The Real Designer Series talks to real-life designers about what it is like to run a design business.  As you’ll see these ladies have all different backgrounds and experiences, but one thing they all have in common is that they have taken my course, The Golden Blueprint.

About Nicole Goldstein

After studying international relations, Nicole Goldstein began her career in a very different place than interior design - she was a Private Investigator for Business Intelligence cases at Kroll. It was a job that was extremely challenging and demanded a lot of detailed thinking and creativity.

A few years later Nicole received her MBA and started working with startups. By chance she stumbled upon a course in Interior Design at NYSID and her life was forever changed. She completed the Masters program at NYSID and then interned at Jami Eliason Design and Studio KO before founding her own firm, Studio Goldy in 2016.

What traits or talents have made you successful?

Good question! The main traits that have made me successful are thinking outside of the box and always pushing my limits to learn more and to do things in a more efficient and smarter way. I'm constantly trying to become a better designer for myself and for my clients. I'm quite straightforward with clients - I'll give them my honest opinion and will try my best to make sure they're happy with all of the decisions made. I also think the fact that I've had an international upbringing has helped me understand different clients and has developed my eye for design.

What has been your biggest sacrifice in running your business?

So many struggles! I think the biggest one has been learning how to run a design business while at the same time completing projects successfully. I probably started my own company without enough prior experience in other companies but that's part of who I am, I like to figure things out as I go along so it's been challenging to make my own path, although extremely rewarding.

What is the biggest lesson you've learned from running your business?

The biggest lesson I have learned is to choose your clients and your projects wisely. If you have a gut feeling that it's not for you, then trust your gut. The more projects you do that align with your values, the better the results and the more you will enjoy the work you're doing.

The more projects you do that align with your values, the better the results and the more you will enjoy the work you're doing.

What does success mean to you?

Success for me means sitting in a project when it's done, looking around, remembering all of the struggles, taking in the beauty of it and realizing it was worth it.

When you stumble how do you pick yourself up?

When I stumble I tell myself this is a lesson I needed to learn. I take in whatever mistakes may have happened and try to not repeat them. I also tell myself that this is a journey and that you learn the most from your mistakes so don't think they won't happen. Expect them and react the best way possible.

Do you have a favorite quote, motto, mantra, affirmation?

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing at all” Helen Keller

What drew you to interior design?

I fell in love with the interior design field because it uses all parts of my brain! It has creativity, color, and fun while also being very technically challenging. I love all of those areas of thought and the challenge of designing a beautiful interior is one that still appeals to me every day.

How do you wish the design industry was different?

I wish the procurement process was much easier. I wish clients would value our work more and pay better, and I wish there was more sharing of knowledge between designers.

Looking back, is there anything that you wish you could've done differently running your business?

I wish I would have paid more attention to marketing my projects!

What are you most proud of?

I'm very proud of the two restaurants we designed in Paris - Salatim & Maafim which are delicious and always busy.

How has your business changed since taking The Golden Blueprint?

Since taking The Golden Blueprint I've started to think of my business in a different way. I have compartmentalized the different aspects of my business and given a lot of thought to what was working for me and what wasn't. I made decisions as to what needed changing and what was going well. I've thought deeply about my pricing model, my marketing, my time management, and my goals for the future.

Any sage advice or words of wisdom to fellow designers?

Never stop learning! Know your field the best you can. Learn about materials, lighting, furniture design and all of the rest. Take classes whenever you can and make sure to always push your own limits!

How do you charge/what is your pricing model?

I charge a fixed fee for the project and a 15% handling fee on FF&E purchases

What is a typical project like in your business?

We've completed a whole range of projects from restaurants to baby rooms, offices, and residences so nothing is really typical ;) As long as the project sounds exciting and fits within our values - we're up for the challenge.

What is on the horizon for your business? What are your goals for the next year? What are you working on?

My goals for the next year are to explore alternative revenue streams than full scale design services. I'm considering having an e-shop, offering online design services, and doing brand partnerships.

You can contact Nicole Goldstein and Studio Goldy at nicole{at}studiogoldy.com. Photos courtesy of Jade Nina Sarkhel via Nicole Goldstein.