344: Mrs. Paranjape: A New Take on Relationships with Retailers

Welcome! Today we have a very smart lady, Lori Paranjape, of Mrs. Paranjape Design and Interiors with us. As well as being a really talented designer, Lori, affectionately known as Mrs. Paranjape, is also an excellent businesswoman and on the show today she's going to be offering lots of really practical advice for designers. She has had her work featured in People, HGTV Magazine, and Domino, as well as in many other publications. Listen in today to find out what Lori has to share with you. Mrs. Paranjape Design and Interiors, which specializes in luxury residential and new construction projects, was started in 2008. Lori is a self-taught and extremely motivated designer. She started out helping friends and acquaintances with their homes. As time went by, referrals continued to pour in and Lori began working as the in-house designer for Redo Home and Design, the well-loved home retailer to generations of families based in Nashville. Listen in today as Lori discusses the really innovative relationship she has with Redo Home and Design, and she also encourages designers and retailers to build awesome partnerships, just as she has done with Redo. Show highlights: Lori's explains the details of her 'Design Collective' business model that she has set up in Nashville. The wonderful, symbiotic relationship that Lori has with her business partner. The clear distinctions between the different aspects of her partnership. What constitutes a 'commissionable' sale within her partnership. How Lori's commission is paid to her. The intentional way that Lori sources everything that she needs. How Lori's retailer provides everything that she needs. The awesome and mutually beneficial kind of partnership that can be formed between a designer and a retailer. The way that Lori and her partner work to utilize a relatively small showroom space to their best advantage. Lori's unique, practical and real-life approach to designing a home for her clients. The way that Lori really takes care of her clients. Why you, as designers, really need to cultivate the skill of asking,  listening, and then going a little deeper. Lori's special way of discovering the personal details about her clients, without making them feel uncomfortable. Lori's innovative ways of encouraging clients to spend more money on a project, if it's necessary. Some tips for overcoming difficulties with clients around the cost of a project in a comfortable way. The conversations that Lori has with her clients right at the beginning of their relationship. When to simply say 'no' to a client. Using candles and music to transform a room and create the right atmosphere. Ways of gaining a client's cooperation in using their home for a photo shoot. How to Find Lori: Website - Mrs. Paranjape Instagram - @mrsparanjape Pinterest - Mrs. Paranjape