2014 has been a BIG year for me personally as a “solopreneur,” and for the Julie Schuster Design Studio brand. As the working year grinds gradually to a halt for the holidays, the world offers us a rare moment to pause and reflect on the year that was, and on all that we’ve achieved:
Brand Expansion
The Julie Schuster Design Studio brand has had a diverse and exciting year. Passing my Red Ribbon Certification exam for Feng Shui has allowed me to offer an even higher level of professional service to clients all across New York City. Providing the twin services of design and Feng Shui has been particularly satisfying, with repeat clients such as the Greenwich Village apartment and holistic home office space. Home staging has been a successful element to the business too, with all my staged apartments selling very quickly and well above the asking price. In May I had the pleasure of speaking at Douglas Elliman Real Estate where I discussed the value of using a home stager.
Formation of the IDS New York City Chapter
2014 saw me, along with some other design movers and shakers, help spearhead the formation of the International Design Society’s (IDS) New York City chapter. As one of the country's largest design societies, IDS offers its members an ongoing education, business support, and numerous networking opportunities within a community of like-minded interior designers. As the chapter’s President, I was able to help organize meetings, grow the chapter’s membership, and help organize an immensely enjoyable end of year holiday party.
DIFFA “Picnic By Design”
In August, I participated in DIFFA’s 3rd annual “Picnic By Design” event by creating, donating, and auctioning off my own, one of a kind, picnic basket full of fun and fabulous picnicware. The event, which was at the beautiful Midtown Loft and Terrace, represented the culmination of weeks of preparation and hard work. My “Zen Garden” basket reflected my interest and practice in Feng Shui, drawing parallels between a balance of the elements and a balanced, healthy meal. The event was surely a charity highlight, for which I was fortunate to receive some great press from Interior Design Magazine
A Word of Thanks
This year wouldn’t have been such a success without the help and support of my friends, family and fellow designers. Connecting with new people through events, conventions and networking opportunities has been a true blessing, making the working life of this solo interior designer much more colorful and fulfilling. The online response to my blog and social media profiles has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging too. I look forward to nourishing these new and old relationships and watching them prosper in 2015! Even by reading this, I want to personally thank you for being a part of this incredible year.
I can’t wait to see what the New Year will bring. WATCH THIS SPACE!