My Dearest Business Owners,
In the fall of 2022, The Dope Million was given the opportunity to interview a very inspiring lady, Courtney Sloane, an interior designer and owner of Courtney Sloane Design in Jersey City.
From speaking to her, one thing rang clear: there is no limit to what you can achieve, and that is why we’re sharing this conversation with you.
Can we start by you sharing a bit about yourself, where, and how you got started in interior design?
I started my business in 1994 after 10 years of working for a design-related company that sold materials. I was being trained in the area of what my business is. I wanted to become an interior designer since I was a little girl. My mum had a friend who was a decorator, and my mum has a great eye for detail. I would always spend time with them listening to them talking about design and elements.
After reading about your journey on your website, we noticed that you worked with Formica Corporation for 8 years but had a dream of doing something greater with your passion, what made you take the leap and turn a dream into reality?
I just felt like I had something more to say. The company I worked for was a smaller business but they were the best at what they did. And they took the time to train us so I was confident in my abilities. I felt it was my destiny. I spent 10 years in training, and I was trained on how to go in and get your business in a professional way. I got all I could get so I had to try it out for myself, so I stepped out on faith and started taking projects on my own and working on them at night. Working on a few pieces of furniture and eventually the entire room so taking it step by step.
One thing we love is a business that gives back, and you founded Project Inspire. Please tell us more about that.
Project Inspire was a community project that started through Landmark Education which focuses on people living the happiest life they can. I spent many years with them participating in their programs. Project Inspire was meant to inspire high school students that want to consider a career in design. Those designers would come through for the day, and we’d bring kids over and listen to some stories. These were real stories about how they became who they are. Project Inspire was started to give a glimpse of hope for what’s possible. So we do that twice a year, but throughout we’ve had relationships with many universities mentoring students.
With so many achievements your business has had, such as having your design style featured on the cover of New York magazine, and being honored among the top 101 designers by House Beautiful, which do you feel really hit home and was a clear sign that you are on the right track?
Honestly, from the beginning, I stood in gratitude being a black girl from jersey city and reaching some of the levels of success. It all for me was a real tickle. I truly believe I was the right person at the right time in the right place. My career has had highs and lows. So it’s like any other business but I have been blessed. Each thing was an opportunity and being inducted into the library of congress among those who’ve made history and to be acknowledged is amazing.
Courtney’s design style has been featured on the cover of New York magazine, and being honored among the top 101 designers by House Beautiful
Where do you draw your inspiration for your designs?
From my surroundings. I’m a big lover of art deco design, french art deco styling, and industrial spaces. In the beginning, it was a lot of rustic elements. I’ve always loved metal. I draw inspiration from everywhere, it’s all around us – colors and patterns. It depends on what we’re working on.
We know that it can be mentally exhausting to run a business and stay on top of creativity, so what does Courtney Sloane do when she needs a mental break?
I’m a big stand-up paddle person. that is my ultimate happy place. Every chance I get to do it, I take it. I started years ago learning from a group of women who taught me everything, I absolutely love it.
If you could sit and have a conversation with anyone and draw inspiration from, whose brain would you pick?
It would be someone like Josephine Baker. It would be interesting because she was from a time period I am interested in, and because of all the things that she was.
What do you feel are the biggest challenges business face today, especially in the aftermath of Covid-19?
For those of us who have come through it, I guess we get the importance of having dollars to operate and capitalize. That was an enormous amount of time lost, and it was far greater for a micro business. We may have learned to reserve capital and have the ability to think of alternatives on how to keep ourselves afloat. Being plugged into our community and knowing what was available and not available, broadening our base of people, and having other relationships outside of our core. The level of inflation and interest rates is a lot to absorb, with this new reality.
What advice would you give your younger self, knowing what you know today?
I think I would say: be patient with yourself, be loving with yourself, and be more generous in acknowledging and having a whole lot of fun because it’s not that serious. At the end of the day it should be moments of joy.
We always end an interview with some words of encouragement. what would you like to say to those who dream of taking their love for design and turning it into a THRIVING business venture?
I’d probably say it’s good to start in baby steps, it could look like helping a friend and trying it on your own. And if it’s something you are interested in, try seeking professional assistance. Don’t be on the sidelines and jump right into the pool. Believe in yourself. The worst thing that could happen is you might fail, then, you try something else. I’d hate to leave here without having tried.
Courtney’s company has since partnered, expanded and is on the road to an even more innovative journey. Check out Courtney Sloane Design and see the brilliance she creates.
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Disclaimer: This resource is for information purposes only. The company is not directly related to The Dope Million in any way. Always check your resources’ original website for updated information