After founding Avery Frank Designs six years ago, Richmond, Virginia–based designer Avery Sefcik tapped into neighborhood design resources as a stepping stone to opening his own accounts—a move that provided him access to bigger brands and much-needed support.
When you launched your business, did you immediately open your own trade accounts?
I opened an account with Designer’s Market, a trade-only showroom here in Richmond that is basically like a miniature design center. They carry a lot of furniture brands—from CR Laine to Hickory Chair to Baker—and I gained new access to fabric companies like Schumacher and Kravet. The showroom takes a small markup, but their staff is also super helpful—especially for a one-person band like me. When you order something, you don’t have to worry about sending the fabric to so-and-so, because they order the fabric and send it to the manufacturer for you.
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