The majority of design firms are having to switch gears during the coronavirus pandemic to keep their businesses running. It’s difficult to ‘social distance’ and complete design consultations but manageable with our current technology. But for remodeling, staging, and design implementation in general—it may be an impossible task.
Taylor Spellman—designer to the stars—joins Darla and Natalie to share how she’s navigating business during the Coronavirus Crisis. Taylor founded her interior design and staging firm at the age of 23 and has since built a name for herself. She offers a concierge level of service from conception to completion—with a bold and eclectic style that incorporates each person’s unique vision for their space. 
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut Social
[0:52] Firefighters, taco shells, and kittens in trees
[2:17] Attend the Mydoma 19 Hours Virtual Design Conference
[3:44] How to use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) correctly
[5:35] Darla introduces Taylor Spellman—designer to the stars
[10:07] Taylor offers design services and high-end staging in NYC
[16:14] Take the time to communicate and calm your client’s anxiety
[21:33] Will Taylor restructure her business plan moving forward?
[27:14] Taylor is no stranger to overcoming adversity in tough times
[30:54] The secret to landing celebrity clients isn’t what you think...
[33:32] What up Wingnut! Round
[36:34] Connect with Taylor on the interwebs
[40:11] Blooper Reel

Connect with Taylor Spellman
Taylor on Twitter
Taylor on Facebook
Taylor on Instagram

Resources & People Mentioned
19 Hours Virtual Design Conference
Alvin Ailey Theater
BOOK: The Secret

Taylor’s strategy with her design firm
New York City is currently fighting on the ‘frontline’ of the Coronavirus battle, with the number of those infected climbing exponentially every day. When reports of the virus began to spread around NYC, Taylor made a proactive decision to leave NYC and hunker down in Connecticut. Doing so included laying off some of her staff.
Taylor points out there’s a lot of “shame in the game” right now and that designers are feeling guilty about the decisions being made. She believes this is a time where we have to simply do the best we can. If you have to apply for a government loan or grant—it’s what you have to do. Laying off employees that wouldn’t be working opened them up for more assistance than she could give.
This isn’t failing. The nation is at a different level of unprecedented calamity—no one knows how the virus will play out. Taylor knew—being there are so many unknown variables—that this was the only way to sustain her business in the long run. She launched her business right before the housing market crash, so she’s learned to take the highs and lows in stride and pivot when necessary.
The importance of communication in times like this
Taylor has a reputation for going above and beyond for her clients and has built her business on hard work and dedication to any project—large or small. She admits that normally you have to handle clients with kid gloves, but that she’s been very frank through this ordeal. She’s reminding clients that not getting a throw pillow on time isn’t the end of the world. 
Instead, she points out that their health and their family is their TOP priority right now. It’s a time where everyone needs to be real, take things seriously, and prioritize what’s important. When clients get upset about something trivial, they must be reminded of that fact. When things return to some semblance of normalcy, she can step back in and wrap up their projects and leave everyone happy. 
The ladies cover SO much in this episode—what Taylor’s strategy is when she can emerge into the market again, how she lands celebrity clients, and the mantra she built her business on. Don’t miss this engaging and insightful episode!
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