Are you drowning in design project chaos, juggling emails, texts, and scattered communication that’s driving you crazy? You’re not alone! Today’s guest has been there too.
I interview Erinn V, a luxury interior designer and the founder of StyleRow, a powerful platform made to help designers like you stay organized, save time, and run your business better.
Erinn shares how she grew from decorating her apartment to designing homes for celebrities and creating a tool that solves the very problems she faced in her own business.
StyleRow solves the biggest headaches designers face: scattered communication, complicated client presentations, and time-consuming administrative tasks. The software allows designers to centralize project communication, create easy-to-navigate client dashboards, and save up to two-thirds of their back-office time – all while providing a seamless experience for clients.
If you’re ready to get more done without the stress, tune in now and learn how StyleRow can help you work smarter, not harder.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn how to reduce administrative stress and create a more profitable workflow
- Discover a tool to save time and stay organized while managing multiple design projects
- Get real advice from an industry leader to grow both creatively and professionally in the design field
About the Guest:
Erinn Valencich is an entrepreneur who began her career at a young age. She graduated from high school early, choosing to forgo college to enter the workforce immediately. At 24, she founded her design firm, Erinn V Design Group (EVDG). She later established a furniture brand, Erinn V, and most recently became a software visionary by creating StyleRow, a platform designed to help designers communicate, present, and design, as well as discover the best offerings in the luxury design world.
EVDG has designed projects worldwide, alongside a wide array of home and lifestyle products including door & cabinet hardware, Hollywood Hills by ERINN V. for Baldwin Hardware, furniture with Universal Furniture and Ambella Home, rugs with Creative Touch and Mehraban, lighting with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting and window coverings with Hartmann & Forbes, alongside more collaborations to come.
Her work has been featured in Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Town & Country, and House Beautiful, among other publications.
Erinn has four horses and resides with her husband in the Santa Rosa valley.
Connect with Erinn V:
Website: Erinn V Design Group
Instagram: @erinnvstyle
Check out these episode highlights
2:37 Erinn V’s Background and Early Career
Her early interest in design, sketching her perfect horse barn
People who influenced her entrepreneurial spirit
Meeting a lifestyle expert, who convinced her to work, leading to a six-year career in marketing and PR
Background in media and design—worked on HGTV, writing for design shows
06:44 Getting Her First Clients
Started by decorating her apartment
Neighbors and friends began asking for her help, leading to paid projects
Mentored by a family friend who owned a showroom—learned trade details and built vendor relationships
07:44 Transitioning to Luxury Design
Discusses how she gradually attracted higher-end clients
The importance of portfolio building and maintaining brand consistency
Key turning point: designing a large home that was published in major magazines
The importance of real-world experience over formal education in the design industry
11:33 Developing a Furniture Brand
How her furniture design skills developed naturally
Making custom furniture for clients, which led to collaborations with skilled craftsmen
Her first furniture showroom on Robertson Boulevard
Launching her product lines (furniture, lighting)
How licensing with brands like Fine Art Lamps elevated her reputation
How visibility from product lines supports the design business
15:55 The Birth of StyleRow
The inspiration behind StyleRow: the need for better project management tools for the design industry
The challenges of using outdated software
The inefficiencies of managing projects across multiple platforms
Wanted to solve problems around project management, vendor communication, and procurement
Aims to make design firms more efficient and profitable, with a focus on client satisfaction
21:05 Features and Benefits of StyleRow
A client dashboard that consolidates all project-related communication and documents
Saves time by eliminating the need for multiple emails and spreadsheets
A seamless client experience, reducing frustration and improving project management
Allows designers to control what clients see, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information
29:36 Erinn’s DIY Courses
Aims at helping homeowners with remodeling projects
Covers various aspects of design and decorating, providing practical tips and insights
30:57 Advice for Aspiring Designers
Focus on social media presence and create a cohesive brand image
Use affordable rendering services to showcase designs without actual projects
To think as an influencer, curating a vision that matches your target clients
Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends and tools
Next Steps
Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and launch your design business this summer
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!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
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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…