Case Studies: How My Consulting Services Helped Brands Grow and Scale
Explore real-world examples of how my programs, courses, mentorship and ongoing advisory services have helped brands overcome challenges and achieve success in luxury.
Rebranding an Interior Design Firm as “Luxury Couture for the Home”
Client: Elizabeth Ferguson Design, Georgia
Elizabeth "Buffy" Ferguson, an interior designer based in Atlanta, Georgia, sought to reposition her design firm. Her vision was to establish her firm at the crossroads of interior and couture.
Services: Residential and Commercial Interior Design
Scope of Project:
Reposition as a luxury brand in the interior design space to attract more discerning clients.
The Challenges:
Key challenges included redefining the brand image to align with luxury standards and distinguishing the firm in the market.
Services Provided:
Rebranding, Performance Analysis, Web Development, Ongoing Advisory.
Benefits:
Website and Social Media Assessment: Conducted a thorough analysis of the existing website and social media profiles, providing performance insights that my client had never explored before.
2. Marketing Strategy: Formulated an ad-hoc brand and interior design service strategy, ensuring alignment with the luxury couture positioning.
3. Restyled Digital Presence: Implemented a refined and cohesive digital presence, including a redesigned website, and social media profiles.
Results:
The implemented strategy resulted in a seamless and cohesive brand presence across all communication channels and online platforms. Key outcomes include:
Enhanced Brand Perception successfully conveys the fusion of couture and interior design.
Increased Online Visibility: The restyled website and social media profiles garnered heightened attention, attracting a discerning audience seeking luxury home design.
Positive User Experience: The transformed digital presence contributed to a more engaging and user-friendly experience for clients and prospects.
“It has been a pleasure working with Marilisa. She is organized and knowledgeable. We look forward to continuing our relationship with her as we build our business brand.”
Elizabeth Ferguson
”Marilisa is incredibly knowledgeable and has been such an asset in helping us reposition our brand for success. We highly recommend her services!”
Carley-Beth Castro, Project Manager @Elizabeth Ferguson Design
Transforming Elizabeth Hayt Studio: A Triad of Success in Cost Efficiency, Partnerships, and Market Impact
Client: Elizabeth Hayt Studio, New York
Elizabeth Hayt is an artist and designer renowned for her handmade textile flowers. She has taken her deep knowledge of couture fashion and borrowed from its emphasis on luxury and imaginative uses of material - weaving together elaborate compositions and material finery, from metallic brocade to glittery tulle to Swarovski crystals to vintage millinery plumes. Her work evokes the spirit of the baroque and archly feminine ornamentation.
Products: Luxury Home Decor and Tabletop
The Challenges:
Elizabeth Hayt Studio encountered a series of challenges that encompassed analyzing the cost-efficiency of their production, expanding their sales and distribution network, and balancing artistic vision with business practicality.
My Services: Business and Management Consulting
Results: The impact of my business and management consulting has been profound, evident through a series of remarkable achievements for my client. Firstly, a groundbreaking 80% cost reduction was achieved by ethically sourcing materials, underscoring the intersection of financial prudence and sustainability. This partnership not only redefined cost dynamics but also aligned seamlessly with the brand's commitment to conscious consumerism. Secondly, by harmonizing artistic vision and operational excellence, the product lineup achieved a refined equilibrium, driving both creative ingenuity and profitability. Streamlined processes, alternative materials, and clear cost targets synergized to ensure optimal results. Lastly, an elevated sales and distribution network reshaped the brand's trajectory, translating refined branding strategies into tangible successes. Through strategic partnerships, including a new alliance with the online marketplace 1stDibs, and collaborations such as the recent venture with MaxMara flagship showroom on Madison Avenue, where a successful trunk show took place, the brand solidified its position in the luxury market. The collaboration with MaxMara also led to the creation of a captivating capsule collection inspired by their exquisite textiles and distinctive color palette, further enhancing the brand's allure and appeal to discerning customers.
Benefit #1 80% Cost Reduction with Ethical Sourcing
In a pivotal achievement facilitated by my network and expertise, I successfully identified a new metal supplier for my client that yielded remarkable results. By forging this new partnership, we secured an exceptional cost reduction of 80% for a crucial metal component. Beyond the immediate financial benefits, this collaboration brought an added dimension of sustainability to the forefront—a critical aspect for a luxury brand. The new supplier's commitment to ethically sourced materials in China rather than simply "Made in China" aligns perfectly with the brand's values and resonates with conscious consumers. This achievement not only contributes to significant cost savings but also enhances the brand's reputation and demonstrates my client’s commitment to responsible sourcing and production practices.
Benefit #2 Harmonized Artistic Vision and Efficiency
Expertly curating the product lineup, I strategically aligned creative designs with market demands, ensuring a profitable equilibrium. By evaluating each step of the design and production process, I streamlined the production. Actions included simplifying product design, standardizing parts across products, optimizing labor, exploring alternative materials, and assessing outsourcing. Clearly defined cost reduction targets were set for targeted profitability, reinforcing an efficient yet artistic approach.
Benefit #3 Sales Growth & Distribution Success
I revitalized their sales and distribution network by refining branding strategies that resonated with luxury home decor enthusiasts. With a combination of wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels, supported by impactful sales tools like presentation decks and retailer agreements, I devised a nuanced discount approach. In a competitive luxury decor market, I strategically positioned Elizabeth Hayt Studio's products, ensuring differentiation, heightened visibility, and resonance among discerning customers.
“Marilisa Barbieri is completely devoted to achieving the goals of her clients. She is extremely intelligent, insightful, and enthusiastic, as well as thorough and creative in achieving her client’s goals. She is an outstanding resource for those of us — I am a decorative artist who designs tabletop collections, like napkins and placemats— who hope to expand and refine our professional endeavors. I was so pleased with her consulting services that I even extended my contract so that I could continue to benefit from her outstanding advice and suggestions for growing my business.”
Elizabeth Hayt
”Marilisa's attention to detail, combined with the large range of topics her consultancy services include has been very helpful to grow our business.”
Esther Sibiude, Studio Manager at Elizabeth Hayt Studio
“Marilisa has been one of the most unbelievably helpful resources my small team and I have had the privilege of working with over the past couple of months. Our weekly meetings have truly shifted our perspective and continually increased our successes. She prepares each meeting with incredible structure, and her availability through email each week post-meeting has been invaluable as well. Her advice and suggestions have been spot-on, and her approach to some of our most challenging tasks has finally illuminated areas of our business that were far too confusing for far too long. She has been a complete game-changer. I hope to have her counsel for a long, long time. Thank you, Marilisa!”
Zoe Kestan, Production Manager at Elizabeth Hayt Studio
Navigating Circular Design Product Launch with Expert Distribution Strategies and Sales Training
Client: Confidential, Italy
A design firm renowned for its innovative restorative interiors and pioneering circular product designs. With a strong focus on circularity and biomaterials, the company recently launched its inaugural capsule collection of rugs. My client, however, faced challenges in effectively distributing their products through retailers and establishing a comprehensive pricing strategy for both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels.
Product: Textile
The Challenges: The company encountered difficulties in translating its innovative vision into a profitable distribution strategy. They were uncertain about how to approach retailers who aligned with their brand identity, and they struggled to define pricing strategies that would appeal to both direct customers and wholesale partners.
My Services: Distribution Network Enhancement & Pricing Strategy Development
The Results: The client’s capsule collection of rugs successfully gained traction in both retail and direct-to-consumer channels, positioning the brand as a frontrunner in the realm of circular design and luxury interiors.
Phase 1: Market Analysis and Retailer Connections
Expertise Leveraging: Drawing upon my experience in luxury design and my extensive network of industry contacts, I delved into an in-depth analysis of my client’s products, brand identity, and market positioning. This allowed me to understand the unique value proposition and target customers of the brand.
Retailer Recommendations: Based on my insights and connections, I curated a list of retailers whose values and customer base aligned with my client’s circular design ethos. This ensured that they could establish meaningful partnerships that would drive both sales and brand resonance.
Phase 2: Pricing Strategy
Margin Preservation: Collaborating closely with my client, I developed a comprehensive pricing structure that ensured the brand's margins remained intact. This involved careful consideration of production costs, value perception, and market positioning.
Diversified Pricing Tiers: Recognizing the diverse preferences of consumers, I assisted my client in creating a tiered pricing strategy that accommodated different customer segments, allowing them to target both luxury collectors and design enthusiasts seeking accessible yet premium options.
Benefit #1: Enhanced Distribution Network
With my guidance, they successfully penetrated the desired retail landscape. Leveraging my industry connections, the brand secured partnerships with selective retailers. This enabled the brand to access new customer segments and increase its market presence.
Benefit #2: Sales Training and Strategy Implementation
Recognizing the importance of effective sales techniques, I provided my client with comprehensive sales training tailored to the luxury design industry. This equipped them with the skills to confidently approach retailers and articulate the unique value of their products.
Benefit #3: Expert Insights and Collaboration
Through mentorship and collaboration, my client gained valuable insights into the luxury design market and distribution dynamics. My expertise helped them navigate complex decisions and make informed choices aligned with the brand's vision and business goals.
Crafting Success in Luxury Jewelry Consulting with The Dazzling Concierge
Client: The Dazzling Concierge, Minnesota
The Dazzling Concierge, founded by Jessica Gylsen, is a luxury jewelry concierge service specializing in engagement rings and curating fine jewelry pieces. With Jessica's background as a third-generation gemologist and her extensive experience in the luxury jewelry industry, The Dazzling Concierge offers personalized guidance and expertise to clients seeking the perfect jewelry pieces for their special occasions.
Service: Private Luxury Jewelry Concierge and fine jewelry curator
The Challenges: Jessica Gylsen reached out seeking mentoring and guidance as she embarked on her own luxury consulting business exclusively in the jewelry sector. She faced challenges in establishing a suitable pricing framework for her clients, considering her unique expertise and the distinctive nature of her services.
My Services: Business Mentoring and Pricing Strategy Consultation
The Results: Through our mentoring collaboration, Jessica Gylsen successfully established a well-defined pricing framework that reflected her expertise, experience, and the value she brings to her clients in the luxury jewelry concierge sector.
Benefit #1 Personalized Pricing Strategy: Collaborating with Jessica, we established a pricing structure that considered her wealth of experience and the value she brings to her clients. This included factoring in her gemological expertise, personalized consultations, and the exclusivity of her curated jewelry offerings. The pricing strategy aimed to convey the premium nature of her services.
Benefit #2 Defining Value Proposition: Together, we refined her value proposition to emphasize her unique background, the personalized touch she brings to every client interaction, and the trust that comes with her reputation as a third-generation gemologist. This differentiation helped position her services as a distinct offering in the luxury jewelry consulting landscape.
Benefit #3 Market Positioning and Branding: I guided how to position her brand as an authority in luxury jewelry consulting. This included refining her messaging, creating a compelling brand story that highlights her journey and expertise, and developing marketing materials that resonate with her target clientele.
Positioning as a Sustainable Design Brand to expand in the US Market
Client: Collaborative Craft Projects, Zimbabwe
Working closely with Artisan Communities throughout Zimbabwe, Collaborative Craft Projects design, develop and make handmade homeware that is beautiful and functional. Through their unique range of handmade homeware and basketry, they tell a story of tradition and heritage to a local and global market.
Product: Homeware
The Challenges: Jane and Sarah needed help in identifying opportunities they may have missed and overlooked in the marketplace. They also wanted to improve sales conversions and increase revenues.
My Services: Business Accelerator Program
The Results: New target segments in high-end hospitality and residential interior design, improved sales conversions, and gained business insights to increase attractiveness to the US market.
Benefit #1 New Target Segments: With the increasing trend towards biophilic design and the demand for wholly sustainable design solutions, I helped the brand to get ready and create the right product offer for interiors in the high-end hospitality space.
Benefit #2 Improved Sales Conversions: Achieved 8% revenue increase through new market linkages to agents and distribution channels aimed at high-end sustainably produced homewares.
Benefit #3 Business Insights: I helped Sarah and Jane understand how to be more attractive to the US market. I helped them gain access to the right platforms and people and discover where the potential for growth lies.
“It was such an honor for us to have the help and guidance of the super-talented Marilisa Barbieri last year as one of the Nest Guild group’s trusted fellows and mentors. This gave us a much needed deeper insight into the Luxury Homeware space and helped us to deal with a variety of challenges and obstacles "head on"giving us the tools to manage some difficult situations and provide us with lots of achievable solutions.”
Jane Taylor, Collaborative Craft Projects
Targeting Affluent Clientele in Need of Wealth Consultancy
Client: Ruchelle Khanna LCSW, Virginia
Service: Wealth Consultancy providing Non-Financial Solutions for High-Net-Worth Individuals, Couples, Families, Family Offices & Family Businesses
The Challenges: Ruchelle Khanna needed help in branding her service. Unlocking the psychology of money and wealth, she helps families sort through the complexities of family and business to facilitate relationships and sustainable wealth across generations. She needed a strategy to target affluent clientele in need of wealth consultancy.
My Services: Consultations and Mentorship
The Results: Identified and profiled the ideal target clients most likely to need wealth consulting services. Generated more leads, converting them into long-term clients, increasing retention and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Benefit #1 Enhanced Brand Image: I helped my client to position as a luxury service provider to enhance her perceived values and command higher fees.
Benefit #2 Improved Client Experience: By understanding what wealthy individuals expect from luxury service providers, my client was able to create an offer strategy that delivers personalized and exclusive service.
Benefit #3 Targeted Marketing: Built a marketing campaign that speaks to the unique needs and desires of high-net-worth individuals looking for wealth consultancy.
The Challenges: Treeline Terrains struggled to set an effective pricing structure for wholesale orders involving custom work, finding leads, and converting them into corporate partners.
My Services: Online Courses and promotion at NY NOW conference
The Results: Jumpstarted the corporate gifting business within three months, opened two major accounts, secured b2b partners and secured two large commissions of 200+ custom gifts.
Benefit #1: Accelerated Growth and Development. Finding and converting leads could begin right away. The first clients secured orders for custom gifts for two major events: The Porche Driving Experience and The SCA Certification.
Benefit #2 Optimized Sales Strategy. By providing training and support on sales techniques and marketing tactics specific to corporate gifts, I helped my client convert more leads into paying customers, and grow and scale their business quickly.
Benefit #3 Increased brand recognition through corporate partnerships with Porche and Lavazza.
Adding a New Revenue Stream with Corporate Gifting and Working with Luxury Companies
Client: Treeline Terrains, Vermont
With a team of contemporary craftsmen, Treeline Terrains captures nature’s beauty by carving wood into highly-accurate mountains and lakes, to decorate walls with bird’s-eye views.
Products: 3D wood carvings home decor, tableware & gifts
“We worked with Marilisa through the NY NOW summer gift show at the Javits Center. Marilisa helped our business add corporate gifting as a revenue stream, and has helped our company build brand awareness. Many thanks Marilisa!”.
Alex Gemme, Treeline Terrains
Growing the Online Brand Authority and Establishing as a Niche Expert in Interior Design
Client: Bee’s Knees Design, Massachusetts
Service: Interior Design
Bee's Knees Design is an interior design firm specializing in classic New England style with historic charm and unique character.
The Challenges: Developing a strong brand identity that is aligned with the luxury segment and establish the design firm as niche expert in New England interiors.
My Services: Consultations on Digital Strategy & Luxury Brand Assessment
The Results: A more targeted and effective social media presence helped Mary Maloney and her design team invest their time and resources more effectively and efficiently. By establishing the interior design firm as a niche expert in New England interiors, the client differentiated from the competition and repositioned as a thought leader in the field.
Benefit #1 Improved Brand Identity: The luxury brand assessment helped my client identify the gaps and missed opportunities in their branding strategy. With my actionable recommendations, I guided the development of a more robust identity aligned with the luxury segment.
Benefit #2 Social Media Optimization: By analyzing the client’s digital footprint and audience, I helped them streamline their social media efforts and focus on the platforms that would bring the most value to their business. 15% Cost saving in social media management.
Benefit #3 Niche Expertise: Increased visibility and credibility within the design community translated into more high-end clients and residential projects with a higher budget.
“I have just completed the Luxury Brand Assessment: Lots of interesting insights! And a unique perspective compared to what we hear elsewhere.”
Mary Maloney, Principal at Bee’s Knees Interior Design
The Challenges: One of her biggest challenges was identifying the ideal client profiles and target audience, which is crucial for any business to thrive. Christabel had a clear vision of what her brand represented and the level of quality she wanted to offer. However, she needed guidance on establishing herself in a niche market and selling to luxury customers.
My Services: 4-week Business Program, Mentorship & Ongoing Advisory
The Results: Developed a full-fledge strategy that resonates with luxury consumers, crafted a compelling marketing strategy, and guided my client through the launch process to ensure a successful debut in the market.
Benefit #1 Expertise and Experience. With a wealth of knowledge in luxury, I helped Christabel understand the nuances of the market, the expectations of luxury consumers, and how to best position her brand to succeed.
Benefit #2 Market Insights: From providing contacts of retailers and industry partners to structuring an effective pricing strategy, I helped my client make informed decisions about her brand and product offerings and stay ahead of the competition.
Benefit #3 Tailored Strategy: As a luxury brand consultant, I take a personalized approach to each brand, and helped Belhaus develop a brand strategy that took into account the unique vision and goals of Christabel.
Taking a New Tableware Brand from Concept to Market
Client: Belhaus, California
Belhaus, an emerging luxury brand founded by Christabel Aguele, redefines the concept of entertainment, quality, and time in the modern world. Designed in Los Angeles and made in Portugal by Porcel, Belhaus tableware elevates the everyday with a whimsical aesthetic.
Products: Tableware & Gifts
“Having an industry professional provide valuable information and resources was a huge benefit. Marilisa gave me clarity and a road map on how to build a successful brand. It was a pleasure working with someone that is genuine and truly committed to your success.”
Christabel Aguele, Belhaus
The Challenges: As a calligraphy artist, Lisa struggled to find her brand voice and establish a strong presence in the luxury market. Since a handwritten note is a luxury gift, Elevated Scripts needed to develop a cohesive strategy and brand messaging.
My Services: Brand Strategy, Creative Direction, and Content Creation
The Results: Increased sales by 28% and improved market positioning compared to competitors.
Benefit #1 Memorable Brand Identity: By developing a strong brand strategy that emphasizes the strengths, values, and unique selling points, Elevated Scripts is now positioned as a luxury service provider that offers high-quality, personalized services worth the premium price.
Benefit #2 Artistic and creative direction: To truly elevated Lisa's work to the next level, I helped her create a portfolio of pieces that were not only beautiful but also uniquely reflective of her brand and the taste of luxury consumers.
Benefit #3 Featured in Forbes: To help boost visibility and awareness of the art of calligraphy as an in-store brand experience, I wrote two articles exploring why a thank you note is a luxury gift and why it should be a staple in luxury marketing.
Elevating the Retail Brand Experience with an on-site Calligrapher Artist
Client: Elevated Scripts, New York City
Elevated Scripts is a Calligraphy Studio specializing in hand-lettering and beautiful handwriting for personalized vows, business sends out, in-person boutique experiences, and bespoke projects.
Service: Calligraphy and Hand-Lettering
“From the moment we started working together, I could tell that Marilisa was deeply passionate about helping creatives like myself to find their footing in the world of luxury branding. With her expert guidance, I was able to refine my brand messaging and develop a cohesive strategy that truly captured the essence of my art. And if all that wasn't enough, she even featured my brand in one of her articles on Forbes! I was blown away by their generosity and commitment to helping me succeed.”
Lisa, Elevated Scripts
The Challenges: Pitching art in AI and cognitive science to a gallery can be challenging due to the need of communicating complex concepts in a way that is both accessible and compelling to the public.
My Services: Consultation and ongoing advisory
The Results: Bridged the gap between two seemingly disparate fields, art and technology, by building a pitch deck with a strong emphasis on branding, storytelling, and exclusivity. I helped Prof. Ekster create a story that translates complex concepts in science and artificial intelligence into an accessible brand message.
Benefit #1 Gallery Exhibition on Pi Day: ArtecHouse, home for innovative experiential art, featured CogniChrome during the annual celebration of the mathematical constant π.
Benefit #2 Brand Awareness: Prof. Ekster’s art showcased at Art Basel in Miami generated significant interest from international galleries and art collectors looking for innovative art expressions.
Benefit #3 Product Launch: Originally presented as a work of art, the brain scanner device’s technology used to create visually captivating brain images is now in Beta testing for commercial use.
Bridging the gap between Art, Cognitive Science, and Artificial Intelligence
Client: CogniChrome, New York
CogniChrome’s art explores the brain’ activity powered by artificial intelligence. The brain scanner device’s technology is utilized to create visually captivating brain images.
Product: Experiential Tech Art
“Marilisa Barbieri is an outstanding business consultant who has helped my art tremendously. From the moment we started working together, it was clear that she was committed to understanding the unique needs of my artistic expression. She helped successfully pitch my art at several galleries including ArtecHouse in NYC. ”
Prof. Ekster, CogniChrome
The Challenges: As an artisan business that's been relatively successful and had a huge growth spike over the past two years, recently the company sales plateaued. Wanted to work with more interior designers on residential and hospitality projects, but the management didn’t know how to move forward.
My Services: 4 Weeks Business Program & Mentorship
The Results: Profiled two new target segments in the market: Interior designers and hospitality. Redesigned the product strategy, pricing strategy, and discount structure for the trade. Streamlined the traffic strategy to generate qualified leads and build relationships. Gained actionable advice on where to improve and how to restructure.
Benefit #1 Improved outreach process and prospecting with a strategy appealing to interior designers. Lead Generated +5%
Benefit #2 Optimized website and social media content resulting in an increase of monthly traffic of 18%
Benefit #3 Repositioned brand and products in the market and forged a partnership with a large national retailer
Working with Interior Designers and Reaching the Luxury Design Market
Client: Vacilando Studios, Texas
A design and production studio dedicated to making beautiful home accessories while modernizing the tradition of American craftsmanship. Founded in 2015, Vacilando Studios employs quilters and seamstresses across the United States.
Products: Textile, Home Accessories, & Wall Art
“I’ve really enjoyed the mentorship program and have found Marilisa's insight to be very informative and structured. She's helped me see my business in a new light and give actionable advice on what to improve and reorganize.”
Laura Preston, Vacilando Studios
Developing a full-fledged brand image, making an impact on your target audience and planning a set of actions to grow and scale can all make launching a luxury brand daunting. And if you have little or no formal experience in the industry, launching a luxury brand can be even more intimidating.
Learning the language of luxury takes time and effort. Understanding what it takes to succeed in the industry is a process of trial and error. How can you build a solid business plan to frame your idea consistently and sustainably? How can you successfully establish your product as something iconic that speaks for itself from the beginning? You might be considering working with a consultant to help.
But how do you find the right consultant who can help you grow your brand? As a business consultant who specializes in the luxury space, I recommend carefully evaluating and paying attention to their professional niche, expertise, skills and credentials.
How To Choose A Consultant When Launching Your Luxury Brand
Expertise, Skills And Credentials As Points Of Excellence
The first step before hiring a consultant is being clear about your objectives, the kind of assistance you need and the type of expertise you want. Are you looking for a collaborator to partner with you, or are you looking for a business coach?
I believe good consultants solve problems, but elite consultants can help you improve as a business leader and make better processes for your business.
Invest time in gathering information about projects they have led, previous collaborations in the industry and clients they’ve served as well. Did they ever work for luxury brands? What role did they cover? Do they have a strong network in relevant communities? Search for social proof to validate their credentials and personal brand.
Furthermore, define the deliverables. Whatever your objectives, set a clear goal for the project at the beginning so you can manage your expectations when working with a consultant.
Ensuring They’re An Expert In Your Field
If you’re looking to work with a business consultant, I recommend searching for someone who is a professional in your niche. Determine whether the consultant you’re considering is a specialized advisor and thought leader in your field who can help elevate your brand’s reach and innovate solutions in your business niche.
Starting and growing a powerful luxury brand requires specialization and focus. You can launch your brand by yourself, but if you work with a mentor or consultant, ensure they have experience in your niche, in-depth knowledge of the industry and an understanding of luxury consumers. Creating a successful plan becomes much easier when you know how to resonate with your target audience.
Elite consultants can demonstrate the value they can bring to your business. Their credentials, skills and expertise are points of excellence at your service to launch or grow an existing business.