The High Point Market Authority (HPMA) today announced the 2019 Style Spotters Team, as follows:
- Shayla Copas (AR), Shayla Copas Interiors
- Kara Cox (NC), Kara Cox Interiors
- Cynthia Ferguson (ON), Cynthia Ferguson Designs
- Eric Haydel (MA), Eric Haydel Designs
- Benjamin Johnston (TX), Benjamin Johnston Design LLC
- Courtney McLeod (NY), Right Meets Left Interior Design
- Laura Thurman (TN), Thurman Design Studio LLC
- Erinn Valencich (CA), Erinn V Design Group
This group was unveiled as the incoming team at the Style Spotters LIVE! breakfast during fall market this past October, and are now officially taking the reigns as the 2019 Style Spotters team. They will hold the title throughout the calendar year and will apply their trend-tracking abilities to both 2019 markets – April 6-10 and Oct. 19-23.
Style Spotters are charged with scouring the market to find their favorite products and top trends, leaving behind a card on each item they “spot.” These finds are then posted to High Point Market Pinterest boards and contribute to the two Style Reports (Summer/Fall and Winter/Spring) that the HPMA produces.
The 2019 team also has two new mentors to provide guidance to the team and write the introduction for each Style Report. Style Spotter alumni Shay Geyer of IBB Design Fine Furnishings and Gary Inman of Baskervill are the new Style Spotter Advisors. The role was previously called Style Spotter “Emeritus” and was held by Michelle Jennings Wiebe of Studio M, Inc. for the past five years.
“We are excited about what this diverse team will bring to High Point Market with their individual styles, social media followings and their ability to spot trends affecting the home furnishings industry,” commented Tom Conley, President and CEO of the High Point Market Authority. “Style Spotters is one of our premier programs, adding great value for our buyers, media attendees and exhibitors. The team’s insights and input is a widely-used resource for both our attendees and the industry as a whole.”
The Style Spotters program launched during the fall 2011 market. The HPMA put the 2019 team together by using a combination of self-identified and well-known candidates, with an impartial vetting and selection committee, and sought a diverse and geographically balanced group. Former Style Spotters David Ecton and Lance Jackson, members of the 2017 Style Spotters Team and owners of Parker Kennedy Living, and Wiebe were crucial participants on the selection committee.
Market attendees will be invited to join the Style Spotters at both 2019 markets on Tuesday morning of market week at 9 a.m. for Style Spotters LIVE!, a free event at which the Style Spotters will discuss the top trends and products they found at market. This event is immediately followed by the Style Spotters Trend Tours, which are led by individual Style Spotters and encompass all corners of market. These tours are an opportunity for attendees to receive guided tours through two of a Style Spotters’ favorite showrooms.
High Point Market has received international recognition as one of the top brands using Pinterest, winning the 2014 “Best Use of Social Media” E.X.C.I.T.E. Award. Social media and branding experts have touted the market’s Style Spotters program as a unique way to take advantage of brand building on Pinterest. More information about the Style Spotters program and 2019 team can be found at www.highpointmarket.org.
