Ep 239: The Design Besties - Friendship, Collaboration & Designing for a Bigger Purpose

What happens when four professionals in the design industry meet by chance, become fast friends, and decide to use their collective talents to give back? Meet the Design Besties: Nikki Watson, Lori Johnson, Robin DelaCruz, and Whitney Atkinson. What started with a chance meeting at the Vacation Rental Design Summit quickly turned into a daily group text, a genuine friendship, and eventually a nonprofit with a big mission: transforming teachers' lounges into beautiful, restorative spaces that give educators a place to recharge. In this episode, Michelle sits down with the four creatives behind the Design Besties to talk about how their friendship came together, what makes their collaboration work so well, and why they believe there is always room at the table. They share the story behind their first teachers' lounge makeover, the emotional response from the teachers, and how that experience turned a passion project into a national mission. The Design Besties are now working toward bringing their work to all 50 states. In this episode, you'll hear about: How four professionals from different areas of the design industry became the Design Besties The unexpected project that inspired them to create their nonprofit Why teachers' lounges became the focus of their service work How each Bestie brings a different strength to the team What makes their collaboration work without ego or competition The importance of creating welcoming spaces and making sure there's always room at the table How they're working to scale the Design Besties nationally The power of using your professional skills to serve others Why adult friendship and genuine community can be such a gift How designers and brands can get involved through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and spreading the word Meet the Design Besties (full bios below)   Rhobin DelaCruz Interior designer. Creative instigator. Vibe curator. Rhobin has designed for names like GQ, TED, and MTV - but his real flex is helping clients create bold, joy-filled spaces that feel like them (just with better lighting and cuter pillows). Born in SoCal, thriving in NYC, Rhobin mixes West Coast chill with East Coast edge, all wrapped in global inspiration and a love for real estate, storytelling, and saying what everyone else is thinking. Business name-- Rhobin DelaCruz Designs Email [email protected]: @rhobindelacruzdesigns Website: www.rhobindelacruz.com   Lori Johnson Lori Johnson is a Dallas-based fine artist whose abstract work blends soft layers of color and texture to explore beauty, transformation, and connection. Featured on Bargain Mansions (HGTV, Magnolia Network, A&E) and sold nationally at HomeGoods and HomeSense, her art invites reflection and emotional connection. Represented at Dallas Market Center through McStudios and Ethan & Associates, Lori collaborates with designers, retailers, and lifestyle brands. She recently partnered with Denim Manor and Wexel Art to launch a line of textile fabrics for interiors, fashion, and home décor. Business name- Lori Johnson Artist, Collaborator and Creative Email [email protected] Insta: @lorijohnsonfineart Website: www.lorijohnsonfineart.com   Nikki Watson Nikki Watson is the founder of The Design Quad, Dallas's leading home staging and design firm. What began with $10 borrowed from her mother has grown into the nation's largest-volume staging company, with more than 300 homes staged at once across Dallas–Fort Worth. Her work has been featured on HGTV, A&E, Max, and international outlets. Known for her motto "Create, Inspire, and Serve," Nikki has built service into her brand's DNA, supporting community charities while redefining home staging, design, flooring, and remodeling. Business name-- The Design Quad Email [email protected]: @iamnikkiwatson Website: www.nikkiwatson.net   Whitney Atkinson Whitney Atkinson, founder and inventor of WUGS Weighted Rugs and WILLOWS Weighted Outdoor Pillows, is a Gulf Coast native blending function with style. With a background in interior and commercial design, she created the first weighted rug to solve slipping, curling, and outdoor durability. Her weighted pillows also withstand harsh weather while staying beautifully in place. Whitney's innovative products reimagine everyday living by offering solutions that are both practical and design-forward. Business name- - Founder & Inventor of WUGS & WILLOWS Email [email protected] Insta: @whitney_atkinson Website: www.wugsweightedrugs.com   Want to Get Involved? The Design Besties are looking for schools, brands, designers, donors, and supporters who want to help them bring beautiful, wellness-focused teachers' lounges to communities across the country. Visit their website to learn more, apply for a school makeover, explore sponsorship opportunities, donate, and follow their work. Email: [email protected] Website: thedesignbesties.orgFacebook: The Design Besties Instagram: @the_designbesties Check out our latest campaign: Grizzlies Prep Teachers' Lounge Movement   And remember: there's always room at the table.