Inspiring Innovation: An Interview with Jasmin Reese and Mobolaji Akintunde, Retail Branding and Design

By Vicki Matranga, Design Programs Coordinator

Learn how to develop and launch the right products for the right customer—with the right methods! Be sure to attend some of the free executive-level educational sessions at the Innovation Theater. These programs will give you a fresh perspective as you walk the Show and will inspire, inform and improve your business.

The four days of the 2015 International Home + Housewares Show will be packed with events and educational sessions. To help you plan your valuable time at the Show, we preview the 21 presentations that will take place in the Innovation Theater in the Lakeside Center. Don’t miss the chance to meet the speakers in person and the opportunity to ask questions relevant to your work. All programs are audio-recorded and will be available on www.housewares.org after the Show.

Shine the Light on Your Brand: Retail Design

Tuesday, March 10 10:30—11:20 a.m.

Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center, Room E350

Get acquainted with Jasmin Reese and Mobolaji Akintude. Jasmin is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Design. She designs with a classic and traditional sensibility that is at the same time fresh and full of color. Jasmin worked in Rhode Island as an interior design consultant at high-end design houses, as well as Boston and Chicago as a lighting consultant. She has a bachelor degree in art from Rhode Island College, studied at the Boston Architectural Center and an associate degree from Harrington College of Design. From 2010 to July 2014, Jasmin was one half of Cadmium Interiors, a full-service interior design firm, before establishing her own office. An avid painter, her art informs her design c Mobolaji_headshot hoices in composition, scale, and color.

Mobolaji Akintunde is a branding and marketing consultant whose management and leadership skills, compelling ideas and strategic flair have produced breakthrough results for Fortune 500 and globally recognized brands. He is also co-founder and chief brand officer of the luxury lifestyle brand, Stache & Hyde — www.stacheandhyde.com.

Jasmin and Mobolaji, what is the most exciting or rewarding part of your work? What inspires your passions?

Jasmin: The most exciting part of my job is collaborating with a client or a person in the trades to come up with creative, custom solutions that inspire others. In my work, artwork, textiles, lighting and old buildings play a huge role in how I think about interiors.

Mobolaji: The most exciting part of my job is working with my clients to develop a succinct brand framework that communicates clearly and effectively with their customers. I am most inspired when my clients create a vision and a mission for their brand. It is amazing to see their reaction when they fully get who they are and why their business is in existence.

In the past few years, what has changed most in your business? How has your company met these challenges in the way you work?

Jasmin: In the past few years, clients have already done a lot of research on their own before working with me. They are looking online at sites like Houzz and Pinterest. This is a good thing, however, many people who watch home decorating shows think that some of the rooms they see can be done on an unrealistic budget. It is my role to educate clients on what good design costs, and show them the value of dollars spent.

Mobolaji: In the past few years I have noticed that more and more companies are interested in their brand and are taking steps to better define it. In light of this increasing awareness, I have begun to network extensively to establish new relationships and better vet potential clients with a brand profile report.

Why did you choose to speak at the International Home + Housewares Show?

Jasmin: I chose to speak at the IHA Show to share my knowledge of lighting and how it can impact your space. I have partnered with branding expert Mobolaji Akintunde because we work well together when presenting an idea to a broad audience.

Mobolaji: I agree with what Jasmin said.

Tell us what you will be speaking about and how this topic is important for Show audiences.

Mobolaji: In this workshop we will be shining the light (so to speak) on how lighting in your establishment plays a major role in how your customers shop. There’s no coincidence why retailers use the type of lighting and the level of illumination in their shops. As this interior design expert, Jasmin McManamy, puts it, “Lighting sells your product for you and helps to tell your story.”

Jasmin: The audience will learn about what type of lighting and levels of illumination fit their brand and aesthetic. They will also learn about what things to avoid in lighting, and gain an understanding on how lighting impacts their customers’ mood and behavior.

This is your first time presenting at our Theater. What are you looking forward to most from speaking at the Innovation Theater?

Jasmin: I am looking forward to hearing how others have told their story in the design of their product or the merchandising of their store. We will also look forward to a question and answer session.

Mobolaji: I am honored to be presenting with Jasmin. I am looking to meeting the audience and answering brand questions.

Thank you, Jasmin and Mobolaji. This is sure to be an “enlightening” presentation! We look forward to seeing your perspectives on retail design, branding and how interiors impact shoppers. Be sure to attend Shine the Light on Your Brand: Retail Design at the Innovation Theater, Lakeside Center room e350, Tuesday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m.

Learn more about Jasmin and Mobolaji at:

JasminReese_LOGO-RoundFINAL