Minds on Main

Are you trying to grow a business, but not sure how to go about it? You may want to follow the lead of six design divas who gather once-a-month at a trendy coffee house on Main Street to brainstorm ideas over a cup of joe. 

The Connecticut interior redesigners are putting their businesses on the fast track to success since they began their monthly rendezvous in October 2009. A few rules govern these brainstorming sessions: be open to suggestions and criticism, be willing to contribute to other’s success, regardless if it is your competition, come prepared to problem solve and lastly, no complaints allowed!

What is it that the design divas formed? Their very own “Mastermind Group,” based on the best-selling book, “Meet and Grow Rich,” by Joe Vitale and Bill Hibbler. 

The women all have careers in Interior Decorating, Interior Redesign and Home Staging, and have built up a circle of trust, comfort and honesty to critique, suggest and encourage forward movement in their businesses during a time when many are experiencing an economic halt. 

“Forming this group has probably been the single most important move I have made in growing my business,” Lisa Leonardi said of her experience in the group. “The benefits are immediate because the group holds me accountable for the business goals I set for myself and may have been fearful to previously pursue,” said Leonardi.

Owner of The Room Doctor in Madison, Conn. Leonardi decided it was time to take her interior redesign and home staging business to the next level when networking groups and industry conferences left her feeling disappointed. She took matters into her own hands and developed a business support group.

According to the book, “A mastermind group is a powerful alliance between people who help support and enlighten each other on the road to success.” The book promises to “Show you how an effective mastermind group works, how to create and operate one yourself, and how to use it as a stepping stone to financial success.”

“We each get 10 minutes to describe a goal we would like to achieve, or to discuss a problem that needs a solution.  After each member has their 10 minutes in the spotlight, the group collectively offers suggestions to each member.  We really follow the guidelines given to us in the book, that way we stay focused,” Leonardi said. “And by the end of the meeting, each of us leaves with a specific, tangible goal to work toward before the next time we gather.”

Vitale and Hibbler write that you must start on time, end on time, not fill late members in on what they’ve missed, utilize a stopwatch during their “soap box” moment and to choose a leader to make sure everything is going according to plan. 

The group has intentionally decided to limit the members to an intimate group of six in order to form an atmosphere of trust and provide a better opportunity for individual attention to each member’s needs.

“I leave there excited; you know you’re going to be accomplishing something you might not have done without the support of the group,” said Leonardi.

If money talks, well then listen to this: Roger C. Parker, author of 38 self-help books in the publishing and marketing fields, is estimated to be worth $32 million, and is a mastermind group member. 

Leonardi says at their next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 19, the group will officially declare a name for themselves. Should it be …Coffee Clique on Design?…Inspired Designers on Main?…or Master Minds on Design? Send us your vote and don’t forget to tune in next time to find out!

If you are an HGTV junkie, you are most likely familiar with a hot design concept known as Interior Redesign. Using the furnishings you already have, an interior redesigner gives your rooms a fresh new look through the  rearrangement of furniture, wall art, and accessories. The best part…it is all accomplished within one day! An interior redesign is the quickest, most cost-effective way of redecorating your home…and in this challenging economy it is just plain SMART! Whether you are perplexed about how to integrate your old furnishings into a new home or you are simply bored with your décor and looking for a “green” way to redecorate, an interior redesign may be the answer to your decorating dilemmas.

The redesign process begins with a consultation during which the redesigner and homeowner together define the decorating goals. The redesigner establishes whether the room is used for entertaining, tv viewing, office space, reading, etc. Through the owner’s feedback, the redesigner determines what is working, or more importantly, not working with the current design of the space. If the room is lacking essential elements such as lighting or accessories, the homeowner and redesigner “shop” the rest of the home for possible solutions. Often times the redesigner will find hidden treasures in the basement, attic, or other rooms of the home that the homeowner would never think to use. You’d be surprised how those old pieces you’ve discounted all these years can be repurposed into wonderful accents. 
In some cases, the homeowner requests that the redesigner make new purchases for the room. Sometimes after shopping the home it is evident that there is not enough available from other rooms to utilize, so then a reasonable budget for shopping is determined. The interior redesigner will shop for those finishing touches that homeowners never seem to have the time or desire to do.  

When the redesigner returns to makeover the room, the process begins by completely clearing the room. By emptying the room, the redesigner has a blank canvas on which to work. If there is a pre-existing focal point such as a fireplace, entertainment center, or a fabulous outdoor view, the redesigner will design the room around the focal point. The furniture is arranged with function in mind that will support the family’s lifestyle.  Next lighting is added to not only create ambience, but to accommodate tasks such as reading or homework. Wall art is strategically hung with a discriminating eye either individually or in eye-catching groups, showcasing family photos or artwork that is meaningful to the homeowner. Finally, accessories are placed in all the right places to add color, texture, and interest to the room. The results are dramatic and never cease to amaze or delight the homeowner.

Interior Redesign is a winning combination of your personal style complimented by the designer’s artful eye. The designer is able to take those possessions that are most important to you and display them in a stylish and cohesive way. In a matter of hours, your space can be completely transformed. Old, tired furnishings suddenly take on new life and your house now feels like the home you always wanted it to be. And we all know, there’s no place like home.         

Click here to view some before & after shots of The Room Doctor’s interior redesigns.