Kelly Wearstler on What It Takes to Be a Creative Entrepreneur Today

Kelly Wearstler has spent her career expanding our idea of what an interior designer can be. Now, the AD100 Hall of Fame talent shares her secrets to successAs technology, culture, and the way we live continue to evolve, what will define the next generation of design? At AD PRO Design Dialogues, AD Global Editorial Director Amy Astley sat down with AD100 Hall of Fame designer and creative force Kelly Wearstler, who continues to diversify her practice to meet the moment—from product and book deals to launching her collectible design gallery, Side Hustle, to chronicling it all in her newsletter, Wearstlerworld.In this keynote conversation, the two delve into what it means to be an entrepreneur in the design world today—and how the future will belong to those who aren’t afraid of reinvention.Elizabeth Fazzare is a New York-based editor and journalist who covers architecture, design, culture, and travel for publications including Architectural Digest, Dwell, and Interior Design. Known for her in-depth features, she is passionate about telling the stories of emerging and underrepresented design talents, reporting on the future of architectural typologies, ... Read MoreRead MoreAD PRO Design Dialogues RecapTop creatives and industry leaders gathered at AD’s headquarters in New York for a day of inspiration, connection, and community at AD PRO’s inaugural design summitThe Art of Operations: To Build From Within or Strategically Delegate?In this virtual roundtable, architect Bryan Young and interior designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Cheryl Eisen share their lessons learned as they’ve scaled their teams and management systemsHow to Grow a Meaningful Social Media FollowingFrom your captions to your content calendar, top creatives explain how to grow an audience while staying authentic to your workAD PRO Design Dialogues is an exclusive one-day summit for AD PRO and AD PRO Directory members, designed to bring the AD editorial experience to life.How to Convert Your Instagram Following Into Actual ClientsExperts share the moves that turn double-taps into signed contractsHow to Ace Your Next Client PresentationTop designers share tips on setting up your room (or your Zoom), the best visual aids, and other strategies for getting your clients’ stamp of approvalAD PRO LIVE: How to Pitch: What AD Editors Want You to KnowGet insider intel on what editors look for in project and product pitches from AD’s Alison Levasseur, Bebe Howorth, and Madeline O'MalleyDesigners Are Rethinking These 8 Home Renovation IdeasLeading architects and designers reveal their home remodel no-gos—and what they suggest instead10 AD-Approved Millworkers to Perfect Your Next Project’s Built-InsDesign pros trust these industry favorites add finesse, function, and flexibility to any home interiorDesigner Debate: Should You Remodel a Vintage Bathroom?Ripping out a historic bath has become a surefire path to social media notoriety. Design pros discuss if new is always better—or if history and function can live in harmony.How to Spend Your Marketing Budget NowThe marketing landscape has changed. Here’s your roadmap to smarter spending, better client acquisition, and growth in 2027