Business of Home Podcast Summary: "Stephanie Sabi Keeps It Real"
Release Date: February 24, 2025
Hosts and Guests:
- Host: Dennis Scully
- Guest: Stephanie Sabi, celebrated interior designer and owner of Heirloom Artifacts, author of Interiors of a Storyteller
Introduction to Stephanie Sabi and Her Journey
In this engaging episode of the Business of Home Podcast, host Dennis Scully sits down with Stephanie Sabi, a renowned interior designer from Nashville. Stephanie is not only acclaimed for her artistic home designs but also celebrated for her authentic presence on Instagram and her forthcoming book, Interiors of a Storyteller. The conversation delves into Stephanie's unique approach to design, her personal stories, and the challenges she faces in the evolving interior design industry.
Stephanie’s Personal Stories and Their Influence on Her Design Philosophy
Stephanie opens up about her colorful upbringing, sharing formative experiences that shaped her perspective on home and design.
Treehouse and Early Lessons: At [03:05], Stephanie recounts a vivid childhood memory:
"I’m laying atop this tree house and I look up and it looks like toilet paper is falling from the sky. But when you’re nine, nothing is that weird." ([05:46]) This incident, involving an unexpected FBI raid on her uncle’s marijuana farm, highlights her early understanding of creating safe, transformative spaces—a theme that permeates her design philosophy.
Navigating a Chaotic Childhood: Stephanie discusses the impact of her parents' struggles with alcoholism and how these experiences taught her resilience and the importance of creating secure environments:
"Creating home and creating these safe places in the physical space... is truly transformative." ([08:15])
Interiors of a Storyteller: A Memoir-Design Hybrid
Stephanie’s book, scheduled for release on March 25th, is described as a memoir wrapped in a design monograph. She emphasizes the blend of personal narratives with her professional insights, aiming to provide a holistic view of her journey.
Purpose Behind the Book:
"I wanted to share my unique voice and the stories that have shaped who I am." ([12:24])
Stephanie also highlights the book's dual nature, serving both as an inspiration and a candid memoir:
"It’s not all shiny either. It’s very hard work... and social media does not help." ([10:20])
The Role of Social Media: Authenticity vs. Strategy
Stephanie addresses the complexities of using Instagram as a business tool, balancing personal expression with professional branding.
Authentic Engagement:
"I just want to be myself and share all the parts of me. Not like every little marital dispute and stuff, but I’m a whole person." ([12:37])
Challenges Faced: She reflects on a miscommunication incident where her intent to promote goodwill was misconstrued:
"I thought I was clearly saying, ‘Let’s all try to do good,’ but people thought I was pointing to myself." ([17:22])
Stephanie advocates for authenticity over adhering to rigid social media strategies, even when it leads to misunderstandings:
"I will never be some of these cool people that I really look up to. I just am who I am." ([12:57])
Navigating Rising Costs in the Interior Design Industry
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the escalating costs within the home industry and how it affects both designers and clients.
Impact of Inflation:
"The prices just keep getting more expensive. The same lamp I’ve specified for 10 years has had a 20 fold increase." ([25:02])
Client Reactions: Stephanie shares client interactions where budget constraints have led to project reevaluations:
"How are we going to do it? What are we going to cut? Where are we going to budget?" ([23:26])
Personal Financial Reflections: She reflects on her own financial growth juxtaposed with clients' struggles:
"I was like, how are we going to do it? It just is what it is." ([25:02])
Trade Relationships and Vendor Partnerships
Stephanie emphasizes the importance of reliable trade partnerships in maintaining quality and trust within her business.
Valuing Reliable Vendors:
"We look for vendors that are going to help us when the bottom falls out... good customer service." ([55:15])
Challenges with Vendor Transparency: She expresses concerns over vendors appearing on mass-market platforms like Wayfair, diluting the exclusivity and trust previously established:
"When I saw them on Wayfair, I was like, what the heck?" ([52:59])
Balancing Business Growth with Personal Well-being
Stephanie discusses the delicate balance between scaling her business and maintaining personal and professional integrity.
Staff Management During Slowdowns:
"What do I do with my staff for several months when projects are put on hold?" ([56:56])
Avoiding Over-Scaling: She conveys her hesitation to over-expand based on uncertain project outcomes:
"I don’t want to take more work than my staff can handle." ([56:56])
Future Outlook and Legacy
Looking forward, Stephanie contemplates the sustainability of her business practices and her desire to leave a lasting legacy through her daughter.
Building for the Future:
"Maybe I'm not doing this for myself. Maybe my highs and lows are just building a business for her to run one day." ([71:15])
Conclusion: Embracing Authenticity and Community
Stephanie wraps up the conversation by reaffirming her commitment to authenticity in her design work and personal life. She stresses the importance of being true to oneself amidst industry pressures and evolving market conditions.
Final Thoughts:
"If you like me, you like me, and if you don’t, you don’t." ([30:52])
Book Release: Stephanie invites listeners to anticipate the release of her book:
"Interiors of a Storyteller comes out March 25th." ([73:32])
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity Over Strategy: Stephanie prioritizes genuine self-expression on social media, even when it leads to mixed perceptions.
- Navigating Industry Challenges: Rising costs and economic fluctuations pose significant hurdles for designers, requiring adaptability and strong trade relationships.
- Personal Narratives in Design: Stephanie’s personal stories deeply influence her design philosophy, emphasizing the creation of safe and transformative spaces.
- Legacy and Future Growth: Balancing business growth with personal well-being and considering the legacy for future generations are central themes in Stephanie’s approach.
Notable Quotes:
- "Creating home and creating these safe places in the physical space... is truly transformative." ([08:15])
- "Social media does not help... it's just this constant churn of am I good enough?" ([10:20])
- "We need people who are in this lane and I'm in that lane, you know, I'm in a lane that may not be the most universally popular, but I love this lane." ([48:33])
- "Interiors of a Storyteller comes out March 25th." ([73:32])
Stephanie Sabi's candid insights offer a refreshing perspective on the interior design industry, blending personal resilience with professional expertise. Her focus on authenticity, coupled with her strategic handling of industry challenges, makes for an inspiring listen for designers and enthusiasts alike.