Photographs by Cailen Poles

Above: Interior designer Cailen Poles puts the finishing touches on
her bedroom in the Bucks County House in Lahaska, PA

For the bulk of design students, there is typically a linear series of events that occurs when graduating from college. The top priority for graduates is usually finding a 9 to 5 job that will help with experience, student loan payments, making contacts while honing their skills under a designer’s supervision, and perhaps one day, opening a business of their own. While studying Art History and French at Muhlenberg College, Cailen A. Poles of Stockton, NJ had this set of events in mind, but decided to take it a step further and launch her interior and lifestyle design company, Cailen Ascher Design, immediately after her graduation in May, 2008. After over a year in business, Cailen has completed numerous design consultations, does public speaking events based on the principals of interior design, and was the youngest member invited to participate on this year’s Bucks County Designer House in Lahaska, PA. This opportunity to design a bedroom in the house has won her accolades and potential contracts as it is estimated that nearly 10,000 people came through the house while it was open to the public until May 31st.

Above: A view of the bedroom design in the Bucks County House

Cailen A. Poles speaks with Ava Living:

You’ve described design as being in your blood, and that interior design has been an interest since you were a child. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Even when I was very young, I was always designing; my dream house, my wedding dress, any many other creative projects that came my way. I just love to be creative and use my imagination, and I was lucky enough to have parents who exposed me to the principles of good design very early in life. My dad was a real estate developer, and over the years he won numerous awards for his home designs. My mom decorated a number of model homes and later branched out into kitchen design. With these things at play, I was always surrounded by creative energy in my life.

When you were nearing graduation and decided to start your own business, what were your biggest reasons for wanting to launch your own company, rather than starting out by working for another designer or firm for the first while?

I knew from the time I was young that I would never be completely happy working for someone else, as I have always been very independent. It seems that so often, when you work under the shadow of other talented designers, your ideas get compromised. I was afraid that if I didn’t start out on my own immediately, that I might become complacent in one of these design positions, and subsequently be reluctant to risk my security and lifestyle and venture out on my own.

Above: Vanity and entry view of the bedroom design

What steps have you taken to marketing your business and securing contracts since your company launched in May 2008?

To reach potential clients, I travel to all nearby towns and post flyers, distribute business cards and leave information wherever I can. In addition to this, I post blogs and information online quite often and tend to get great feedback with that. I also send out press releases whenever there’s something noteworthy about my business that I think local publications might be interested in publishing. Also, I regularly contact local libraries, clubs and businesses to see if they’re interested in allowing me to give talks and informative presentations on design related topics. The biggest marketing endeavor that I’ve tackled to date, was participating in this year’s Bucks County Designer House. I’m currently working from a home studio, so I knew that getting my work into this year's designer house would be key in reaching new clients.

Above: Vanity detail in bedroom design

You had mentioned that your mother has been working as your design partner. Is your company a family run business with you at the helm?

My family is very entrepreneurial. As noted above, my dad created a real estate development company years back which won numerous design awards, and my mom used to specialize in kitchen design so their skills and knowledge have really helped. However, I secure the bulk of the design work that my company covers, but i t is always reassuring to know that I have such talented people in my family to help me out during the busy times.

Above: Cailen Poles and her Mom celebrate her Bucks County Home bedroom design

How did you first hear about the Bucks County Designer House?

I’ve known about the Bucks County Designer House for years and always make it a point to visit, since it’s always interesting to see the work of so many talented designers in one place. When I graduate last spring, participating in the designer house was one of my goals that I had outlined in my five year plan. I never thought that I’d have the fortune to be selected my first year out of school! It was a wonderful experience.

Film is a big influence in your work, and you referred to 1940s Hollywood Regency for the bedroom design that you did in the Bucks County House. Can you tell us a bit about your interest in film and how it influences your work?

I’ve always loved old movies; the sets, costumes, and locales are often so beautiful and iconic. I often joke that I was born in the wrong era as I have always been drawn to the styles and music of the 1940s. When I heard that I was selected to participate in this year's Bucks County House, I knew instantly that I wanted to try to capture the chic sophistication of Old Hollywood. Though it harkens back to a different era, this look is completely relevant and appreciated by today’s standards, and is all about the balance of luxuriousness and comfort.

Above: A detail shot of the 1940's accessories that adorn the vanity in Cailen Pole's bedroom design

The Bucks County House was open to the public on May 3rd until May 31st. Have you had some great response and feedback on your work with the house?

The response has been fantastic. Throughout the month of May, I visited my room in the designer house numerous times to meet the tour-goers and explain my design, and I was always appreciative of the fabulous comments and compliments. It’s a great feeling to see people appreciate your design and hard work. I have already received some calls from people who attended and are interested in working with me on their design related projects. 

Do you have plans to participate in any other designer houses, exhibitions, or public speaking engagements this year?

I might take a year off from the designer house this coming year. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it is a lot of work, and it’s all on a volunteer basis. In July I’ll be speaking at the historic Prallsville Mills in Stockton, NJ on the topic of “The Art of Well-Designed Living”, where I’ll be sharing advice about how to create a healthy, happy home environment by refining and simplifying your lifestyle and living space. Also, starting August 18th, I’ll be hosting “Lifestyle Classes”, which will cover wellness, healthy living, and interior design. Again, the premise of these classes is to encourage people to refine their lifestyles and design their home environments to compliment them.

As a young entrepreneur, what are some valuable pieces of advice that you would offer to someone that is thinking of opening their own interior design business?

Get your name out there; make up business cards and hand them out to everyone that you know (and also to those that you don’t know)! Have confidence in yourself and your work, and don’t be afraid to self-promote. It was hard in the beginning to talk to people about myself and my business, I kind of felt like I was bragging, but I soon realized that if I didn’t get my name out there and explain my business, no one else would do it for me. It’s also great to network; talk to local furniture stores who don’t offer design services, visit galleries, talk to contractors, visit real estate agencies (if you do staging work), talk to anyone who could possibly recommend you or is in a related business. Referrals are a really great way to get clients! And lastly, never give up; there will be slow months, but if you believe in yourself and your business, you are going to succeed!

To contact Cailen A. Poles:
Website: http://www.cailenascher.bravehost.com/
Blog: http://cailenascher.blogspot.com/
Email: cailenascher@gmail.com
Phone: (908) 581-8191

Written by Ehren Seeland