Last week, Michelle Dougherty of Sawyer & Forge Interiors took a bold step in her design journey: attending High Point Market for the very first time.

Known as the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, High Point Market is a powerhouse event where new trends are unveiled, industry connections are made, and the future of design is shaped. It's where inspiration meets opportunity—and for Michelle, it was the perfect place to elevate her vision for Sawyer and Forge.

Here’s what Michelle shared about her experience:

Seeing the Bigger Picture
Since this was her first time in attendance, Michelle approached Market with an open mind and a hunger to learn. She found exactly what she was looking for—and then some. This trip opened her eyes to how much opportunity lies ahead. It reinforced the importance of creating effective outreach channels to expand her reach and truly tell the Sawyer and Forge story in a powerful way.

Building Relationships, Expanding Resources
One of the biggest wins from Market was the ability to cultivate new vendor relationships. By meeting manufacturers face-to-face and experiencing the quality of products firsthand, Michelle now has a stronger foundation for guiding her clients through design decisions. She also expanded her knowledge on the full spectrum of price points, which will allow her to serve a wider range of clientele without compromising on style or quality.  She noted, “Building a strong network of trade partners can transform the way you deliver for your clients.”

For Michelle, design is an essential element of everyday life and a reflection of who we are. High Point helped her solidify partnerships that will help turn that belief into reality.

A Future Beyond Residential
Another eye-opening takeaway? Diversification.
Michelle is now considering opportunities to expand Sawyer and Forge beyond residential design into commercial and retail spaces. She’s energized by the possibilities and is starting to map out how to thoughtfully grow her offerings while maintaining the personalized, client-centered experience that Sawyer and Forge is known for.

The Value of Time and Team
High Point also brought a renewed focus on the value of time as a business asset. Michelle is now considering how she can grow her team to support larger, more complex projects—building a firm that can scale while maintaining its creative soul.

Looking Ahead
High Point Market wasn’t just a trip for Michelle—it was a transformational experience.
She’s coming home with new energy, new ideas, and new partners ready to help bring her clients' visions to life.

And for Sawyer and Forge, the future is just getting started.