A Little Re-Introduction

We have had lots of new followers lately and I thought it was time for a fresh intro...

Let me introduce myself: Hi, I’m Juliet! I’m the Founder and Creative Director of Design Merchants and a lifelong creative.

My love for visual merchandising started straight out of school while completing my Fine Arts degree and working in fashion retail. I quickly realised I loved the creativity of creating displays and spaces that not only looked beautiful, but created an experience. Linking the creative process in my art to those used in the retail space to capture attention and create memories, which has really been a constant theme.

My Visual Merchandising Journey

My foundational Visual Merchandising (VM) training was 13 years with Freedom (Furniture), where I started as a Homewares Visual Merchandiser and worked my way up to State Visual Merchandising Manager for Western Australia and Northern Territory. Highlights were setting up new stores and this took me around Australia and even to Bahrain.

Constantly Learning

While at Freedom I studied part-time in Interior Design and then Project Management. Never quite knowing what my next step was going to be...until things all came together when I took the leap to start my own VM business.

Design Merchants

In 2011, I founded Design Merchants - a creative studio specialising in visual merchandising, brand activations, window displays and florals. Working with retailers, shopping centres, councils and brands to create memorable spaces that build connection, increase engagement and bring ideas to life

Constantly Evolving

Over the years the business has evolved. At times I have leant more into visual merchandising education (still a passion) and now we have expanded into event styling and drapery installations.

I love bringing a brand launch or a personal milestone event to life from sketch to final styling concepts. And for the old school window dressers out there, the passion for drapery is real! This has layered really well onto our core of activations, VM and floral installations

Community & Bayswater

Both living and running a business in Bayswater, has led to being involved in the local community.

As part of the Bayswater Traders Association Board, I’ve helped shape and support the Bayswater Bridge District - building local identity, strengthening business connections and creating a destination that brings people together.

Creativity Beyond Work

I’ve always been arty.

Outside of work, I love collecting mid-century treasures, local art and pieces with personality. I am always sketching and recently started an oil painting portraiture class which I am loving.

Because creativity isn’t just what I do - it’s how I see the world.

The Next Chapter

As we get ready for our workshop move (location TBC), I have been thinking about what I really love about the business. It comes down to the team I work with and the clients we collaborate with. And of course it is the design process, prototyping, making and creating that is what I am still passionate about, so watch this space!

Until Next Time,

Juliet