WithIt's New York Design Tour offers a unique way to experience the Big Apple's tempting design scene.
 
"It makes me take the time to re-inspire and inform my design work," says WithIt's Regional Vice President-Metro New York/Northeast Jana Platina-Phipps, owner of Home Couture Collective. "Even though it's in my own backyard, this tour is a valuable gem. And the networking with other members from other disciplines and parts of the country makes the tour even richer."
 
This year's event, May 15-17, offers an a la carte menu of design inspirations: a tour of the Kips Bay 2010 Designer Showhouse, a visit to the Urban Archaeology showroom, and a color presentation by Doty Horn of Benjamin Moore.
 
Attendees can tour the studio of fine artist Laura Loving, too. This University of Georgia graduate shares a space with textile designer Isabelle Higgins and wallpaper designer Michael Glickman. It's good to share--Laura says it creates great networking opportunities and word-of-mouth referrals.
 
Co-branding is important to Laura's business, too. Recent high-profile events with Madison Avenue retailers such as French shoe manufacturer J. M. Weston and Lalique have been instrumental to her success.
 
Here, Laura discusses her dream come true--to live and work in New York City--with WithIt Vice President-Media Julie Smith Vincenti.
 
What makes your business unique?
Laura: Being a fine artist in New York City is a unique opportunity. I'm exposed to an international marketplace. People come from all over the world to experience this city and its art.

Why New York?
Laura: I'm originally from the South, but I've always wanted to live here. I've worked very hard to get here and realize the dream.

New York is one of the most beautiful cityscapes. I'm always inspired by the people of New York, too. They're cutting-edge and world-changing.
 
Other inspirations?
Laura: I love flowers. During a recent trip to the Museum of Modern Art, I was inspired by a group of Dutch artists for some of my florals. Also, I lived in Côte d'Azur, France for two years. Paris is an inspiration, too. I'm pretty serious about "happy," and I think a lot of my work celebrates this.

How does mentoring aid your business?
Laura: I feel very strongly about mentoring. Fine Art is a field in which you're taught you can't make a living as an artist. But I got to know a lot of Southern artists who were making a living as fine artists.

Also, I take an intern every summer. Interns are great for both the intern and the business. You learn just as much from them as they do from you. Also, when I have shows, I try to include young people, so they will understand the business.
 
How does your network help your business?
Laura: Our space here is a great example of how three artists can work together. There is no conflict, so Michael, Isabelle and I can share clients and studio visits. It's refreshing.
 
Visit the New York Design Tour page at withit.org to register for the event and reserve your spot.

 

WithIt is pleased to announce two additions to its Board of Governors: Jason Phillips, vice president and creative director of The Phillips Collection and founder and president of Jason Phillips Design, and Y. Jerry Cohen, founding member and partner at New York law firm Cohen, Tauber, Spievack & Wagner PC.
 
Phillips and Cohen join the WithIt Board of Governors advisory team, which is comprised of 15 industry leaders who represent several business disciplines and levels of leadership.
 
Phillips is an award-winning designer who was recently awarded the inaugural INSPIREDESIGN Design Excellence Award at the Las Vegas Market; named 2010 Product Designer of the Year during the 21st Annual ARTS Awards; and earned the Trade Secrets Award in VERANDA magazine's inaugural Art of Design competition. Phillips is a board member for several associations, including the American Society of Furniture Designers, the Interior Design Panel at High Point University, and the Young Home Furnishings Professionals. Also, he is a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council.
 
"I am both honored and humbled by my inclusion in WithIt's Board of Governors," Phillips says. "I have been watching this organization branch out over the years, and I am very excited to join the team to add to the great momentum that already exists."
 
Cohen is a corporate counselor who handles financial, commercial and intellectual property transactions, and provides strategic business advice to public and private corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. He routinely counsels clients in strategic alliances; joint ventures; licensing; marketing and distribution arrangements; acquisitions; divestitures; restructurings; and financings. Cohen has been a guest speaker at WithIt's professional conference. And on his blog at FurnitureToday.com, "Law and the Business of Furniture," he provides insight and solutions about legal matters that affect the furniture industry, including operational issues, trends, and current and proposed legislation.
 
"I'm proud and delighted to have been nominated to WithIt's Board of Governors," Cohen says. "WithIt's mission of outreach to professional women, which it accomplishes so well, is vital for the success and future of the home and furnishings industries. I'm excited and look forward to helping WithIt continue to fulfill it's essential role."
 
In addition to Phillips and Cohen, the 2010 WithIt Board of Governors are: industry veteran Cary Benson; Deborah Burns, senior vice president and chief innovation officer, Hachette Filipacchi Media U.S.; Peggy Burns, vice president,  Circle Furniture; Jeffery L. Cook, president, Broyhill Furniture Industries Inc.; W.W. "Jerry" Epperson, partner, Mann, Armistead & Epperson Ltd.; Jena Hall, executive vice president, aspenhome™; Phil Haney, president, Lexington Home Brands; Caroline Hipple, principal, HB2 Resources; Eddie Massood, president and chief operating officer, Thomasville Home Furnishings of New Jersey; George Perez, chairperson, Furniture Design Department, Savannah College of Art and Design; Rob Sligh, chairman and chief executive officer, Sligh Furniture Co.; Ken Smith, managing partner, Smith Leonard PLLC; and Margaret Traub, president and chief executive officer, Adesso Inc.

Left to right: Mary Eitel of MKE Communications, Stephanie Lowder of Rare Bird Creative, Kathi Cunningham of Four Hands, and Cindy Williams of InfoRetail attend Libby Langdon's book signing Feb. 23 at Global Living, an Atlanta retailer.
 

Libby Langdon (left) of Libby Interiors and Rupal Mamtani of Blue Fish Home setup at a book signing for Libby's new book, "Small Space Solutions."
 























Left to right: Carol Gregg of red egg, Amy Mock of Natuzzi Americas, and Mary Kay of Packaging Products Inc. are on the money. They attended a retirement presentation led by Julie Hocevar of Bridges Wealth Management. "It's Not Your Mother's Retirement" was held Feb. 24 at the String and Splinter Club, High Point, NC.

WithIt's Facebook Fan page is live and full of timely videos, photos and national and regional event listings. Be sure to fan your favorite women's leadership network today and share your comments about networking, leadership and mentoring.
 
Not sure how? Log in to your personal Facebook account. Type "WithIt" in the search box located in the tool bar. On the search results page, click the WithIt logo. Then, click on the "Become a Fan" button, which is located above the Wall, Info and Photos tabs. Fan-tastic!
 
Be sure to view the latest video posts on Facebook from Shelley Parlin and Joan Franken.

 

WithIt is accepting nominations for the annual WOW Awards through April 1, and we want to hear from you. Nominate a peer who you believe exemplifies leadership and excellence. The nomination instructions and eligibility requirements are located at withit.org.