We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tania Cassill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tania below.

Tania, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

I started huit design group a few years ago after promoting another assistant to be a lead designer. I realized the benefits of having independent designers sharing a workspace and having the vast knowledge of 4 designers in one space. We all work independently but often round table many of our projects. There is no competition between the designers. We support each other and collaborate on ideas often.

This model has turned out to be incredibly supportive and helped each of us grow our business.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

In my previous professional life I was in fashion. I have always been inspired by beautiful textiles, organic shapes and how these items make you feel. During the full renovation of my own home I realized I had found my calling. It was simply the same concept as fashion but it was a different medium. I started design school in 2004 and launched my interior design business shortly after. In 2014 I rebranded to huit design and opened a concept shop showcasing my favorite finds. This allowed people who did not know me to understand my aesthetic. I was basically a full service interior design studio with a retail shop all in one.
The combination of the interior design studio and a concept shop worked really well and provided an inspirational work place.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Like many small business owners and entrepreneurs, I was responsible for every aspect of my business. I was my only employee when I started and tried to be successful at everything from bookkeeping to buying to designing to running the retail end of the business. I soon realized that in order to be successful and grow my business I had to delegate the jobs that were not bringing in income. My sole focus needed to be on designing and interfacing with clients. This allowed me to free up not only time to design but also the headspace I was spending on the back end of the business.

I have always been a very hardworking and capable over achiever. I had to unlearn the need to be in control of every aspect of my business and delegate the jobs that are not necessarily my area of expertise. This allowed others to shine and me to focus on what I excel at.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

There are four independent designers here at the studio. In the beginning, each one was my assistant. I feel very strongly in empowering people to take risks and do what scares them. When I felt each assistant was ready, I started to give them projects that I either did not have time for or smaller scale projects. They became their own lead designer but in a safe and creative environment. I provide the office and a space for ideas and collaboration which works very well when someone is just starting out. I encourage each of the now independent designers to take the big project – do what scares them – work out of their comfort zone. Each member of the huit design group is thriving and working on amazing projects. I believe in each one of them.
When people know they are supported and empowered to be successful…they shine.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.huitlaguna.com
• Instagram: @huitlaguna
• Linkedin: Tania Cassill

Image Credits
Photo credit: Chad Mellon