Ep 239: The Design Besties - Friendship, Collaboration & Designing for a Bigger Purpose

What happens when four professionals in the design industry meet by chance, become fast friends, and decide to use their collective talents to give back?

Meet the Design Besties: Nikki Watson, Lori Johnson, Robin DelaCruz, and Whitney Atkinson.

What started with a chance meeting at the Vacation Rental Design Summit quickly turned into a daily group text, a genuine friendship, and eventually a nonprofit with a big mission: transforming teachers' lounges into beautiful, restorative spaces that give educators a place to recharge.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with the four creatives behind the Design Besties to talk about how their friendship came together, what makes their collaboration work so well, and why they believe there is always room at the table.

They share the story behind their first teachers' lounge makeover, the emotional response from the teachers, and how that experience turned a passion project into a national mission. The Design Besties are now working toward bringing their work to all 50 states.

In this episode, you'll hear about: How four professionals from different areas of the design industry became the Design Besties

The unexpected project that inspired them to create their nonprofit

Why teachers' lounges became the focus of their service work

How each Bestie brings a different strength to the team

What makes their collaboration work without ego or competition

The importance of creating welcoming spaces and making sure there's always room at the table

How they're working to scale the Design Besties nationally