EP 252: BUILDING A RETAIL EXPERIENCE THAT KEEPS CUSTOMERS COMING BACK WITH CHRISTINA VAN BLAKE

Owner/Interior Designer Christina Van Blake is a prominent designer serving the Maine and NH Seacoast area for over 22 years. Christina truly enjoys her work, her clients and design of all kinds. Her enthusiasm for the art of this business ensures each client fully understands the options and choices, why they work, and how they reflect their personal taste with the end result being a carefully curated space that feels uniquely personal and beautifully functional. Christina graduated with a BFA in Design from Savannah College of Art & Design and currently holds 3 separate degrees in Advertising, Graphic & Interior Design.

Her specialties in color, pattern and texture come from 3 generations of designing women. Christina has received numerous awards and accolades for her art and design work as well as her charitable contribution through ‘Design it Forward’; a non-profit effort to bring interior design services to anyone willing to do 3 charitable acts in return. She has been featured in various media outlets as well as a guest speaker and teacher locally, nationally and internationally.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Christina to talk about the journey behind her two businesses, HOME and house & HOME, and how she created two distinct experiences for two very different types of customers. Christina shares how house & HOME grew into a 9,000-square-foot retail destination filled with furniture, housewares, gifts, and carefully curated displays, while HOME remains focused on full-service interior design and custom furniture.

What's Inside:

• Building two distinct businesses and creating the right experience for interior design clients versus retail shoppers
• Curating, buying & merchandising with intention, from market finds to creating displays around a lifestyle and a story
• Turning customer service into customer loyalty through personal connection, memorable events, and experiences that keep shoppers coming back

Instagram for HOME
Instagram for House & HOME
Home Designer Website

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