Lakesha Rose, Jim Rose

Photo Credit: Lakesha Rose

Haute Design recently discussed how Lakesha balances work life and private life on social media.

Haute Design: How big a role does social media play in your day-to-day business strategy?

Lakesha Rose: Honestly, it should play a larger role than it currently does. Often, I am in the moment of work and I forget to post progress or when I think I should post something, I just shrug my shoulders and say I will just feature the work when it is finished that is why often I am radio silent, but the truth is I am just working. My plan is to hire someone to keep me more present on social media. Secondly, I also really enjoy flying under the radar just living my wonderful life quietly.

HD: What is your thinking behind sharing both professional and personal posts on Instagram?

LR: I do it very carefully. I do not post vacations unless I visit a manufacturer or design store. In which case, I post that moment because it is related to work. My husband is the number one Sportscaster in Chicago and has been for over 40 years, so his life is public being on TV every day, so we enjoy fading away to vacation quietly together. I do post some photos of us from time to time and it is because I emotionally feel ok to post about it that day. Jim and I both have public jobs, so we enjoy going to our home in Michigan and not leaving the house all weekend and I cook, listen to French music, we create date nights inside of our home. Most of the time, the season determines what our cocktail of choice is and since it's winter we are drinking Whiskey Sours, using Japanese whiskey. I would best describe us as introvert/extrovert.  

HD: Have you noticed any specific patterns among clients or prospective clients regarding which posts are preferred between professional and personal?

LR: I would say they like both because it gives them a peek inside of my personality before meeting me but if I venture to guess they like what they see because they are hiring someone that understands exclusivity and will not talk about a well-known client. My page does not reveal a narcissist.

HD: Are there any other social media platforms you like to use? Is Instagram your favorite?

LR: The other one I use is Facebook, but for creativity I use Instagram.  

The post See how Lakesha Rose Mixes Deadline Day and Date Night on Instagram appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

Cozy recently shared her thoughts behind separating work life and personal life in a conversation with Haute Design.

Haute Design: As you know, the design and architecture industry's "hours of operation" are anything but standard. How do you find the balance between career and personal life?

Cozy Salazar: I still struggle with this on a daily basis. I really love what I do and sometimes I have a hard time separating my 'work life' with my personal life.  I tend to bring work home with me regularly, but as long as I leave the more stressful aspects of this job at the office, everyone is happy (or at least they pretend to be).

HD: Your children are often featured in your Instagram stories at work. Do they enjoy going to work with mom? Are they old enough to understand your line of work?

CS: I had my first daughter when my career started to pick up and that was tough. At the time, I did not have a full-time nanny, so Gianna went with me everywhere. I think it's because of this that she is so interested in everything I do. I bring her into the office for a couple of hours every week because she loves to be here. There are times where I'll be at a presentation and we find pieces of wallpaper and fabric samples that have little drawings on the back, which always makes me smile. Chiara, my youngest is only two, but I can already tell she has a good eye based off the shoes she picks out of my closet!

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

HD: Did you have a similar experience growing up? Would you ever go to work with your parents?

CS: Yes, my mom was always a working mom. I did not get to spend every minute with her, but the time we spent together was always special. She would take me into her office when I got out of school and I would always find ways to entertain myself there. She would always take me out for dinner afterward or sing in the car with me on the way home, and would always read me a book before bed.

HD: Have your girls expressed any desire to follow in your design footsteps? Do they ever share design input?

CS: They're still very little but I would love for one of them, if not both, to catch the design bug! It would be so special for me to teach them what I know, and to leave this to them one day. My oldest is very opinionated when she comes into the office, and although she may not know what she is doing, she definitely knows what she does and does not like, which is a crucial asset for decision-making in this business.

Photo Credit: Cozy Salazar Interiors

The post Cozy Salazar Shares Her Thoughts Behind A Work-Life Balance appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.