Trade Tales: Why Passion is a Priority in Anissa Zajac’s Hiring Process

Host: Kaitlin Petersen, Editor-in-Chief of Business of Home
Guest: Anissa Zajac, Founder of House 7 Design
Release Date: August 28, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of Trade Tales, Kaitlin Petersen engages with Anissa Zajac, a seasoned interior designer who has navigated significant transformations within her firm, House 7 Design. The conversation delves into Anissa’s journey from a creative enthusiast in a small town to the leader of a thriving design business, emphasizing the critical role of passion in her hiring process.

1. Early Creative Foundations

Anissa Zajac begins by sharing her upbringing in a creatively nurturing environment where everything was handmade. This early exposure to creativity laid the groundwork for her future in interior design, even though she initially didn't recognize it as a viable career path.

“Your rates tell people how good you are. And I'm the same way. If I'm gonna buy something from somebody and maybe one's a little bit more expensive, I'm gonna be like, okay, well, it's more expensive because it must be better.” (00:02)

2. Discovering Interior Design as a Career

Despite her creative background, Anissa explored various paths, including liberal arts and retail management, before finding her true calling in interior design. A pivotal moment occurred when she started remodeling her home and documenting the process through a blog. This initiative unexpectedly attracted clients seeking her design expertise.

“What am I doing? Like, Eric had no idea that he would be dead this time last year... I was like, this is stupid.” (04:03)

3. Launching House 7 Design

In 2019, Anissa officially launched House 7 Design in Indianapolis. Moving to a preferred neighborhood and collaborating with House 8 Media to shoot a pilot for HGTV were significant steps in establishing her firm. Although the show wasn’t picked up, the experience enriched her skills and expanded her client base.

4. Adapting During COVID-19

The unexpected onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented both challenges and opportunities. Anissa opened a brick-and-mortar store just weeks before lockdowns began. Faced with the necessity to keep the business afloat, she swiftly transitioned to an e-commerce model using Squarespace. This move not only mitigated the impact of the pandemic but also underscored the importance of adaptability in business.

“We made a e-commerce site, like, really quick on Squarespace... I didn't want to do it until, like, the branding was perfect and everything was perfect. I was like, okay, I don't even know what we're doing, but we got to sell this stuff.” (08:57)

5. Managing Rapid Team Expansion

The shift to e-commerce led to a rapid expansion of her team, growing to 14 members. This sudden increase introduced complexities in team management, leading Anissa to reassess her approach to leadership and team dynamics. Recognizing the strain of juggling multiple roles, she decided to streamline her team to a core group of three talented individuals.

“I couldn’t do this. Like, I could do more. I could do that. So before, I couldn’t even think about expanding, now I can.” (31:01)

6. Revamping the Hiring Process

Anissa emphasizes the significance of hiring individuals who share her passion for design. She restructured her hiring process to involve multiple team members, ensuring a better cultural and professional fit. This collaborative approach has strengthened her team’s cohesion and enhanced overall productivity.

“We talk about design all day long because we love it so much... if you don't have that drive and you have that love, you're not the best fit for our team.” (35:17)

7. Transparent Billing and Communicating Value

A critical aspect of Anissa’s business model is her transparent billing system. House 7 Design bills clients based on hourly rates estimated by the project's square footage, with a minimum of 50 hours per project. She prioritizes clear communication through welcome packets and detailed contracts to set billing expectations and educate clients on the value of professional design services.

“Your rates tell people how good you are... we've established ourselves as a brand. ... it's worth what somebody will pay for it.” (46:01)

8. Building a Local Design Community

Recognizing the lack of a robust local design network in Indiana, Anissa co-founded a monthly meetup group with a fellow designer. This initiative fosters collaboration, support, and knowledge-sharing among local designers, alleviating feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of community within the industry.

“We can meet monthly or by, you know, monthly and just talk about like things we're experiencing... that’s been really beneficial.” (50:29)

9. Defining Personal and Professional Success

Anissa shares her personal definition of success, which centers on having happy children, financial stability, and a respectful, valued team. She strives to balance professional aspirations with family responsibilities, aiming to provide a legacy of passion and quality in her work.

“Success is having happy kids.” (55:53)

Conclusion

Anissa Zajac’s story is a testament to the power of passion-driven leadership in building a sustainable and fulfilling business. Her experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, transparent communication, and fostering a passionate team to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. By prioritizing what she loves, Anissa not only grows her business but also creates a positive impact on her community and family.

Notable Quotes:

• “Your rates tell people how good you are. And I'm the same way.” (00:02)
• “What am I doing? ... I was like, this is stupid.” (04:03)
• “We couldn't keep up... now it's time to do some new things.” (31:01)
• “If you're not geeking out over, like, amazing plaid floral sofa, then, like, you're not the best fit for our team.” (35:17)
• “It's worth what somebody will pay for it.” (46:01)
• “Success is having happy kids.” (55:53)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to it.