Podcasts about design business

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Hema Persad, founder and principal designer of Sagrada Studio, a Los Angeles-based interior design firm creating layered, personal, and highly intentional residential and commercial spaces. Hema shares how she moved from law to celebrity styling to interior design, and how each chapter shaped the way she runs her studio today.Hema gets candid about building a luxury interior design business, creating tiered service offerings, managing client expectations, outsourcing strategically, working with contractors, and refusing to tolerate mediocrity in her team, her process, or her life. This conversation is packed with honest interior design business advice for designers who want stronger boundaries, better systems, and a more profitable studio.In this episode they discuss:How Hema transitioned from attorney to celebrity stylist to founder of Sagrada StudioWhy outsourcing CAD drawings and low-value tasks can help interior designers focus on higher-level workThe difference between full-service interior design, consultations, and smaller client offeringsHow Hema is building a three-tier design business with The Expert, in-studio consultations, and white glove full service designWhy showing too much behind-the-scenes process can undermine a luxury client experienceHow designers can manage client expectations around delays, procurement, contractors, and scope creepWhy people pleasing does not serve clients, teams, or interior design business ownersHow Hema structures her team around design, procurement, and project execution to improve accountabilityMentioned:Hema Persad on InstagramSagrada Studio on InstagramSagrada Studio's WebsiteOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca's InstagramShaun's InstagramFor more information - Check out the website

Betsy Helmuth discusses launching a YouTube channel and social media presence. She answers questions about starting an interior design business, recommends furniture companies, and addresses client budget concerns. Felicia's powder room design query is also covered. Episode concludes with a promotion for online class bundles. 0:00 Introduction to new visual platforms 0:32 Announcement of YouTube channel and social media 1:38 Betsy Helmuth introduction and allergy discussion 3:16 Start of business-focused episode 3:43 Irene's question about getting started as an interior designer 4:34 Recommendations for furniture companies 10:53 Premium membership promotion 11:56 Casey's question about client budgets 19:51 Felicia's question about powder room design 23:29 Conclusion and online class bundle promotion - Affordable Interior Design now has a YouTube channel where you can see recordings and clips of podcast episodes. - When starting as an interior designer, building relationships and asking for referrals can help grow your business. - Always recommend a backsplash for vanities to prevent water damage and ensure long-term durability. Don't forget to subscribe for more design tips and inspiration! Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uploft.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AffordableInteriorDesign.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your design questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be featured on the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Premium Member⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and access the bonus episodes Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to become an interior designer with Uploft's Interior Design Academy. Get Betsy's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betsyhelmuth.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more about our residential interior design services, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ModernInteriorDesign.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For our commercial interior design services, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OfficeInteriorDesign.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uploftinteriordesign⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/UploftIntDes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@uploftinteriordesign⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/uploft-interior-design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you enjoy the show, please spread the word and leave a review on iTunes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are you making business decisions based on facts, or are you guessing and hoping things will work out? In this episode, I'm talking about how to build a six-month runway for your interior design business. This is one of the simplest ways to understand what it really costs to keep your business running and whether you have the financial stability to make decisions with confidence. I walk through the four cost buckets every designer should know: fixed costs, variable costs, invisible costs, and future costs. I also share how to calculate your monthly run rate, why paying yourself needs to be included, and how to compare your six-month runway number to what you actually have in the bank and in secured revenue. I share how to look at your business finances in a practical, non-intimidating way so you can plan ahead, prepare for slower seasons, and make better decisions about hiring, spending, scaling, and saying yes or no to projects.   Episode Resources: Know your Numbers | Part 1 Understanding your Project Profitability with Merilee Wright Know your Numbers | Part 2 What it costs to run your business with Merilee Wright   This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.  

I spent $5,000 testing Meta ads for my branding agency and got zero clients from it.And honestly, I do not think the experiment failed at all.Because what it revealed about buyer psychology, attention, intent, branding, and how high ticket services actually convert was probably more valuable than the money itself.A lot of entrepreneurs assume that if their audience exists on Instagram or TikTok, those platforms automatically become the best place to market. But attention and buying intent are two very different things. Cheap leads, strong ad metrics, and visibility do not automatically translate into trust, readiness, or purchasing behavior.This conversation explores Meta ads, branding, entrepreneurship, premium services, buyer behavior, niche positioning, and the difference between interrupting attention versus capturing intent while building a specialized business in real time.Links to Connect:Media & speaking: ⁠https://kadysandel.com⁠My skincare branding studio: ⁠https://aventivestudio.com⁠For designers: ⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/profit⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kadysandel/⁠

311: How Intentional Messaging Elevates Your Design Business With me today is Jaquilyn Edwards of Ochre and Beige. Jaquilyn helps interior designers step into high-end positioning through their words, systems, and client experiences—so their value becomes unmistakable. In today's episode, we explore how intentional messaging builds trust faster, strengthens boundaries, and ultimately grows and protects your profit. Our hope is that you walk away with insight and clarity to run a thriving business that truly reflects the caliber of your work. Topics Mentioned: AI impact on copywriting Luxury strategy Affluent client messaging Key Thoughts:  AI can be cost effective to help with copywriting but it creates generic content that lacks personalization. Luxury in design also refers to luxury communication which is clear. Messaging may need to be repositioned over time to attract ideal clients.   Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: scarletthreadconsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele-Williams Contact Jaquilyn: Email: jedwards@ochreandbeige.com Website: www.ochreandbeige.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/ochreandbeige LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaquilynedwards

Send Katie a Text Message!! In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what I would fix first if I stepped into your interior design business and helped you scale to seven figures. And here's the truth most people won't tell you—you don't need to work more, take on more clients, or post more content. What you actually need is to fix the right things in the right order.If your business feels busy but not profitable, or like everything is urgent but nothing is truly moving the needle, this episode is going to hit home. I see so many talented interior designers stuck not because they aren't capable, but because their business is built on their personal capacity instead of scalable systems.I'm breaking down the biggest misdiagnoses I see—like thinking you need more leads, lower prices, or more help—when in reality, the issue is often your business model, pricing structure, positioning, or lack of clear processes.We also dig into what actually creates a sustainable, profitable design business: a clear business model that supports your revenue goals, pricing that protects your profit, positioning that makes you the obvious choice, a sales process that converts the right clients, and systems that allow your business to run without everything depending on you.And maybe most importantly, we talk about your role as the founder. Because if you're still doing everything, approving everything, and carrying the entire business on your back, scaling will always feel out of reach. Your next level isn't about doing more—it's about stepping into leadership and building a business that can actually support your life.If you've ever felt like your business has so much potential but you can't keep growing this way, this episode will help you identify what's really holding you back and where to focus next.Connect with KatieLinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Join Carina today in this special episode where she talks about the 3 Gaps for designers, the three things no one tells you, and the research behind design and business education. Furthermore, Carina interviews graduate Katie Winn who talks about her experiences at the University of Arts & Design.Learn more about UAD's degrees and certificates at www.uad.education.  Get my free gift to you here: https://www.designsuitecourses.com/intentional

Send us Fan MailThey create some of the most recognizable homes in Columbus, Ohio. But behind the aesthetic is pressure, conflict, obsession, and nonstop work.This conversation with Stacy and Tracy from Paul + Jo Studios gets into what it actually takes to build a design business as a married couple while raising kids, renovating homes, running projects, and trying not to lose yourselves in the process.We talk about creativity vs. practicality, entrepreneurship, farm life, parenting teenagers, and why Tracy and Stacy still believe beautiful spaces can change how people feel.Also, we chat about Brene Brown, meditation, sheep trauma, and why silence feels like luxury once you become parents.

In this special edition episode of the Web Design Business Podcast, I'm sharing a recent live interview I did with my mate from down under – James Barnard – one of the most prolific designers in the graphic, branding, and logo design space.James invited me into his Designerrrs community for a live Q&A session which turned into a masterclass chat about how to build, grow, and scale a freelance design business.He was kind enough to let me repurpose this interview for you! Whether you're a web designer, graphic designer, or brand designer, this one digs into my experience from starting out to scaling up with a big emphasis on how to SCALE YOUR WAY.Gosh doesn't that sound like a good course?!? In this episode, we cover:My full career trajectory in web designThe key stages of building and growing a design businessWhat scaling actually looks like (and when to do it)How to start thinking about team building and hiringWays to get everything off your shoulders as a solo designerMindset shifts required to grow beyond freelancingHead to the show notes to get all links and resources we mentioned, along with a full transcription of this episode at joshhall.co/426Your special offer:Get 3 days free access to my scale your way course (actually, my entire course suite) inside Web Designer Pro® here!Claim my 3-day trial to all Web Designer Pro Courses →After trial, continue access to all courses for only $49/mo.

Profit leaks in your interior design business are rarely dramatic. More often, they show up quietly through over-delivering, unclear scope, misaligned clients, weak discovery, inconsistent systems, and pricing that supports maintenance instead of growth. Those small patterns can create longer hours, heavier projects, and revenue that looks strong while profit quietly slips away. In this episode, you'll learn where profit is established long before the final invoice and how to strengthen the front end of your business so your projects are more profitable from the start. You'll also hear how clearer boundaries, stronger systems, better-fit clients, and value-based pricing help your design firm grow without adding more effort, stress, or burnout. In this episode, you'll hear: (01:55) Why profit is established at the beginning of a project, not at the end (04:30) How over-delivering erodes your timeline, effective rate, and bottom line (07:26) Why expanding scope without change orders creates hidden profit leaks (09:24) How misaligned clients drain time, energy, and profitability (11:56) Why design discovery must set the tone for leadership, trust, and profit (15:38) How consistent systems and value-based pricing support sustainable growth If you're ready to identify and stop your profit leaks, schedule your complimentary Design Business Assessment at melissagalt.com/DBA. It's a high value, confidential Zoom consultation where I look at where you are, where you want to be and provide a clear path to close the gap.  

Send Katie a Text Message!! In this episode, I'm unpacking something I see all the time in design businesses—and it might surprise you. It's not that you need to think bigger. It's that your business may not be built to support the growth you say you want.I know how easy it is to believe the next level comes from bigger goals, more confidence, or finally stepping into your “CEO era.” But if your structure is weak, scaling doesn't create freedom—it creates more chaos. More clients, more pressure, more decisions, and more dependency on you.Inside this conversation, I'm walking you through the real difference between motivational thinking and strategic thinking, and why scaling well requires completely different decisions—not just bigger vision. Because if your team still relies on you for everything, your inbox is running your day, and every project still depends on your constant involvement… growth is only going to amplify those problems.We're talking about what CEO thinking actually looks like in practice. Not as a personality trait, but as a decision-making framework. I'll show you how to start identifying where your business is breaking under growth, how to stop operating as the bottleneck, and how to shift from reacting to designing a business that can actually hold more.This episode is your invitation to stop chasing bigger for the sake of bigger—and start building a business that is stronger, more sustainable, and truly supports your life.If you've ever felt like your business grows… but your freedom doesn't, this one is for you.Connect with KatieLinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Sponsored by ⁠⁠Web Designer Anthology⁠⁠ Stop building from scratch on every project. ⁠⁠Web Designer Anthology⁠⁠ gives you conversion-focused website templates, strategic frameworks, and design-systems methodology so you can work smarter and make more in less time. Get access to 20 conversion-structured website templates, 600+ strategic design assets, homepage and sales page formulas, and an AI assistant trained to help you build results-driven websites faster.

Sponsored by ⁠⁠Web Designer Anthology⁠⁠ Stop building from scratch on every project. ⁠⁠Web Designer Anthology⁠⁠ gives you conversion-focused website templates, strategic frameworks, and design-systems methodology so you can work smarter and make more in less time. Get access to 20 conversion-structured website templates, 600+ strategic design assets, homepage and sales page formulas, and an AI assistant trained to help you build results-driven websites faster.

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Interior designers who feel overwhelmed by AI typically don't have a tool problem — they have a prioritisation problem. Australian AI strategist Rhiannon Lee recommends three starting points: spend four minutes meeting Claude, do a five-minute audit of your most repetitive business tasks, and invest time in free AI literacy resources. Chasing AI image generation is the biggest time drain to avoid.EPISODE OVERVIEWThe noise around AI is loud right now. Everyone's screaming that Claude killed interior designers, that you need to understand MCPs and managed agents and agentic workflows — and meanwhile you're just trying to run a studio and not lose your mind.This episode is not that.Rhiannon Lee, AI strategist for Australian interior designers, cuts straight to what actually deserves your attention this week — if you're starting from scratch, if you're overwhelmed, or if you've been dabbling but can't see a clear path forward.Three things. Fifteen minutes. Actual forward momentum.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODEWhy the overwhelm is real — and why it doesn't mean what you think it means The wave of AI experts, the screaming headlines, the feeling that you're already behind. Rhiannon talks about why it feels like going from zero to hero overnight, why that's disorienting even for people who are genuinely across it, and why the existential stuff is worth sitting with — without letting it stop you.Claude vs ChatGPT: the honest comparison interior designers actually need Not a feature list. A practical frame. ChatGPT is your dinner bestie who knows your history — great for thinking out loud, voice memos, and unpacking what's in your head. Claude is Lord Business from the Lego Movie — your chief of staff, your executive assistant, the one you brief every morning and who executes without needing to be managed. They're not interchangeable. They work better together.How to use both tools without burning through tokens Rhiannon's actual workflow: think out loud in ChatGPT, get a tight synopsis, take that synopsis to Claude. Minimise spend. Maximise output. It's a small shift that makes a big difference.The five-minute business audit that unlocks everything else Before you build anything in AI,Thanks for listening to this episode of "Designing Success: From Study to Studio"! Connect with me on social media for more business tips, and a real look behind the scenes of my own practicing design business. Grab  more insights and updates:Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/oleander_and_finchLike Oleander & Finch on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/oleanderandfinch For more FREE resources, templates, guides and information, visit the Designer Resource Hub  on my website ; https://oleanderandfinch.com/Ready to take your interior design business to the next level? Check out my online course, "The Framework," designed to provide you with everything they don't teach you in design school and to give you high touch mentorship  essential to having  a successful new business  in the industry. Check it out now and start designing YOUR own successTHE FRAMEWORK  ( now open)  https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/the-framework-for-emerging-designers/Remember to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps me continue providing valuable content to aspiring interior designers. Stay tuned for more episodes filled with actionable insights and inspiring conversations...

Running a business means you're constantly evolving, and in this solo episode I'm sharing with you guys what that's looked like for me lately, what I've outgrown, what I've let go of, and what's working in this season of business for me and my micro agency model.Also if you're curious to learn more about Scale with Confidence send me a DM on insta @hellojunecreative!Links:The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designersDownload my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Become a member with Editorial Stick images and use code “BETTER15” to receive 15% off your membership.Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

New episode of Branded & Booked!

Send Katie a Text Message!! If you've ever thought, “I want more in my business, but I don't know if I can handle more,” this episode is for you. Today I'm breaking down one of the biggest reasons interior designers struggle to scale—and it's not your talent or your work ethic. It's your business model. If your business is built on the assumption that you have unlimited energy and capacity, it will eventually hit a ceiling. In this episode, I walk you through what's really keeping you from reaching that million-dollar mark, what it's costing you, and how to start building a business that actually supports your life.IN THIS EPISODE: Why your business can look successful but feel exhausting to run, the real reason your growth is capped, how over-functioning is limiting your ability to scale, the hidden patterns keeping you stuck, why more revenue doesn't always mean a stronger business, what a sustainable business model actually looks like, and simple questions to help you identify where your business relies too much on you.You can build a profitable business that still costs you too much—mentally, emotionally, and physically. This episode will help you recognize when your business has outgrown its current model and give you permission to redesign it in a way that supports your life. Because a million dollar business isn't just about making more, it's about building something that can hold more without breaking you.Connect with KatieLinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Want to know what's really behind under-earning, decision fatigue, and burnout in design businesses? It's not pricing, marketing, or even workload — it's the decisions designers make long before a project ever begins. Kimberley Seldon is joined by life coach Andrea Liebross to explore why hesitation is so costly, how “nice” projects quietly drain CEO energy, and what it looks like to lead your business with clarity instead of hope. Together they unpack how designers end up negotiating with themselves, saying yes when their instincts say no, and taking on work that slowly erodes time, margin, and focus. Andrea shares a practical decision filter you can use to evaluate opportunities quickly and confidently — without burning relationships or shutting doors. If you've ever felt stuck between yes and no, this episode will change the way you make decisions in your business. In this episode we learn: - Why “maybe” is more dangerous to your business than “no” - How to evaluate opportunities using a simple 3-step decision check: ROI, alignment, and capacity - The difference between revenue and real profit — and why hope is not ROI - How decision fatigue leads to burnout, under-earning, and leadership exhaustion - A practical grid to sort opportunities into Hell Yes, Absolute No, Delegate, Delay, Delete, or Do with Changes - Language for declining or reshaping a project without damaging the relationship - Why strong design businesses are built on clean decisions, not good intentions

When most people start an interior design business, they assume the hardest part will be creating beautiful spaces. But in reality, the design isn't the biggest challenge — the business side of interior design is where many new designers struggle.I've seen talented designers make the same mistakes repeatedly when they first start their businesses. These mistakes don't happen because they lack creativity or skill. They happen because no one teaches designers the sales guidance, client boundaries, and business structure required to run a profitable design business.In this episode, I'm sharing three common mistakes new interior designers make when starting their design business — mistakes I made in my early days as well. If you understand these pitfalls early, you can avoid wasting time, losing confidence, or creating unnecessary chaos in your projects. My goal is to help you build stronger client relationships, create a clear design process, and run a professional design business from the start.What You'll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why designers must lead the client, not follow✔️ How boundaries build trust and prevent project chaos✔️ Why interior designers must embrace the salesperson role✔️ How to reduce client decision fatigue during presentations✔️ Essential steps to make your design business officialRead the Blog >>> Interior Design Business Mistakes New Designers Must AvoidNEXT STEPS:

This week on Unjaded, I'm pulling back the curtain on the opening of Blue Sparrow -- my new online resale shop -- and using it as a live case study in what it actually looks like to make decisions from your Human Design. Not the pretty, cleaned-up version. The real one.Because this decision took a year. One full year. And if you know anything about Manifesting Generators, you know how painful that is.We're going deep on:The emotional authority piece no one talks about -- what it means to "wait your wave" when you have more than one wave, and why one wave is almost never enough for a real decision. I walked through three emotional waves before Blue Sparrow made sense. And I'd do it again.Abstract circuitry and verbal processing -- if you go around the mulberry bush when you talk (or think, or plan), you may have abstract circuitry in your design. The 46-29 and 41-30 channels in my design mean I'm always pulling from past experience to create forward-facing insight. It's not a flaw. It's the circuitry doing its job.Your Human Design signature and your sales -- this is the part I did not expect. The moment I committed to opening Blue Sparrow, my Human Design business sales spiked. Not a coincidence. When you're satisfied (Generators and MGs), successful (Projectors), surprised and delighted (Reflectors), or at peace (Manifestors), your aura expands. You magnetize people to you. When you're frustrated, angry, bitter, or disappointed? You push them away. Full stop.Why I'm leaving the bricks and mortar -- nothing against my partner Lisa (whose undefined G Center means that location is absolutely right for her). But I'm a second line with a markets environment and an emotional authority. I felt unsettled in that space from early on. Normalizing the knowing -- even when it doesn't make logical sense -- is the work.The big rock planning method -- how I prioritized Blue Sparrow as my Q1 non-negotiable and let other things slide to make it happen. The online store opened March 25th with $7-8K in inventory and a lot of conviction.If you want to understand your own design deeply enough to make decisions like this -- with your body, not your head -- readings are still half price on the site. Grab yours herehttps://www.vickiedickson.com/human-design-readingBlue Sparrow Shop: bluesparrow.caFollow along on Instagram: @bluesparrowshopBook a Human Design Reading: https://www.vickiedickson.com/human-design-reading

307: Scaling Your Design Business: Benefits of Outsourced Help With me today is Danae Branson, founder of Elite Design Assistants, a virtual assistant agency providing professional virtual design support to interior designers. She is also the owner of Niche Mavin, a freelance gig-based platform serving professionals in interior design, architecture, construction, and real estate. In today's conversation, we're focusing on the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant—whether as ongoing team support or as a flexible, fill-in resource during busy seasons. You'll learn how to assess your needs, determine when it's time to bring in support, and how partnering with a virtual design assistant can help you deliver exceptional design services to your clients. Topics Mentioned: Benefits of Hiring Contractors Fractional Support Cost vs Efficiency Key Thoughts:  Working with experienced professionals when subcontracting makes a difference in continuing service levels. There can be a trade-off between cost and efficiency based on the person you hire. Contractors can be beneficial, especially for short-term surges in work or when a business owner needs temporary relief from overwhelming tasks. Virtual Design Assistants (VDAs) can fill in gaps due to maternity leave, medical leave or hiring delays.   Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams   Contact Danae: Email: danae@elitedesignassistants.com Instagram: @elitedesignassistants, @nichemavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danae-branson-a98b31163/ Website: elitedesignassistants.com Website: nichemavin.com   References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today    CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

Send Katie a Text Message!! If you feel busy all day but your interior design business still isn't growing, this episode is going to hit home. I'm breaking down why constant hustle isn't the problem—and why your business might actually be designed to keep you stuck.IN THIS EPISODE:I'm sharing what I see behind the scenes with so many interior designers: full calendars, constant work, and zero real growth. If you're working nonstop but not seeing more profit, freedom, or scalability, it's not a time issue—it's a business design issue.I walk through the patterns I see over and over again—businesses that depend entirely on the designer, revenue that requires the same level of effort every month, and work that never compounds.Then we shift into what actually creates growth: reducing dependency on you, building repeatable processes, and creating structure that allows your business to move forward—even when you're not actively pushing it.This episode is really about stepping into your role as CEO and redesigning your business so it finally supports your life, instead of consuming it.If your business only works when you're working, it's not growing—it's being maintained. And that's why you feel exhausted, stuck, and like nothing is actually changing.This conversation will help you see exactly where you're the bottleneck—and how to start shifting toward real, sustainable growth. LINKS & RESOURCES:Book a free 15-minute problem-solving call: https://fixmydesignbiz.comDo you struggle with sourcing?  Have you lost sales to the internet?  The answer to your profitability problem is a click away!  Join The Designers Collaborative, a buying collective for interior designers that is over 500 members strong.The Designers Collaborative's fearless approach has helped designers break through industry barriers, rethink traditional sourcing models, and tap into the potential of true collaboration—creating stronger businesses and bigger opportunities.  They offer more than a sourcing solution.  The Designers Collaborative has access to the largest number of vendors, plus the resources that put you in control.  The collective connects you with the design industry's lowest prices, plus practical tools, proven resources, and peer support to help you succeed.Enjoy-Over 300 top vendors at the best price tiers-Supportive community of 500 + interior designers-Tools, templates, and education-Meet-ups and events-and so much moreJoin The Designers Collaborative for only $659 for the year.  It will pay for itself in one order.  Join for the profits and stay for the community.You can request their vendor list and apply for membership on their website https://thedesignerscollaborative.com/Connect with KatieLinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

What if the reason your inquiries aren't turning into clients has nothing to do with your talent… and everything to do with what happens in between? In this episode, Michelle Lynne breaks down the exact gap most interior designers don't realize they have: the missing sales process between inquiry and signature. Through real stories from her own business, she shares how "being easy to work with" was actually costing her clients, confidence, and contracts. From over-delivering on discovery calls to second-guessing every follow-up, Michelle walks you through what it really looks like when there's no system in place—and how everything changes when there is. This episode will help you understand why clarity creates conversions, how to lead client conversations without feeling salesy, and why your sales process is not just about closing—but about protecting your business from the wrong clients. If you've ever had a "this felt like a yes… so why didn't they sign?" moment—this one is for you.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: - Why conversations that feel good in the moment don't always convert - The real reason clients "need to think about it" - How over-explaining and over-giving creates confusion (not trust) - Why "being nice" can actually cost you the sale - The difference between reacting vs. leading on client calls - How a sales process creates confidence—for both you and your client - Why clarity is the most powerful sales tool you have - How a structured process filters out the wrong clients before they ever sign - The hidden cost of letting the wrong clients into your business - Why every part of your business needs a process—especially sales   Key Takeaways: You don't need to become someone you're not to sell well. You don't need scripts that feel stiff or tactics that feel pushy. But you do need a clear, repeatable process that guides your clients from inquiry to decision. Because without it, you're not leading—you're reacting. And when you're reacting, your business becomes inconsistent, unpredictable, and harder to grow. A strong sales process doesn't just help you close the right clients. It protects you from the wrong ones. And that changes everything.   Mentioned in This Episode:   Design Revenue Audit  https://thedesignbakehouse.com/design-revenue-audit   Private Coaching  https://thedesignbakehouse.com/private-coaching   Follow Along:   Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/thedesignbakehouse/   If This Episode Resonated:   Take five minutes today and map out your current sales process.   What happens when someone inquires?   What is the next step?   And the next?   And the next?   Because this part of your business is too important to wing.  

Are you building your interior design business in a bubble?If you're anything like I was in my early years, you probably assumed the hard part was the design. You thought, “If I can create beautiful spaces, the rest will fall into place.” But what no one tells you is this: guesswork is expensive. Shooting from the hip on markups, contracts, pricing, and processes can cost you years of profitability—and a whole lot of stress.In this episode, I sit down with award-winning interior designer and business educator Sonia Barney, founder of the Kaivari platform, to talk about why business support is not optional if you want a sustainable, profitable design firm. We unpack the role of coaching, personalized growth, business systems, and strategic mentorship in helping creative entrepreneurs skip years of trial and error.If you're starting out—or feeling overworked and underpaid—this conversation will help you see why investing in business education and the right coach can completely transform your creative career.Featured Guest:Sonia Barney is an award-winning interior designer, business educator, and founder of the Kaivari platform. With over 20 years in the interior design industry and more than a decade as the owner of Sonia Barney Design, she has seen firsthand how many creatives struggle with the business side of their firms. Known for her analytical, systems-driven approach, Sonia teaches design business strategy through LuAnn University and is passionate about helping designers connect with the right coaches, resources, and community network to support personalized growth and long-term profitability.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why guesswork kills interior design profitability✳️ How coaching accelerates personalized business growth✳️ When to hire different types of coaches✳️ The power of community for creative entrepreneurs✳️ How vetted mentorship reduces costly business mistakesRead the Blog >>> The Role of Coaching and Business Education in Your Design BusinessNEXT STEPS:

I'm back with a solo episode talking all things spring cleaning… your business that is. With spring right around the corner, I'm sharing exactly how I'm cleaning up the backend of my business and refreshing my systems to stay organized during busy seasons and make sure my team is set up for success.Links:The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designersDownload my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags: designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In this episode, Becca and I talk about the role boundaries play in building a sustainable interior design business. We explore why boundaries can feel difficult to set — especially for women and service-based entrepreneurs — and how designers can begin creating healthier expectations around time, scope, communication, and client relationships.   In this episode, we discuss: What boundaries actually are and why they're simply expectations Why interior designers often struggle with setting boundaries The four types of boundaries that help protect your business Time boundaries like office hours, meeting schedules, and communication response times Scope boundaries and how to prevent scope creep in design projects Emotional boundaries and protecting your energy with clients Financial boundaries, including payment expectations and project terms Why clear boundaries help protect your professional reputation How listening to your intuition can help you recognize when a boundary is needed Practical ways to start practicing boundaries in both business and life   If you're ready to build a design business that supports your life — not the other way around — I'd love to invite you inside the Interior Designer's Business Blueprint + Membership. Inside, we help designers refine their processes, strengthen their pricing and positioning, and build profitable businesses with the support of a thoughtful, collaborative community. Doors are open through March 22, so if this conversation resonated with you, now is the perfect time to learn more and join us.   Mentioned in this episode:  DOORS ARE OPEN through March 22nd! - Join Today! Interior Designer's Business Blueprint FREE DOWNLOAD: 7 Habits of Highly Profitable Interior Designers  

The moment you file your LLC… the moment you accept your first client payment… the moment you start working with vendors or contractors…You are no longer “just a creative.” You are the CEO of your business.As Danielle Hayden and I discuss in this episode, one of the biggest mistakes interior designers make is thinking they can outsource their financial understanding to bookkeeping services, financial automation, or even AI tools like QuickBooks integrations or ChatGPT.Here's the truth: AI is powerful, but it cannot replace CEO responsibility.With automation and financial tech, many designers assume their systems are handling everything correctly. But inaccurate bookkeeping, duplicated transactions, or improperly reconciled accounts can quietly damage your financial health — and no AI tool will raise a red flag. Instead, it will confidently analyze flawed data and give you misleading conclusions.If you want sustainable business growth, better business decisions, and long-term business protection, you must understand your numbers. In this episode, Danielle shares a powerful framework to help you step into your CEO role with clarity — without doing everything yourself.Featured GuestDanielle Hayden is the co-founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting Inc., a bookkeeping and accounting firm dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs understand their financials through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and strategic support. With a background as a CFO, Danielle's mission is to equip business owners — from six figures to beyond — with the tools and insights they need to build profitable and sustainable businesses.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why CEOs must understand their business financials✳️ AI limitations in financial analysis and decision-making✳️ Hidden risks inside QuickBooks financial automation systems✳️ Danielle's framework for deciding when to become an S Corp✳️ Four essential roles for a strong money teamRead the Blog >>> Financial Confidence for Design CEOs with Danielle HaydenNEXT STEPS:

Interior design is a popular second career. Many people enter the industry in their 40s or 50s after working in other professions, often drawn to the creative side of design.But running a design business is very different from studying interior design or completing a course.In this episode, Adam shares a grounded perspective for anyone in the early stages of building a design business as a second career. Whether you're considering making the leap or you're already in the first few years of running projects, this conversation is designed to offer clarity about what actually matters.Interior design is not just about creating beautiful spaces. It involves leadership, pricing confidence, managing clients, and building systems that allow projects to move from concept through to completion.In this episode we discuss:• Why starting later in life doesn't mean you're starting from zero • Why systems matter early when running a design business • The importance of being confident about how you charge • Why finished, photographed projects are critical for building credibility • Why clarity about your role and design focus accelerates progressFor designers in the early stages of their career — particularly those entering the industry as a second career — this episode offers a practical reality check on how the business side of interior design actually works.If this episode raised questions for you, or you're feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don't have to figure it out on your own.I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you're at, what's getting in the way, and whether I can help.Email me at askadam@turnkeydesignsuccess.com

You're fully booked and the money is coming in, but you're more overwhelmed than ever. You haven't built a business... you've built a high-pressure job. In this episode, Sarah Noked (founder of OBM School) and I dig into what it actually means to scale yourself OUT of the day-to-day so your business doesn't collapse the moment you step away. We talk about why web designers are often the biggest bottleneck in their own growth, and exactly what to do about it.

You're fully booked and the money is coming in, but you're more overwhelmed than ever. You haven't built a business... you've built a high-pressure job. In this episode, Sarah Noked (founder of OBM School) and I dig into what it actually means to scale yourself OUT of the day-to-day so your business doesn't collapse the moment you step away. We talk about why web designers are often the biggest bottleneck in their own growth, and exactly what to do about it.

Send Katie a Text Message!! Referrals feel incredible as an interior designer. They're proof your clients love your work and your reputation is strong. But there's something most designers don't realize—referrals alone are not a growth strategy.In this episode, I'm talking about the quiet ceiling referral-driven businesses often hit. When your pipeline depends on referrals, your growth depends on someone else's timing. That's why so many designers experience the frustrating feast-or-famine cycle, even when their reputation is solid.This conversation isn't about abandoning referrals—they're a wonderful byproduct of great work. But if you want predictable growth and a business that truly supports your life, referrals can't be your only engine.Today I'm sharing the mindset shift that moves designers from waiting to be chosen to intentionally creating demand for their services.IN THIS EPISODE:• Why referrals are validation—not a scalable marketing system• The real reason many design firms experience feast-or-famine revenue• The difference between reactive marketing and intentional demand• Simple ways to create consistent visibility without feeling pushy• The CEO mindset shift that allows your firm to scale predictablyReferrals show that your clients are happy—but they don't give you control over your pipeline. If your growth depends entirely on referrals, your business will always feel reactive.The most sustainable design firms build intentional visibility and demand alongside referrals. This episode will help you start thinking like a CEO and create a more predictable, scalable design business.Connect with Katie LinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

It's difficult to quickly sum up Keith Granet's career: he's been a business consultant to high-profile interior designers for over three decades, but he's also the founder of the Leaders of Design, the chairman of the board at software platform Studio Designer, and the author of several books on the design business. More recently, Granet took over the Decorative Furnishings Association, and is in the process of launching an AI symposium. On this episode of the podcast he speaks with host Dennis Scully about the six qualities successful designers share, why professional education needs to change, and what the design business will look like in 2035.  This episode is sponsored by Ernesta and Resource FurnitureLINKSDennis ScullyBusiness of Home  

In this episode, I'm joined by Morgan Hastie, also known as The Logo Lassie, a Scottish designer and university graphic design student to talk all about balancing freelancing and student life.Morgan and I talk all about what it's like balancing freelancing with brands all over the world and getting her degree.The Creative Confession® we're discussing: "I'm a student and I want to build my own business but I have no idea where to start. I thought my course would help me prepare for the “real world” but I do not want to go into a studio   ”CONNECT WITH MORGAN:⁠Morgan's Instagram⁠⁠Morgan's Website⁠✷ Ready to share your story, opinions or those questions you feel like you can't ask? ⁠⁠Submit your own Creative Confession® ⁠⁠here⁠⁠CONNECT WITH ROBIN:✷ Get Design Freebies ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠✷ Follow Robin on Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Enjoying the podcast? Please drop a quick review! It helps more creatives find it!

Send Katie a Text Message!! If you're booked out, have steady inquiries, and your revenue looks solid — but you still feel capped — this episode is for you. High demand does not automatically mean you're ready to scale your interior design business. If you can't take on more without breaking something, it's not a marketing problem. It's a structural one.In this episode, I'm breaking down why revenue growth and scalability are not the same thing. So many six-figure designers assume that because they're busy, they're ready to grow. But if everything still runs through you — the decisions, the approvals, the client access — you've built a founder-centered firm that will eventually hit a ceiling.In this episode, I cover:Why high demand doesn't equal scalabilityThe difference between growth and sustainable scalingWhy hiring more team or raising rates won't fix fragile systemsHow founder bottlenecks cap your capacityWhat it means to scale decision-making instead of scaling demandWhy ease and margin — not just revenue — signal readiness to growTrue scalability happens when revenue can increase without equal growth in founder labor. It happens when systems create breathing room, decisions are decentralized strategically, and your leadership time is protected.If you feel booked but bottlenecked, you're not failing — your structure just hasn't caught up yet. And that's fixable. If you're ready to redesign your business so it can handle growth without you carrying all of it, head over to FixMyDesignBiz.com and book a 15-minute problem-solving call. Your business should be working for you, not the other way around.Connect with Katie LinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Today, I am joined by my friend, John McClain. He and I met at High Point last October and immediately connected.  John McClain is a multi-faceted leader in the interior design industry and proudly serves in his field as an interior designer, product designer, author, speaker, business coach, and podcast host. As the CEO and Creative Director of his internationally acclaimed award-winning interior design firm, John McClain Design, his interior design and home furnishings creations have been featured by numerous shelter publications and television networks including Elle Décor, Traditional Home, HGTV, CBS, and NBC. John is also a contributor to outlets such as Martha Stewart Living, Interior Design magazine, The Wall Street Journal, & House Beautiful. As a product designer, John has created distinctive home furnishings that have not only garnered awards but have made numerous television appearances in their own right. John's coffee table book, The Designer Within: A Professional Guide to A Well-Styled Home, features homes designed in his signature "Comfortable Chic" aesthetic alongside helpful design tips and processes. John has now taken his 15+ years of design business experience and launched an online education & business coaching program, The McClain Method where he instructs and coaches interior designers on best business practices. He continues these lessons on his popular podcast, The McClain Method. So in today's conversation, he and I dive into the real mechanics of running a design business, from the software we love and the ones we hate to the systems that actually support growth. We talk honestly about leadership, profitability, and why the right back-end structure can make or break a design studio. Today's episode is equal parts practical and refreshing, the kind of behind-the-scenes discussions that designers don't get to hear enough. Connect with John McClain: Check out John's AI Brand Voice Kickstart: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/kickstart_prompt John's Website: https://www.instagram.com/johnmcclaindesign Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/john-mcclain-design-business-systems 

Send a textIn this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with the brilliant Donna Hoffman, multi-award-winning luxury designer, business strategist, and founder of Impeccably Designed Homes, to talk about one of the most important (and often misunderstood) topics in the design industry: how to scale your business sustainably and profitably.Donna shares the story of how she built her seven-figure firm from the ground up, the systems and mindset shifts that made growth possible, and the key lessons she now teaches through The Interior Design Advocate and Successful Design Biz Academy.Together, Laura and Donna dive into what it really takes to move from "busy designer" to confident CEO without losing your creativity, your sanity, or your passion for design.What You'll LearnHow to recognize when your design business is ready to scaleWhy growth doesn't always mean doing more; it means doing things differentlyThe mindset shifts every designer needs to move from hustle to healthy profitHow to build systems and pricing structures that support your next levelCommon scaling mistakes designers make (and how to avoid them)Why knowing your numbers is the ultimate creative freedom toolPractical ways to grow your team, client base, and revenue without burning outBe sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

If your design business feels harder than it should, you're not alone. In this episode, Rebecca shares the three essential systems every successful interior design business needs: process, profitability, marketing, and leadership. You'll hear real stories from her own journey, including what happened when she was booked out but losing money, why hiring didn't work at first, and how building structure created confidence and ease. Talent isn't enough. Instagram isn't enough. Referrals aren't enough. Sustainable success comes from strengthening the right systems. Which one have you been avoiding?   Episode Resources: Episode 49: An Interview with my clients: Why having a process made them choose me with Kelly & Glen Patchet Join the Waitlist for my new Program!

Is your interior design business feeling stuck, plateaued, or slower than you know it should be? In this episode, we unpack the real reasons talented, driven designers aren't seeing the growth they deserve—and it's not about needing a rebrand, a bigger budget, or a viral moment. It's about the invisible beliefs quietly shaping pricing, marketing, client experience, and results. Melissa shares the mindset shifts that separate six- and seven-figure designers from those spinning their wheels. From scarcity thinking and undercharging to trying to serve everyone and shrinking ambition, this conversation is a powerful reset. If growth has stalled, it's time to flip the switch, think bigger, and take bold, strategic action to build true Design Business Freedom. In this episode, you'll hear: (02:00) Scarcity thinking as invisible handcuffs—and why it's just a lens, not a law shaping your design business growth. (04:12) The myth of "it takes money to make money" and what really fuels profitable interior design success: clarity, courage, and consistency. (08:44) Why trying to serve everyone is the fastest path to no profit—and how defining who emotionally values your work transforms your marketing. (12:54) The role of burning ambition in building a six- or seven-figure design firm—and why shrinking your vision keeps you stuck. (20:40) The hard truth about expecting new results from old habits—and the strategic shifts required for real momentum. (22:49) Five powerful mindset and marketing shifts to reignite growth and position your brilliance in the marketplace. You're invited to The Designer Profit Intensive, a one day, in person, workshop at HPMKT, to redefine your business success with a rate restructure, custom marketing plan to capture your ideal clients organically, and proven design discovery to capture those same clients and deliver a remarkable design experience guaranteed. Get your seat at the table before they're gone! Connect with Melissa Instagram Facebook Linkedin Website

What if the fear holding you back isn't failure—but the thought of never trying at all?In this episode, I sit down with Elliot James, founder of a multi–award-winning international interior architecture studio, to talk honestly about what it takes to build a creative career that spans countries, cultures, and markets. Elliot didn't follow a traditional path. He didn't wait until everything felt “safe.” Instead, he followed his curiosity, his ambition, and his passion for design—sometimes with nothing more than a laptop, a website, and a willingness to knock on doors.If you're an interior designer (or aspiring designer) who dreams of bigger projects, international opportunities, or breaking into luxury residential, hospitality design, wellness-focused environments, or commercial projects—but you're afraid of getting it wrong—this conversation is for you. We talk about persistence, risk-taking, networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and how adapting to different cultures can open doors you never knew existed.This episode is a reminder that creative careers aren't built by waiting. They're built by moving forward—one bold decision at a time.Featured GuestElliot James is the founder of Elliott James Interiors, a multi–award-winning international interior architecture studio specializing in luxury residential projects, hospitality design, and wellness-focused environments. With studios in Singapore, Dubai, and London, Elliot's work blends bespoke furniture design, thoughtful client experience, and cultural adaptability to create spaces that function as true sanctuaries.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ How to follow passion without fearing creative failure✳️ Building an international interior design career strategically✳️ Networking strategies that lead to word-of-mouth referrals✳️ Taking smart risks to grow your design business✳️ Adapting to cultures in luxury and hospitality marketsRead the Blog >>> 5 Lessons on Building an International Design CareerNEXT STEPS:

Most designers think they need more content, more platforms, or more exposure to grow. That is not the problem. The real issue is misalignment. I see so many talented designers working nonstop and still struggling with unpredictable income. In this episode, I break down the only three marketing activities that actually grow a design business and why everything else is just noise. If you are a freelance designer or a brand and web designer trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients without burning out, this will give you clarity. This is about building trust, creating momentum, and thinking like a creative CEO instead of chasing tactics.You will learn:Why most marketing advice keeps design business owners stuckHow positioning driven content attracts better clientsWhat relationship based visibility really looks likeWhy conversion assets matter more than posting moreHow these three activities work together to compound growthGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to rethink how you market your design business.Aventive Academy's Resources:Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : ⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/⁠⁠From Crickets to Clients: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Client Portal for Designers: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Brand Guidelines Template: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Creative CEO Accelerator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send Katie a Text Message!! If you've ever looked at your business and thought, “Why did this feel easier when I was making less money?”—this episode is for you.Today, I'm talking directly to designers who are doing “everything right” on paper. The revenue is there. The team is there. The projects are bigger. And yet… everything feels heavier. More complex. More draining.Here's the truth I want you to hear upfront: you didn't do anything wrong. This tension doesn't show up because you failed—it shows up because you succeeded. And in this episode, I walk you through what that actually means and how to respond as a CEO, not by working harder, but by building a business that can truly carry its own weight.In this episode, I cover:Why most designers hit a wall after profitability—not before itThe difference between effort and capacity (and why effort eventually stops working)How to recognize when your business has outgrown its current “muscle”Why more revenue doesn't automatically equal more freedomThe mindset shift from control to capacity—and why letting go is strategic, not recklessHow the wrong client mix can exhaust even the strongest systemsWhy decision-making has to be decentralized if your business is going to scale sustainablyHow processes like project closeouts reduce emotional labor and prevent repeated mistakesThe real reason your business feels heavy (and why it's not a time management failure)I also share personal examples from my own firm—where I hit ceilings, what broke when we grew too fast, and the exact shifts that allowed the business to support growth without burning me out.This episode is about evolution. About recognizing when your business is asking for something different. And about understanding that heaviness is a signal—not a verdict.Final takeaway:If your business feels heavy right now, it doesn't mean you're bad at managing your time. It means your business has outgrown the way it was built—and that's not failure. That's growth asking for leadership.And if you're listening and thinking, “This is exactly where I am,” I see you. You don't need more grit. You need a business designed for the level of success you're already experiencing.As always, your business should be working for you—not the other way around.Connect with Katie LinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Frustration in your design business isn't a personal failing—it's information. And if the same frustrations keep showing up in different forms, they're not exceptions. They're patterns. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon unpacks the most common frustrations interior designers face—working nonstop yet feeling financially uneasy, absorbing problems instead of fixing them, guessing instead of knowing—and explains why these challenges persist even in “successful” firms. The issue isn't talent, confidence, or effort. It's operating without the systems that make a business stable, predictable, and sustainable. Kimberley shares hard-earned insights from her own career, including why fixing problems with memory, vigilance, or hustle is exhausting—and why real relief only comes when frustration is replaced with structure. From financial visibility and owner compensation to capacity planning and decision-making, this episode reframes frustration as a signal that you've outgrown how you've been running your business. If you're busy, booked, and still uneasy—or successful but restless—this episode will help you understand why and show you where to start fixing it. In this episode we learn: - Why recurring frustration is a systems problem, not a personal flaw - How treating issues as “one-offs” keeps designers stuck in survival mode - Why managing your business by instinct—especially money—always feels unsafe - The difference between coping strategies and real, structural fixes - Why financial clarity depends on visibility, not revenue alone - How proper systems remove emotion from hiring, spending, and time off - Why capacity—not effort—is the missing link for exhausted designers - The mindset shift from “How do I manage this better?” to “What should already be in place?”

Beyond the Sketchbook: Mastering the Business of Design with Industry Leaders. Esteemed practitioners Keith Granet, Grant Kirkpatrick, Tom Stringer, and Louis Taylor share candid insights into the origin stories, critical business skills, and forward-looking strategies necessary to build and sustain a successful design practice. Moderated by Cheryl Durst (EVP and CEO of IIDA), the panel focused on the transition from being a talented designer to running a thriving, resilient business, covering genesis, operations, talent management, branding, and future-proofing. Origin Stories and Industry Appreciation: The panelists shared diverse paths into design. Some were drawn in early (Grant and Tom), while others arrived via finance and business consulting (Keith and Louis). Louis Taylor (Finance, SchappacherWhite) noted that, coming from auditing various industries, design is “absolutely the best industry to work in by far.” The 80/20 Rule of Entrepreneurship: A critical takeaway for design professionals is understanding that running a firm is primarily a business function. Keith Granet and Grant Kirkpatrick stressed that the time split is often 70–80% focused on business (HR, finance, marketing, systems) and only 20–30% on actual design work. Keith Granet (Granet and Associates, Leaders of Design) emphasized that good systems and data tracking (like a monthly “executive summary” of financials) are “freeing” and allow for greater creativity by alleviating stress over payroll and rent. Infrastructure and Skill Development: Hire Your Weaknesses: The consensus was to surround yourself with great consultants (finance, PR, marketing) and “hire your weaknesses” to empower the principal designer to focus on their “highest and best use.” Future Talent Gap: Louis Taylor noted that junior staff coming out of school often require significant training in “soft skills” (people skills, professional email etiquette, presentation, listening) to bridge the gap between conceptual learning and the real-world practice. Branding and Storytelling: Effective messaging must be authentic and focus on an idea bigger than the work itself. Grant Kirkpatrick (KAA Design Group) detailed their use of “The Five Whys” to articulate a vision, which for his firm is the belief that “design elevates the human spirit.” Tom Stringer (Tom Stringer Design Partners) built his brand around his personal value of adventure, which attracts clients who are “kindred spirits.” He emphasized that design is predicated on building trust over multiple generations. Future Proofing and Resilience: AI and Technology: The panelists recognized AI as a powerful, unavoidable tool that will alleviate mundane tasks and enhance existing work, though it also presents a significant challenge (“scares the shit out of us,” noted Keith). Firms must embrace it. * **Talent Retention:** **Institutional knowledge** is key to longevity. Firms are focusing on creating exceptional workspaces, competitive benefits (like sabbatical programs), and internal culture to recruit and **retain the best talent.** * **Mentorship:** Mentoring should be a fundamental part of a firm’s **culture**, not a forced, rigid program. It is essential at all career stages, providing wisdom and long-term connections that help owners stay agile and resourceful.

Send Katie a Text Message!! Choosing a coach is a big decision—especially when your business is already successful, but something still feels heavy. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what coaching should (and shouldn't) look like for interior designers. I share the mistakes I've made hiring coaches, the lessons I learned the hard way, and the exact criteria I use now—both when I hire support and when designers consider working with me. This isn't about hype, Instagram followers, or quick fixes. It's about clarity, alignment, and making decisions that actually support your life and your business.IN THIS EPISODE:Why you don't need a coach because you're failing—but because your business has outgrown its current structureThe real signs it's time for coaching (and why exhaustion isn't a motivation problem)How fear keeps designers stuck longer than necessary—and why that's often the most expensive choiceWhy coaching isn't about buying information, but about compressed time, perspective, and decision supportWhat I look for when choosing a coach—and why “been there, done that” is a red flagWhy specialization matters more than popularity when it comes to coachingMy honest take on group coaching vs. private coaching once you're past six figuresThe three non-negotiables every designer should use when choosing a coachHow to know if I'm the right coach for you—and just as importantly, if I'm notI see designers wait too long to ask for help, hire the wrong support, or assume coaching “doesn't work” when it was really just the wrong fit. This episode is about giving you clarity—so you can stop second-guessing yourself and start making decisions with confidence, integrity, and intention. Coaching should feel supportive, aligned, and safe—not pressured or performative.If this episode resonates and you're feeling ready to talk things through, I offer a free 15-minute problem-solving session. No pitch. No pressure. Just clarity. Head to fixmydesignbiz.com and we'll talk about what's actually going on in your business—and whether coaching makes sense for you right now.Remember: your business should be working for you, not the other way around.Connect with Katie LinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Increase your income without niching down, rebranding or adding more services or skills. ​Get our 90-Day Revenue Roadmap Training and find out how to go from undercharging and hustling to booking projects you love (at higher prices than you thought possible). Get the full show notes at https://webdesigneracademy.com/177 When you're ready, here are some ways we can help you with your web design business:​

Send us a textIn this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura breaks down how interior designers can begin using AI in a practical, ethical and non-intimidating way in 2026. Whether you are AI curious, quietly resistant, or already dabbling, this conversation is designed to help you see AI as a supportive team member rather than a threat to your creativity or value. AI cannot replace your intuition, your eye, or the human connection you build with clients, but it can absolutely remove the repetitive, time consuming work that keeps you out of your creative zone.Laura walks through simple, starter level ways to introduce AI into your business right now – from drafting client emails and summarizing meetings to supporting social media content, refining website copy, organizing project communication and assisting with early concept exploration. From there, she explores more advanced strategies for designers who are ready to integrate AI deeper into their workflow, including AI assisted design development, procurement support, predictive project planning, business intelligence analytics and client style profiling. Finally, she offers a future focused look at where AI is heading in the design industry, and why designers who learn to partner with it will be able to work with more ease, clarity and profitability.In this episode, you will learn:How to think about AI as a tool that supports your business, not a replacement for your talentSimple, beginner friendly ways to use AI for admin, communication, content and client supportHow more advanced AI tools can streamline design development, procurement and project managementWhy AI will increasingly become a core business support system while designers remain at the heart of the creative processA free way to support the show is by leaving a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more designers discover The Business of Beautiful Spaces and step into their role as confident, profitable CEOs.Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

As we step into a new year, I want to talk today about something that sounds really simple, but in my experience has the power to quietly change everything about how we work, how we earn, and how we show up every day. This year, my word is boundaries. And today, I'm walking you through why boundaries, not hustle, not motivation, not another strategy, are often the missing piece between intentional growth and sustainable success. So I'm going to share the boundary that would have changed everything for me in 2025, the boundaries I'm actively putting into place for this coming year, 2026, and how you can identify the one boundary that would make the biggest difference in your own business this year. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-boundaries 

In this solo episode, Olivia Tati opens up about her decision to close a profitable interior design business so she could pursue the work that truly lights her up—real estate investment coaching

In today's episode, I'm joined by my amazing COO and bestie, Taylor, for the much loved “Ask Me Anything” series, where I answer your top Human Design questions and give you the no-fluff, straight-talking support you've come to expect.We cover everything from the fear of stepping into your own business, to how to expand without hustling, the energetics of social media criticism, rewiring old identity patterns, and navigating relationships through the lens of Human Design and Gene Keys. I also break down what happens during a Uranus Opposition and how your chart changes during major transits.It's real, practical, and packed with tools to help you trust yourself, move forward, and stop making yourself wrong for being who you are.I trust you will get what you need from this episode, and make sure you come let me know how it resonated with you on instagram @the_human_design_coachBig love,MxxOTHER RESOURCESWant more on Human Design? Explore the ways to get involved below:Get Your Free Human Design Chart: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/get-your-chartThe Feminine Success Framework: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/feminine-success-frameworkMaggie - Magnetic by Design AI: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/maggieThe HDx Collective: https://www.emmadunwoody.com/collectiveHuman Design Unhinged: https://www.humandesignunhinged.com/Secret Podcast: The Human Design Podcast (Unhinged): https://thehumandesignpodcast.supercast.com/Instagram @the_human_design_coachMusic: Spark Of Inspiration by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.comSupport the show

Most interior designers want more profit, more stability, and less financial stress—but the idea of “saving more” often feels overwhelming. In this episode, Danielle Hendon breaks down a simple, sustainable strategy that any design professional can start today: saving just 1% of all revenue and putting it out of sight, where it can quietly grow into a real financial buffer. It may sound small, but this habit builds confidence, financial resilience, and a margin of safety your business desperately needs. Danielle explains how this 1% shift changes your behavior—helping you become more intentional with spending, more strategic with pricing, and more disciplined in how you manage cash flow. If you've ever avoided looking at your numbers or felt anxious about unexpected expenses, this conversation offers a doable first step toward a more profitable, stable design business. In this episode we learn: - How taking 1% of all revenue and putting it in a separate account builds financial strength - Why training your brain to operate without that 1% increases creative problem-solving - How to build a consistent savings habit—even if you've struggled with it before - When (and how) to increase from 1% to 2% once the habit feels easy - Why always putting your own needs last leads to burnout and financial vulnerability - The three profit levers you can pull in your interior design business to increase sustainability