Curated Cool Girl's Guide is For Designers by a Designer

October 15, 2024  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

Charlotte, North Carolina based Interior Designer, Marisa Wilson, of Marisa Wilson Interior Design who founded The Cool Girl's Guide to HPMKT, shares how the guide began as a way to help first-time attendees learn how to navigate one of the biggest shows in the industry. With an altruistic mission to help designers find and have the best market experiences.
 
Marisa commented, “My goal in creating this guide has never wavered – as I continue to offer my help, by pulling together insights from my fellow designers, and highlighting more than brands –so that attendees can have an incredible market experience while showcasing all that High Point Market and the city has to offer.”

Marisa added that when she first started the guide it was to help attendees to understand the sheer size of this event— that is more than 13 city blocks that comprises hundreds of buildings, thousands of showrooms, and more than 1 million sq-ft of showroom space.

“I’ve attended every Market since October 2014, and I’ve learned all the tips and tricks that attendees need to know to have the best experience. Since there is so much to see and the schedule is ever-changing, The Cool Girl’s Guide offers a perfectly curated calendar of must attend educational and social events. Each edition of The Cool Girl’s Guide also details firsthand tips, from other designer pals who know how to navigate High Point Market like a pro! So even if it’s your VERY first time or you haven’t been in years –you can find your way, make connections, be inspired to grow your business.”

Now in its 6th year, the Cool Girl’s Guide to HPMKT highlights its expanded partnership with High Point Market Authority. Tammy Covington Nagem, president and CEO of High Point Market Authority commented, “A great way to experience High Point Market is through the lens of a seasoned pro. Our partnership with The Cool Girl's Guide gives attendees a curated roadmap of people to see, don’t miss events, must see showrooms and insider tips that can make your Market easy to navigate and unforgettable.”

The Cool Girl's Guide partnership with High Point Market includes social and digital media campaigns and being prominently featured as a resource on the New Buyer Resource section of their website: highpointmarket.org.

High Point Market added, “The Cool Girl's Guide to HPMKT helps you to navigate the market like a regular - even if it's your first time. High Point Market maven Marisa Wilson has everything you need to know for your upcoming Market week in one easy to follow resource.”

Marisa Wilson commented about the partnership, “I am incredibly honored to be working with the outstanding team at High Point Market Authority and to help bring awareness to one of the biggest to-the-trade events in the home furnishings and lighting industries. This Fall Market promises to be an exciting time as more brands than ever before reach out to share their schedule of events and the momentum of being in our 6th year has made me truly proud to release a 27-page guide!” 

The Fall 2024 FREE 27-page digital Cool Girl's Guide features insider tips from industry experts and a detailed day by day events schedule with a great map that will help you to find your way. The guide’s events schedule features a variety of events from antique tours to AI to pricing, branding, and business strategies.

“There’s something for everyone whether you’re looking to meet celebrity designers or improve your photography skills. So don't head to Market without it!” Marisa said. This Market the Guide also offers a list of rest and self-care opportunities.

The Cool Girl’s Guide is a bi-annual free resource that is made possible through the generosity of its sponsors. This year’s Presenting Sponsor is SHERRILL Furniture Brands, and their Events Calendar Sponsor is Ro Sham Beaux. Other brand sponsors include 220 Elm, Antique & Design Center, Asian Loft, BDI, Business by the Book, Chelsea on Green, Currey & Co, Design Legacy, Eastern Accents, Feizy Rugs, Kalco Lighting/Allegri, Revolution Performance Fabrics, Unique Loom, Universal Furniture, and Woodbridge Furniture.