EP 229 | Luxury Furniture & Supplier Relationships with Shelley Boyd, Hosted by Jodie Carter

July 6, 2021

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Why should interior designers encourage clients to “buy once, buy well”?

In this episode, hosted by Australian designer Jodie Carter, Shelley Boyd of Boyd Blue shares insight into the craftsmanship, sustainability, and value behind luxury artisan furniture—and why strong supplier relationships are essential for successful design businesses.

From educating clients about quality and longevity to building trusted partnerships with bespoke furniture suppliers, this conversation highlights how thoughtful sourcing creates better outcomes for both clients and the environment.

If you want to deepen your understanding of high-end furnishings and strengthen your supplier relationships, this episode is full of practical wisdom.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why investing in quality furniture creates better long-term value
• The environmental impact of disposable, low-quality furnishings
• How strong supplier relationships improve project outcomes
• Why clients benefit from slowing down and waiting for the right pieces
• The importance of investing in expertise where you have weaknesses
• Why measuring results helps guide smarter business decisions
• How great team members and supplier partners strengthen your business
• Why suppliers should be treated as trusted collaborators and experts

Design Intervention

Practice being kind to yourself in order to manage burnout, stress, and mental health. Take time out for yourself when you need it and make sure you ask for help.

Always celebrate the little wins.

About Jodie Carter

Interior Design is my passion project, after 18 years working in my own business and servicing clients all over Sydney in amazing renovation and design build projects. There is nothing I love more than seeing how happy my clients are living in their new homes. Everything just works, it looks beautiful and they are so proud to show off to friends and family. I can’t imagine ever doing anything else. Interior Design is an incredibly complex job, and I’m proud to call myself a Designer.

www.jodiecarterdesign.com.au

About Shelley Boyd

Since she can remember, Shelley Boyd has always been passionate about interiors, textiles and design. She recalls saving her pennies to buy her first sewing machines at just eight years of age.

With a desire to bring beautiful textiles to Australia, Shelley first started selling fabric to designers out of the boot of her car in 1999. From these humble beginnings, she built Boyd Blue to be a nation-wide industry leader, servicing a niche interior design market with a striking and exclusive product range.

Inspired by her love of textiles, innate curiosity of the handmade and inspiration from travels across the globe, Shelley is constantly on the hunt for pieces to add to new collections. With a focus on nature, scale, texture and finish, Shelley loves incorporating luxe natural materials like linen, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, stone and bronze into her collections.

www.boydblue.com

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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