Page 46 - Lighting Magazine October 2018

MEREDITH HERON (continued)
Heron’s playfully unexpected animal print ceiling complements the pairing of navy and cream tones on traditional architectural details.
college in her mailbox.
“I decided to give it a whirl,” she shares. “Within
three weeks, the program instructor pulled me aside and said this is what I was meant to do, that I needed to pursue a career as a designer, and that he’d help me get my start in any way he could. So, like I do with most everything in my world, I went all in and straight through all the degree programs — Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s. I got asked to redesign a nightclub while still working at Home Depot, which added up to working more than 18 hours a day!”
FinDing FAme
To help raise money for a local children’s charity and generate interest in her edging design business, Heron contributed a “Redesign Your Home” pack- age for the group’s fundraising auction. It was indeed a launchpad for her — in more ways than one.
“I was onstage as they auctioned o my package and it turned into a two-person bidding war,” she
recalls. “A well-known local sports broadcaster was one of the bidders, and there was another bidder very far back in the room, but I couldn’t see who it was. I was thrilled at the prospect of doing a rede- sign at the home of this big local ‘name’ because of all of his connections — but the other person outlasted him and ended up as the highest bidder. It turned out, it was my Mom! She thought doing that would help me, not realizing how valuable that sportscaster’s connections could have been.”
In a twist of fate, a casting agent who was also at the auction approached Heron a erwards to do a screen test at a local TV production company. Comfortable in front of the camera, having been a debater and public speaking champion in high school, she was cast as a host on several series on HGTV in Canada and a Food Network series in the U.S.
That visibility – and the strengths she had gained from all of her experiences – were a great boost as she transitioned full-time into her design career.
“The variety of jobs I had and people I dealt with put me at ease in any environment,” Heron remarks. “I’m comfortable being a brand ambassador. I found my voice – which is what customers are hiring me for – and discovered that maintaining discipline in a classroom is very similar to keeping clients focused. I have an authenticity that people looking for de- sign professionals seem to latch onto,” she explains, adding, “I only take projects that I feel are the right t for my interest and skills — and that I can get excited about.”
sourCing unique proDuCts
Renowned in design circles for her customized pieces and distinct styling, Heron prefers to be in- volved in literally every step of the process with her clients. “I am absolutely commi ed to having my own direct accounts with manufacturers,” she says. “I don’t shop retail. I travel the world for inspiration and go to High Point and other markets. I also use some antiques websites and Italian websites be- cause they give me access to things I wouldn’t be able to nd anywhere else. I look for pieces that have a bit of a story, with a patina or aged nish. I don’t want lighting xtures to look like they just came out of a box.” Electrifying antiques is no problem either as Heron has them professionally certi ed to meet code.
“Having my own accounts [with manufacturers or importers] allows me way more control over how
42 enLIGHTenment Magazine | OctOber 2018
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the Designer-showroom BonD