Athena Calderone and Young Huh’s Savviest Social Media Advice

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As we head into the July 4th holiday, we’re revisiting some of our most popular business tips. Among our faves: This conversation on social media with Sam Cochran, AD's global features director, the creative multi-hyphenate Athena Calderone, and AD100 interior designer Young Huh, where the trio talked algorithm changes, AI-generated images, and how to stand up against trolls. Grab a spritz, anchor down poolside, and watch the full discussion.

Plus, enjoy an all-American abode from the AD archive that’s replete with Pennsylvania redware, treenware staples, and gingham galore. Time to check out, indeed.

—Mel Studach, Senior Editor, AD PRO

Sam Cochran: The three of us came of age before the dawn of social media and have had to evolve with it. What was your introduction to social media?

Young Huh: Someone in my office was like, ‘You should try this thing called Instagram.' I thought it was fun to share with my friends. The time it really hit me how powerful it could be was in 2014 when I did the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, and I posted pictures of my room and all sorts of editors and people who were blogging—back in the day when there were lots of blogs—were connecting with me. That was the first time that I was like, wow, this is a really powerful tool for business.

What advice would you give for someone who is trying to identify their brand voice on social media?

Athena Calderone: Find what works for you and what people connect to. Sometimes it's not only likes that indicate if something is performing well. It's also comments—read through what people are saying and what they're asking or what they're grateful for, and use that as fuel to help identify your next post because you know that your audience is responding to that.

Young: I think a lot of people think, Oh, this is like a portfolio. I'm going to showcase lots of gorgeous work and people are going to call me. But a lot of it is really about engagement. You're trying to create a connection. Certainly show beauty, but also create connections with your potential clients or with other designers—it’s going to add to the trust people have in you.

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