Maker Creator Series: Finding Fabulous : Sara Noble
Finding Fabulous
Sara Noble
“Finding Fabulous”
Women Entrepreneurs in the Digital World: Designer Spotlight Sara Noble of Noble Designs
The Maker Creator Series is my monthly series of candid conversations with artists, interior designers, architects and creators I admire, and have the opportunity of meeting through my business. Today, we’re chatting with Sara Noble, who left a career in finance to launch her own design firm, Noble Designs, in 2003.
Finding Fabulous is my go to for inspiration, in good company on display in my living room.
I talked to Sara about her book, the influences of having grown up in the midwest, how she is keeping her team busy and some tools that have become her biggest asset during the pandemic, and looking forward to what is next.
Kitchen : Nobel Designs
What’s in the works for you right now?
SH: We have a lighting line coming up with a local lighting company, and we are on track to do a natural stone accessory line. I’m hoping it comes to be, but this pandemic is getting in my way of some things! dvd: Oh wow, I am so excited to see the reveal! I am sure there will be influences from fashion, which you are also obviously very passionate about, that will make the even more special.
Did you always want to be an interior designer?
SN: No, I always had an interest in design, but I studied finance. I wanted to be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. I quickly discovered that finance and corporate America was not my passion, so 18 years ago I started Noble Designs with my mom with the thought we would do a retail shop someday. We quickly realized that too was not the dream, but my design work inspired me. I could do it for hours and still want to come back for more.
Given our current events these days, Do you work online with clients? Was this difficult to set up? What tools and apps make this work. Do you have a tip sheet for clients when working this way?
SN: We are working online with many clients right now. I have a team of seven and we are all working from home right now. I have done out of town projects before, so I had a way of working remotely, but we are refining that process as we do more of it with the current situation. I love seeing other parts of the country, so I hope to grow my out of town work. Being able to work remotely not only helps right now, but it prepares us for growing that side of the business. Zoom has been instrumental for us and is mainly how we communicate with clients. Most of our work is done digitally, so it’s easy to share that part of the presentation. I do think there is real value in seeing and touching samples though. There are things that just cannot be communicated online, so we put together samples and send a box. It takes longer to gather and get it sent over, but I think it adds real value and gives the client a better understanding of our design.
Tell us about the process of launching your business. Best parts? Biggest challenge? What beginning would you like to share?
Like I said, I launched my business with my mom and when we both decided that we did not want to pursue retail, she resigned :). At the time, I had small children so Noble Designs was very part time. The company has grown like I needed it to and has grown into a career I love, but it’s been slow, and I have had my fair share of bumps along the way. I was lucky I had the ability to stay home with my kids, so taking the first couple of years to slowly but consistently work on my process was a real benefit to me. My team is everything and I have figured out some hard lessons along the way to get to this group. I hope to continue to grow my business, so now I am slow to hire. I want to make sure we have good fit for design, culture and compatibility with a team I already love.
What is your favorite part of the creative process? What inspires you and why?
SN: I love the initial space planning. I’m able to go into a space and reimagine it. I love presenting to a client that had not been able to envision the new space. I also love the “fluff”; the final layer of design that really makes it feel special. I’m inspired by so many things. Travel and fashion are always on my mind. And now with Instagram, Pinterest and blogs, I can be inspired by those things from my sofa. While I still think getting out of my comfort zone (like traveling to new places) sparks my brain in a different way, I’m never lacking inspiration. dvd: I agree, sometimes you just need to get out of the office and experience something new.
Thank you so much for letting us pick your brain today. Before we go, what’s next for you? What can we be looking forward to besides the obvious, your book and two furniture collections? Anything else you’d like to share?
We are always excited for new opportunities, so I’m always hopeful something fun is on the horizon. I have started doing Instagram Live sessions on Monday afternoons at 4 p.m. CST. We started with “I Hate My House” where you could send me pictures and questions about what you hated about your house. This week is our first installment of “There’s No Place Like Home” where we interview design people with a tie to Kansas. Stacy Kunstel , of the brand Dunes & Duchess, is our first interview. It’s fun to do something a little out of the ordinary to connect with people.
Beautiful interiors and more.
Finding Fabulous is a beautiful book. Sara Noble’s talents are showcased in a variety of styles. I love her personal connection to each client as well as her ability to combine her design expertise with the client’s taste. Whether purchasing this book for yourself or a friend, the reader will delight in the beautiful photographs of Sara Noble’s talent.
The book is full of inspiration and ideas for all tastes. AND.... it makes a great coffee table book. LOVE this book! You won’t be disappointed.
GIVEAWAY: Woohoo!
Now its time for our reader appreciation giveaway!
Sara and I are giving away (3 )books to (3) lucky readers.
“Finding Fabulous” is a beautiful book. Sara Noble’s talents are showcased in a variety of styles. I love her personal connection to each client as well as her ability to combine her design expertise with the client’s taste. Whether purchasing this book for yourself or a friend, the reader will delight and be inspired with the beautiful photographs of her talent.
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT SPONSORED. It’s our way of thanking you, my reader. I want to wish you GOOD LUCK because I love ya tons!!
Free Design Book: Finding Fabulous
NOTE: Winner will be contacted by email. If a winner does not respond within three days of being contacted, another winner will be selected.
All the Magic started here: Elevator Selfie: High Point Market L-R : Laura (Lisa’s right hand) and Lisa Peck of LiLu Interiors , Sara Noble of Noble Designs, Donna Mancini, Mancini Design, Deborah von Donop, Sara Barney of BanDD Design , and integrating the team is our token guy….. Tim Green of Time Green Interiors. ( so cute)
To catch up on our recent products for interior designers and small businesses, and to be notified of future giveaways, make sure to join our community of decor enthusiasts.
Thank you again for every email, text, note, Facebook message, Instagram comment, all of it. You are the reason I love what I do so much. I am thankful and consider it a privilege to be a small part of your life.
Peace be with you,
xoxo
Deborah
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