Despite launching her design career during tough economic times, Naomi (Coe) Alon, BFA art ’05, persevered and is now co-owner of design firm Little Crown Interiors.  With her business partner, Gerri Panebianco, Naomi designs nurseries and children’s rooms for clients in Southern California (including many celebrities). In this Alumni Spotlight, Naomi shares her story, offers some entrepreneurial advice and encourages students to make the most of their college years by discovering their own passions and interests.

Tell me about your career- what do you do on a day to day basis?

I am the owner, along with my partner Gerri Panebianco, of Little Crown Interiors.  We are an interior design firm that specializes in nurseries and children’s rooms.  My job is an absolute blast!  We work with clients to design their perfect space – from helping them choose colors, fabrics and furniture, to helping them envision the entire concept using digital floor plans and renderings.  We have a hand in everything, down to the shipping and delivery of items to make sure that our designs come together perfectly.

How did you come to start your own company?

I got my first design job during tough economic times, and many design firms were struggling.  The company I worked at was forced to close in 2008.  Luckily, I met another designer there, Gerri Panebianco, who had quickly become a close friend with whom I worked very well.  We decided to take a leap and start a firm of our own, focusing on nurseries and children’s spaces because there was a need for it in the market, and it was a design niche we both felt passionate about.

What insight would you give to current students and alumni who are searching for employment or looking to start a business?

Starting a company takes a lot of time, and a lot of research – don’t skimp on any of it because you’re anxious to get started.  Take the time to research your industry, write a business plan and asses your competition.  Also make sure to bounce your ideas off of a friend or family member that you trust, because having a second opinion is always a good thing.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their time at Chapman? 

Take an introductory business class.  This is something I didn’t do, and I definitely regret it.  Since I was an art student, I thought I wouldn’t need to know much about business, but every job I’ve ever had comes back to the same basic business principles that I consequently had to learn on my own.  In my early college years, I didn’t really consider that I would want to run my own business someday.

From your time at Chapman, which faculty member(s) made the greatest impact on you and why?

Michael Reafsnyder taught a few of my art classes and supervised my senior art show.  He was refreshing in the sense that he was a current working artist and understood the creative processes that we were all struggling with as students.

Ed Fosmire was an art history teacher who clearly had a significant personal passion for what he was teaching.  His passion was contagious, and made whatever subject he was speaking of much more relatable and interesting.

How has your Chapman degree helped you in your professional and personal life? 

After Chapman, I went on to get a second degree for interior design at another school.  Having my bachelor’s degree behind me was a huge advantage, and I was able to complete my design program much easier with a full education already supporting me.  I also discovered a lot of my own interests while at Chapman, taking various elective courses and exploring the options available to me.  Many freshmen come in to college not knowing what they want to do (myself included), but by the end of my time there I felt I had a much better sense of what my life goals were and how to obtain them.

What is your favorite Chapman memory?

I think everyone’s favorite part of college is the people you meet and the new friendships you develop.  My experience was no different – some of my favorite memories are from the very first few weeks of school, when everyone was getting to know each other in the dorms.  I also had a fantastic time decorating my dorm room with my roommate!

What was your favorite spot on campus as a student? 

I spent a lot of time in the art school working on projects, but I had a particular affinity for the photography darkroom.  It was so quiet, and I still remember the excitement of finally seeing the images develop.

Explore and Connect Further:

 

Two women, Naomi and her partner, sitting at a desk in their office smiling and looking at the camera

Naomi (right) and partner, Gerri Panebianco, at their office

Naomi (Coe) Alon ’05: Then and Now

Naomi in the middle of two other girls with her arms around them. All are smiling and looking at the camera.

Naomi Then

Naomi smiling in a green blouse with a black and white striped background

Naomi Now

Get in touch with Naomi:

Website: littlecrowninteriors.com

Email: Naomi@littlecrowninteriors.com

Facebook:  Facebook.com/LittleCrownInteriors

Twitter:  Twitter.com/LittleCrown

Pinterest:  Pinterest.com/LittleCrownInt

Blog:  www.littlecrowninteriors.com/our-blog