DSA Newsletter - Fall 2017

Message from DSA

So much to be thankful for!

With holidays just around the corner, we tend to start getting really stretched this time of year. Between family activities and career obligations, our hours fill quickly. Remember to prioritize and not over commit. Becoming overwhelmed while trying to fit everything in can result in shortchanging every aspect of our lives. Stick to a reasonable schedule, leaving plenty of time for fellowship with family and friends. It's those moments that allow us to recharge and reset, preparing us to take on the world and determine our true priorities.


DSA has the victims of Hurricane Harvey and Irma on our minds and in our hearts. If you're able, please consider making a donation to the Red Cross at www.redcross.org for disaster relief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! https://www.redcross.org/donate/




All the best,
Natasha Lima-Younts DSA
Founder/President
Designer Society of America


The Psychology of Success

Paula Grace is committed to helping designers!

Testimonials:

“You are the professional's professional!”

“Riveting.”

“Flawless and valuable.”

Designer Society of America is pleased to introduce Paula Grace Designs to our member community. Paula Grace Halewski, a former behavioral health professional, offers a number of services, from interior design to furniture design, to using her industry expertise to inspire others to succeed in the design industry. Through the years she has advised interior designers – both in group seminars and in one-on-one consultations – on how to improve their design firms by building better relationships with clients and even members of their own creative teams.

“I was used to being a mentor and teaching and I was missing that,” says Paula Grace, who previously taught at University of Rochester. “My interior design business and my furniture line were already up and running, and I thought, ‘Hmmm, there's this little itch I need to scratch.'”
So she developed a couple of seminars and approached Alex Shuford with Century Furniture about doing one in his showroom “just to see.”

Today Paula Grace continues to offer group presentations as well as consulting for individuals. Her speaking topics include How to Build Strong Client Relationships for Your Success and Survival, Effective Team Relationships in Your Design Firm, Creating a Positive Culture in Your Creative Workplace, and The Strength of an Effective Agreement. She's also recorded some podcasts, though she admits she doesn't enjoy it as much as the personal contact she has with a live audience.
Paula Grace has generously offered to answer some design industry questions from our members in upcoming DSA newsletters. Please email questions to support@dsasociety.org. For more information on Paula Grace Designs, visit Paula Grace http://paulagracedesigns.com/consulting-speaking/ 

It's a Date! Tours Available!

High Point Market


It's almost that time – this fall's High Point is just around the corner! And while many of us look forward to this annual trek, others may have decided that attending shows is no longer necessary for their careers. On the other hand, newcomers to the industry might be intimidated and not quite sure how to approach a design market show. But fear not!

There are many reasons for designers of all experience levels to attend these events – networking and relationship building, design ideas and inspiration, and the opportunity to explore products hands-on. Just being in the most famous furniture city in the world is inspiration enough for many.

- To know what a piece or product is really like, see it in person.
- More product choices results in better product selection.
- Face-to-face networking can't be replaced by even the best technology.
- Seeing the trends first is a definite advantage of High Point Market.
- Attending market can be an efficient practice for one-stop shopping.

Whether it's been a while since you last attended market or if you've never attended at all, this fall's High Point Market is a great way to get in the game.
If you were thinking about attending this year, we have limited availability.

Please contact us as soon as possible. 

We will be working with Soft Design Lab tours to offer DSA members special pricing.  Email DSA @  support@dsasociety.org

October market from October 13-18th. The tour package includes the following:

  • A pre-market, informational webinar to get you ready to go


  • Five (5) nights accommodations at Sheraton Four Seasons Greensboro, NC; double- occupancy

  • Dedicated Van to Market each day


  • Airport transfers to and from (Airfare not included)

  • Daily transportation between showrooms and manufacturers.

  • Private welcome dinner and trend presentation at the exclusive, members only, String and Splinter Club courtesy of the High Point Visitors Authority

  • Design destinations and insider access to showrooms and ateliers across High Point

  • Daily educational event schedule


  • Private luncheons

  • Access to the industry's mover and shakers

  • Countless social and networking opportunities, VIP party invitations, concerts and more

  • PR and Press opportunities


  • Farewell Dinner at Green Valley Grill


  • VIP welcome package and market survival kit
We'll also keep in touch with you regarding the Las Vegas Tour to Winter Market -  dates will be January 27, 2018 - January 30, 2018.   If you are thinking about attending,  please contact DSA :  support@dsasociety.org