APRIL 23–26TH, 2024 in CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
Spring 2024 Haven Workshop tickets are now on sale! Grab your spot below and if you have a discount code from one of our speakers, don't forget to add at checkout!
TAKE ME STRAIGHT TO ENROLLMENT
You know how to help your clients live beautifully through intentional design. It’s your passion, and you’re really good at it. But how do you translate that into a profitable business and strategic brand? That’s where we come in.
We've reimagined what it means to grow a successful interior design business. This is your opportunity to learn from influential industry experts, grow your business with a smart strategy, and gain a support system of like-minded designers who will become lifelong friends (because you shouldn't have to do it all alone).
AT our venue, LA PLAYA HOTEL
Enjoy a laid-back learning experience that feels like a well-deserved getaway. Nestled in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, our venue, La Playa Hotel, is a historic 75-room artists' retreat located just steps from the white sands of Carmel Beach and renowned shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
Following a recent $15 million renovation completed in 2023, the property features charming design-forward moments woven with timeless luxury. Once a private mansion built in 1905 by an artist as a gift to his wife, a member of the Ghirardelli family, for over 100 years La Playa has been known as the "Grande Dame of Carmel." Cruise along the nearby 17-Mile Drive to experience sweeping ocean views, intriguing mansions, and famed golf courses.
La Playa's culinary team will be providing delicious food & drink for us during workshop hours, all of which is included in your workshop ticket. See our speaker panel, sessions, and the schedule below!
EXPLORE LA PLAYA HOTEL
BUILD A SMART BUSINESS WITH AN iNTENTIONAL STRATEGY
You'll walk away with a clear, actionable plan to refine your systems & processes for a streamlined workflow.
Learn to confidently raise your rates and create a pricing structure that will work for you business model.
Identify and attract your ideal design clients who trust your creative expertise and refer like-minded clientele to you.
from KELLEY GABLE
"A week prior to the workshop, I didn’t have a business name, branding, website, LLC, or systems. Basically, a total newbie."
"I had two clients but didn’t have the big picture. I was a total sponge over the course of our three days together and it changed the trajectory of my life and business. I filed for an LLC and my resale license, created a branding suite with a real name and logo, launched my website today (!!), put in place systems, and I’m just getting started. I can't thank you enough."
This is your opportunity to learn from influential experts in the design industry and creatives you admire – up close, in-person, real success (and challenges) shared. Our speakers will candidly share their wisdom and provide you with the knowledge you need to grow your business with a smart strategy. Community over competition is at the heart of our mission, so you'll get exclusive access to all of our speakers during sessions, meals and Q&As. We're pulling back the curtain and baring it all so YOU can shape your own version of success, too.
Katie Monkhouse is the Creative Director and Founder of Katie Monkhouse Interior Design and her retail shop, Westpark Home, based in Marin County. Katie’s beautiful designs are highly influenced by the casual nature of life in Northern California and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. Mixing a warm modern aesthetic with her love of antiques and elements taken from her time living in Europe, Katie has cultivated a unique design point of view that embraces patina and imperfection while also striving for clean lines and balance. Katie's work has been featured in publications such as Domino, Elle Decor, Rue Magazine, House & Garden, and more.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Ali Faulkner is the Creative Director of Orange County-based interior design studio, AEF Interiors. Ali and her team take seamless processes and pair them with thoughtful design to provide an exceptional experience and final product for their clients. With a longstanding professional background in hospitality and consulting, Ali's ability to refine her firm's systems and hone in on smart strategy have brought her youthful business rapid growth and success.
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Jaime Zehner is the founder and principal designer of JZ Interiors, a residential design firm based in Newport Beach, CA. Inspired by her California roots, Jaime’s aesthetic blends the fresh and natural beauty of the west coast with traditional touches that finish each space. With nearly a decade of experience in the design industry, Jaime's breadth of work includes everything from luxury, custom new builds, remodels and furnishings. The growth of her brand is also attributed by her expertise in diversifying revenue streams through partnerships, affiliates, ambassadorships, retail, retreats and more. Jaime has partnered with brands including Shoppe Amber Interiors and Jenni Kayne, as well as participated as a Market Pro at High Point Market.
Interior Designer
Renee Bush is the Founder of Tandem, a boutique agency specializing in strategy and design for interior designers. Renee works with her clients to address the conflict that often arises in the space between creativity and structure in business. She helps create a sharp vision and builds systems that work in tandem with the design process, instead of trying to control it. Renee has worked with design firms including Studio McGee, Light & Dwell, Boxwood Avenue, High Street Homes, Susannah Holmberg Studios and many of Haven's past workshop alumni. As a business-minded problem solver, Renee understands the interior design industry, knows how to get straight to the heart of any issue, and always has a creative solution up her sleeve.
BUSINESS & BRAND STRATEGIST
Regarded as a forward-thinking leader in the design industry, Melissa Baran founded Haven with a commitment rooted in fostering a sense of community, expertly curating and showcasing exceptional content and nurturing meaningful connections between like-minded creatives and their clientele. As the Founder of the Haven Workshop, her dedication to empowering and educating designers and home industry creatives has made her a pivotal figure in the field. Having hosted hundreds of designers, Haven's retreats are now widely considered an essential experience for those seeking to thrive in the ever-evolving world of design and innovation.
BUSINESS & BRAND STRATEGY
Stephanie Russo is an interiors and hospitality photographer based in her hometown of Sacramento. Her admiration for design coupled with an innate love for travel naturally led her to pursue photographing homes, hotels, food, wine, and the people behind them. Stephanie’s ability to mix architecture with lifestyle lends to story-driven imagery with an editorialized sensibility. Her clientele include Magnolia Network, Caitlin Flemming, Katie Monkhouse, HGTV, Jenni Kayne, Afloral, and more. Her passion for photography is only rivaled by that for her family and when not behind the lens, you’ll find her exploring the world with them by her side.
Interior Photographer
Luz Perez Brown is the Founder of Willow & Jax, a resource that helps interior designers set solid, sustainable business foundations to grow and scale their brands. Luz will be joining us as a system & process mapping breakout speaker to guide you with tools to automate systems and create a streamlined, professional process and client experience — so you can step away from that laptop and spend more time doing the creative work you love.
STRATEGY BREAKOUT SPEAKER
Hannah Bowyer is the Founder of Hannah Bowyer & Co., a team of expert virtual assistants and business management specialists who are obsessed with making interior designers’ lives easier. Hyper-organized and strategic, Hannah and her team implement digital tools and share resources to streamline your systems and free up your creative brain power. Hannah will be joining us as a system & process mapping breakout speaker to guide you in creating a more efficient, profitable business.
STRATEGY BREAKOUT SPEAKER
here's what you'll learn in
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
from cortney mcclure
"Leaving California in tears. It's been one of the best weeks of my life. Truly."
"I’ve learned so much about who I am as a designer, my potential as a business owner and really, just validation that even though the day to day doesn’t always look perfect, that I can define my own success and what that looks like for me and my family. I met some of the absolute best people while at the Haven Workshop and I know that these will be lasting friendships, not just as a group of designers, but genuine friends!"
1 pm Event Check-In at Pacific Room at La Playa Hotel
Welcome, Mingle, Sips & Snacks
Speaker Introductions
Systems & Operations: Setting Your Business Up for Success
Client Growth: Identify and Attract Your Ideal Design Clients
Welcome Dinner in the Courtyard
Next Day →
DAY ONE
1 pm Check-In at La Playa Hotel
Welcome, Mingle, Sips & Snacks
Speaker Introductions
Systems & Operations: Setting Your Business Up for Success
Client Growth: Identify and Attract Your Ideal Design Clients
Break Before Dinner
Welcome Dinner in the Courtyard
This is a sample schedule and is subject to change, but this is a rough timeline and flow you can expect for the event! Please reach out to our team with any questions about the schedule at workshop@thehavenlist.com.
Check-In & Breakfast
Growth in Profitability: Diversifying Your Revenue Streams
Instagram Strategy: How To Grow An Engaged Community
Developing a Smart Brand Strategy That Will Propel Your Business
Lunch
Breakout Session · Design Presentation: How To Wow Your Clients
Pricing: Choosing a Fee Structure That'll Work for Your Business Model
Interior Photo Shoots & Getting Published In Print & Online
*No formal dinner hosted on evening two. Explore Carmel with new friends!
Next Day →
DAY two
Check-In & Breakfast
Growth in Profitability: Diversifying Your Revenue Streams
The Business of Design: Building a Foundation for Success
Developing a Smart Brand Strategy That Will Propel Your Business
Lunch
Breakout Session · Design Presentation: How To Wow Your Clients
Pricing: Choosing a Fee Structure That'll Work for Your Business Model
Interior Photo Shoots & Getting Published In Print & Online
*No formal dinner hosted on evening two. Explore Carmel-by-the-Sea with new friends!
Check-In & Breakfast
Instagram Strategy: How To Grow An Engaged Community
Scaling Your Business with a Studio, Team Members, and Retail
Lunch
Vendor Relationships, Sourcing & Working with Your Builders
Breakout Session: Small groups open Q&A with our speakers where you'll get to ask them anything!
Wrap-up celebration and final Q&A with our Speaker Panel
Break Before Dinner
Farewell Dinner in the Courtyard
DAY THREE
Check-In & Breakfast
Instagram Strategy: How To Grow An Engaged Community
Scaling Your Business with a Studio, Team Members, and Retail
Lunch
Vendor Relationships, Sourcing & Working with Your Builders
Breakout Session: Small groups open Q&A with our speakers where you'll get to ask them anything!
Wrap-up celebration and final Q&A with our Speaker Panel
Break Before Dinner
Farewell Dinner in the Courtyard
Next Day →
Au Revoir Breakfast
Peer-to-Peer Group Time & Goal Setting
Headshots with Our Workshop Photographer
Noon – Workshop Concludes · Final Goodbyes!
← Back to Day One
DAY four – half day
Au Revoir Breakfast
Peer-to-Peer Group Time & Goal Setting
Headshots with our Workshop Photographer
Noon: Workshop Concludes · Final Goodbyes!
Take some time after the workshop events conclude to explore local wineries, restaurants and shops. We'll be including a list of our favorite spots and noteworthy gems highly recommended by our team and local friends.
LOOKING TO EXTEND YOUR GETAWAY?
Have an actionable plan to refine your systems & processes for a streamlined workflow.
Be able to confidently create a pricing structure that will work for you business model.
Have a clear and precise marketing strategy that communicates your distinct brand story.
Identify and attract your ideal design clients who trust your creative expertise and refer clientele to you.
Have a trusted network of like-minded designers to connect with for support.
Feel confident in your growth strategies and business goals.
“If you're thinking about attending, just do it. It's going to take your business to the next level.”
– Chloe MacKintosh
Workshop Experience at Beautiful La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Meals, Drinks and Snacks During Workshop Hours
12 Insightful and Informative Sessions with Our Expert Speakers
Open Q&A with Our Speakers
Breakout Sessions: Design Presentation and System & Process Mapping
Thoughtful Gifts and Surprises Sprinkled Throughout
Professional Headshots with Our Workshop Photographer
A Community Atmosphere and the Chance To Build Your Network
Organized Community Social Group to Connect Pre-Event, During & Post
*Accommodations, airfare and transportation not included.
HERE'S WHAT YOU'LL GET WHEN YOU JOIN:
Workshop Experience at Beautiful La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea
Meals, Drinks and Snacks During Workshop Hours
12 Insightful and Informative Sessions with Our Expert Speakers
Open Q&A with Our Speakers
Breakout Sessions: Design Presentation and System & Process Mapping
Thoughtful Gifts and Surprises Sprinkled Throughout
Professional Headshots with Our Workshop Photographer
A Community Atmosphere and the Chance To Build Your Network
Organized Community Social Group to Connect Pre-Event, During & Post
*Accommodations, airfare and transportation not included.
We're now offering the option to pay over time with Affirm! Choose the best plan that works for you: 6 months (interest-free), 12 months, or 36 months. Select Affirm at checkout and click the 'Learn more' link below the Affirm button to see your estimated payment amounts. There's no need to delay achieving your business goals.
Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available everywhere, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders.
Plan Your Stay
We have a room block at a heavily discounted rate at the beautiful La Playa Hotel, which is where our event is held. Planning to stay with us at the hotel? Booking info will be sent to you after you enroll. Our discounted rate is $449 per night compared to the regular rate that typically runs $600-800+ per night. We have 35 rooms available in our block, which are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Questions about making a reservation? Reach out to us at workshop@thehavenlist.com. *Accommodations are not included in the ticket price.
If you're flying in, you have a few options! The closest airport to our workshop venue, La Playa Hotel, is Monterey Regional Airport, which is 12-15 minutes away. If you're looking to travel through San Francisco, SFO airport is about 1½ hours+ from Carmel. You can also fly into Mineta San Jose International Airport, which is 75 minutes from Carmel. You can find additional travel info on La Playa Hotel's FAQ here: laplayahotel.com/faq
Planning to join us? Here's some helpful info on accommodations and travel to help you plan out your trip before and after you enroll. Once you're registered, we'll send along more info!
"Wow! Where do I even begin? It was the most amazing and inspirational three days I’ve had thus far in my career path!"
– Kayla Degnan
"I wish I could bottle up every ounce of the magical feelings I had while spending the week at the Haven Workshop. I met some of the most incredible creatives out there and they sparked yet another fire in my soul!"
schedule
a call
WITH OUR ALUMNI
Want to learn more about the experience from someone who has attended a past workshop? We'll help facilitate a call for you with one of our alumni. This is a big investment for your business and we want you to be sure it's the absolute right fit for you. Our alumni can share about their experience, what sessions they benefited most from, what they've implemented since attending and any other q's you may have.
Email workshop@thehavenlist.com to schedule your call.
The first year of business for most designers can be the most challenging. But think about it this way—if you start with your entrepreneurial toolbox only halfway full, it’ll likely take you longer to achieve your goals and in the long run it’ll take longer to build a profitable business. Investing in ourselves is one of the hardest things to do, but one of the wisest decisions we can make as business owners. Not only will our workshop equip you with the tools you need, but you’ll get a behind the biz look at how our incredible experts have blazed the trail. The answer? Now is the perfect time. Additionally, our workshop also provides you with the opportunity to network with other attendees who will becomes friends. These relationships are priceless and will help your business grow, far beyond our time together.
Even our speakers are excited to learn from one another at the workshop! They each approach their business models slightly differently and have various strengths they will be touching on. While we will be covering a lot of basics on getting a design business up and running, and further growing your entrepreneurial game, this experience is so much more than that. It’s an opportunity to learn different processes, next level ideas and creative ways to approach your business goals. Not to mention, the opportunity to learn from and network with the other attendees. We’ve listed our speaker topics above in our rough sample timeline as well and we’d be happy to answer any additional questions (email us at workshop@thehavenlist.com) or by using our chat box on this page.
Yes, absolutely! We have a 6-month payment plan available for our Spring 2024 event OR the option to pay with Affirm over 6, 12 or 36 months. These are more accessible options for those who wish to pay over time. For the 6-month plan, you will be charged the first installment when you signup and the remaining installments each month until your payment plan is complete. If you have any questions about our payment plan option, please reach out to our team by emailing us at workshop@thehavenlist.com.
Accommodations are not included in the ticket price. We do have a room block at a heavily discounted rate at the beautiful La Playa Hotel, which is where our event is held. Booking info will be sent to you after you enroll. Our discounted rate is $449 per night compared to the regular rate that typically runs $600–800+ per night. We have 35 rooms available in our block, which is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Questions about making a hotel reservation? Reach out to us at workshop@thehavenlist.com.
Yes, absolutely! If you're joining as a group of two or more from the same design firm, we'd be happy to offer you a discount. If you've attended a previous Haven Workshop and will be a returning attendee, we also offer a discount! Please reach out to workshop@thehavenlist.com and we can provide you with a custom discount code.
You bet! We've had the pleasure of hosting attendees from all over the globe. The topics and strategy we cover can be applied to design firms near and far. Have questions about certain sessions and how they might apply to you and your business? Reach out to us for a quick chat at workshop@thehavenlist.com or click on the chat box right here on this site.
Yes! We've had a few attendees who have been gifted a workshop ticket in the past. Simply register them with their name and email and we'll send them the next steps. If you'd like it be a surprise, please email us at workshop@thehavenlist.com before purchasing their ticket.
To keep the workshop experience intimate and allow for deeper connections and time with our speakers, you'll be learning alongside a welcoming network of 35-40 attendees.
Yes, this is what makes our event so special! Not only do we curate a group of speakers who will candidly bare it all, but they'll be with us for their sessions, breakouts and group meals—from check-in through the farewell dinner. You'll also have the opportunity to chat with our speakers in small groups an open Q&A on day three where you can ask anything! We can't wait for you to meet this brilliant group of industry experts. Their good nature is equal to their impeccable talent and they are just as passionate about community over competition as we are.
The beauty of our workshop is that the experience extends far beyond our time together. Alumni attend design markets, meet up for events, do zoom calls together and more. We also facilitate the creation of a private Instagram group for each event group so that you can stay connected and support one another in your business journeys. You'll be able to encourage and provide solutions for each other's challenges and celebrate in one another's successes. We'll give you access to the IG group in the weeks leading up to the event. Additionally, we'll provide you with a shared 'Keep in Touch' contact list.
Each speaker session is between 60-80 minutes long (depending on the topic) and are presented to the entire attendee group. This allows for a true community atmosphere and group bonding where attendees can learn from one another as well. Sessions are tailored to be impactful for those who are well-established as well as those in the early stages of business. We typically have a balanced breakdown of industry experience with 30% of attendees at 1-2 years, 40% at 3-4 years, 30% at 5-10 years or more. The common thread? Everyone is looking to grow their business with a smart strategy and new perspective.
On day two, we'll break into groups for the design presentation breakout session and on day three, you'll get the opportunity to chat with our speakers in small groups for a small groups open Q&A where you can ask anything!
Yes! In the weeks leading up to the event, we'll be sharing the full schedule, which comes with a list of favorite local spots and recommendations curated by us and our NorCal friends!