Behind the Scene's:#designer MBA @Team Tobi @TobiFairley

Last week, we took a little road trip....

We took off to the East and turned a little to the South...through the hills of  Missouri and Arkansas...we stopped off in Joplin for some "Instant Karma"...

It was delicious...but not heavy on the "instant"...we didn't know what we really needed was an hour and a half  break from windshield time...getting either of us to stop for long when we are on a mission is a challenge!!  But we did it!!  And it was probably good we did...because, let's just say, we barely took a breathe for the remainder of the week!!!

From the breakfast "intro" session Tuesday morning to the closing workshop Thursday afternoon, we talked design business, we talked design, we talked business...and, did I mention, we talked design business??!!

[caption id="attachment_823" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Our Designer MBA mentor, Tobi Fairley!![/caption]

From the beginning to the end, Tobi's passion for design and for mentoring those of us in the industry was absolutely apparent!!

The lovely Capitol Hotel hosted this event and may I just say, not all hotel's are created equal!!

[caption id="attachment_817" align="aligncenter" width="576"] The Capitol Hotel, Little Rock, Arkansas[/caption]

Our suite was lovely...

...it spoke to our designer sensibilities...

...and spoiled us rotten!!

"Team Tobi" rolled out the red carpet with evening parties hosted by At Home in Arkansas...

The networking time was fabulous...

[caption id="attachment_818" align="aligncenter" width="576"] And the spoiling continues...[/caption]

with sponsors like Joss and Main, Olioboard and LampsPlus...

as well as meeting other designers from around the country!!

[caption id="attachment_816" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Our "class" of designers![/caption]

If there had to be one highlight, though, it was the input of this woman...we heard her passion to openly share her experience (in an often exclusive industry) and to pour into the lives of other business women in this industry.

This event was by far the best investment we have made, yet, into our business... (Oh...and another highlight...we finally broke down and learned how to  twit   tweet...thanks, @TeamTobi #designermba  from @asterhousedesign)

 

[caption id="attachment_820" align="aligncenter" width="576"] It was work...really...we promise!!![/caption]

 

 

 

Behind the Scene's: Counting down...

In just under three weeks, the AHD team will be headed to Little Rock, Arkansas!!  And we are BEYOND EXCITED!!!

As I have mentioned, Amanda and I are eager to increase our business expertise.  We are always looking for ways to improve our offerings to our clients and make the process more seamless and uncomplicated!!  And we can't wait to meet and learn from an expert not only in the design field...but also,very accomplished in the business world!!

[caption id="attachment_762" align="aligncenter" width="195"] Tobi Fairly[/caption]

 "Selected as one of Traditional Home’s Top 20 Young Designers in America, Tobi Fairley has a signature look that is fresh and simple combining colorful, large-scale prints with classic furniture styles for a beautiful and functional result....Tobi’s unique combination of degrees in interior design, accounting and an MBA from the prestigious Sam M. Walton College of Business, gives her a competitive advantage in the design industry."

Her work speaks to her eye for great design...

And we are thrilled to have the opportunity to spend 3 days in her office...gleaning business practices and insights that will improve AsterHouse Design!  We are certain her depth of insight into the unique aspects of business in this industry will be invaluable to us, as we work with each client!!

Stay tuned for a report!!  We will certainly keep you posted!!