Meet Debbie Talianko of Talianko Design Group in Sierra Madre

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Talianko.

Debbie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started my business when my kids were still small and I was able to work from home part-time. I was making window treatments on my kitchen counter. Think of raw silk Roman shades and peanut butter sandwiches. Not a good match, right?

I quickly learned that there was more business to obtain than just draperies and shades to be had and that by the time a client called me, they had possibly already purchased the sofa, the table, etc. elsewhere. So I decided to go back to school to learn Interior Design. I had always loved the idea of interior design. In fact, as a small child, I would make two story homes out of cardboard boxes and line the walls with fabrics and paper. They were essential interior design dioramas.

The school I chose is a distance education program and based in London called Rhodec, International. It is a 3 years course and is equivalent to an Associate’s Degree in the US. Because I could study at my own pace from home, I was able to take care of my family at the same time. The fact that I already had a business and was building vendor relationships, helped me with my school work and vice versa.

I also chose the school because it was recognized by ASID. This was important to me and I was able to join ASID as a student member in 2005. I made a lot of friends and mentors and have maintained those relationships to this day. I am the current President of our CA ASID Pasadena Chapter beginning October 1, 2017. It makes me very happy to be able to give back. The organization has helped me to gain insights into the way the industry works, and to further my vendor relationships quickly.

I also have used many business coaches over the years. I believe that learning from others helps you to get ahead faster.

I now employ 2 full-time designers besides myself and a part-time administrator. In addition, we have a handful of outside people that we call upon for various tasks such as marketing, bookkeeping, drafting, etc.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Leaning business skills has been something I have strived to improve all along. It’s not something that is taught in design school necessarily and it is so important in order to survive. My work is generally 90% business and 10% creative.

I learned the hard way about profit margins but sought the coaching help I needed and was able to turn things around. That was a tough time. I think a lot of designers are afraid to ask for what they are worth. This is a very complicated business with a lot of moving parts. We don’t just whip up something wonderful. =0)

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a residential design firm in the San Gabriel Valley. We offer full-service design as well as a new program we’ve just launched for the DIY enthusiast. Some people enjoy the process but need a little help putting all the parts together.

We have a focus on wellness in my firm. This means with every project, we strive to select the healthiest, most ergonomic products as possible. We also try to treat the “whole person” and all of the senses.

Our goal is to make the process of our client’s projects as seamless and stress-free as possible for them. We want them to sit back, relax and let us take the wheel.

What were you like growing up?
I had an engineer for a father and a very creative mom. They were both very smart people and both used the right and left sides of their brains equally. I think I was fortunate to get the same traits. This has helped me to survive in business.

I loved to teach and to create. I would create lesson plans for the little kids in the neighborhood, pick them up in my wagon and entertain them by playing “school.”

I spent a good deal of time sketching too back then. And I also loved sports–tennis, swimming, track.

Contact Info:

• Address: 55 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., #220
  Sierra Madre, CA 91204
• Website: www.TaliankoDesignGroup.com
• Phone: 626-836-2935
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliankodesign/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TaliankoDesignGroup/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/talianko
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/talianko-design-group-llc-sierra-madre
• Other: https://www.TaliankoOnlineInteriors.com

Image Credit:
Erika Bierman
Corinne Cobabe
Gray Crawford

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