Are you wondering if you can succeed in an interior design career without following the traditional path? How to do it? This episode may be the answer you are looking for.
Colleen Bennett’s journey into interior design was anything but traditional. She started with dreams of becoming a lawyer but accidentally landed a job as a furniture representative straight out of college. Then she designed homes for presidents and dignitaries across Latin America.
From launching her first design studio in Costa Rica to managing luxury interiors for Ralph Lauren in over 60 countries, Colleen’s story proves that you can thrive in the design world by embracing unexpected opportunities and leveraging unique skills.
She shares the key mindsets and strategies that allowed her to adapt to different cultures and survive economic downturns while building her business from scratch.
If you’re worried about how to succeed as a designer without a formal background, this episode will show you how to turn your passion into a thriving career.
Ready to kickstart your design journey? Tune in and get inspired by Colleen’s resourcefulness and creativity. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a global design powerhouse—grab your notebook and start planning your path to success!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Discover how to build a design business from scratch
- Learn insider tips to standing out in the industry and succeeding in a competitive industry
- Get inspired by an unconventional career path
About the Guest:
Colleen Bennett founded her first Interior Design Studio, Caducus Folium, in 2006. This Costa Rica-based firm quickly expanded into six design centers in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Colleen designed most presidents’ and dignitaries’ homes in Central America and throughout the region. In 2012 Colleen moved back home to North Carolina and opened the US division of the company, CBB Design Firm, based in Morganton, NC.
Shortly after graduating from Wake Forest University, Colleen became the youngest furniture representative hired by Drexel Heritage. Traveling the world, she visited over 60 countries and designed thousands of vignettes of every style and budget for her clients. In 2009 Colleen was hired as the youngest account manager and visual merchandiser for Ralph Lauren Home where she was responsible for all of their home stores in Africa, Australia, and Latin America.
Colleen takes her international portfolio and brings that resort living to her designs in the NC market. She specializes in residential and commercial designs as well as historic renovations.
Connect with Colleen Bennett:
Website: CBB Design Firm
Instagram: @cbbdesignfirm
Check out these episode highlights
02:32 – Colleen’s Accidental Path to Interior Design
Started with an academic focus on law but transitioned to interior design by accident.
At 21, became an international sales rep for Drexel Heritage, gaining hands-on experience in furniture design and retail interiors.
Worked in over 60 countries, adapting designs to various cultures.
06:40 – Expanding Horizons: Challenges and Successes
Opened her first design store in Costa Rica at 23 during the 2006 financial crisis.
Sold furniture without clients seeing it in person, relying on fabric samples and 3D plans to make sales.
Expanded services to include architectural plans, CAD drawings, and 3D renderings.
Expanded business across Latin America, including Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, and Honduras.
09:55 – Transition to the US and Ralph Lauren Experience
Became the youngest account manager for Ralph Lauren Home, managing stores in Africa, Australia, and Latin America.
Worked on flagship projects and established Ralph Lauren’s brand presence internationally.
The business grew from six clients to 150 in three years, and she shifted her focus to logistics, procurement, and 3D design.
14:33 – Cultural Adaptation
The importance of understanding importation duties, taxes, and margins in international business.
The differences between the US and Latin American markets, including the importance of spatial awareness and understanding client preferences
Adjustment to different markets and design preferences, blending international styles with local aesthetics.
18:23 – Technological Integration
Current Focus
3D modeling and rendering to enhance client presentations.
Kitchen and Bath design, integrating comprehensive product lines for a full-service experience.
Future Goals
Plans to continue expanding her business portfolio and leverage technology to streamline design processes.
22:26 – Innovative Business Models
Mimosa Home – furniture and upholstery
Butte Couture – turning unused materials into luxury bags featured in Vanity Fair
24:59 – Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers
Be your client’s “psychologist”. Understand their needs deeply. Be patient in dealing with them.
Be on the forefront of technology.
Stay updated with industry trends and continuously learn. Visit markets such as HighPoint.
Have a spatial awareness and understand the different design styles and preferences.
Be kind. Kindness and Integrity are essential for building long-lasting client and team relationships.
Be able to pivot and troubleshoot problems.
Have a good team and know how to delegate tasks.
28:18 – How to Manage Your Time and Priorities
Next Steps
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
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Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…