Meet Danna J. Franklin: Interior Designer & CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Danna J. Franklin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Danna J., what’s your definition for success?
Success to me is the accomplishment of a goal, purpose, or passion. I believe it can come in many forms. One major facet of success is developing it from the infancy stage to maturity. What you see on the top is just the frosting, but there are several elements that go on underneath. Success comes in different quantities small and large.

My success as a designer has come from a strong passion and love for interiors design incorporating a naturally creative flair to the completed project. I maintain a high degree of attention to detail, organization, problem solving, creativity and professionalism with every design.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to deliver well designed interiors to my clients, time and time again. I am fulfilled when my clients are satisfied when they see the finished design. They share their experience with others and my business continues to grow. SUCCESS!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel passionate about my designs but also about the people I work with. I love getting to know my clients and discovering how they live, work and how I can enhance their lives. Through the design process, many of our clients have returned and become life-long friends.

When it comes to running an interior design business there are so many factors that come in play:

-Be a good communicator and listener
The journey is about the client and you are their conductor; Good communication and people skills are vital, since you’ll be guiding potentially indecisive or inexperienced clients on major decisions. You have to have confidence in yourself and your decisions. A good design is not always safe!

-Have Patience!!! Good designs don’t happen overnight. Don’t stress out over the small stuff. Everything has a solution!

– Know your costs. From your overhead costs to how much it costs to keep your business open every month. This makes it easier to make business decisions.

-Having a contract from the beginning is so important. The contract sets the rules of the game. If a client is scared to sign the contract or give you a deposit, that is an indication of how the design process will be in the future. You have to learn to identify what kind of projects you want to do, who your ideal client is. You can’t say ‘Yes’ to everybody, especially if you want to have a successful, profitable business.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I created The Design Code to provide an environment where people can revive and refresh. We make every effort to incorporate the client’s interests and personality in the final product.

Just as life is a series of experiences, The Design Code tries to weave colors, shapes and textures into something that positively resonates with the client, whether it’s designing a home or an event..

I consider The Design Code an organic experience that is adaptable and inspiring. We will always give 100% to bring an idea to life and welcome the challenges that come with transforming spaces and lives. I get great joy from fulfilling my passion and helping others realize their dreams. Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a foodie at heart so the first thing we will do is eat, lol! One of my favorite restaurants here in Charlotte, NC is LuLu’s Maryland Style Chicken & Seafood, it’s absolutely amazing.

During the week long trip we will visit the below places:

– U.S. Whitewater Center (Zip-lining, bike trails and whitewater rafting)
– Carowinds Amusement Park (Channeling our inner childhood and having fun)
– Merchant & Trade/Nuvole Rooftop (night life at a few rooftops in Charlotte for cocktails)
– Southend area (several restaurants, breweries and shopping centers)
– Camp North End (Food, drinks, arts, creative murals)
– Museums in Uptown Charlotte

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for an incredible support system! God has blessed me with amazing parents who have poured into my siblings and I selflessly. Both of my parents are Entrepreneurs and have a wealth of knowledge.

Having a support system in life is so important. They help you deal with the hard things going on in your life and are there to celebrate the good times with you. They also help relieve some of the pressure and stress that life can bring. They are the people who encourage you when you feel like giving up and the people who celebrate with you when you succeed.

I am also surrounded by genuine, loving friends that always come through for me! One in particular is my Marketing Director and photographer, Ted Hargrove who has been there from the conception, when this was just a thought and personal passion. He used his expertise to help me launch The Design Code, LLC. For that, I am so thankful that he believed and supported my vision.

Website: www.indesigncode.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_designcode_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indesigncode

Image Credits
Ted Hargrove Photography