The Banko Buzz: A Commercial Interior Design Podcast

In this inspiring episode, CEO Laura Hope Whitaker and ESP spokesperson and actor Lily Moore join Melissa to talk about kindness, community, and the “joy exchange” that comes from serving others. Laura shares how a volunteer role led her to step into ESP leadership at just 19 years old after the passing of its founder — a moment that shaped not only her career, but the future of the organization....

In this episode of The Banko Buzz , Jessye Archer, Co-Founder of South Haven Build Partners, shares how authenticity became her greatest strength in leadership and life. With roots in the Air Force and a decade climbing the ranks at John Wieland Homes, Jessye brings a mix of discipline and heart to the construction world. She opens up about facing imposter syndrome, the moments of self-sabotage th...

What do comedy, creativity, and commercial design have in common? For Wynne White, they’ve all shaped a career built on passion and purpose. As Vice President of Business Development for Gabby and Summer Classics and the founder of Wendy Jane, Wynne's multifaceted career bridges design and sales through cultivating strategic partnerships and designing fabrics and products for these beloved brands....

Emily Hatch’s pivot from interior design into business led her to a career beyond the studio, yet still rooted in the industry. Now a Senior Architectural Representative for TileBar, she shares how she designed a career where creativity and commerce intersect, and how trust, relationships, and design insight drive success in sales. As a new mom, Emily also reflects on balancing career and family -...

At two very different stages of their careers in our studio, Jessica Ybarra, Lead Interior Designer, and Baleigh Rape, Junior Interior Designer, bring candid, behind-the-scenes perspectives on what it’s really like to work in interior design. Together, they bust common myths about “what designers actually do all day” and share how the realities of design school differ from life in a studio. They d...

Stacy Garcia built her career on bold color, inventive pattern, and fearless entrepreneurship, launching her first brand at just 26 years old. Today, she is a globally recognized designer and trend forecaster whose influence spans hospitality, commercial, and residential spaces across more than 50 countries. In this episode, Stacy reflects on what keeps her inspired as a designer, where she looks...

In this episode of The Banko Buzz , Nathan Jones, founder and CEO of Dash Media, shares how his journey from college football coach to media entrepreneur was guided by faith and purpose. Today, Dash Media is one of the most dynamic storytelling platforms in senior living, reaching millions with powerful, authentic narratives that are changing the way people see and experience senior living. Nate o...

In this inspiring episode, Melissa talks with Anna Matthews and Sam Seidel from Erin’s Hope for Friends, an organization dedicated to fostering lasting relationships for autistic teens and young adults through their e’s Club program. They discuss the importance of service—not just as philanthropy but as daily support—and how thoughtful design can promote mental wellness and address sensory needs....

What does it take to turn a shared passion into a thriving business? In this episode, Holli Van Cleave and Jennifer Horning, co-founders of Audrey Lane, share their not-so-straightforward journey of building a luxury tile design firm. This dynamic duo saw a need for easy-to-customize tile lines and dedicated themselves to turning interior designers’ wildest tile dreams into reality, winning awards...

Ever wondered what happens behind the curtain of real estate development? In this episode of The Banko Buzz , Sean Rosko, Development Partner at Middleburg Communities and former Vice President of Development at South City Partners, offers a glimpse into the processes designers don’t typically get to see. From navigating the complexities of financial underwriting and design coordination to managin...

As the first female partner at Tribridge Residential, Katherine Mosley has raised the bar in commercial real estate development. In this episode of The Banko Buzz , Katherine shares her inspiring journey from intern to partner, overseeing multifamily developments totaling $1.2 billion in capital transactions across the Southeast. Learn how she leverages interior design and strategic branding to cr...

In this episode of The Banko Buzz , Melissa Banko is joined by Tina Rogers, Operations and Programming Specialist at BD Studio Collection. Together, they unpack BD Studio Collection’s “ROI” program—Refresh, Optimize, and Illuminate—which goes beyond aesthetics to enhance functionality and profitability. From due diligence assessments to innovative programming ideas, Tina shares her wealth of knowl...

In this episode, Dana Miner, Vice President of Strategic Sales at Encore, shares her journey of resilience through career pivots, personal growth, and the tenacity it takes to succeed in sales. With over five years at Encore and expertise in customized carpet solutions for industries like hospitality, senior living, and multifamily, Dana’s dynamic approach has helped her develop national account s...

From a 10x10 spare room in Melissa's starter home to owning five companies across the U.S. - join Melissa Banko, Founder of Banko Design and BD Studio Collection, and Travis Snyder, Director of Operations of Red Pen Procurement, as they discuss what sparked it all, early career paths, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. They dive into the strategies used to scale a business from one interior d...