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Trade Tales
Richard Anuszkiewicz on launching a new creative studio
00:47:36
Richard Anuszkiewicz on developing professional extracurriculars outside of design, why he wants to be a chameleon for each client’s style, and why he evaluates his career goals every six months.
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- [00:02]
Richard Anaskevich
I love the energy and synergy of a creative environment when you're working with other talents. I jokingly have referenced the idea of the Avengers, if you will. When you can sit down at a table and everyone's bringing their own superpower, really, magic can happen.
- [00:19]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Hi, I'm Kaitlyn Peterson, the editor in chief of Business of Home. Welcome to Trade Tales, where I'll be talking to interior designers about the challenges, pivots and perspective shifts that come with growing a design firm. My hope is that you hear your own why echoed in these stories, or an idea that sparks your own breakthrough. I hope it helps you realize that even when entrepreneurship feels lonely, you're not alone. My guest today is a designer who's been a rising star in the kitchen and bath industry since his design school days. He's spent the better part of his career so far working within other design businesses, but now he's announcing the start of a new era at the helm of his own firm. I can't wait to share it with you, but first, a quick word from our sponsors. This podcast is brought to you by June Laloy June Laloy is a total home furnishings destination from the family behind Laloy Rugs, and it recently celebrated its first birthday. Over the past year, June Laloy has brought us into the world of imaginative design, artisan craft and thoughtful curation across rugs, furniture, lighting, decor and more. With decades of Laloy Rugs expertise behind them, the team's trade program provides a seamless experience with special pricing and priority support for designers. Visit junelloy.com to explore the collection and sign up for a trade account today. That's J-O-O-N L O L-O I.com for designers who expect excellence at every touch point, Universal Furniture offers a level of partnership that feels truly elevated. Their B2B program unlocks access to beautifully crafted home furnishings, from case goods and upholstery to outdoor and decor. Universal is a true whole home resource. And best of all, it offers exclusive designer pricing with no annual minimums. You can enjoy free shipping to your receiver, but there's also white glove service available when the moment calls for it. Upholstery is offered in. Com and performance fabrics, but there's also an array of pieces ready to ship so your vision never has to wait. And with a high point showroom open by appointment all year long, as well as a dedicated design concierge, Universal ensures that every project receives the luxury of personal attention that you deserve.
- [03:00]
Richard Anaskevich
Design truly has been a part of me ever since I was young Whenever my friends in school were getting the latest PlayStation consoles, middle school, I was getting the latest drafting software. It was something about interiors and homes that always just stuck with me. I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and on Saturdays, I used to drive down and I took an architectural course at Carnegie Mellon when I was in high school and kind of sought that out on my own just because it really was a sincere passion.
- [03:29]
Kaitlyn Peterson
That's Richard Anaskevich. He went on to attend the University of Virginia, where he studied residential interior design. While he was there, he made the fateful decision to get involved with the student chapter of the National Kitchen and Bath Association.
- [03:44]
Richard Anaskevich
I attended my first kitchen and bath industry show as a student. It would have been 2008, Chicago. They bussed a group of us from Chicago to Kohler, Wisconsin. It was so inspiring to me. I mean, to feel the heat of the cast iron and to, you know, see how products were developed. I was a kid in a candy store. That was a very aha moment for me because it made the industry very tangible and just really inspired me and opened my eyes to this greater world.
- [04:14]
Kaitlyn Peterson
After graduating, Richard interned for a design build firm in Virginia, where he oversaw the design of a new showroom that.
- [04:22]
Richard Anaskevich
Actually got me into the inaugural 30 under 30 program with the NKVA. That opportunity really took me to the next chapter, where I took a role with a Maryland architecture firm, and I was appointed to be the executive director of Millwork and Casework. There were three wonderful principals of that firm that were equal partners, and I view them all as, you know, mentors in my journey. I jokingly used to say that I felt like I went from elementary school to college there. They were all practicing architects, and it was a sink or swim opportunity, and I'm grateful that I started to swim.
- [05:03]
Kaitlyn Peterson
In 2019, Richard relocated to Nashville, where he spent six years launching and leading the Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath studio in the city's growing design district. After winding down his position there this summer, he's now gearing up to share some big news about his next chapter. I wanted to talk to him about his role as creative director of the kitchen brand Monogram, why he wants to be a chameleon for each client's style in his new firm's design work, and why he evaluates his career goals every six months. You said something when you got to that architecture firm. You were the youngest person in a leadership role by 15 years, and I feel like that's probably something that's happened to you often in your career. How has that shaped the way you approach your work the way you approach clients, the way you approach partners, the way you solve problems.
- [06:01]
Richard Anaskevich
I would say that years of experience certainly carry value, but it's also your mindset and attitude to an opportunity. Right. There are moments where you can be less experienced, but if you rise to the occasion and you're willing to put the time, energy, and effort into learning and keeping a level of maturity, integrity, commitment, those doors will continue to open. And so I am extremely grateful for the opportunities to date. I definitely remind myself never to take those for granted, because I think something we all learn through time is that tomorrow's never guaranteed. The life can always change. The rug can always get pulled out from under you. Right. So I am always eager to express my gratitude. But I'm also, I'm definitely not above rolling up my sleeves and getting involved and, you know, rising to the occasion when presented with a challenge. I think that doesn't mean that there weren't truly hurdles and obstacles to go through in those moments, but I'm reminded that in those kind of lowest points along the way, that's really when I transcended to a much higher version of myself. There's a quote that I've. I heard years ago. It's actually, it was from an Oprah Super Soul Sunday.
- [07:37]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Yes.
- [07:38]
Richard Anaskevich
Always reference this quote because it really was eye opening to me. It was the thought process of when life gives you challenges, reflect on it with, instead of woe is me or why is this happening to me? It's what is this here to teach me? And that was so profound to me years ago when I heard that. And I always think in a, you know, a challenge or, you know, a hiccup along the road, it's like, what am I supposed to learn from this? How can I overcome this? And being mindful of, you know, course correcting in the future, when you start to see repeat patterns or, you know, those obstacles coming at you again, what.
- [08:24]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Were some of the stumbling blocks for you that really shifted your perspective as you were building a career?
- [08:31]
Richard Anaskevich
There's probably two that I relate to the most when you ask that question. And one would be the reference to when I started at the architecture firm and I was the youngest of, you know, 15 years. That was not an easy environment. There was no free passes. I mean, it was really like you had to figure it out. And I would say that when I first started, it was almost jarring to feel like they were communicating in a different language, almost, if you will. And to learn that didn't come overnight. But I Still remember going into the firm on my first day, it was a Monday morning, and every Monday they had Monday morning meetings where the entire firm would sit around this large conference table. It was around 12 to 14 people. And on my very first day, I walked in and I went right to the front chair, right next to the lead principal. And I sat in that seat. And I wanted to sit in that seat because I wanted to be taken seriously, I wanted to be involved, I wanted to learn. And so while that was extremely challenging to kind of catch up to speed, where a lot of these people had been practicing for literal decades, I realized that you really can again achieve your dreams, goals, or biggest aspirations with commitment and integrity. And that I really relate back to growing up in Pittsburgh with my parents and family. And I feel like they really instilled a lot of that in me. And so I just think of that time. It was extremely challenging at first, but then once it's the essence of when you're committed to something, just like getting in the gym, you know, when you're lifting weights or running for the marathon, whatever it may be. It's never easy at first, but every week it's just that steady commitment and consistency, those are the two biggest messages that I would say is if you stay consistent, it will work itself out, right? Any rain or storm will always pass. It just can you stay commitment and level headed through that process?
- [11:14]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Is that a mindset that you've had to cultivate in your work, or do you think that's something you've always had?
- [11:18]
Richard Anaskevich
I would say that I think there was a balance there of a hybrid of what you're saying. There's a part of me that it was always instilled in me at a very young age to never give up and never quit. My parents were really big on the fact of if you signed up for something or you wanted to do it, you had to see it through, you had to see it to the end. And they instilled that in us in a very young age. And now I look back at that because it's allowed me to, you know, weather storms when I think a lot of people would have, you know, walked away from certain challenges. But I would say, conversely, there's also been mentors and people that I've looked up to that have given me guidance and further confidence to understand that message and see that more clearly and ultimately maintain again, a clear mind to get through those moments and stay focused on the end goals.
- [12:19]
Kaitlyn Peterson
For so many people, I think it's challenging to establish yourself As a voice while working for someone else?
- [12:28]
Richard Anaskevich
Sure.
- [12:29]
Kaitlyn Peterson
What made you realize that was going to be an essential piece of your growth? And also, how did you navigate that sort of strategically?
- [12:37]
Richard Anaskevich
Well, I had a clear vision for goals that I wanted to achieve. I wasn't shy in communicating what those goals were. So in 2013, when I won the NKBA 30 under 30, it led me to the opportunity with the architecture firm. Having said that, it also opened up another kind of multifaceted dimension to my career and career growth, where I started speaking nationally at events. So I actually started to develop continuing education courses which were accredited through NKBA and SID and different organizations. And on my own, I started to book speaking engagements and opportunities. And so I really had kind of multiple trains, if you will, on, you know, different tracks in my career and how it started to develop and grow. And to your question, I would not say that it was always easy being able to manage both, but design is not only my career, but it. It is a hobby to me in some way, too. Right. Like, I find joy in design in other ways and art. And so there was a natural level of interest of where I chose to spend time outside of the office in growing these other facets. And so when I say it wasn't always easy, there's no question that it takes a confident firm that you're a part of to understand that you're still very much committed to the line of work.
- [14:21]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Right. Like, not. Not seeing that as competition. Right.
- [14:25]
Richard Anaskevich
Sure. And I think, one, I was always very communicative of, you know, what I was looking to do and what my goals were. And two, it takes a confident person to understand that this helps us gain collective notoriety and awareness. Right. And so I think at the end of the day, I'm really big on, did I deliver and what I was supposed to do in the sense of, did I get my projects completed, did I hit my sales goals, whatever that may be? And if I did, then to me, there's really not an issue here. Right. And I found a unique way of balancing that, and I grew that. And I am very appreciative of the people who supported me through that and didn't see it as a threat or competition, because I do understand that's a very unique relationship, and that's not for everyone. So never want to take anything for granted. But I also am really big on, you shouldn't have to dim your light for someone else or to be a part of something else.
- [15:34]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Did that require, like, negotiation, or was it just that the right people who Were sort of saw what you could bring to the table, said, yes.
- [15:45]
Richard Anaskevich
You know, when I think back on the. The times with the architecture firm, what I appreciated is the principles of that firm were basically nearing retirement. And so they really saw my spark as admirable. And so I think there was a. A bit of, you know, they had their successes, and so they didn't really see it as a conflict or threat.
- [16:10]
Kaitlyn Peterson
And didn't resent what you were doing.
- [16:12]
Richard Anaskevich
I would. Exactly. Yes. And so there was one in particular that he kind of did his own books and writing, and he would always encourage me, like, hey, when you get those opportunities, take them. You know, you really have to go for that. Because I think they understood that I really wanted to be a greater version of myself, and so they supported that.
- [16:38]
Kaitlyn Peterson
In 2021, you took a big step. Extracurricular on.
- [16:44]
Richard Anaskevich
Yes.
- [16:46]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Tell us a little bit about your work with Monogram.
- [16:49]
Richard Anaskevich
Yes.
- [16:50]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Which doesn't sound like a side hustle to me. That sounds like the main event.
- [16:54]
Richard Anaskevich
It was a really unique role. And even going back to my first K biz, I said one day at this show, I want to design something here that hopefully can inspire others. And so I first had that opportunity, actually, in 2016, a part of a design competition where I designed a small bar cart that actually won an award at the show. And that then led to a larger display the following year, a part of an ad campaign with dxv, a luxury plumbing line by American Standard. And then the year after that led me to Lieber, who was launching a new line of refrigeration, which ultimately led me to the following year working with Monogram, a part of their exhibit. So each year was different exhibit designs that grew year after year. I learned a lot each year and process and worked with different teams. You know, through the years of that timing, we had a lot of success with Monogram and their exhibits, and it really started to form a greater relationship. That brings us to the opportunity of creative director for Monogram. And that relationship grew very organically through the years. And you have to think again, it really started in 2019. So I had the role that was forming with them. And I'm equally expressing gratitude to Design Galleria of allowing me to have that kind of dual role component where I had the relationship with Monogram and I had the relationship with Design Galleria. And of course, day to day, my primary role was servicing the Nashville market and the greater essence of, you know, kitchen and bath through Design Galleria. Having said that, I did have the extra curricular of Creative direction with Monogram, that role was a very much. In different time frames throughout the year, that role demanded more of me. But it wasn't necessarily, you know, a true day to day as much as when you're running client projects. Right. Like, you're so intertwined with client projects that that's a total year week. Every day you're looking at projects and keeping those things moving. So I was able to find a balance between the two roles. It doesn't mean that there weren't hurdles or challenges in moments. I also, you have to think I held the role at Monogram prior to joining Design Go Area. So it goes back to also my sentiment of communication where, yeah, it was like, hey, I have this thing going on. It certainly demands, you know, my time in different ways. And if I'm not able to maintain this, like, I'm very appreciative for the opportunity, but it's just then the role for me. And I was grateful that they saw it as an, an asset and, you know, they celebrated that relationship and I was able to, to do both. And I give a lot of credit to the leadership at Monogram and GE as well, because they, you know, saw enough in me that they wanted to, you know, maintain that relationship with me and they understood that it wasn't something I could commit to, you know, day in and day out. But I think it takes, again, a group of confident people and clarity on what does everyone need and, you know, where do expectations lie? And really trying to just balance that and manage that.
- [20:38]
Kaitlyn Peterson
What does it mean to be the creative director of Monogram?
- [20:42]
Richard Anaskevich
It is a role that I get to dream in. I mean, there are realities, of course, to budgets and timelines and all of, you know, all of those fun things that come with it. But when I say dream, I mean truly as creative director, we had to define a visual voice to the brand. And I was really able to develop that. And so it's a really unique creative outlet outside of client work. Because, of course, with client work you're able to dream and create, but it has in its nature much more defined variables of, you know, the family that you're working for, the, you know, their personalities, their style, you know, from all of those different facets. Yeah. Having said that, in the Monogram space, there was, that could all be dreamed and created. It was much more expansive and allowed us to hone this visual voice. And so there was, there's a look and a feel to the brand and wanted the idea that we would define a look to a kitchen and you'd be able to identify that as a Monogram kitchen. So I. You have to think that, again, being the creative, passionate kid, you know, drafting in middle school, like, this was a, you know, is a dream to be able to just have fun and create and be able to kind of form this world. And it's interesting because a lot of my work through Monogram is a lot more publicized. Right. That's a lot of work that people see where day to day, I'm working on beautiful client projects that not everyone gets to see those. Right. There's a lot of reasons that sometimes projects don't necessarily see the light of day. So certain people that know me from afar, you know, know my work through Monogram. And they'll reference something like, oh, you use a lot of gold in your designs. And it's. I have to kind of remind them that that's the work that they've seen through Monogram and brass and gold is a signature MA to that brand. And so while, yes, I created that, it's the visual voice that I also created for that brand. So I think that people sometimes are pleasantly surprised or taken back when they start to see some other facets of my work that maybe isn't as publicized, where they start to see, you know, different kind of visuals that I've created. And I've always really tried to pride myself in having a golden thread to details and the thought process of design, but not being tied to a very specific look or style. And I have respect to other designers that have grown really wonderful businesses by coining a look or a style. It's just not my personal philosophy and how I approach, and I really pride myself on trying to. To show different breadths of style and and projects.
- [24:10]
Kaitlyn Peterson
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- [25:17]
Richard Anaskevich
Yes. Well, thank you. I am extremely enthusiastic to announce that I am officially launching my own firm. And I believe that it is the natural next step in my career journey. So we are officially launching Wraith Design Studio. Of course, being the founder and principal of the firm, especially in its formative days, I'm going to be extremely intertwined and a, you know, a leader in the firm. Having said that, my goal is to really, through time, grow it beyond myself. And so I wanted to think of Wraith as this idea to challenge, convention, inspire thought, and ultimately cultivate the next generation of creatives and home. And I also wanted to find a balance between where I see the world going and with that balance, I think of two things. And I wrote these words on the sheet. I thought about technology and I thought about humanity, and I wrote both of those words on paper. And technology is the idea that in the ever growing world we know that with AI and rendering and tech, that that's only growing and it continues every day to change our lives. Right. And so as a firm, I want to be on the forefront of that and be able to use the latest technologies that further enhance projects and allow a better experience for our clients. Having said all of that, at the end of the day, we can never replace the human experience. And relationships are everything to me, whether they're in my personal life or when I relate to all of these opportunities that we've talked about through my career to date, they have all started with relationships and handshakes and the human experience. So we can never replace soul and feeling. And I wanted that to be a balance within the firm and to not lose sight of those ideals. And so naturally, when I was looking in this brainstorm, I realized that the word Wraith, R A, I, T H represent all of these things that I'm referencing. So RA Richard Anaskiewicz Interior architecture is the I in Wraith, which is the idea that we're truly, you know, comprehensive design technology, that commitment to the cutting edge tools and digital intelligence that elevate the journey for our clients and then humanity, the H being, no matter how far we advance, you know, in the world, with technology at the heart of every project and relationship is soul. And we have to certainly celebrate that human experience. And so that is Wraith. And I'm again, I could not be more excited and enthusiastic to be able to share it because it does feel like it's something that was within me ever since I was, you Know the kid in fifth grade getting those subscriptions, but now I'm being able to share it and articulate it in a much more higher level.
- [29:03]
Kaitlyn Peterson
What does launching the business actually mean? You know, are you building a team? Are you already working on new projects? How are you sort of moving in this launching the business phase?
- [29:16]
Richard Anaskevich
I've been a part of large firms, I've been a part of small firms, and I've had a lot of unique experience that have further shaped what I confidently knew I wanted to create. And with that, I want a boutique studio. So certainly more of a small team where we can be mindful of the type of work we are taking on and being very thoughtful with the proper design details and able to really create what I view as design excellence. We are taking on projects, certainly, but a project size can vary. It can be very small, it can be very large. It's really the type of work and the people involved. So we do have a team in place and, you know, we're a small group, but we're experienced and certainly enthusiastic about, you know, the future.
- [30:21]
Kaitlyn Peterson
I don't want to box you into a corner where you're like, gosh, I told Caitlin on that podcast 10 years ago that my firm was going to be X number of people. But when you say boutique firm, what does that mean for you? What are your ambitions as you start to dig in?
- [30:36]
Richard Anaskevich
Well, when I reference a boutique firm, I don't know if that's necessarily direct, correlated to a headcount, if you will.
- [30:47]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Fair.
- [30:47]
Richard Anaskevich
I think that it really goes back to the essence of does the project align with the greater mission? Are the right people involved and do we feel like this is something that has longevity to it? Because I do really pride myself in my philosophy of design to think of something that has timelessness and longevity. These are large investment projects and we want the ideals of longevity in a project. So we always want to think about the use case of this has to work for today, but it has to work for the future. And that's not every project, right? Not everyone's willing to make the proper investments and think about this. And it's a long term vision. And so I reference boutique just in the idea that there's some really amazing large firms. And again, I've been a part of some of those, but in order to keep those operational, you are not able to be as selective on projects in that type of work. And I want to at least now in our formative years to be able to do that, to make sure that it still aligns with my ultimate goals and true philosophy and how I practice.
- [32:12]
Kaitlyn Peterson
What was it about this moment that made you feel ready to. To put your foot on the gas?
- [32:19]
Richard Anaskevich
Well, candidly, I would say that life experiences always have a moment to cause reflection.
- [32:30]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Yeah.
- [32:31]
Richard Anaskevich
And there was a mentor of my past, actually, through the architecture for one of the principles that I reference. And he was really great and always reminding me to, hey, evaluate every six months, where are you in your life and your career, and make sure that you're keeping your eyes on your end goals. So I would say there was a period of time where I was very comfortable in my role and having success, but ultimately, was I keeping my eyes on the prize of my main goals? Right. I think I was kind of a part of a organization or a greater group that we were having success, and it was wonderful, but it was. I wasn't necessarily paying attention to, again, things that I wanted to bring to fruition. And when I reference how kind of life experience or those moments that can hit you in the face and cause you to reflect, I actually had a very dear loved one extremely close to me, have some health challenges. And I think that created on multiple levels, me to reflect in ways of where I am in my life and am I, you know, pursuing my end passions and goals and just having conversations with this person that it really just put me into turbo drive, if you will, to kick it into gear and to be able to reflect. And so there's no question that this period of time allowed me the, you know, the opportunity to see it so much more clearly and to be able to, with full confidence, step into this next chapter.
- [34:13]
Kaitlyn Peterson
For someone listening to this, who has dreams like yours, who wants someday to launch their own business, what does it take to be ready?
- [34:26]
Richard Anaskevich
I often see other designers that they have raw talent or ideas, but they do sometimes take that leap into entrepreneurship too quickly when they don't necessarily understand the proper process of how a project should flow, or they might not have honed all of the aspects of their design acumen. And so I do really encourage people to realize that, and I think it's phenomenal to have those aspirations and goals, but find a balance to realize that there are things you need to learn along the way that can support you into, you know, that next venture. I also think outside of just learning the design side, there's really the business side. That's a huge piece.
- [35:21]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Yeah.
- [35:21]
Richard Anaskevich
And truly a vast majority of creative brains are not wired to handle that business side as clearly as it might need. And so that's something that, no question, I feel like I, I learned even within myself and you know, in Nashville at the kitchen math studio, that really helped hone my business acumen because we had to, you know, grow a team and be mindful of sales and you know, things on that side of the business that while I was a part of in other ways, you know, leading the office took that to another level. So I definitely believe that it's never a perfect scenario, right. There's media out there in movies or that, you know, always paint the, you know, the perfect picture and can often cause people to believe the grass is greener on the other side. And that's not really how life works. I'm a big proponent on water your grass where you are and you'll never have all of the, the baseline totally figured out or you know, will you ever be like fully ready. Right. If you live in idealistic state, that's just not how life is. I mean everything has pros and cons and risk and reward, right? There's, there's always these balances, but it does come down to your mindset and level of commitment. I think to again weather those storms as we talked about earlier, and to be able to realize that you need to stay committed and have a clear vision for the future. I often find while some people have large ambitions or goals, they don't necessarily have a vision totally honed. And so that's what I would also encourage people is have a very clear idea of what is that firm or what is that goal and realize that there's a lot of different ways to get there. There's not necessarily a right or wrong way. It's just, do you have clarity on what that is?
- [37:29]
Kaitlyn Peterson
What did you ultimately kind of go to market with in terms of how you wanted to structure the systems, the processes, the billing of your business?
- [37:39]
Richard Anaskevich
I believe you can't be pegged to just one avenue or one style or method, if you will, of structuring the business. For me was this idea that I view it as project specific and to how, you know, we would onboard that project. There's a clear defined process, but it could be a very product driven model for a, let's say a kitchen renovation versus a, you know, Alexis car design is going to be very service driven. Sure. So those. To be able to understand both and be able to do both for me was important because I think it's just diversifying our portfolio and allowing us to be more pliable to the opportunities that we get.
- [38:34]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Is there then a hurdle to explaining that also to team members, I would imagine to say sort of like the goalposts move a little bit sort of depending on how we've onboarded this project.
- [38:44]
Richard Anaskevich
No question. I think truly from the creative lens we would still approach a project with the same process and fundamentals. It's really the business end of just making sure that accounting and bookkeeping and that they understand more clearly the different revenue streams and making sure that we manage that side of the project appropriately. But on the design side it really follows the same process. It's just depending on the scope of work, which is defined very early really before a project starts. Right. We're defining kind of what role the project would fall in upon contract signing.
- [39:37]
Kaitlyn Peterson
We're taking a quick break to tell you more about Check June Laloy, which is currently celebrating its one year anniversary. June Laloy is your newest destination for total Home Furnishings and it brings a fresh perspective as a young brand, but it also brings plenty of hard won expertise from the family behind Laloy Rugs. If you're a member of the trade, June Laloy's trade services remain unmatched, backed by 20 years in the industry and exclusive benefits including special pricing, a dedicated support team and a seamless sourcing experience. Visit junelloy.com today to explore the latest and sign up for a trade account that's J-O-O-N L O L-O Y.com as you embark on this phase of your career, and I'm asking you an age question only because we're actually the same age and I think something that has changed for me is that I am not always the youngest person in the room anymore.
- [40:44]
Richard Anaskevich
Sure.
- [40:45]
Kaitlyn Peterson
And it has profoundly changed my professional experience in recent years. And I'm wondering if you feel that too, especially as you embark on this new role and how you're thinking about leadership in the next decade of your.
- [40:59]
Richard Anaskevich
Career, I've not lost sight as to where I was in my process. And so I often think about, okay, where was I in 2010 upon graduation, where was I in these mile markers and try to remind myself what I was yearning for from a mentor or leader when I was in my journey. And I believe personally that that has served me well and how I've grown certain relationships. You can't lose sight of where you came from. And I think that goes back to my parents instilled that to me at a very early age. And as much as I've had unique opportunities, I also really, you know, started from the ground up. And so I just relate, as I'm saying You know, thinking of myself through the process. I mean, there was a good chunk of my 20s where I did not go out, like, very regularly. Right. Like, it was every weekend, every Sunday I was at the firm working. And there's some people that would say, well, why are you doing that? You're not getting paid over time or you're not. And what they didn't see is that it was for me to learn and to grow because, again, I had this idea for something greater, so I was okay to invest. And I think that's important for people to think about, is that an opportunity is. It's not always monetary and how you can. It doesn't have to be so transactional. I think early on I was able to see a greater idea and was willing to invest my time in opportunities because I believe they would lead me to something greater. And I do believe that's come to fruition. I think there's something through time that you have to find that balance because you do have a value that shouldn't be taken advantage of. And I think I learned that the hard way through time as well. But I would say you learn from those moments, and I would not do it different.
- [43:15]
Kaitlyn Peterson
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew at the outset of your career?
- [43:21]
Richard Anaskevich
Oh, my gosh, there's a lot. I'm sure I would say that. Believe it or not, in my very formative years, I did not understand the power of my creativity. It was always within me, and it was something that I had since birth. Right. But I really didn't fully understand that value or how special that was till much later in my time in career. And so there's no question that I would, you know, to my younger self, make sure that I understood more clearly the, you know, the value that I brought to the table. And within that, what does success look.
- [44:12]
Kaitlyn Peterson
Like for you today? How do you define success?
- [44:16]
Richard Anaskevich
Well, to me, success is defined by the person in their own life. I, through time, have realized, you know, when I aspired to others and I would see them reach a milestone, I would think, man, if I just could get there, then I knew I made it right. And the truth is, I've been fortunate to hit some of those milestones and goals through time. And once I did get there, I realized that. That you're always. Then the ladder just keeps going above you. Right. There's always new challenges, new growth to be had. And so I don't know if you ever quote, unquote, make it right. I think a true entrepreneur and a True creative. It's like you're then climbing to the next level and you see that level and you want to achieve it. And so I always encourage people to realize, how do you define success in your own life? You know, for me, it is my career and it is design because I'm very passionate and driven by it. I have two beautiful sisters and you know, one sister has grown a family and that's her success. She's a wonderful mother, two beautiful children, and watching, you know, their lives develop like that truly is her success. And so I don't think that success has to be defined by, you know, one point of view. I think it's really for the individual to determine how they, you know, define success. And I think it's also important to realize the that success can be in small wins from, you know, a day to day. Did a task get completed for the day, then that's a success. And then, you know, in a grander scale in a year from now can, you know, Wraith design have an award winning project that's a success as well? So I think, think there are different levels or tiers to success and there's different ways to define it. And so I definitely try to be open to that realization and to encourage others to see from that lens and ultimately approach life from a positive point of view because I do think your mindset is such a big piece of, of the energy that you output, the work you output, and ultimately your relationship with others.
- [46:47]
Kaitlyn Peterson
That's our show for today. Thank you so much for listening. If you'd like to keep up with the latest design industry news, check out new products or browse job openings, head on over to businessofhome.com and if you're enjoying Trade Tales, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show. If you have a note for the show or a story of your own to share, I'd love to hear from you and you can email me@tradetalesusinessofhome.com Trade Tales is produced by me, Kaitlyn Peterson and Caroline Burke. This episode was edited by Caroline Burke and Michael Castaneda. Our theme music is by Kyle Scott Wilson. Thanks again for listening and I'll see you back here next week. Sam.