show notes here: https://thepearlcollective.com/s13e6-shownotes
Note: Transcript is created automatically and may contain errors.
Click to Show Transcript
Well, Jean, welcome to the Creative Genius podcast. It's so nice to have you here today.
I'm glad to be with you. Thank you.
Yeah, do you want to just introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about what you are all about?
Okay, so I am presently the managing director of High Point by Design, also known as HPXD. But for many years before that, I was editor in chief of designers today, and that's really what afforded me to meet a ton of designers. So that's what I've been doing for the last seven years, magazines and now HPXD.
I remember when we first met, were doing designers today and you were an editor. So you have such a fascinating background as an editor,
Creative Genius Podcast
Two good friends who also happen to be the two co-founders of a creative consultancy for designers, Gail Doby and Erin Weir share how their long and enduring friendship impacts the way they inspire each other and work through whatever life and business challenges come their way. In their own honest musings, and also in their open conversations with speakers, authors, and influencers, they further their own journey as friends and founders, causing us to further our own journeys, too.
