218: Marketing & Resources for Cruelty Free Design

Today, we have the second show in our sponsored content series by Cruelty Free Design. Deborah Rosenberg, of DiMare Design and the founder and creator of Cruelty Free Design, has sponsored three shows. The first show was episode #212, where we spoke in depth about Cruelty Free Design and the program that she has developed. Today's show is going to feature the marketing and the resources that you get, when going through the Cruelty Free Course. The third show will be airing in a few weeks and that will be an interview with a Designer who has completed the course. If all this is new information for you, if you haven't heard any of these shows before, LuAnn suggests that you start off by listening to episode #82, where we first met Deborah Rosenberg, a really smart lady who runs a great business, and there she discussed her Design Firm, DiMare Design in Miami. Then, in episode #117, we discussed her certified Cruelty Free Course in more depth and about how it was getting ready to launch. LuAnn really hopes that you're enjoying this series and that it's something that's making you think. If animal rights, veganism and Cruelty Free is a passion of yours, all the better, because it certainly is a very profitable avenue to consider, from a marketing standpoint. Listen in now, to find out more. In today's show, we are going to talk about the second set of information, which is important for you, as Interior Designers in this emerging field. Here's the thing about Deborah- if you go back and listen to the other episodes with her, you'll see and hear her commitment for yourself.  She's the creator of a fully accredited, online educational course, geared for students, designers, retailers, manufacturers and companies, in the Design and Textile Industry. The course, Certified Cruelty Free, educates businesses and consumers about Cruelty Free alternatives and provides them with vegan resources. Deborah donates a portion of all the proceeds from both companies, towards saving the lives of animals, killed for their skins, in the industry. This is really a mission of love, for Deborah. Listen in as we talk about the resources that are available to you, as Interior Designers and also about how you, as a Designer, would approach the marketing of these products. (Remember, that if you actually take the course, you will get access to the full 'bible' of resources.) Show highlights: Deborah gives a quick description of what Vegan Design is all about. Deborah discusses some of the fabulous alternatives that can be used, instead of wool, silk or animal skins. The faux alternatives are durable and well priced. Even Bentley, (the car) who were known for their leather interiors, are coming up with a vegan car as an alternative, because their consumers are now demanding vegan interiors. Banana silk looks and feels exactly like silk. It even has that sheen. Kravet have a huge amount of faux leathers as well as tons of other resources and fabrics which are vegan. Deborah's company is reaching out to many manufacturers, to have their badge put on the fabrics which are acceptable as vegan alternatives. According to research, one in three Australians are willing to pay more for socially responsible products. Deborah's company now has it's own line, called Arthur Avenue, which has completely vegan custom upholstery pieces. There are also vegan alternatives available for the less expensive lines. There is a company in New York, called Aurora Lampshades, who do vegan lighting alternatives. A lot of paint contains a mineral which comes from cows. Vegan paints are available, however they are a little difficult to apply. How a Designer can go about approaching clients about this subject. Faux leather actually performs better than real leather, when they are placed side by side. Vegan alternatives are most conducive to someone who has allergies, or even to children with autism. There is a huge network of support available for Designers doing the Cruelty Free Course. Deborah offers some great tips for marketing vegan options. The key is really to surround yourself with like minded people. Vegan Design is not only about the animals. About ninety percent of the people working in tanneries in India die before the age of fifty, due to the disgraceful environments that they work in. The world is changing really fast. Over half of all Americans won't buy a product that they believe to be unethical. Creating a peaceful space that has no blood, or tragedy in it. Deborah explains all about her Cruelty Free Course. Go to www.certifiedcrueltyfree.net to get the details, or to sign up. The course is usually $350, however if you put in the promo code  LuAnn, you will get 20% off, so you will only pay $280. After doing the course, you will be added to Deborah's database.