Penny Francis
4 UNIVERSALFURNITURE.COM | DESIGN LINE 877-804-5535 From losing everything in Hurricane Katrina to rebuilding a business and finding her own voice, interior designer and owner of New Orleans-based Eclectic Home, Penny Francis is a modern-day business pioneer. She talks about resiliency, red flags and the tools that make her successful as a designer.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE INDUSTRY? I worked for property developers as a designer for multi-family properties and common area spaces.
WHEN DID YOU START YOUR OWN FIRM? August of 2000.
AT WHAT MOMENT, OR IN WHAT EXPERIENCE, DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?
As a young girl, I was obsessed with furniture and decorative objects, and I had always dreamed of owning a store. By age 12 I was refinishing furniture, and at 14 I was working summers in retail. I was obsessed with old Hollywood films and watched them in awe of the set designs. I knew interior design would be my path once I got to college. When I decided to design full-time, I realized that I needed a store to be able to provide my customers with furnishings and accessories that were from diverse periods and styles. This diversity defined my personal attraction to curated, evolved spaces that are eclectic and offer timeless appeal.
WHAT TIPS YOU OFF THAT A POTENTIAL CLIENT ISN’T GOING TO BE A GOOD FIT?
Several things could raise a red flag when it comes to working with clients. For example, a client who has worked with many designers before and has plenty of negative opinions is concerning for me. Negotiating your time before starting the work or having to justify your hourly rate upfront is not a good indicator of long-term success. When a client struggles with making decisions or needs others to validate their decisions, that is also a cause for concern. Or when a client has unrealistic expectations of budget and timeline.
WHAT APPS OR SOFTWARE HAVE MADE YOUR LIFE EASIER? Hands down, Design Manager Pro software has streamlined the process of project management and inventory control for me. It’s the perfect tool for designers with showrooms.
WHAT LESSONS HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT BUSINESS IN THE LAST 20 YEARS?
You have to surround yourself with people who have the knowledge and skills that you don’t possess. A good leader has a strong team that has clearly defined roles. You can’t be the creator-in-chief and the accountant. I learned paying for professional services saves a great deal of time, money and stress, allowing you to generate revenue by building a brand and a customer base.
As a survivor of several natural disasters, I learned the importance of having a minimum of six months’ savings of operating capital in order to sustain being closed or having to rebuild. COVID-19 was a disaster that none of us ever dreamed of or saw coming. But because I had experienced Hurricane Katrina and started over, I knew about saving and preparing for the worst. The PPP loans, as most people know, were not enough to sustain the duration of the closings that many were faced with and unfortunately many small businesses perished. I was fortunate enough to have my disaster fallback savings to keep my team employed and the business going during a most difficult time.
WHAT WOULD YOU PUT ON A BILLBOARD?
Take Risks. Nothing beats a failure but a try.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? It is ok to be vulnerable and that discomfort is part of the journey because it fosters growth and change. I would also advise my younger self that you don’t have to have all the answers. Also, interior design isn’t glamorous all the time. It’s hard work managing thousands of details but worth it to know that you have created an environment that brings joy and lasting memories to your customers.
TELL US ABOUT THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF YOUR CAREER AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT. Overcoming Katrina has been my biggest challenge to date. My business was 5 years old and I was finally feeling like I had crossed some hurdles when the storm hit. We lost our home and my entire family was displaced. My parents' home was literally swept away. My storefront survived in the 20 percent of the city that did not flood, but I didn’t have employees or customers. Our two young daughters were in school and we had to relocate to Houston. Design work saved the business while I was trying to rebuild my home, as I was fortunate to have projects in California that kept me going. We lived in Houston and commuted for two years while our lives and businesses were rebuilt. But I don’t have any regrets. The old adage, “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,” is true. It was during that horrific, difficult time that I built a tremendous amount of strength and resilience.
DO YOU HAVE ANY QUOTES THAT GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS OR YOUR LIFE?
Have your own voice, get out of your comfort zone and never stop learning.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK THAT’S INFLUENCED HOW YOU WORK?
The E Myth: Why Most Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber. It’s about the entrepreneurial myths, cycles and characteristics of businesses that grow and those that fail.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR?
My father. He was my biggest cheerleader. He instilled a tremendous work ethic in me and reminded me constantly that my hard work would pay off. He told me often that if I was uncomfortable, then I was on the right track.
WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST BUSINESS ACCOMPLISHMENT?
My greatest business accomplishment is being in business for over 20 years!
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE FURNITURE PIECES FROM UNIVERSAL YOU LIKE TO USE IN PROJECTS? I love the modern sophistication of the Miranda Kerr line. Also, from the Curated group, the Hartley Sofa and Alpine Accent chair have great form and proportions.
Our ongoing Universal Masters Series focuses on business and life insights from designers with more than 20 years of experience. From their toughest challenges to their most useful advice, these designers will share the stories that make a difference.
Take Risks. Nothing beats a failure but a try.
Unlimited options across 15 frames, including sofa, sleeper sofa, loveseat, chair, ottoman and sectional.
1 Choose an Arm Style
2 Choose Welt
3 Choose a Cushion Core
4 Choose a Leg Style
5 Choose a Leg Finish
CRAFTED in NOR TH CAR OLINA est 192 3 benc h m ade uph o l s tery
UNI-BLEND ULTRA PLUSH SPRING DOWN
TAPERED LEG TURNED LEG SHAPED LEG ROUND LEG
BROWNSTONE SAND SLATE PICKET FENCE
6 UNIVERSALFURNITURE.COM | DESIGN LINE 877-804-5535
NON-WELT WELT PLEATED ROLL ARM SCOOP ARM PADDED TRACK ARM SLOPE ARM TRACK ARM ESPRESSO NATURAL ONYX
U CHOOSE
INTRODUCING
AVAILABLE NOW
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G Serenity Sofa U154501 | 88w x 37d x 35h
H Channeled Accent Chair U157505 | 27w x 34d x 34h
I Tranquility Nesting Cocktail Tables U195D808 10w x 30d x 14h
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A Serenity Sectional U154510 | 140w x 49d x 35h
B Arc Console U195A803 | 60w x 16d x 30h C Fleur
Hall Chest U195D845 | 42w x 18d x 36h D Poise
Etagere U195A850 | 42w x 16d x 84h E Burl Side Table
U195A817 | 12w x 12d x 21h F Tranquility Bedside
Table U195A351 | 24w x 17d x 29h
G A D F B C E 8 UNIVERSALFURNITURE.COM | DESIGN LINE 877-804-5535
Tranquility, the second home furnishings collection between Universal Furniture and Miranda Kerr. Inspired by modern Parisian style, Tranquility features feminine and elevated, yet simple furnishings for the whole home.
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RELAXED SOPHISTICATION
A scroll down any Pinterest board, a glance at a newsstand or a few minutes watching home renovation shows will undoubtedly tell you whitewash, shiplap and dark trim are dominating today’s home designs, both in architecture and interiors.
40w
16d
84h E Round Cocktail Table U011F818 | 40w x 40d x 18h F Larson Dresser U011F050 | 54w x 19d x 44h G Brooke Chair U031503-1590-1 | 34w x 40d x 34h H Drawer Chest U011D150 | 44w x 19d x 62h I Mangold Accent Chair 941557 | 28w x 31d x 34h J Harlyn Bench U011F380 | 54w x 18d x 18h E D G F J H I
A Miller Dining Table U011D653 | 84w x 42d x 30h B Bowen Arm Chair U011F625 | 24w x 24d x 40h C Bowen Side Chair U011F624 | 21w x 24d x 40h D Braxton Etagere U011D850 |
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Winter Events
Atlanta 2022 Home for The Holidays Showhouse
The 14th-annual Holiday Showhouse, situated on an acre lot in the heart of Buckhead and hosted by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine, offers a contemporary take on an English estate. The showhome's clean-lined, free-flowing design is brought to life through oversized arches, generous gables, swooping pitches and an emphasis on daylight. Timeless design details include a porte cochere, motor court, loggia and the fireside covered porch to create connectivity and a sense of airiness.
FEATURING UNIVERSAL
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Home for the Holidays Showhouse
Flower Magazine Atlanta Showhouse
FLOWER unveiled their first multi-designer showhouse in Atlanta in November 2022.
“This showhouse embodies impeccable design across every spectrum,” says FLOWER magazine Founder and Editorin-Chief Margot Shaw. “It is inviting yet tailored, fresh yet questionably timeless. It speaks to the old and the new in a truly magical way. With the quality of talent involved, it promises to be a masterpiece for the ages.”
A classic demi-lune front portico with Ionic columns welcomes guests to the home.
Garden & Gun
Universal is partnering with Garden & Gun magazine for a limited-edition capsule collection. Available at retail exclusively through the GDC Home store based in Charleston, the hand-picked collection went on sale on November 19. The collection has been curated by Garden & Gun from Universal’s extensive furniture line and is inspired by the pages of the magazine to reflect its elevated Southern lifestyle.
Flower Magazine Atlanta Showhouse
Garden & Gun
NOW IN STOCK A Runway Console 956B966 | 72w x 19d x 32h B Opaline Martini Table 956C820 | 17w x 17 x 24h C Cali Accent Chair 956570-952C | 27w x 28d x 31h D End Table 956C805 | 26w x 26d x 25h E Brentwood Sofa 956501-960 | 86w x 37d x 36h F Windemere Etagere 956A850 | 30w x 16d x 86h G Manhattan Sofa 956531-958-1 | 86w x 38d x 35h H Love Joy Bliss End Table 956A815 | 22w x 24d x 25h I Hollywood Accent Chair 956572-901-9 | 28w x 35d x 35h A D E F B C SHOP LOVE. JOY. BLISS. LIVING 14 UNIVERSALFURNITURE.COM | DESIGN LINE 877-804-5535
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HAD TO SHARE! DEBUTANTEDESIGN_WALLPAPER @PIZZALEDESIGNINC @TINROOFFURNITURE @CAMEO_COLLECTION @KATIEARMOUR_DESIGNS FEATURING FEATURING FEATURING FEATURING FEATURING
love these warm, inviting spaces by our interior design partners. Follow and tag us @UniversalFurn for the chance to be featured. Calloway: Bedside Table Getaway: Blackadore Caye Bed Modern: Whitley Cocktail Table Playlist: Two drawer nightstand Modern: Kubrick Dining Table Modern: Decker Wall Bed Modern: Soren Bedside Table 16 UNIVERSALFURNITURE.COM | DESIGN LINE 877-804-5535
JUST
We
FEATURING
Modern Farmhouse: Galen Cocktail Table
Escape: Newport Accent Chair
@FRANCESDESIGNS
FEATURING
Modern: Tyndall Dining Chairs
FEATURING
Past Forward: Poster Bed
@HELLOLISANG
FEATURING
Love. Joy. Bliss: Chelsea Nightstand
Escape: Long Key Bed
@COOMMERANDCO @NELLIE.HOWARD.OSSI
Why Gainful Employment is the #1 Way to Fight Hunger and Poverty
Carmin Black
CO FOUNDER AT HALF UNITED
Telling Your Design Story Visually: The Importance of a Professional Portfolio and Social Media Presence.
Sensory by Design: A Wellness CEU
Lori Miller, LGC INTERIOR DESIGN
Becoming A Creative Renegade
Ginna Christensen, GINNA CHRISTENSEN
Ericka Saurit, SAURIT CREATIVE
Christi Barbour, BARBOUR SPANGLE DESIGN
Dawn Sweitzer, DAWN SWEITZER STUDIO
Tori Sikkema
INTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHER + STYLIST
Rate & Fees: How to Charge Flat Fees and Protect Profit
Melissa Galt
INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS COACH
Get Your Design Biz Organized
Sabina Jahic, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
Sarah Daniele, MYDOMA STUDIO
Rachel Moeller, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
Shane Jones, SHERWIN-WILLIAMS
Salaries Revealed: The Answers to Who Gets Paid What
Gail Doby, PEARL COLLECTIVE
Nadia Roberts, INTERIOR TALENT
Elissa Grayer, ELISSA GRAYER INTERIOR DESIGN
Moderated by Kaitlin Petersen, BUSINESS OF HOME
Licensing Your Product Designs
Erinn Valencich, STYLEROW
Joshua Rose, FORM DESIGN STUDIO
Mat Sanders, MAT SANDERS INTERIORS
Rafael Kalichstein, FORM DESIGN STUDIO
WATCH ONLINE NOW!
Designing for Vacation Rental Properties
Ericka Saurit, SAURIT CREATIVE
Jessica Duce, J. DUCE DESIGN
Ashley Ross, MUSE NOIRE
Tiffany Cassidy, LAGNAPPE CUSTOM INTERIORS
Authenticity and Consistency in Online
Branding: Top Tips to Help You Secure New Luxury Clients
Laura Muller, FOUR POINT DESIGN BUILD
Leslie Carothers, SAVOUR PARTNERSHIP
Contracts & Letters of Agreement
The Essential Systems and Processes
Every Interior Designer Needs and Why
John McClain
JOHN MCCLAIN DESIGN
Designing for Celebrities
Vanessa Deleon, VDA DESIGNS
Krissa Rossbund, TRADITIONAL HOME
Shalena Smith, SHALENA SMITH INTERIOR DESIGN
Michelle Murphy, DEMI RYAN
Time Mastery - How to Get More Done in Less Time
Melissa Galt
INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS COACH
Sharon L. Sherman THYME AND PLACE DESIGN
California Cool: The Future of Sustainability
Susie Novak, SUSIE NOVAK INTERIORS
Reginald Dunlap, REGINALD DUNLAP INTERIOR DESIGN
Kelly Finley, JOY STREET DESIGN
Antonio Deloatch, ANTONIO DELOATCH DESIGN + INTERIORS
Joshua Smith, JOSHUA SMITH INC.
LuAnn Nigara, MODERATOR (not pictured)
Our Learning Center, located in the Universal showroom, hosts several events each Market. From panel discussions to lectures, we cover the trends happening now.
Visit us this Market at 101 South Hamilton Street, High Point, NC.
101 South Hamilton St, High Point, NC 27260 UniversalFurniture.com AS SEEN IN PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREENSBORO, NC PERMIT #338 Hassle-free online ordering No minimum order Free shipping Join our To The Trade program featuring furniture designs that satisfy any interior aesthetic. To activate your account, email ToTheTrade@UniversalFurniture.com, call The Design Line™ at 877-804-5535 or visit us online at UniversalFurniture.com/ToTheTrade Your PARTNER in design. Explore our High Point showroom year round! Please call The Design Line 877-804-5535 to make an appointment.
