In this solo episode, your host, Nicole Lashae Ben, shares how brands can remain visible, flexible, and effective even when budgets are tight and uncertainty looms large. From navigating the earliest stages of the customer journey to equipping your reps with clarity and confidence, discover how to lead with strategy, respond with agility, and keep your brand in front of your audience—no matter what the headlines say.

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.

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.

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:  Don’t spend $10-20 on exhibiting at a trade show without knowing if you will have a return on investment.   Trade shows allow visibility, strategic networking, and creative engagement. Being more strategic is thinking about how you will network before and after the event. Organize your leads immediately after the event, don’t wait weeks to follow up; strike while the event is still hot. The key to follow-up is not only about remaining connected but also being the brand that offers value. 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

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.

Discover how on-demand printing is revolutionizing interior design in this episode of *Thrive in Design*. Nicole sits down with Kristen Dettoni, founder of Design Pool, to explore how customization is empowering designers to create personalized spaces with ease. Learn how this game-changing technology is transforming the industry, from Kristen’s award-winning designs to practical tips for incorporating on-demand printing into your projects.

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.

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 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.

Join Nicole on *Thrive in Design* as she interviews Rochelle Porter, the visionary behind Rochelle Porter Design, about her journey of blending creativity with conscious living. Learn how Rochelle’s vibrant, globally inspired designs prioritize sustainability, ethical practices, and low-waste production while redefining the future of interior design.

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.

In this episode, we’ll explore how Johnny Davis and Ken Lewis merge artistry and technology to craft visually stunning results that elevate brand presence. We’ll also delve into their inspiring journey in the furniture industry and uncover valuable insights on how businesses can leverage creative digital solutions to stand out in today’s competitive market.

In today’s episode, Tori Sikkema shares her inspiring journey as a visual storyteller, her passion for connecting with creatives, and her unique approach to bespoke photography. We dive into how she helps designers and entrepreneurs build stronger brand identities through compelling imagery, providing you with actionable tools and inspiration to transform your brand through visual storytelling.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Dan Hannula to discuss the role of strategy and design thinking in creating impactful interior solutions. Dan shares his remarkable career journey, the collaborative approach he and his team take to bring their clients’ visions to life, and the story behind Decorator Industries—a company that has set the gold standard for custom-crafted furnishings in hospitality, healthcare, and beyond.

In this exciting premiere episode, Nicole dives deep into the nuances of transitioning from e-commerce to commercial design sales—a significant shift that demands strategic planning, market insight, and a refined sales approach. Unlike the fast-paced world of direct-to-consumer sales, the design market operates on longer cycles, involves multiple stakeholders, and requires a deep alignment with industry standards.

In this episode, Norman Wyatt Jr. shares his journey from early artistic inspirations and pivotal career moments to his latest ventures, offering valuable tips for artists and designers. With over two decades in the home decor industry, Norman, an artist and designer from Virginia, draws inspiration from the natural beauty of his surroundings.

In this episode, Nicole dives into the world of guerrilla marketing, exploring how these techniques can be applied specifically to interior product design. She shares practical tips and strategies, and breaks down a compelling case study of an ingenious guerrilla marketing campaign she witnessed at NeoCon. This case study highlights the power of innovative marketing tactics and demonstrates how you can adapt these approaches to make your product launch stand out.

In this episode, Reade Palmer shares his journey in the flooring industry, highlighting the importance of innovation and quality in floor covering and how understanding market trends and customer preferences has been crucial to his success. Reade Palmer is the founder and CEO of Hero Flooring.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of trade shows, how to make data-driven decisions at every touchpoint, and the secrets to success in luxury and commercial design with a special guest, Lauren Henley McKinnon.

In this episode, Stacy Garcia shares tips on innovative forward-thinking, the difference between a fad and a trend in interior product development, and strategies for incorporating the latest trends and colors to enhance the appeal and marketability of your products, capture consumer interest, and drive sales.