Thrive In Design: Strategic insights for CEOs, marketers, and sales teams shaping the future of interior product brands in hospitality and home.

As the most anticipated design event continues to evolve, one thing remains timeless: the power of well-crafted experiences—those that begin long before the showroom doors open and continue long after the last badge is scanned. From smarter collaboration and strategic storytelling to thoughtful product launches and unforgettable touchpoints, brands now have the opportunity to engage the A&D community in deeper, more impactful w...

Ever wondered why some podcasts thrive while others vanish into digital silence? In 2025, podcasting has evolved far beyond a casual hobby—it’s now a dynamic engine for personal branding, thought leadership, and evergreen content creation. Starting and growing a successful podcast means more than just plugging in a mic; it requires intentional strategy, authentic storytelling, and smart marketing. From defining your niche to design...

When the headlines change overnight, so must your strategy. In a world where tariffs can reshape budgets and uncertainty dominates decision-making, the brands that rise aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets—but the ones that know how to pivot fast, stay visible, and lead with purpose. This isn’t just about reacting; it’s about anticipa...

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 stor...

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 point...

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 essenti...

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, techno...

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 seaml...

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...

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 fai...

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 timele...

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 des...

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 ...

Have you ever struggled to capture the true essence of your interior design products with words alone, feeling the need for something more?

Visuals might be the solution you’re searching for. They are more than just decorative elements—they embody your brand’s story. While words convey messages, impactful visuals evoke emotions, spark imagination, and express what words often cannot. Whether it’s showcasing the elegance of a handcr...

Imagine the first time a potential client encounters your work—not through a conversation or a handshake, but through a single image. That image holds the power to captivate, inspire, and tell a story that words alone often cannot. For designers, visual storytelling isn’t just a tool; it’s the bridge between their creative vision and how the world perceives it. By crafting a compelling visual narrative that reflects the essence of ...

Great interiors don’t just happen—they are thoughtfully crafted through the artful blend of creativity and intention. At the heart of this process lies design thinking, a human-centered approach that transforms spaces into experiences by deeply understanding the needs, aspirations, and emotions of the people who will inhabit them. When paired with strategic planning, this approach ensures that every design decision is purposeful, h...

Welcome to the Season 7 Kickoff of the Thrive In Design Podcast with Nicole Lashae Ben! 🎉

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 mult...

Establishing yourself as an artist and making a living from your work requires more than just talent. It involves setting clear goals, perfecting your craft, getting your work out there, and consistently producing high-quality designs. As an artist, understanding the possibilities in your niche is the key to making connections, closing deals, and opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. Dedication to mastery and stayi...

Maximizing a product launch with guerrilla marketing in the interior product design industry involves leveraging creative, innovative, and low-cost strategies to generate buzz and engage potential customers. By employing unconventional methods such as street marketing, ambient marketing, experiential marketing, viral marketing, and stealth marketing, you can capture the attention of your target audience and create memorable experie...