We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Arnold and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I knew I was a successful business person by my historical career in corporate America, working for a Fortune 100 company as a sales and marketing executive, When it was time to change my environment, I knew I wanted to focus on sales, and I wanted to work in an industry where I could feel passionate about the services and products I was going to bring to my customers. Interior design was one of a few options on a very short list I made for myself. I knew if I applied the business acumen I learned in my previous 16 yr career, I could be successful in a new industry. I needed a support system, the knowledge of where to find out industry specific information and a lot of courage! I had a great mentor; and I found the city of Dallas abundant in resources for designers to shop, attain education and establish a great, high-end customer base. The rest is history!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
An interior designer can span a lot of definitions, depending on who is being defined. I wanted to be known as a professional business woman, first and foremost, who runs a client-focused, creative interior design firm. I knew that in order to do this, a brick and mortar location would be necessary vs. designers who office out of their homes. The cool part was that I was able to meet other like-minded designers in a local association and we agreed to pool our resources and form an LLC outside of, yet alongside, our individually operated firms. This enabled us to build an amazing 11,000 SF studio and office complex, leverage optimal benefits with our suppliers due to our purchasing volume, source more efficiently than ever with thousands of samples at hand in our meticulous library and serve our customers with amazing opportunities for their interior spaces. This was an unprecedented move for each of us in the group, so we had to learn along the way. Managing different personalities and objectives is always tougher in a group, yet we have been able to embrace our differences and rise to a new level both individually and as a group, as a result. The best lesson I’ve learned in my plight is the value of networking. Connections are key and you can never have too many of the right ones. My brand seeks to serve others, first and foremost: my clients, my employees, the community, my colleagues. That is my goal each and every day. Lots of times we get it right; and, when we don’t, we learn and do it better the next time!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love a great steakhouse, probably Al Biernat’s North is at the top of my list. I love the ambience and the food! Any casual outdoor patio spot where we can drink a glass of wine and have appetizers is another one of my favorite things to do when eating out. Hillstone is a great place for that! Tooling around Highland Park Village through the shops is a lot of fun, particularly on a nice day. Nature walks are great on the Katy trail as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My dear friend, Shirley Burns, who watered the seed of my idea to become an entrepreneur. My dear friend and designer, Gwen Belle-Isle, who mentored me and continues to encourage me to this day.
My husband, family and close friends who continued to believe in me, prayed for me and verbally supported me every step of the way.

  

Image Credits
Michael Hunter Holger Obenhaus

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