INTERVIEW WITH POSH
On this wonderful Sunday afternoon, we sat down with the ladies of Annyeong Ahjumma, and interviewed the Two time SL Source Awards Winner for Best Urban SL Business of the years 2019 and 2020, the wonderful and illuminating mind of none other than Chele LaCroix, Owner and Head Interior Designer for POSH Interior Designs.
Eun-Ji: "Hello and good afternoon. Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us today. How are you?"
R: “You are so very welcome! Thank you for having me!”
Eun-Ji: "Of course. As I'm sure you know, Piece of Seoul is a re-branded blog company typically known for blogging about different types of furniture, clothing, accessories, and so on and so forth. So, in doing this interview, it'll be a little bit outside our comfort zone, however, we welcome the challenge and appreciate the Aunties for being here with us as well."
R: “Yes, you guys have featured some of my work on your past blog site. Welcome back! I know your fans have missed you!”
R: “I am sure that speaking to me in the comfort of your office would be a lot more comfortable, so I appreciate you for taking the time to meet me at my current project site.”
Eun-Ji: "Yes, we actually have! It was a welcome surprise when we had to re-brand, but we're so thankful for the wondrous opportunity. And of course the opportunity to conduct this interview with you. Haha. We appreciate the welcome back and are excited to show our dedicated followers what we have in store for the second half of the year. And of course! It's no problem. We love that we were able to come out and see you in action while being able to conduct this interview. I know we're on borrowed time at the moment so why don't we go ahead and get started."
Eun-Ji: "As an interior designer, what is your biggest accomplishment?"
R: “I do not know if I necessarily have a big accomplishment per se. I have won two awards for Best Urban Business and I was truly honored and humbled on both occasions. The thing that makes me truly proud is hearing expressions of gratitude, praise, and compliments for the work that was done on their project. Clients returning and referring to others also makes me proud. Without clients, I could not be in business as long as I have nor would the business continue to thrive.”
Eun-Ji: “That’s so great to hear. I know when we get feedback like that, it really triggers a lot of positivity for both myself and my co-owner/blogger Ji-Seon.”
R: “Smiles- it is a wonderful feeling. We, and I am sure your team, thrive to do and give their absolute best at all times. Sometimes, we may fall a little short, but we do try to correct, learn, and continue to move forward.”
Eun-Ji: “Walk me through your design Process. Where do you start?”
R: “Typically, almost simultaneously, I ask the client what their design wishes are and then look at the style home that they are in. From that, I will look at RL reference pictures if the client has not provided any that suit the style of the home. From there, I assess my inventory and items coming to events to see how I can recreate a similar look to the reference or one that just "magically" appears in my head.”
Eun-Ji: "Where do you get your inspiration and ideas for new designs?"
R: “I continuously reference RL pictures and television shows, such as those you’d find on HGTV. But also, I might add, my team also challenges and pushes me to think outside the box, often offering suggestions.”
Eun-Ji: "Ah, okay. And your team, do you work well together?"
R: “Yes we do. We have the same common goal, "Make the client happy and create a space where their house will feel like home." I feel that because of this, we work diligently and professionally with one another to make that goal a reality.”
Eun-Ji: "Wow. It sounds like you and your team are really close and have a strong bond with one another. That's good. Great even."
Eun-Ji: "That's so sweet and also super important."
Eun-Ji: "Which do you consider more important: aestheticism or functionality? Did you ever have to compromise one for the other?”
R: “I try my best to blend both. If it does not look good aesthetically, I tend not to buy it. Also, many here role-play, so the furniture needs to make sense if you will. Meaning, if I place a chair at a dining table, then I expect that it would have dining animations.”
Eun-Ji: "No, I completely understand. I often make the mistake of purchasing something I didn't mean to, despite it being unappealing to me."
R: “I think it gets like that sometimes, we see an ad or hear about an item and run to get it without fully inspecting it first.That brings me to another thought the team and I share: "If we won't live in it, do not leave it for a client to live in!"
Eun-Ji: "That totally makes sense. And I love that kind of answer. It's really spot on."
Eun-Ji: "Moving on to the next question. What is your specialty as an interior designer?"
R: “My specialty are family homes with traditional/modern decor. I attempt to make a house feel like home while being super conscientious of prims.”
Eun-Ji: "And if you were to choose an interior designer to aspire to be like, who would your favorite be, and why do you like their designs?
R: “Ha! Anyone on HGTV or Joanna Gaines of the Magnolia Network. The styles are clean, invigorating and inviting!”
Eun-Ji: "Haha, I get the sense the style has a nice homey feel to it."
R: “Yes! I feel that that is a great description!”
Eun-Ji: "How do you make sure that you communicate effectively with clients and others involved in a project?"
R: “My team and I speak almost daily. Additionally, my Executive Assistant and I ensure that each client is communicated to.”
Eun-Ji: "As we mentioned once before, you and your team have quite the bond; again, which is super great. It sounds like your Executive Assistant keeps you on your toes. Sounds like they’ve been trained for this."
R: “I have used my many years as a former Retail Store Manager and Trainer to pass along what I have learned from that experience. I want clients to feel at ease and know that they are being listened to. All too often, you read or hear about horror stories people have experienced from those that they have hired. While I am not perfect, I do truly try hard to have positive experiences with all.”
Eun-Ji: "And in your honest and professional opinion, what do you think are essential skills for an interior designer to be successful?"
R: "To be successful, you need to be open, keep up with the latest trends/styles, stay abreast on new items and events, have good listening skills, being honest about your abilities but also willing to try something different, being fair and reasonable with your pricing, and never thinking that you are better than another- remaining humble!
Eun-Ji: "Wow, now that is a response that we love to hear. I could feel the passion behind your answer. Incredibly inspiring to say the least."
R: It does not happen often, but when it does after making a couple attempts to satisfy the client, I will let them know that I have attempted to address their concerns unsuccessfully. To alleviate further frustration from either party, I will respectfully recommend that I, perhaps, am not the best person for the project and allow them to decide if they would like for my team to stop service so that they can find someone who will best address their needs."
Eun-Ji: "It sounds like you end up taking the high-road, or rather the best course of action for all parties involved. Very good."
Eun-Ji: “When stuck in a designer rut, what do you do to break out of it? And if you can’t, how long does the rut usually last?”
R: “That is the best time to take a break. I will usually stop work that day, allow myself time to relax, and then get back to it the next business day. I never want clients to worry that I will not return, so we do let them know and advise when we will return. However, if I return the next day and am still troubled by an area, I will move on to another space to keep the project moving.”
Eun-Ji: "Sounds like you've got it down pat. I've heard some people go so far as to just stop the project altogether or worse, take a pause from Interior Decorating. It's good to hear you stay strong and continue to push through it. Just make sure you're not overdoing it."
Eun-Ji: “What inspired you to start your Interior Design company and did you always know this was the right path for you?”
R: “Former family members encouraged me to create my own business. I was either also changing or decorating my own homes and being asked by them to do theirs. Truth be told, I was leery in the beginning and did not have very much self-confidence. Yet, I did it and eight years later, they proved themselves to be right!”
Eun-Ji: "Wow, that's really big. And it was so great of you to take such a huge mission on with no guidance. You're a role model to many I'm sure. And by the looks of this office, it sounds like you're doing wonders for yourself, even now. Now, just one final question and I promise I'll let you get back to it."
Eun-Ji: “Any new projects on the horizon that your clients can look forward to when you decorate them?”
R: “Ah- that remains to be seen. We have open availability to begin new projects and await to see where our minds will take us!”
Eun-Ji: “Well, I believe that’s time. We appreciate you once again for allowing us to interview you during your business hours. We do apologize for the scheduling mishap and look forward to seeing the reviews and comments on this interview in the near future.”
By the end of our interview both the ladies of Annyeonghaseyo Ahjumma and myself had plenty to discuss and share with the rest of our community, and in doing so hope to raise awareness, clarity, and inspirations throughout all of SL.
Interview Conducted by: The Annyeonghaseyo Ahjumma's & Co-Founder and Head Blogger of Piece of Seoul, Eun-Ji.
Interviewee: Chele LaCroix Head Interior Designer and Owner of POSH Interior Designs.
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