Today we’d like to introduce you to Alison Gross.
Alison, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2009, I graduated from the University of Texas, and began working at Neiman’s in the buying offices. I loved the company and the culture, but after work I found myself offering to help friends design their new apartments and homes.
The late-night hobby turned full-time career 5 years ago and I’ve never looked back. I started the residential interior design firm Harbinger Designs and later the custom furniture company, Casita. All my clients live in the Dallas area and I use local workrooms to build all of our custom pieces. It’s a wonderful job, filled with talented craftsmen and amazing clients.
Has it been a smooth road?
I think it’s a challenge learning to run your own business. When I worked for other companies there were teams that completed each side of the business. I would always have my certain area I worked in. But, when you run everything yourself, you are the designer, accounting department, marketing department, bookkeeper, quality control, and the social media expert. And you have to learn about the rules and regulations that businesses are held accountable for. There is never a day I’m not learning!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Harbinger Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
We specialize in residential interiors in Dallas. We cater each design scheme to our client and customize their experience. We work with anywhere from traditional to eclectic designs.
We are also starting a local furniture company in Dallas, called “Casita”. We will be launching the website late summer 2018. I felt there were gaps in retail furniture for those that don’t want to hire a designer, but still want the custom experience.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I think in the next 10 years, people will want more personal looks to their homes. I think the “Pinterest look” will be gone, and you won’t want your home to look like everyone else’s. I see a shift towards using more sentimental antiques and mixing old with new.
Material sourcing will become top priority. There will be a push to offer customers healthier alternatives to the strong chemicals that are often used in the process of making furniture. Very exciting!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopharbinger.com ; http://www.casitadallas.com
- Email: alg200@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopharbinger/
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