Today in The Lounge, live from Universal Furniture at High Point Market, Passion Sucks. It’s All About the Money! On the panel, Nick is joined by designers Garrison Hullinger, Jarret Yoshida, Angela Harris, Christie Barbour, and Phyllis Harbinger. Nick and his guests discuss the meaning behind Passion Sucks, touching on the best ways to become successful – beyond creating brilliant designs. After fantasizing about their lives if they weren’t designers, the group jumps into the importance of balancing both creative and business aspects when being an interior designer. It’s impossible to become successful without conquering all the difficulties in the design life.

Garrison Hullinger, Portland designer with a staff of 35 members, chats about how far he’s come by giving specific attention to all areas of his firm. Despite not having a design degree, he’s now working on Vail Four Seasons Resorts and is leading an ever-changing company, always looking for ways to diversify. He encourages designers to ask the questions: what works for you, what is your brand, and who are you?

Angela Harris, interior and product designer from Denver, also decided to diversify her firm, TRIO, by producing a product line. Beyond her natural passion for design, she strives to always connect with clients and thinks of all 57 on staff as family. Similarly, Christie Barbour, a High Point designer, finds company culture one of the most critical aspects of running a firm and wants to be involved with everything. Keeping one foot in the business side and the other in the creative world, her goal is to share values and create something larger than herself.

Jarret Yoshida, house-flipping in the New York and New Jersey area, touches on his recently debuted rug line and gives his business advice, stepping outside of the creative realm. For Jarett, focusing on relationships more than beautiful designs has been the best move for his firm.

Phyllis Harbinger, practicing in the New York City area, talks about starting her firm and paving a path into design strategy after the 2008 recession. Life takes you on a journey, and figuring out the creative and business equation is crucial! Stay in the know with The Chaise Lounge for all-encompassing coverage from High Point, including The Breakfast Show, interviews, and more panel discussions!