Michigan designers gathered at The Shade Store’s recently opened showroom in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on June 15 for a morning filled with lively conversation and networking. Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen hosted a panel discussion with local designers Leslie Murchie Cascino of Bonnie Wu Design, Rachel Nelson of Concetti Studio and Mia Johnson of Mia Johnson Interior Design.

Exploring “A Designer’s Point of View,” the conversation addressed different ways for designers to communicate their value, implement onboarding processes and field inquiries for new projects. Each panelist described what success looked like to them. The morning began with networking and breakfast, during which attendees enjoyed light bites while browsing the showroom—including displays of various custom window treatment styles offered by The Shade Store, as well as its selection of more than 1,300 in-stock materials.

“One of the synergies among these panelists that I loved the most was how adamant they each are about protecting their design process. They shared the ups and downs to reaching that conclusion and explained why they’ve realized that it’s better to pass on a project than to compromise their systems,” said Petersen. “I’m so grateful for these designers’ candor, and for the opportunity to partner with The Shade Store on a series that fosters such important conversations, connections and community.”

“Ann Arbor is a relatively new market for The Shade Store, and this event allowed us to connect with the local design community while creating an environment where they had an opportunity to connect with each other,” said Kara Marmion, senior vice president of marketing and communications at The Shade Store. “It was great to witness the sharing of ideas and networking among attendees and to see the group interact with our local showroom team.”