Glad to have you back this new year for another episode of Bee-Spoke with Anthony Hellman!
On today’s segment of ‘Bee-Spoke with Experts’, Anthony invites guest Cynthia Soda to the show! Cynthia is the Owner and Principal Interior Designer of Soda Pop Design Inc. Established in 2012, her multi-disciplinary interior design firm provides complete renovation and design services for mid to high-end residential clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
Join Anthony and Cynthia as they discuss her love of interior design in the podcast episode by listening or reading about it below!
Cynthia shares her journey into interior design, revealing how her parents' constant renovations sparked her interest. Witnessing quirky design decisions at home, she felt a calling to prevent such mishaps and decided early on in grade 8, that interior design was her future.
As they chat further, Cynthia offers valuable advice to aspiring designers. She emphasizes the importance of not overlooking the technical aspects of the profession. While the end result may seem like smoke and mirrors, designers bear the responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of the end user. She urged young designers to think holistically, conduct thorough research, and not let obstacles hinder personal growth.
Inspiration, according to Cynthia, comes from diverse sources, including fellow designers, online platforms like Pinterest, and collaborative efforts within her team. Anthony chimed in, stressing the significance of maintaining an open mind and considering the client's needs and preferences. Cynthia acknowledged the existence of personal styles, but highlighted the importance of adapting to meet the client's vision while infusing a unique touch.
The conversation took an exciting turn when they discussed Cynthia's foray into television. Her HGTV series served as a launchpad for her career, allowing her to be herself on screen while showcasing her designs. Both hosts agreed on the necessity of authenticity in the industry, emphasizing that putting a part of oneself into a project can be challenging but rewarding.
Cynthia candidly shared the challenges of rejection in the competitive world of interior design. She reminded listeners that not every project or client will be a perfect fit and that rejection should be seen as a part of the learning and growth process. Anthony echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of developing a tough skin and learning from both successes and setbacks.
As a favourite way to conclude every interview, Anthony always asks for some closing thoughts! Cynthia’s best advice for new designers: believe in yourself, but don't shy away from bouncing ideas off trusted teammates. She stressed the importance of choosing a team with whom one shares a connection and vibe, emphasizing that collaboration and support are crucial in navigating the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of interior design.
If you took something of value from this episode, we would love to connect with you over on our instagram @Studio321B
Cynthia Links: