We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dawn Ianno a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dawn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
While I was working for two design firms one in NYC and one in Long Island, years before I started on my own, I received a call from a contractor I knew through a friend and he was working with a client on renovating his home. The contractor suggested he should get in touch with a designer so he reached out to me. I was definitely excited about this opportunity because it was the first time I would design someones home all on my own. Using the experience I had gained working in the industry for about 7 years at the time, I was able to come up with a simple contract and billing structure for the project. I prepared a design presentation for my client and he loved everything I showed him. He trusted my vision and choices and let me take control of the project. He was so happy with the way his newly renovated home turned out and it really boosted my confidence with designing on my own. After the project was completed my career shifted a little and I moved on from the two design firms I was with to work for one firm full time. I never regretted any decision in my career but rather pleased with my decisions, they led me to where I am today. After working for the full time design firm for over 6 years, I gained a ton of experience in the field. 6 years later COVID happened and I was put on furlough. I had to figure out a way to get back out there, although it was a really tough time, for everyone. I reached back out to this client I worked with years back just to touch base and told him to reach out if he had or knew of anyone that had any opportunities to work together. He ended up hiring me again for additional renovations in his home and recommended me to one of his neighbors. From then on it was referral after referral and here I am in my third year of owning my own business that is continuously growing. I am really grateful for that one client and for the opportunities it has led me to this day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was always the creative one in my classes growing up which stemmed from my grandmother and mother. When I was just a little kid I would go to model homes with my grandmother just to walk around and see how each one in the community was designed. I would then collect the brochures that the sales team would give out, which included the floor plans of each unit and additionally would take out books from the library that were just filled with pages and pages of sample floor plans. Little did I know at the time that I was a future designer. When I found out that interior design was a career I knew that’s what I wanted to do when I grew up, so after high school I studied interior design and graduated from NYIT Old Westbury with a Bachelors Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. After close to 15 years experience working in the industry I have established a successful full service design firm working with amazing clients and vendors. The firm executes every project from conception to completion, focusing on all of the details in between. We do not focus on one particular style but rather tailors the approach to each individual’s taste. The goal is to create a unique space that reflects our clients style and functions in their everyday way of life. We work alongside all trades involved with the project including architects & contractors. Our service includes sourcing all furnishings, materials, fixtures and procuring the items on the clients behalf. We provide a project budget which itemizes everything sourced through Dawn Interiors and track all open orders while coordinating and overseeing installations and deliveries. We prepare space planning, elevations, lighting plans, and all the fine details including cabinetry, plumbing & tile locations. We want to ensure that the project runs smoothly and stress free and everything is perfectly placed. In addition to all the furnishings and fixtures, we provide all the little details such as accessories and artwork that make the home feel complete.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think my personality has a lot to do with being a successful business owner. I am a very easy going person and very detail oriented. I always have been. The details are what really matter in the design industry. This is what makes a project different and more successful than others. When thinking about all of the fine details of a project there is less room for error and more room for success.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The best source for new clients is constant referrals by word of mouth. When a client refers me to a new client I know that my job was done right. Not only was my client happy, which is the most rewarding feeling, but the new client has confidence before even getting a chance to know me.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dawninteriorsllc.com
- Instagram: @dawninteriors
- Facebook: dawn interiors
Image Credits
kyle caldwell tim hill