Andrew Joseph: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
Laiza Cors: Launching our Living by Design virtual showhouse (two years in a row now!) was a complete labor of love. My background includes running digital marketing for Barclay Butera where I was introduced to the fabulous world of showhouses, so I understood what an amazing marketing tool these events were – bringing together brands, designers, press, and more. A showhouse, especially a digital one, felt natural to the work we were already doing in our industry. And because of the pandemic, the virtual concept was born. Over nearly two years, we built this showhouse from the ground up. And to be the virtual showhouse in our industry is so exciting.
Clara Haneberg: I second that. Coming from an editorial background, and helping run and market a few showhouses, I feel so proud to have helped build this thing from an idea to a reality with the support of our amazing partners.
Designed by Bobby Berk
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
LC: I love connecting people, personally and professionally. At some point along the way, I realized others also see me as a connector, as I continuously receive emails from friends and colleagues asking for leads on job opportunities or good candidates for open positions, or even someone to have a drink with in their city… At the core of what we do at Embello and the Living by Design Showhouse is connecting brands with people who will be their advocates, connecting people who are interested in home with design inspiration and great products.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into what you do?
CH: We are particularly proud of the fact that the Living by Design showhouse is the most sustainable showhouse around! The doors never close, and because each room is virtual, there’s no costly setup or wasteful take-down, just a fantastical virtual space that lives on.
AJ: How do you stay up to date on the latest technology in design?
LC: Since our business is heavily reliant on the social media and influencer marketing world, we are always looked to as experts in these fields. Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok are always changing so resources like Social Media Today and Social Media Week are great. We also are paying special attention to Web3 and the Metaverse as it relates to design – I like LinkedIn for this.
Designed by Marie Flanigan
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
LC: I have two kids: a 2-and-a-half-year-old son and a 6-month-old daughter, so life as a small business owner can seem overwhelming at times. Right now I am truly inspired by all the mama business owners I cross paths with, whether it’s a designer, influencer, publicist, bookkeeper, etc. We all do amazing things even though we are juggling a million things, all in one day! Seeing others do what they love while having a family is truly inspiring.
CH: I thrive off good energy and our two Australian Shepherds are always looking to give some love or get some fresh air! When I feel “stuck” I enjoy doing something crafty – be it wrapping a gift, finger painting with my toddler, or arranging a flower bouquet. When I am healthy and happy, I am my most inspired and productive self.
AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
LC: I recently purchased my first home in the suburbs of Chicago and one of the first rooms I want to tackle is our home office. I have been seeing lacquered walls EVERYWHERE and I’m loving that wet paint look. Now if I can only decide the paint color…
Designed by Dabito
AJ: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
CH: I love trends! But my favorites are the ones that seem to have no expiration date, like customized, personal touches. I still have a simple white pillowcase with my monogram on it from my childhood– she went to college with me and now she’s sitting pretty on my adult bed. And timeless patterns– like leopard print, which wrapped the walls of my childhood home’s guest bath and is a staple in my wardrobe year-round. And the idea of building a collection of things that are only “on trend” to you– like my affinity for butterflies and butterfly motifs.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
CH: While the day I was laid off from my beloved magazine editorial role was undeniably one of my lowest, least-favorite career moments, it was also quite humbling to receive so much love and support from the design community. It felt like everyone in our sweet, home-design sphere went out of their way to reach out and let me know they were in my corner and rooting for me. This immense outpouring of love made me feel accomplished.
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