Nick May is the host of the #1 interior design podcast, The Chaise Lounge, where he talks to top designers from across the country about the business of interior design. He travels to the largest design markets, such as High Point and Las Vegas, to interview designers and manufacturers about what’s new in the industry. Nick seeks out tips and tricks on how to become successful in the fast pace world of interior design. Nick has his own experience in the design world through his interior painting business. Walls By Design was voted “Colorado’s Best Painting Contractor” two years in a row. As an expert on growing your business and managing employees and sales, Nick is able to clarify where to focus your time and effort when it comes to your design business.

Founder of MOCA+, an advisory practice focused on building brands through the lens at the core of design thinking: the consumer. Formerly the CEO of Dwell Inc. – the modern design media brand she built from a small startup magazine to a global media brand on six platforms and a community of 2 million design trade professionals and design-centric consumers. For the last 20 years her focus on design as a construct and mindset, led to the creation of the New Face of Affluence in 2009. Now under MOCA+ as the Design Insights Forum, this powerful panel-based research and related ten years of longitudinal data is the engine for several projects in the MOCA+ practice.  

Michela’s career includes executive leadership positions at IDG, McGraw-Hill, Softbank, Ziff Davis and Future USA where she led key brands by leveraging her knowledge in print, digital and live experiences. Known for her innate ability to create world-class teams, Michela has won awards for her leadership from McGraw-Hill (Executive Leader of the Year), EWIPP (Exceptional Woman of the Year in Publishing), Folio (Sales Leader of the Year).  

Michela advises start-ups and mature brands as they navigate the path to profitable revenue growth.  Arcbazar, Next4Me, Jobroo, GoodWeave, FocusCatalyst, Freeman, Luxury Portfolio, Kukui’ula and Hawaii Life are a few of the companies she has advised and/or holds board and advisory board positions.

Her intimate knowledge of the European antiques market makes Haines a sought-after speaker and “cool hunter” to forecast interior design trends. She speaks often on the subject of mixing antiques with modern furnishings, the history of European furniture and the business of antiques; and is a popular speaker on entrepreneurism and women in business.

As if that doesn’t keep her busy enough, she is also the founder/designer of the Republic of Toma, offering exclusive one of a kind couture jewelry. Rumor has it, a bonified accessories maven, she is currently working on designing a handbag line in association with Bevilaqua. Toma is also a furniture designer and launched her first licensed furniture collection at High Point Fall Market 2018 — The Antiques Diva Collection by Aidan Gray Home.