In this edition of Showroom Talk, we’ve invited the sophisticated and fabulous Nicky Rising to share her interesting life as a showroom owner. Nicky has been representing our line from the start and we love working with her. Read on to discover more about Nicky…
1. How did you get involved in home decor?
I have always been interested in interior design. When I lived in Cannes (France) I would spend hours scouring the local flea markets looking for unusual objects.
Above: Nicky with her colleague John David. (Photo: Nicky Rising)
Some I lugged across the Atlantic when I moved to America 20 years ago. Thank goodness there were less luggage restrictions then!
2. What was your path to owning your own showroom?
I originally started in retail but found the hours and responsibility overwhelming having a small child to raise. I quit cold turkey and prayed for a door to open working in interior design. I found work with a Los Angeles designer for a short time, and then moved over to the Pacific Design Center with the esteemed Clarence House showroom. I went on to the run the Christopher Norman showroom, but when he closed his doors, I took a leap of faith and created Nicky Rising LTD. After a few years of working from the road, I decided to open the showroom in 2011.
I love having a beautiful space to showcase the lines I am passionate about, and feel so blessed to work with talented people and sell beautiful things. Some would say I have been lucky, but there is no doubt hard work is essential to opening your own business.
3. What is the most interesting item in the showroom?
It’s so hard to choose just one! Right now I am quite taken with the collection of vintage embroidery from the Swat Valley Pakistan, Hungary, and central Asia that I have acquired. Sometimes it breaks my heart to see these gorgeous handmade textiles leave the showroom, but that just makes room to discover something even more stunning.
4. What can’t you live without?
Coffee! Of course the true answer is my beautiful daughter, my amazing family of friends, and the opportunity to celebrate life with the ones I love.
5. What is your “rule of thumb” in life?
Take in your surroundings every moment, life is too short to take for granted.
6. Describe your aesthetics/decoration style?
I find the things I truly love, and when I do, no matter how different the pieces may seem to be on their own, they somehow work together. I have a great appreciation of objects that have a weathered history, a patina. There is a beauty in many handmade vintage pieces that is timeless, and today there are so many resources to find them. Why bother purchasing a vase from the mall when you can find one of a kind vases from all over the world on the internet, often for the same price or less.
Don’t get me wrong, I love new things too! The trick is to find a balance. I love my vintage Middle Eastern brass coffee table and Souzani blankets as much as my new bookshelf.
7. Which designer (any industry) would you like to meet?
I am lucky to work in Los Angeles, where I have had the opportunity to meet many of today’s great designers. If I had a magic wand, I would love to go back in time and meet Madame Castaing in her prime. Madame Castaing was more than just a celebrated interior designer, she was a fascinating person, and she lived an incredible life.
8. What song(s) best describe yourself?
David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.”
9. What is your favorite Seema Krish textile?
Mad about Juhu in all the colours – Bandra follows close behind. I have visions of using Juhu in Goa Sand in a number of places in my house. Seema’s textiles are a great example of what can work beautifully with both vintage and contemporary design.
(Photo: Sarah Winchester)
10. What Seema Krish samples get requested the most at your showroom?
Juhu, Bandra, and Mahalaxmi. The embroidered mirror details of Mahalaxmi are impossible to resist!
Here’s a glimpse of Nicky’s beautiful showroom!
Photos: Nicky Rising
To learn more about Nicky Rising LTD:
8625 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA 90069
Tel: 310 289 1385
http://www.nickyrising.com
