Today’s Notable Young Entrepreneur is Flax Design Founder Lauren Flax, who started her business in 2009 after graduating design school in New York. What was the inspiration behind her career path? Find out in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your business in a nutshell.
I take the stress off of my clients who are renovating and/or decorating. I make spaces functional and beautiful. I fall asleep at night thinking about design and wake up the same way.
Why did you start your business, what was the inspiration?
It never occurred to me to do anything else, I think design chose me. The inspiration was growing up and always being involved in the arts. Painting, drawing, sketching out ideas, redesigning furniture – it felt innate.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is making my clients happy and getting them excited about the process. The not-so-best part is when projects are behind schedule. I like to deliver on time.
Where do you see your business going in five years?
In five years, I see my business as bigger but with the same focus on excellence as today. As much as I’m excited about expanding, I really like being directly engaged in every aspect of each project. As of now, I’m doing it all and can’t imagine handing off the details to someone else. Call me a control freak, but this business is all about details! As I think about growing, my top priority is inspiring a team to deliver the highest level of excellence and the most amazing aesthetic. When I find time, I would like to dive back into product design and develop a line under my name.
What does success look like to you?
Success is work-life balance while delivering jobs that exceed my clients’ expectations.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
My most memorable milestone is getting started. Being young and just going for it is scary and exciting. That experience taught me a ton about the business of design and what it means to really go for it.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
My advice is to keep an open mind and always be learning; soak up everything from everyone around you while you are getting started. Take on internships, learn from your peers and other designers; go to lectures, trade shows, show rooms and travel when and if you can. Do it all! Make sure to carve out your niche and try to stay true to it. What makes for good design is vision, originality and really understanding what people want.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
An old friend of mine in New York started Save a Child’s Heart a few years back and it’s gone global. It’s an amazing initiative run by an amazing and inspiring person.
What is notable to you?
Notable to me is being able to run a successful business but maintaining a good lifestyle and always counting your blessings. No one has had any level of success without the support of their friends, family and community.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone!
How do you keep active, energetic, and vibrant?
I keep active by constantly being on the go with work. What I do forces me to be on my feet most days. That, and the occasional session with my personal trainer.
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