workplace & what-to-wear woes #7
parties vs. dinner parties, starting a business 101, and bold prints
Happy Monday! I can’t believe it’s July. I’m hurtling my way through this short week before the holiday. A friend’s grandma (in her late 80s and full of energy) is teaching a dumpling-making class on Wednesday, which is carrying me through my workload!
Summer holidays (Memorial Day and July 4th) are full of parties and events. As an extroverted extrovert, I love meeting and connecting with new people.
But over the past few years, I’ve realized how much I detest clubs and noisy bars. The dancing is fun for an hour or two—and then you’re screaming into the void, with everyone around you nodding their heads because they have no idea what you’re saying. I’ll always choose the intimate dinner party where I can *actually* get to know the people around me over the hottest club full of randoms.
I think I’ve always been this way.
I remember waiting in line for the bathroom at a club in college—and flicking open my NYTimes app because…why wouldn't I?! A Tony Soprano-looking bro tapped me on the shoulder. “Are you really reading the NYTimes…at a club right now?” he asked, his gold chain glistening with sweat. I laughed and said, “Yeah…want to join me?” He chuckled and said, “I barely know how to speak English.” 😂
So if your social calendar is overloaded with events this holiday weekend and you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t fret. Throw an intimate party later this summer with the people you want to be around. I recently threw an appetizer party for friends (more details on Instagram), and it was the perfect low-stakes gathering.
P.S. If you’re new around here, welcome! I’m Julia, a brand strategist and content creator based in NYC. I partner with clients to tell standout stories—whether they’re an executive changing careers or a CPG brand looking to reach a new audience across platforms. You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @smarterinasec, learn more about me / my services on my website, and of course, right here on Substack.
Let’s dive in!
A workplace woe
Q: How do I gain confidence / get clients with not a lot of experience or education? I work in interior design.
Starting a business is incredibly vulnerable. For the very first time, you’re formally putting yourself and your talents on display. I assume that if you’re a new, self-taught interior designer, you’ve been helping family & friends with their design needs for years…free of charge. No more freebies. You deserve to be compensated for your hard work!
Write an e-mail to your network publicizing your services. Your network = your college sorority sister, that friend you consulted with on curtain options five years ago, your old co-worker at your corporate job. In other words, any friend, family member, or professional who knows what you can accomplish—and can spread the word about your offerings. In the e-mail, share links to your website and social media platforms. You also need to make a specific ask. For instance: “As I scale [business name], I’m looking for introductions to developers, real estate agents, and other professionals whose clients are in need of design services. I also welcome direct introductions to anyone seeking an interior designer!” Make sure to specify your design style and the kind of projects you specialize in.
Network! Research interior design groups on Facebook to connect with fellow professionals. I also recommend looking up Facebook groups in your area and writing a post about you and your services. (I live in NYC, and am part of many Facebook groups that feature these posts). Finally, I highly recommend joining The Old Girls Club. A play on “the old boys’ club,” it’s a private Slack group for women with 5+ years of work experience. It’s $100 a year and so, so worth it.
Every woman who joins the group writes an intro post, where she writes what she can give to new members AND what she’s looking for. This two-way networking makes the group feel way more authentic vs. traditional networking (which can feel transactional!)
If you’re interested in joining, please DM me on Instagram and I’d be happy to provide a referral. (I don’t get any kickback / affiliate income from this—it’s simply a group requirement that each member needs to be personally referred). Similar to a country club!
Start a social media presence! I know, I know. But for any solopreneur, starting a social media presence is tablestakes. 1000% necessary—even if gaining traction can be a bit of a slog. A few ideas to get started:
Post pictures of your previous work and use relevant hashtags. Look up interior-design specific hashtags and add them to the caption of your post. Ideally, you want to include a mix of large hashtags (#interiordesign) and smaller, more niche hashtags (#nycinteriordesigner). This way, your posts get maximum reach.
This is an example from TikTok vs. static images on IG, but this mother-daughter design duo on TikTok is one of my favorite follows. They primarily do beachy residences at the Jersey Shore, and I love their use of color and texture.
Post pictures from your camera roll that have inspired you. Visit a hotel recently that had a beautiful lobby? Snapped a magazine ad that struck you? Share on social media—along with a quick analysis of what inspired you and why.
Share your expert POV on design. I love consuming content where a subject matter expert provides a hot take on a trend in their industry. Pick a design trend you hate or love—and turn it into a video!
A great example is brand licensing expert Julie Turkel. She provides sharp insight into all things luxury fashion & retail, and has quickly become a go-to thought leader within her space.
P.S. All ‘workplace woe’ questions are pulled from my weekly career AMA on Instagram. Follow along and submit your own question!
A what-to-wear woe
Q: I love bold patterns, but don’t want to invest a ton. Any recs? I know you love printed pants!
Yes! I LOVE bold prints. My brother and fiancé scoff every time I wear loud prints. The more they sigh, the more compliments I get from women. It’s a direct correlation.
While I love prints and they’re a true staple in my wardrobe, I get that they’re not the most versatile. I’ve never spent more than $200 on a printed piece (and don’t plan to).
A few pieces I know you’ll love:
$30 and adorable. Would look perfect with a white or black tank.
They also come in this Pucci-esque colorway (also $30!)
If you’re in the mood for something more versatile, I love blue & white. You can pair with black, tan, or white. I have a blue & white dress I pair with a raffia clutch and shoes. This mini dress is $129 and adorable.
If you’re shy about playing with boldly colored prints, try patterns. This white blouse is a wear-with-anything piece—I have a similar one that I pair with jeans, skirts, and leather pants. $130 and a great buy.
P.S. My go-to white tee is perfect for pairing with all printed pants & shorts. $15, and you can’t beat the slouchy-yet-flattering fit!
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“I barely know how to speak English!” 😂 Hope he’s doing well.
Love the printed pants!