We’re so excited to share this next interview with you! Today on the blog, we’re sharing an exclusive one-on-one interview we had with Anastasia Casey, founder and CEO of The Identité Collective and IDCO Studio. Her mission is to bring interior designers together and give them the tools they need to run a successful business. If you’ve been considering going into design, starting your own business, or if you’re just looking for an inspiring read, this one’s for you! Keep reading for how Anastasia came to start her two brands (hint: it’s not what you think!) and her advice for aspiring creators. We hope you enjoy this interview as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
01 / Can you tell us a little about your background and what brought you to start The Identité Collective?
It was a blessing in disguise. I was actually fired from my job as the Director of Marketing for a luxury residential firm after I received a job offer from a luxury lifestyle brand. I went to my boss to talk about the opportunity, she fired me on the spot “for being disloyal”, then contacted the other company to have them retract their offer. So, I went in trying to be open, honest and communicative and walked out without any job. The next day, I posted on Instagram (with 3,000 followers) that I was available for designing websites. We’ve been booked ever since and our team is now over 20 people!
02 / How would you describe your personal style and aesthetic?
My personal style consists of quiet layers of new and old, while my aesthetic is minimal and neutral. I rely heavily on textures instead of patterns and love combining wood tones. A very unpopular opinion, I always mix metals and feel that mismatched spaces feel far more luxe than perfectly coordinating ones.
03 / What do you love most about being part of the design community?
Being a part of the design community makes me feel whole. I love getting to work alongside creative entrepreneurs who are constantly producing new art. There is never a shortage of inspiration – it’s a rabbit hole of beauty and curiosity that consistently fuels me, both professionally and personally. I feel so blessed to be so welcomed into the community, even when I’m not a practicing interior designer.
04 / What’s next for The Identite Collective?
We’re currently renovating the IDCO Lake House ourselves and it’s been such a rewarding challenge. With the help of very good friends and family, we’re already creating amazing memories there. I can’t wait to open our doors to the community next spring.
05 / What is your best piece of advice for aspiring creators?
When you’re just starting as a creative – say yes to everything, but never work for free. Quickly, you’ll be producing a ton of work and you can quickly pivot to saying no to the wrong things. Those initial projects, even if they aren’t your dream projects, are how you build your portfolio and your network. They hold value, even if just as a stepping stone.
06 / Where can our readers go to see more from you?
You can follow along with the IDCO Lake House progress on Instagram @theidentitecollective and read our daily blog at www.theidentite.co. Further, you can learn more about how we work to support the interior design community through easy-to-use, strategically crafted business and marketing templates for interior designers at www.idco.studio. The Identité Collective was created to bring designers together, while IDCO Studio was created to give them the tools they need to run a lucrative and fulfilling business.
Thanks so much for following along with our interview with Anastasia from The Identité Collective and IDCO Studio. We don’t know about you, but we can’t wait to see more from her! For more of our creator interviews, check out our previous discussions with Jennifer Daily and Boxwood Avenue. See you next time!