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Time We Discuss: Become a Vegan Interior Designer | Cruelty Free Interior Design

Watch/Listen to this Episode Become a Vegan Interior Designer | Cruelty Free Interior Design Vegan Interior Designer; Host of Time We Discuss is pointing to a picture of guest Risha Walden and giving a thumbs-up.

Vegan Interior Designer and owner of Walden Interiors, Risha Walden, joins us in this exciting episode of Time We Discuss

Risha explains that her day is divided into several parts: addressing urgent issues in the morning, followed by business development tasks such as cold calling and networking. In the afternoons, she focuses on the creative aspects of design, like selecting materials and working on client projects. She emphasizes the importance of marketing, sales, and expanding her brand, underscoring that clients need to know about her services to hire her.

In discussing the challenges of the profession, Risha describes putting out fires such as dealing with material shortages or managing construction schedules. She also addresses how interior designers can work independently or within firms, offering flexibility in the profession. She notes that her work spans everything from decorative elements to spatial planning, sometimes requiring collaboration with architects and contractors.

The discussion turns to her personal path into interior design. Risha shares that she initially studied at the New York School of Interior Design after deciding to re-enter the workforce as a stay-at-home mom. She had to juggle her education, starting her design firm, and going through a divorce, which eventually led her to focus on her business full-time. Risha highlights that while formal education is helpful, creativity and business acumen are essential to success in the industry.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on vegan interior design. Risha became vegan nine years ago and soon realized the prevalence of animal products in traditional interior design, such as leather, wool, and silk. This led her to align her business with her personal values, seeking cruelty-free and sustainable alternatives for her designs. She admits that while it can be difficult to ensure every element is free of animal byproducts, especially for items made overseas, there has been a growing availability of ethical alternatives.

Risha's clientele primarily consists of affluent residential homeowners, but she also offers services for clients with smaller budgets through a do-it-yourself program. She finds joy in the process of sourcing unique, high-quality items that align with her clients' tastes and preferences. She compares her approach to large retailers like Restoration Hardware, emphasizing the added value she provides through personalized design.

Towards the end, Risha stresses the importance of sales skills for interior designers, particularly for those running their own businesses. She advises aspiring designers to either embrace sales or work for a firm that handles the business side, as being creative alone is not enough to thrive. She concludes by sharing her support for PETA and her passion for animal rights, linking her advocacy to her vegan design philosophy.

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