Podcast appearances and mentions of Melissa Lee

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are your prospective clients taking longer to sign contracts? Are projects stretching across years instead of months? Are clients questioning purchases, breaking projects into phases, or running your designs through AI before making decisions? In this episode of Business Behind the Design, Michelle Lynne is joined by Ruth Ann Jansen, Melissa Lee, and Erika Bonnell for an honest conversation about the realities interior designers are facing right now. The panel discusses how shifting client behavior, economic uncertainty, AI, and increased competition are changing the design industry—and the strategies successful firms are using to protect their time, maintain profitability, and continue delivering exceptional client experiences. From contract clauses and project pause fees to vendor relationships, luxury client experiences, and the growing importance of human connection in an AI-driven world, this conversation offers practical insights for designers looking to navigate today's market with confidence.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Why clients are taking longer to make decisions than ever before The impact of AI on the interior design industry How designers are protecting themselves from stalled projects Contract clauses every firm should consider Why your design fee must stand on its own—even if furnishings never happen The risks of relying on furniture margins to make a project profitable How to structure fees for long-term custom home projects The growing appeal of procurement support and outsourcing Why relationships still matter more than technology How luxury firms are elevating the client experience Building stronger relationships with vendors, builders, and trades Why some firms are becoming more selective about the projects they accept The future of AI and interior design   Key Takeaways Clients Are More Analytical Than Ever Designers across the industry are seeing clients spend more time researching, comparing options, and evaluating investments before committing. Economic uncertainty, increased competition, and access to AI tools are all contributing factors. Protect Your Time with Clear Boundaries Several panelists share how they're implementing project pause clauses, restart fees, contract expiration dates, and payment milestones to prevent projects from lingering indefinitely. Design Fees Should Be Profitable on Their Own One of the biggest mistakes newer designers make is reducing design fees in anticipation of earning profit through furnishings. The panel emphasizes the importance of pricing every service as a standalone offering. AI Can't Replace Relationships While AI may influence how clients research designers and products, the group agrees that successful projects still depend on expertise, experience, vendor relationships, and human connection. The Client Experience Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage Whether it's personalized gifts, thoughtful touchpoints, or simply understanding what matters most to clients, creating memorable experiences continues to set premium firms apart. Go Deep, Not Wide When it comes to vendors and product partners, building stronger relationships with fewer, carefully selected partners often creates better outcomes than constantly chasing new sources. Connect with Michelle You can check out our designer resources on The Design Bakehouse website or follow her over on IG @byMichelleLynne Meet the Guests Ruth Ann Jansen President of The Dove Agency, helping interior designers streamline operations and scale successfully. IG: @thedoveagency Melissa Lee Founder of New South Home, known for creating elevated, highly personalized client experiences while delivering beautifully designed homes. IG: @newsouthhome Erika Bonnell Founder of Erika Bonnell Interiors, specializing in luxury residential interiors and operational systems that keep projects moving efficiently. IG: erikabonnellinteriors  

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev discusses his platform's support for Trump Accounts, as well as his ambition to build a “financial super app.” CNBC's Diana Olick reports on the effort to build a distributed network of small data centers attached to residential homes, and CNBC's Dan Murphy is in the United Arab Emirates, reporting on the latest escalations in the region. Plus, Andrew Ross Sorkin and Melissa Lee recap their newsy interview with Gamestop CEO Ryan Cohen, and E! host Keltie Knight recalls the highlights of the Met Gala's big fashion and money moments.    Dan Murphy - 02:55 Diana Olick - 15:53 Vlad Tenev - 21:43 Keltie Knight - 40:02   In this episode: Vlad Tenev, @vladtenev Diana Olick, @DianaOlick Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 188 Melissa Lee Part 1 of 2 15 year old Melissa Lee was home alone in 1993 when someone kicked in the door and drugged her, abducted her, and killed her.  The prime suspect, her boyfriend, had threatened to kill her that very day, and police believed he made good on that threat. But they could not build a solid case, and Melissa's murder remained unsolved.  Three decades later, IGG pointed the cold case investigators right back to the case file, and someone in Melissa's life – someone other than her boyfriend.  Luckily, Alan Dean was apprehended alive, and justice for Melissa was served at long last. This episode is sponsored by Earn In. You work hard, so why wait to access your earnings? Please mention DNA ID under podcasts when you sign up with Earn In.    To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch ©2026 AbJack Entertainment -All rights reserved. This content is the sole property of AbJack Entertainment. Any unauthorized re-selling, re-purposing, or re-distribution, is strictly prohibited, and will be subject to legal action.

Episode 188 Melissa Lee Part 2 of 2 This is part 2; the conclusion of the Melissa Lee case. If you have not yet listened to part 1, please go back and listen to that part first.  To listen to every episode of DNA: ID ad-free and get other benefits, simply  visit our channel page on Apple Podcasts to get started with an AbJack Insider subscription. Of course, you can also support DNA: ID with a Patreon subscription. Follow us on social media;  find all of our social media links in one spot at our Linktree:  linktr.ee/dnaidpodcast Visit this link to buy DNA ID Merch ©2026 AbJack Entertainment -All rights reserved. This content is the sole property of AbJack Entertainment. Any unauthorized re-selling, re-purposing, or re-distribution, is strictly prohibited, and will be subject to legal action.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hiring feels like a milestone—but what happens after you bring someone on is where the real work begins. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Erika Bonnell, Melissa Lee, and Ruth Ann Jansen for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to grow a team inside a design firm. From hiring the wrong role to realizing leadership is a learned skill, this conversation pulls back the curtain on scaling a business in a way that's both profitable and sustainable. If you've ever thought, "I just need to hire someone and everything will feel easier," this episode will give you a much more grounded (and useful) perspective. What You'll Learn Why hiring doesn't automatically fix overwhelm The biggest misconception designers have about growing a team How to determine who you actually need to hire (hint: it's often not a junior designer) The difference between managing people vs. leading them Why more team members ≠ more profit How to think about scaling based on your desired lifestyle, not industry expectations When to hire vs. outsource vs. use contractors (1099s) What roles actually "move the needle" in a design firm Why operations hires are often the most impactful How to measure if a team member is truly contributing financially The role AI is starting to play in design firms (and hiring decisions) Why tracking time is critical—even if you charge flat fees How to avoid costly hiring mistakes Key Takeaways 1. You might be hiring the wrong role. Many designers think they need a junior designer—but what they actually need is administrative or operational support. 2. Hiring creates new problems (not just solutions). Managing people, training, and leadership all require time and energy—often more than expected. 3. Smaller teams can be more profitable. Scaling down doesn't mean failure. It can mean better margins, less stress, and more intentional growth. 4. Operations support is often the biggest game-changer. Getting procurement, invoicing, and admin off your plate frees you up to design and generate revenue. 5. Hire for values, not just skill. Skills can be taught. Cultural fit and alignment are what make team members stay and thrive. 6. Not every season requires full-time hires. Contractors, freelancers, and outsourcing can reduce risk and increase flexibility. 7. You need financial clarity before hiring. Understand how a role contributes to revenue—or how it frees you up to generate more. 8. AI is shifting how firms operate. From client communication to renderings to internal systems, AI is reducing admin load—but requires intentional implementation. 9. Time tracking is non-negotiable. Even experienced firms are surprised by how long projects actually take—and that data is critical for pricing. 10. Business first, always. You can care deeply about your team—but not at the expense of the health of your business. Notable Quotes "Hiring someone does not automatically fix the overwhelm." "Sometimes you don't actually need the role you think you need." "Smaller does not mean less profitable." "People don't follow managers. They follow leaders." "Find your zone of genius—and build around it." "Nobody will care about your business as much as you do." Practical Next Steps If you're wondering whether it's time to hire: List out everything you want off your plate Identify patterns (admin vs. design vs. operations) Decide what actually drives revenue Run the numbers before hiring Consider outsourcing before committing to full-time Final Advice from the Panel Erika Bonnell - Erika Bonnell Interiors https://erikabonnell.com/ Hire to free up revenue-generating time—and let go quickly if it's not workingt Melissa Lee - New South Home Interiors https://www.newsouthhome.com/ Align hires with your long-term vision and strengths Ruth Ann - The Dove Agency https://www.thedoveagency.com/: Scope the role clearly and track profitability from day one Closing Thought There is no one "right" way to build a team. The best business model is the one that supports your goals, your lifestyle, and your definition of success.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the open to the close, “Closing Bell” and “Closing Bell: Overtime” have you covered. From what's driving market moves to how investors are reacting, Scott Wapner, Melissa Lee and Michael Santoli guide listeners through each trading session and bring to you some of the biggest names in business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On the final trading day before Christmas, Carl Quintanilla and Melissa Lee explored Wall Street hopes for a "Santa Claus rally" one day after the S&P 500 hit a new record high. Oakmark Funds' Bill Nygren shared his outlook for the markets, as well as his take on the battle for Warner Bros. Discovery. Harris Oakmark is WBD's fifth-largest shareholder. Retail veteran Jan Kniffen offered his perspective on stores and the consumer as the holiday shopping season hits the homestretch. Also in focus: Nike shares rise thanks to Apple CEO Tim Cook, the Nvidia connection to Intel shares falling, the financial sector's rally to all-time highs, President Trump expects rate cuts from a new Fed chair, gold's record run, what crypto and a dive bar have in common.Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Led by President Donald Trump, Republicans in Congress are solidifying their opposition to extending pandemic-era subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans and seem to be coalescing around giving money directly to consumers to spend on health care. Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. continues to leave his mark on the agency, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention altering its website to suggest childhood vaccines could play a role in causing autism. Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post, Joanne Kenen of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Politico Magazine, and Shefali Luthra of The 19th join KFF Health News' Julie Rovner to discuss those stories and more. Also this week, Rovner interviews Avik Roy, a GOP health policy adviser and co-founder and chair of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity.  Plus, for “extra credit” the panelists suggest health policy stories they read this week that they think you should read, too: Julie Rovner: CNBC's “Cheaper Medicines, Free Beach Trips: U.S. Health Plans Tap Prescriptions That Feds Say Are Illegal,” by Scott Zamost, Paige Tortorelli, and Melissa Lee.  Paige Winfield Cunningham: The Wall Street Journal's “Medicaid Insurers Promise Lots of Doctors. Good Luck Seeing One,” by Christopher Weaver, Anna Wilde Mathews, and Tom McGinty.  Joanne Kenen: ProPublica's “What the U.S. Government Is Dismissing That Could Seed a Bird Flu Pandemic,” by Nat Lash.  Shefali Luthra: ProPublica's “‘Ticking Time Bomb': A Pregnant Mother Kept Getting Sicker. She Died After She Couldn't Get an Abortion in Texas,” by Kavitha Surana and Lizzie Presser.  

Stocks sold off today, especially in tech. More fears around the valuations in the AI trade hitting some high-momentum names. One bright spot: health care. Bernstein analyst Lance Wilkes breaks down his top picks. Cursor CEO Michael Truell on the company's latest fundraise and valuation, nearly tripling in just five months. Plus, our Melissa Lee on some popular insurance schemes that offer huge savings on medications – but could put patient lives in danger.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're heading South today to hear from Melissa Lee of New South Home.  This Charlotte-based interior designer and former retail buyer pulls back the curtain on the real inner workings of running a design firm—from pricing strategy and client education to vendor relationships and market trends. Drawing from her experience in corporate buying, she has developed a clear understanding of profit margins, vendor management, and operational efficiency, which she now applies to her design business through practices like maintaining a vendor matrix and detailed time tracking. I don't want you to think this is a business of design episode, it's not. Sometimes these conversations go deeper into the business to further explain the work, this is one of those times.  Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. Design Hardware - A stunning and vast collection of jewelry for the home!  - Where service meets excellence TimberTech - Real wood beauty without the upkeep LOME-AI.com, simple, inexpensive, text to video harnessing the power of AI to grow your firm, beautifully. Melissa discusses the challenges of pricing interior design work in a landscape full of conflicting advice—flat fee versus hourly models, for example—and how she has evolved her own “conceptually fixed with scope management” approach. Clients receive an upfront estimate based on hours, but additional fees apply when scope or decisions shift beyond agreed terms. This hybrid method offers flexibility while protecting the business from runaway labor costs. Events like High Point Market and KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show) play a strategic role in how she sources vendors, stays inspired, and builds key relationships. She balances structured vendor meetings with looser time for discovery, realizing that over-scheduling stifles creativity. Her buying background taught her the value of planning, but in design, adaptability creates more opportunity. The conversation digs into vendor relations in a shifting economic landscape, with concerns about rising tariffs, erratic pricing, and questionable fee increases. Thanks to long-standing relationships and proactive reps, her team has been buffered from the worst of it. Still, she builds flexibility into her contracts and transparently preps clients for potential 5% swings in final invoices due to supply chain or pricing changes—an approach appreciated in a world where nothing feels stable. Managing client expectations is a recurring theme—from educating them on the unseen hours behind emails, revisions, and project coordination, to setting boundaries when projects creep beyond the original scope. Weekly check-ins, detailed proposals, and scope clarity help prevent misunderstandings and maintain trust. Looking ahead, she sees potential challenges driven by economic uncertainty—rising tariffs, high interest rates, and general cost-of-living increases may stall some clients' investment in their homes. But Charlotte's rapid growth continues to fuel demand, giving her firm an edge in an evolving national market. Melissa also hints at expanding service areas, including outdoor living design, and continues to explore how design firms can evolve—perhaps aided by AI or new business tools—to reduce burnout and reclaim creativity. At its heart, the conversation underscores the complexity of modern design businesses, where creativity, logistics, and business acumen must coexist. And you're going to hear all about it, right after this. Thank you, Melissa, loved our chat. Thank you for listening. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend who loves design, subscribe to Convo By Design wherever you get your podcasts. And continue the conversation on Instagram @convo x design with an “x”. Keep those emails coming with guest suggestions, show ideas and locations where you'd like to see the show. Thank you to my partner sponsors, TimberTech, The AZEK Company,

In its latest decision, the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady. The U.S. markets rallied on Fed Chair Jay Powell's comments that the economy is still strong. Nvidia rallied as well; CEO Jensen Huang discussed tariffs, bringing chip manufacturing onshore, and tech innovation. Over a dozen leaders in the U.S. oil and gas industry met at the White House on Wednesday. Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses that meeting and President Trump's agenda for American power. Plus, tennis legend Stan Smith helped found the ATP in the 1970s. Today he weighs in on the future of the sport, player pay, and his legacy as a player and as the face of a beloved sneaker. Happy March Madness! Chris Wright - 16:07Stan Smith - 30:16 In this episode:Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Consumer Sentiment data coming in at its lowest levels since 2022 top of the hour… Carl Quintanilla, Melissa Lee, and Michael Santoli broke down the latest as the S&P and Nasdaq look to close out another tough week. Why Richard Bernstein's Deputy CIO says to avoid tech here – and that there's a slowdown ahead.  Plus, a deep dive on what to do with Apple shares, as they close out their worst weekly performance since 2020. Tesla also seeing historic declines – shares adding to their longest weekly losing streak ever – more on the company's new tariff warning for the White House. And the latest for Consumer Discretionary stocks – as the sector looks for its worst week since 2023 – and the street works through a chorus of consumer warnings.  Also in focus: President Trump taking aim at the CFPB – one with the regulator's former head, Rohit Chopra; Why money is flowing into utilities; and breaking down the potential impact of Trump's promised 200% tariffs on certain European spirits.  Squawk on the Street Disclaimer 

The newly demoted Health Minister says he accepts the Prime Minister's decision to take the role off him. Shane Reti has been sacked as health minister, with Simeon Brown taking on the portfolio. Political Editor Jo Moir spoke to Paddy Gower.

Carl Quintanilla, Melissa Lee and David Faber discussed the latest headlines on another busy morning of results out of McDonald's, Pfizer, Ford and more – plus, the playbook for Alphabet results after the bell today. Also in focus: a read from ground at the FII's 8th annual conference - aka ‘Davos in the Desert' – on the heels of a blockbuster panel from our Sara Eisen with 12 of the world's biggest financial CEOs (Goldman's Solomon and Citi's Fraser among them), plus a deep dive on the sector with the street's #1 analyst in the space.  Squawk on the Street Disclaimer

Melissa Lee and the Investment Committee discuss the Dow hitting a new all-time high ahead of this week's critical fed decision. They debate whether we'll see a 50 basis point cut. Plus, Apple iPhone pre-orders are not hitting their targets, it's our Chart of the Day. And later, the desk debates the latest calls of the day. Investment Committee Disclosures

Melissa Lee and the Investment Committee discuss the Semi Smackdown as chip stocks get whacked and the Nasdaq heads for its worst day of the year. Plus, we cover the latest Calls of the Day. And later, the desk detail their latest portfolio moves. Investment Committee Disclosures

Heading into the 4th of July holiday, David Faber, Melissa Lee and Mike Santoli discussed what to make of big tech fueling the Nasdaq to a new all-time high. Microsoft, Apple and Amazon entered Wednesday's trading session at record closing highs. Tesla shares continue to rebound in a big way one day after the EV maker's better-than-expected Q2 deliveries. The stock is closer to erasing its steep losses for 2024. Paramount shares soared on M&A news: According to David's sources, the company has reached a preliminary deal with Skydance. Also in focus: Ford Q2 auto sales, Southwest's "poison pill."Marko Kolanovic reportedly out as J.P. Morgan Chief Market Strategist. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer

It's impossible to ignore the chatter about Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight-loss medications that have hit the market in the last few years. This week, Hims & Hers -- a telehealth company known for discreetly treating erectile dysfunction, balding, and other sensitive conditions -- announced the launch of their own off brand weight-loss injection, sparking a boost in their stock prices. Melissa Lee, Host of CNBC's Fast Money, takes us into the marketplace for GLP-1 agonist drugs, Ozempic dupes sold online, and what the popularity of these drugs on Wall Street means for patients.