ZUO Modern Hosts “Heartbreak to Happiness” Panel at HPMKT

October 6, 2026  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

The conversation will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in ZUO’s showroom at IHFC, fifth floor, H543/W548. Serena Martin, founder of 24/7 Creative Agency, will moderate a discussion with designers Marie Cloud, Yudi Kaufman and Lori Miller. They will share practical approaches to communicating with clients, resetting expectations and adapting a design when a project changes course.

“When plans fall apart, designers are often the people who help put them back together,” said Luis Ruesga, chairman and CEO of ZUO Modern. “We want to hear the honest stories and practical lessons behind that work, then keep the conversation going in our showroom. Bring your questions—we’ll have lunch and margaritas waiting afterward.”

Following the talk from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., ZUO will host a light lunch, margaritas, networking and showroom tours following the panel. Guests can continue the conversation while exploring ZUO’s 30,000-square-foot IHFC showroom. Interior designers, furniture retailers, hospitality professionals and other High Point Market attendees can RSVP on Eventbrite.

About the speakers

 

Marie Cloud, founder and interior designer of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, is an award-winning Charlotte-based designer known for interiors that combine bold color, pattern and personal narrative. Named to House Beautiful’s Next Wave Class of 2026, Cloud’s work has appeared in AD Pro, Veranda, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, HGTV and Essence, with recognized installations including the Kips Bay Show House. She is also a featured designer in the 2026 Real Simple House.

Yudi Kaufman, founder of Yudi Kaufman Design Associates, brings a background in both business and luxury residential interior design. Based in New York, Kaufman specializes in creating highly functional, livable spaces while balancing creativity with practical considerations such as budgets and schedules. He also operates a business development consulting firm serving interior designers and creative professionals.

Lori Miller, founder of LGC Interior Design, is an award-winning interior designer and wellness advocate whose work is informed by her backgrounds in behavioral science and design. Her highly personalized interiors emphasize functionality, sustainability and client-centered design. Miller has been recognized as one of Long Island’s Top Ten Designers and IAOTP Top Designer of the Year, with work featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Luxe Interiors + Design, Aspire Design & Home and Better Homes & Gardens.

Serena Martin, moderator and founder of 24/7 Creative Agency, brings more than 15 years of experience across the design, trade and hospitality industries. Before launching her marketing consulting agency, Martin directed marketing departments for leading home décor and furnishings brands. Today, she develops brand marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships, events, conferences and original industry programming for clients spanning designers, manufacturers, retailers, artists, authors, trade organizations and nonprofits.