Interior Design Business : Recent Episodes

Terri Taylor

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.

Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.

Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

Have you ever landed a dream project only to wonder if you're truly qualified for it?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm joined by IDBA's Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most common challenges interior designers face at every stage of their careers: imposter syndrome.

Whether you're taking on your very first luxury client or stepping into a larger project than you've ever handled before, feelings of self-doubt can quickly creep in. Many designers begin questioning their abilities, overlooking their accomplishments, and convincing themselves they're not experienced enough, even when the evidence says otherwise.

Together, we discuss why imposter syndrome shows up during periods of growth, how to separate feelings from facts, and practical techniques to build confidence before fear takes over. From celebrating past successes and reviewing client testimonials to practicing gratitude and taking action before you feel completely ready, we share simple mindset shifts that can help you move forward with confidence.

If you've ever thought, "Am I really good enough for this project?" this episode will remind you that your success isn't an accident, it's built on the skills, experience, and talent you've already earned.

In this episode, we cover:

Understanding imposter syndrome
Why self-doubt appears during growth
Separating feelings from facts
Finding evidence of your capabilities
Celebrating your accomplishments
Why confidence comes from action
Using testimonials to build confidence
The power of gratitude
Moving past fear with practical tools
Trusting your experience and expertise

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you building both income streams your interior design business needs to thrive?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the most important concepts every designer needs to understand: your business should generate income from two completely separate sources, your design expertise and your product sales.

Many designers unknowingly combine these two revenue streams, creating confusion for clients and limiting their profitability. When design and purchasing become blurred together, designers often undervalue their expertise, struggle with pricing, and end up working far more than they're being paid for.

I explain why design should always lead the client relationship, how purchasing should function as a separate white-glove service, and where the line between design work and administrative purchasing tasks should be drawn. We also discuss why fee-based pricing creates stronger boundaries than hourly billing, how wholesale purchasing builds a healthier business, and why developing both income streams is essential for long-term success.

If you've ever wondered why you're working so hard without seeing the financial rewards you expected, this episode will help you rethink how your business generates profit and where opportunities for growth may be hiding.

In this episode, we cover:

The two income streams every design business needs
Separating design from purchasing
Why clients shouldn't see you as a furniture salesperson
Fee-based pricing versus hourly billing
Defining where design ends and purchasing begins
Avoiding scope creep and underbilling
Building profitable purchasing systems
The importance of wholesale vendor relationships
Creating sustainable business profit
How mindset affects your income ceiling

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are your purchasing policies protecting your business, or creating costly headaches?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share the purchasing strategies that have helped countless interior designers avoid some of the biggest mistakes in managing client purchases. From retail shopping requests to custom drawings and hybrid purchasing, we'll explore the boundaries every designer needs to establish before a project begins.

Many designers struggle when clients want to shop alongside them, purchase products themselves, or ask for custom drawings they plan to take elsewhere. While these requests often seem harmless, they frequently lead to confusion, damaged relationships, lost profits, and projects that no longer reflect the designer's standards.

I explain why selling trade products at retail pricing creates a healthier business model, how to handle clients who insist on buying from stores like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and why hybrid purchasing almost always becomes a nightmare. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations in your Letter of Agreement and charging appropriately for purchasing services when retail products are involved.

If you've ever wondered how to protect your time, maintain profitability, and avoid purchasing disasters before they happen, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately.

In this episode, we cover:

Why hybrid purchasing doesn't work
Selling trade products profitably
Handling clients who want retail products
Setting purchasing boundaries from the beginning
Avoiding custom drawing disasters
Protecting your reputation during purchasing
Writing stronger Letters of Agreement
Charging purchasing fees on retail products
Giving clients clear purchasing options
Creating a smoother purchasing process

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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What beliefs about money are quietly shaping your interior design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined once again by IDBA's Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most powerful mindset topics every designer faces: their money story.

The way we think about money often begins long before we start a business. Childhood experiences, family beliefs, and past conversations can shape how comfortable we feel discussing budgets, charging premium fees, and working with affluent clients. These unconscious beliefs frequently influence pricing decisions, client conversations, and even the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue.

Together, we unpack where money stories come from, how they create fear around charging what you're worth, and why many designers unknowingly project their own financial beliefs onto luxury clients. We also discuss how developing a healthier relationship with money creates more confidence, better client experiences, and greater business growth.

If you've ever struggled to raise your fees, felt uncomfortable talking about budgets, or worried that clients won't invest in your services, this episode will help you recognize the beliefs that may be holding you backk, and show you how to begin changing them.

In this episode, we cover:

Understanding your money story
How childhood experiences shape financial beliefs
Why designers struggle with pricing conversations
Common money beliefs that limit business growth
Separating your financial mindset from your clients'
Why luxury clients think differently about money
Building a healthier relationship with money
Recognizing scarcity versus abundance thinking
Allowing money to flow instead of chasing it
How mindset impacts attracting ideal clients

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are the stories you're telling yourself holding your interior design business back?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA’s Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore how the stories we create in our minds shape our decisions, confidence, and business success.

Many designers hesitate to pursue bigger opportunities, raise their fees, or change the way they do business, not because they lack the skills, but because they're operating from stories based on fear, doubt, or past experiences. These stories often feel true, even when they aren't.

Together, we discuss where these stories come from, why our brains hold onto them, and how they influence everything from client conversations to pricing decisions. We also share practical ways to recognize limiting beliefs, stop preparing for imaginary problems, and take action with confidence.

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What if they say no?" or "That won't work for my clients," this episode will help you replace fear-driven stories with empowering beliefs that support your business growth.

In this episode, we cover:

What your "story" really is
How fear-based thinking affects business decisions
Why your brain mistakes repeated thoughts for truth
Recognizing the "what if" mindset
Why action builds confidence
How stories create procrastination
Common limiting beliefs designers experience
The importance of staying present with clients
Replacing fear with a winning mindset
Building awareness to overcome self-sabotage

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Is the real reason you're underpaid your pricing model, or something much deeper?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I wrap up our series on hourly billing versus design fees by exploring the real issue behind getting paid what you're worth: your relationship with money.

Many designers believe switching from hourly billing to design fees will solve their profitability problems. But the truth is, neither pricing model works if you don't have healthy boundaries and the confidence to charge appropriately for your expertise.

In this episode, I discuss how limiting money beliefs affect pricing decisions, why designers often discount their services without realizing it, and how childhood money stories continue to influence business decisions years later.

We also talk about the importance of maintaining boundaries, receiving payment with confidence, creating a healthy exchange of value with clients, and replacing outdated beliefs that keep you underpaid.

If you've been struggling to charge what you're worth, this episode will help you shift your mindset so you can confidently build a profitable design business.

In this episode, we cover:

Why pricing models alone won't solve undercharging
How money stories affect your business decisions
The importance of strong client boundaries
Why designers discount themselves unnecessarily
Changing the language you use around money
Receiving payment with confidence
Creating a healthy exchange of value
Recognizing and overcoming scarcity thinking
Rewriting limiting beliefs from childhood
Building a mindset that supports being paid what you're worth

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you the biggest obstacle standing between your business and the success you want?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explore one of the most important, and often overlooked, factors in building a successful design business: mindset.

Many designers work harder, put in longer hours, and constantly search for new strategies, yet still struggle with inconsistent cash flow, difficult clients, and stalled growth. Often, the problem isn't a lack of talent or opportunity. It's the beliefs, fears, and habits that are keeping them stuck.

In this episode, I break down some of the most common ways designers get in their own way, including feeling "not good enough," letting fear dictate decisions, playing small when opportunities arise, and surrounding themselves with people who reinforce limiting beliefs.

We also discuss how mindset impacts financial success, why your internal dialogue matters, and how changing your expectations can transform the clients, projects, and opportunities you attract.

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the pace of your business growth, this episode will help you identify the invisible barriers holding you back, and show you how to move beyond them.

In this episode, we cover:

Why mindset impacts business success
How excuses keep designers stuck
Overcoming the "I'm not good enough" belief
Understanding fear versus reality
Why playing small limits your growth
Learning to say yes to bigger opportunities
The connection between beliefs and financial success
How your environment influences your results
The power of taking responsibility for your future
Creating a mindset that attracts better clients

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are design fees really the best way for interior designers to get paid?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I continue the conversation around pricing and billing by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of fee-based design.

Many designers assume design fees automatically solve the problems created by hourly billing. But the truth is that design fees only work when they are supported by a clear scope of work, defined deliverables, strong boundaries, and a well-written letter of agreement.

In this episode, I explain why fee-based design can dramatically improve profitability, cash flow, client confidence, and project management. We also discuss the mistakes designers make when creating flat fees, how to handle client requests outside the original scope, and why talking about money remains one of the most important skills a designer can develop.

If you've ever wondered whether design fees are right for your business, this episode will help you understand when they work best, and when they can become a costly mistake.

In this episode, we cover:

Why design fees fail without clear boundaries
The importance of scope, deliverables, and planning
How design fees improve client confidence
Why fee-based design improves cash flow
Creating profitable letters of agreement
Managing client requests outside the scope of work
Why designers need to talk about money
Understanding value versus time
How experience increases profitability
When fee-based design works best

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Should interior designers charge hourly, or is there a better way?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the longest-running debates in the design industry: hourly billing versus fee-based design.

While hourly billing can work in certain situations, it also creates significant challenges for both designers and clients when it's not managed properly. From inaccurate time tracking and delayed cash flow to client anxiety around costs and scope creep, hourly billing often creates more problems than designers realize.

In this episode, I explain when hourly billing works, how to make it more effective, and the hidden pitfalls that can hurt profitability. We also discuss retainers, scope management, client communication, time tracking, and why experience should increase your value, not reduce it.

If you've ever wondered whether hourly billing is helping or hurting your business, this episode will help you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and what to watch out for as your business grows.

In this episode, we cover:

Why hourly billing creates challenges for many designers
The importance of accurate time tracking
How delayed billing impacts cash flow
Why designers often underbill clients
Using retainers to improve hourly billing
Managing scope creep and additional requests
Why client communication around money matters
The hidden costs of hourly billing
Understanding the difference between time and value
Why experience should increase your earnings

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are templates helping your interior design business… or hurting it?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why templates often create more problems than they solve for interior designers.

Many designers rely on template contracts, letters of agreement, proposals, and deliverables because they want a faster, easier way to start projects. But the reality is that every project is different, every client is different, and every successful design business requires thoughtful planning and customization.

In this episode, I break down why one-size-fits-all templates fail, what deliverables actually are, how boundaries protect both you and your clients, and why a properly crafted letter of agreement is one of the most important business tools you have.

We also discuss project planning, payment structures, client expectations, legal protections, and how organizational systems create more profitable projects and a better client experience.

If you've ever searched for the perfect template to solve your business challenges, this episode will show you why the real solution is developing the skills and systems behind the document.

In this episode, we cover:

Why templates create problems for designers
The purpose of a strong letter of agreement
What deliverables actually mean
Why every project requires customization
Creating boundaries that protect profitability
Structuring payments and cash flow correctly
Planning projects before design work begins
Protecting yourself with legal language
Why organization improves client experience
The connection between systems and profitability

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you actually have the right insurance coverage for your interior design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about one of the most overlooked but critical parts of running a successful design business: professional liability protection.

Many designers assume their homeowner’s insurance covers their business, or they believe they’re “too small” to need errors and omissions insurance. But the reality is that every project carries liability, and even happy clients can suddenly become difficult when problems arise.

In this episode, I share real stories from my own business experience, including client disputes, product failures, remodel complaints, and unexpected accidents that could have turned into major legal and financial problems.

We also discuss why documentation matters, how to protect yourself legally, what errors and omissions insurance actually covers, and why separating your personal and business protections is essential.

If you’re running an interior design business without understanding your liability exposure, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, we cover:

Why homeowner’s insurance does not cover your design business
What errors and omissions insurance actually protects
Why no design business is “too small” for liability coverage
Real examples of design-related lawsuits and disputes
How clients can suddenly become difficult after projects finish
Why documentation and signed approvals matter
Protecting furniture, inventory, and stored products
Understanding liability around specifications and selections
Why legal defense costs can become overwhelming
Steps every designer should take to protect their business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you constantly wondering if your design fee is really enough?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest mindset and business challenges interior designers face: pricing their services confidently and profitably.

Many designers struggle because they blur the line between design services and product purchasing. They rely on future furniture sales to make the project profitable, overdeliver without boundaries, and end up exhausted, underpaid, and frustrated.

In this episode, I explain why separating design fees from purchasing changes everything. When your design fee fully pays you for your expertise, your time, and your process, you create a healthier business, stronger client relationships, and far more profitability.

I also walk through how to structure boundaries inside your agreements, why deliverables need to be crystal clear, how budgets support fee conversations, and why clients are actually more comfortable saying yes when they understand the full financial picture.

If you’ve ever questioned your pricing, struggled to hold boundaries, or felt like you were giving away too much unpaid time, this episode will completely change how you think about design fees.

In this episode, we cover:

Why design fees and purchasing should stay separate
The mindset shift from designer to consultant
How unclear boundaries create unpaid work
Why overdelivering hurts your business
Setting limits on meetings, selections, and revisions
The relationship between project budgets and fees
Why clients say yes more easily when budgets are clear
Creating stronger letters of agreement
Defining clear deliverables in your contracts
Structuring a profitable purchasing process

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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What do you do when a client loves every option… but still won’t make a decision?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how to manage clients who struggle with decision-making and why unresolved decisions can completely derail a design project.

When clients delay decisions, it creates confusion, slows contractors down, impacts timelines, increases your unpaid hours, and often weakens the overall design outcome. But the truth is, many clients aren’t intentionally difficult, they simply lack confidence and need more structure, guidance, and clarity throughout the process.

In this episode, I share six practical strategies to help clients move through decisions with more confidence while keeping your projects organized, on schedule, and beautifully cohesive.

You’ll learn how to reduce overwhelm, create better specification meetings, structure your agreements to support progress, and guide clients through the emotional side of decision-making without becoming frustrated or losing control of the project.

If you’ve ever had a client say “I need to think about it” over and over again, this episode will help you lead the process more effectively and protect both your time and your design.

In this episode, we cover:

Why some clients struggle to make decisions
How open-ended decisions delay projects
Why unresolved selections hurt the overall design
The impact delayed decisions have on contractors and timelines
How too many options overwhelm clients
Why presenting one best option works better than five
How to use anchor selections to guide the design direction
Why inspiration photos help reinforce decisions
The importance of meeting agendas
How preparing clients before meetings improves outcomes
Building deadlines into your letter of agreement
How written agreements create accountability
Why clients need design education throughout the process
Explaining the emotional feel behind design choices
How to build confidence in hesitant clients
Why reinforcing wins helps clients decide faster
The importance of holding boundaries during selections
Why you should never allow decisions to carry into the next meeting
How stronger leadership creates smoother projects

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Wondering where your next client is coming from?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down what to do when your pipeline is empty, and how to get clients coming in consistently.

Every designer experiences cycles in their business. There are times when you’re fully booked, and times when things feel quiet. But instead of panicking, this is your opportunity to reset, refocus, and rebuild your marketing momentum.

In this episode, I share five proven strategies to help you generate new clients, reconnect with your network, and create a steady flow of opportunities, without relying on random luck or last-minute hustle.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, worried about where your next project is coming from, or unsure what to do next, this episode will give you a clear plan to get back in motion.

In this episode, we cover:

Why slow periods are normal in a design business
How to use downtime productively instead of panicking
The importance of keeping your marketing consistent
How to clearly define your ideal client and project
Why intention and clarity drive results
The power of reconnecting with past (legacy) clients
How to ask for referrals without sounding needy
What real networking actually looks like
Why your elevator pitch matters (and what to say instead)
How to build powerful referral partnerships
The key relationships that bring consistent work
Why timing plays a huge role in landing projects
How to use social media and email marketing effectively
The importance of staying top of mind
Why marketing is the most important part of your business
How to stop being “busy” and start growing your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Why do so many designers struggle to get paid what they’re truly worth?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I dive into the real reason behind undercharging, overworking, and feeling stuck financially, and it’s not your pricing strategy. It’s your mindset.

Before any system or structure can work, you have to address the beliefs you hold about money. Your “money story” shapes every decision you make in your business, from what you charge to what you present to clients.

If you’re operating from scarcity, believing there’s not enough, worrying about what clients can afford, or feeling like you need to be the “affordable option”, you will continue to limit your growth.

In this episode, I break down the difference between scarcity and abundance, how your upbringing influences your financial reality, and what it takes to shift into a mindset that aligns with high-end, luxury clients.

In this episode, we cover:

Why mindset comes before strategy in your business
What your “money story” is and how it affects your income
The difference between scarcity and abundance thinking
Why your beliefs about money may not match your ideal client’s
How scarcity keeps you undercharging and overworking
Why luxury clients don’t value “cheap”
The danger of assuming clients can’t afford your services
How your upbringing shaped your financial mindset
Common scarcity beliefs designers carry
Why working harder won’t make you more successful
How abundance thinking changes your business results
Why you must become the high-end designer before attracting high-end clients
The role of self-worth in pricing and profitability
How to confidently present higher fees
Why clients are happy to pay when you show value

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What does it actually take to go from a struggling design business to a thriving, seven-figure company?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share a real success story of one of our designer students who transformed her business from $250,000 to over $1.25 million in revenue.

This isn’t about luck, talent, or magic, it’s about learning, implementing, and consistently taking action.

From navigating a major project opportunity during COVID, to refining pricing, building systems, hiring support, and stepping into leadership, this story breaks down exactly what it takes to grow a profitable and sustainable design business.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible for you, or what it really takes to get there—this episode will give you both inspiration and a clear path forward.

In this episode, we cover:

The real difference between a design practice and a design business
How one designer scaled from $250K to $1.25M
Why implementation matters more than information
The importance of asking for help and being open to change
How to properly structure a large, high-value project
Why big opportunities must be set up correctly from the start
The role of pricing, profitability, and money mindset
How to identify and attract your ideal client
Why systems are essential for growth and scalability
When and how to hire support in your business
The importance of staying profitable while growing
How to “fly the plane while building it”
Why consistent action creates exponential results

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Why are boundaries so hard to set, and even harder to keep?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: creating and holding boundaries in their business without feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or afraid of losing the client.

If you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say no, answered texts late at night, worked weekends you didn’t want to, or given away hours of unpaid work… you’re not alone.

Boundaries aren’t just about rules, they’re about protecting your time, your energy, your profitability, and ultimately, your love for your business.

In this episode, I walk you through why boundaries feel so difficult, where it comes from, and how to start changing it, so you can create a business that works for you instead of draining you.

In this episode, we cover:

Why designers don’t realize they need boundaries—until it’s too late
The most common boundary violations (and how they happen)
Why clients aren’t the problem—you just didn’t set expectations
The importance of clear rules in your letter of agreement
Why holding boundaries is harder than creating them
How clients test your boundaries (just like kids do)
The real reason designers struggle to say no
How people-pleasing impacts your profit and time
Why “just one quick thing” always costs more than you think
How to use “yes, and…” to maintain boundaries professionally
Why treating clients like family backfires
The connection between boundaries and resentment
How lack of boundaries leads to burnout (and even quitting)
Why clients actually prefer clear structure and leadership
The role of boundaries in creating better client experiences
How boundaries increase confidence, respect, and profitability

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Why is asking for your full design fee so hard, even when you know you’re worth it?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: confidently asking for the money they deserve.

You can have the systems, the process, and the perfect project… but when it comes time to say the number out loud, everything can fall apart. Fear, doubt, and old money stories start creeping in, and suddenly, what should be a simple conversation feels overwhelming.

In this episode, I share the real reason this happens and how to move past it so you can confidently present your fees, without hesitation, apology, or second-guessing.

If you’ve ever struggled to say your number, worried about what clients will think, or felt uncomfortable asking for higher fees, this episode will show you exactly how to break through that ceiling.

In this episode, we cover:

Why asking for money feels so difficult (even when you’ve earned it)
The “glass ceiling” every designer must break through
How your internal money story is holding you back
Why your client’s money mindset is different from yours
The real value behind high design fees
How large projects justify six-figure fees
Why designers often undercharge (and regret it later)
The importance of separating emotion from pricing
What the “pass the salt” moment really means
How to train your body to confidently say your fee
Why repetition and practice are essential
How confidence in delivery leads to client trust

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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What does it actually look like to lead a design project, without losing control, your confidence, or your sanity?

In Part 2 of this leadership series, Terri Taylor and coach Valerie Priester dive deeper into what it truly means to step into leadership as an interior designer. This episode goes beyond mindset and into practical application—how you lead clients, manage projects, communicate your vision, and set boundaries that protect both your business and your well-being.

If you’ve ever felt like your clients are running the job, your projects are spiraling out of control, or you’re doing everything yourself and burning out… this episode will show you exactly what’s missing.

You’ll learn how to shift from being the “doer” to the leader, how to create systems that guide your clients, and why clear communication and boundaries are essential for both profitability and peace of mind.

In this episode, we cover:

The difference between a technician mindset and a leadership mindset
Why clients take control (and how to prevent it)
How to confidently lead your clients through a project
The importance of having a clear process and system
Why communication builds trust and confidence
How to stop people-pleasing in your business
Leading contractors, vendors, and your team effectively
Why you must stop doing everything yourself
How delegation increases growth and capacity
The real reason burnout happens (and how to avoid it)
Why boundaries are critical for success and self-care
How saying “no” actually strengthens your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What does it really take to step into leadership as an interior designer?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri Taylor is joined by Coach Valerie Priester to break down the foundational traits of strong leadership, and why they are essential for growing a successful design business.

Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about mindset, confidence, and vision. From developing a growth mindset to overcoming comparison, building confidence through action, and thinking strategically about your business, this episode dives into the key shifts every designer must make to lead effectively.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “doing” instead of leading, or questioned your ability to grow into the next level of your business, this episode will give you the clarity and perspective you need.

In this episode, we cover:

What a growth mindset really looks like in business
Why failure is just feedback (and how to use it)
The danger of saying “I already know that”
How confidence is built through action, not perfection
Why comparison kills both confidence and joy
The importance of staying in your “genius zone”
How the 80/20 rule applies to leadership
Letting go and trusting others in your business
The difference between being a “doer” vs. a leader
Why visionary thinking is critical for growth

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing five powerful tips to help you take control of your time, increase productivity, and finally create a schedule that supports both your business and your life.

If you’ve been telling yourself “I just need more time,” this episode will shift your perspective. Time isn’t something you get more of, it’s something you learn to manage. From mindset shifts to practical strategies like time blocking, batching, and identifying your most valuable work, you’ll learn how to stop feeling overwhelmed and start working with intention.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a business that gives you freedom, this episode will show you how.

In this episode, we cover:

Why “not enough time” is a mindset problem
How to shift from time scarcity to time control
The 80/20 rule and how it impacts your productivity
How to identify your “genius time”
Why tracking your time gives you clarity and control
The importance of focusing on revenue-generating work
How to use time blocking to structure your week
The difference between “studio days” and “out days”
How batching tasks saves hours each week
Why planning your day creates momentum and results

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Presenting your design to a client is one of the most important moments in your interior design process. It’s where your vision becomes real, and where your client decides whether they’re excited to move forward.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I walk through the biggest mistakes designers make during design presentations and the powerful strategies that transform a presentation into a memorable experience. From avoiding the trap of presenting pieces one at a time to creating a full-room concept that clients can visualize, you’ll learn how to present with clarity, confidence, and impact.

We’ll also explore how hospitality, visual tools, tactile samples, and even presentation location can dramatically elevate the experience for your clients. When done well, your design presentation doesn’t just sell the room, it creates excitement, trust, and referrals.

If you want your presentations to feel polished, professional, and irresistible to clients, this episode will show you how.

In this episode, we cover:

Why presenting pieces one at a time sabotages your design
How to present the entire room concept instead of individual items
The danger of designing without an agreed budget
How presentations can become a referral-generating experience
Why hospitality creates a stronger client connection
How to present designs in person, via Zoom, or in a showroom
Using screens, samples, and visuals to create a “wow” moment
Why tactile materials help clients emotionally connect to the design
How 3D renderings increase client confidence and approvals
How presenting within budget helps sell the entire room at once

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you busy… but not profitable?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m addressing one of the biggest frustrations I hear from designers: “I’m slammed with work, but it’s not the work I want.” If your calendar is full of small jobs, your evenings are booked, and you still don’t feel financially stable, this episode is your wake-up call.

I’m breaking down exactly why little “quick” projects drain your time, energy, and profit, and how they prevent you from attracting higher-end clients. You’ll learn how to calculate your true minimum design fee, set a minimum product budget, and confidently communicate those numbers during your discovery call.

If you’re ready to stop shrinking to fit small budgets and start building a business that actually supports your life, this episode will show you how.

In this episode, we cover:

Why being busy doesn’t mean being profitable
The hidden cost of “quick” design jobs
How small projects sabotage your growth
The tree analogy for scaling your design business
How to calculate your minimum design fee
Why 23 hours is your true baseline per project
Setting a minimum product budget
How to communicate minimums on a discovery call
How to let clients self-select out gracefully
Why boundaries increase respect and revenue

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Struggling to say no, even when you know you should?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m back with IDBA Coach Marsha Sewdass for Part 2 of our conversation on healthy boundaries. This time, we’re digging into one of the hardest boundary skills of all: learning to say no, clearly, confidently, and without apology.

From Saturday appointments to scope creep, contractor pushback, and volunteer overload, we’re unpacking what it really takes to hold your shape in business. You’ll learn how to say no with grace, how to avoid over-explaining, and why assertiveness is not the same as being mean.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for protecting your time, or worried your business would suffer if you stopped overgiving, this episode will change the way you think about boundaries.

In this episode, we cover:

Why “no” is the hardest word for designers to say
How to stop over-explaining and apologizing
The connection between self-respect and strong boundaries
Why saying no does not hurt your business
How to prevent scope creep with confident communication
What it means to “hold your shape”
The power of pleasant persistence
How to stop being volunteered for everything
Why you must protect your energy first

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and on-call 24/7? You might not have a workload problem, you have a boundaries problem.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA Coach Marsha Sewdass for a heart-to-heart conversation on what healthy boundaries really look like in your design business. We’re talking about business hours, burnout, overgiving, and the pressure to be “Superwoman.”

If you’ve ever answered a client text at 10 p.m. or missed your kid’s soccer game because of a contractor “emergency,” this episode is your invitation to reset.

In this episode, we cover:

What boundaries are and why they’re so hard for designers
How to uncover your biggest energy leaks
What burnout is trying to tell you
The people-pleasing trap that keeps you stuck
The difference between excellent service and self-sacrifice
How to write your own “rules” for when and how you work
Why boundaries make you more respected, not less

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Think you’re protected because you meant to get the proposal signed? Think again.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m continuing the conversation on financial risk, and sharing a real story from my own design studio that proves exactly why systems and boundaries must be followed every single time.

From unfunded proposals to “just helping the client out,” you’ll hear how even experienced designers can fall into people‑pleasing traps that lead to unpaid work, legal battles, and major stress. More importantly, you’ll learn the non‑negotiable boundary that protects your money, your mindset, and your business.

In this episode, I cover:

A real studio story that led to arbitration over unpaid work
Why unsigned and unfunded proposals are a financial landmine
How people‑pleasing overrides systems (even for senior designers)
The hidden cost of “doing a favor” for a client
Why your systems exist to protect you, not inconvenience clients
The exact boundary that must never be crossed
How to remove emotion from money decisions

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Still taking 50% deposits on product orders? That’s a financial risk you can’t afford.
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story of how one designer nearly lost her business because of outdated payment practices, and how to fix it with one simple boundary.

You’ll learn why half-down payments no longer protect you, what your letter of agreement should say, and how shifting your mindset around money and risk can completely change your business.

In this episode, I cover:

A true story of a designer left holding $60K in product debt
What happens legally when a client dies mid-project
Why 50% down payments leave you financially exposed
The only contract terms that actually protect you
How to ask for 100% upfront without fear
The mindset shift that eliminates risk and builds confidence
Why people-pleasing has no place in your purchasing process

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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If you’re constantly doing “just one more thing” for free, it’s not about client service, it’s a boundary issue.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how scope creep sneaks into your projects and steals your time, profits, and peace of mind. From color consults and last-minute requests to Wayfair screenshots and patio meetings, we’re calling it what it is: unpaid work.

You’ll learn why scope creep happens, how to recognize it early, and what to say to stop it in its tracks, kindly, clearly, and confidently.

In this episode, I cover:

Real examples of scope creep and how they sabotage your business
Why people-pleasing turns into resentment and burnout
How to write LOAs that protect your time and value
Scripts for responding to “by the way” requests
The role of mindset and self-worth in boundary setting
How scope creep can turn into extra income with the right systems

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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If you're discounting product to get the job, it's not a pricing problem, it’s a boundaries problem.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm diving into the real reasons designers give away profits, time, and authority, and how to reclaim all three. Whether it’s sharing trade discounts, undercharging on product, or trying to “be nice,” I’ll show you why those strategies backfire and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever felt undervalued, overworked, or unsure how to stand firm on pricing, this episode is your wake-up call.

In this episode, I cover:

The most common boundary leaks around product pricing
Why sharing your trade discount devalues your expertise
The difference between designing and purchasing, and why they must be separated
Why “procurement fees” don’t work and what to do instead
A journaling exercise that helps identify your biggest boundary issues
How to stop people-pleasing and start leading with confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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If you’re not getting paid what you’re worth, the real issue might not be pricing—it’s boundaries.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into why boundaries are the key to profitability, clarity, and peace of mind. From undercharging and scope creep to verbal orders and unpaid extras, I’m sharing the real-world ways designers lose money and respect, and how to stop the cycle.

If you’ve ever ended a project feeling resentful or undervalued, this episode is your call to action.

In this episode, I cover:

Why most time and money leaks are boundary problems
The hidden cost of people-pleasing and over-delivering
Why scope creep happens (and how to stop it)
The danger of verbal orders and “doing it to be nice”
How to shift your mindset from caregiver to CEO

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Starting a design business isn’t just about being talented, it’s about building a real business foundation that can support you long-term.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing what it really takes to start a design business—step-by-step—like a giant checklist. Most designers start by helping friends and family, but eventually you have to learn how to shift from “free help” into a legitimate business without becoming the gift that keeps on giving forever.

I’m walking you through the legal and operational setup you need (licenses, insurance, business structure, and naming), how to build out your vendor accounts and trade relationships, what support teams you need behind the scenes (from delivery and installers to remodel trades), and what systems you must have in place to stay organized and profitable.

Then I’ll cover the other half of success: marketing. Because if you want clients consistently, you need to know who your ideal client is, what problem you solve, and how to position yourself as the obvious choice—even when you’re just getting started.

This episode is packed, practical, and designed to give you clarity on what to do first… and what to build over time.

In this episode, I cover:

How most design businesses start (friends & family) and why that can become a trap
How to transition from “free help” to a real business model
What to set up first: licenses, tax IDs, insurance, LLC/S-Corp structure
How to choose a business name and secure your URL early
Why joining a design organization helps open doors and builds credibility
What vendor accounts you must open (furniture + decor)
The wholesale discount benchmark you should aim for (at least 50%)
Why retail-only sourcing can’t create a financially sustainable business
The essential furniture-side support team:
- Receiving warehouse
- White glove delivery crew
- Installers (drapery/shades, wallpaper, painters, workrooms, upholstery)
The essential remodel-side support team:
- Cabinet lines
- Tile/stone/plumbing/appliances/flooring vendors
- CAD drafter
- General contractors (you need more than one)
- Engineers + key trades
Why you need designer software as your first business system
Why your first hire should be a bookkeeper (and what they deliver monthly)
How to set up banking + credit card payments for faster cashflow
Why marketing is half the job—and how to define your brand + ideal client
Why a website makes you “real” (even if it’s just one page)
Why networking beats social media for client acquisition (10 to 1)
How design awards build credibility even without full-home photography

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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You’re not a charity. You’re not your client’s financial rescue plan. And you’re definitely not in business to burn out.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 4 of my Financially Sustainable Design Business series—and this one is all about the energetic side of money. Because here’s the truth: the mindset and beliefs you hold about money can block profitability faster than any pricing mistake.

I’m sharing how to stop subconsciously repelling money, why over-giving leads to resentment and burnout, and how to shift into a healthy “giving + receiving” loop that creates consistent income. Plus, I’ll walk you through the practical side of sustainability: setting income targets, reviewing every job like a scorecard, and tracking the KPI that truly matters—job profitability.

If you want a business that’s profitable year after year (without hustle), this episode is your wake-up call.

In this episode, I cover:

Why your money mindset impacts your ability to be financially sustainable
The difference between welcoming money and repelling money
How “client-first” thinking can quietly turn your business into a charity
Why burnout and resentment are the warning signs of undercharging
The infinity loop of giving and receiving—and why you must allow both
How to track income daily to grow your revenue consistently
How to set annual + monthly gross income goals that actually work
What job profitability is (and why it’s your most important KPI)
The profit margin targets you should aim for in furniture and remodeling projects

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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You’re not a furniture store. You’re not a contractor’s free assistant. And you’re definitely not a charity.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 3 of our financially sustainable design business series. This time, we're getting crystal clear about what you really sell, your design time. Discover the one metric that will transform your business, why chasing product sales is a trap, and how to set up your LOAs to finally get paid what you're worth.

Let’s talk about the true key to a million-dollar design business: consistently selling 20 hours of design time per week.

In this episode, I cover:

Why product sales are not the path to profitability
How to structure your design process (and LOA) for clarity and confidence
The 20-hour weekly design time goal that builds 7-figure businesses
Why fee-based pricing beats hourly billing
How to handle add-ons, scope creep, and client changes without losing money

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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You’ve priced your design work. You’ve marked up your product. So why does it still feel like you’re working for free?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 2 of our financially sustainable design business series, focusing on boundaries. From endless client emails to last-minute add-ons and ghosting clients who suddenly reappear, this episode will show you exactly how to protect your time, your money, and your sanity with strong, clear boundaries.

In this episode, I cover:

The biggest time and money leaks in your business
Why boundaries are essential to long-term profitability
How to respond to sneaky scope creep
The “end date” clause every LOA should include
What to say when a client ghosts you and comes back

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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A beautiful portfolio doesn’t guarantee a profitable business.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m kicking off a multi-part series on building a financially sustainable design business. Today’s focus? Understanding how to separate your design services from product sales, and why clinging to retail vendors and discount pricing is keeping you stuck.

If you want to create a business that pays you consistently, covers your team and tools, and leaves room to grow, this is where you start.

In this episode, I cover:

What it really means to have a financially sustainable business
Why designers must separate services from product sales
The hidden cost of using Pottery Barn and Wayfair
How vendor discounts work, and how to use them profitably
Why retail pricing isn’t a problem (it’s your solution)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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What causes design jobs to fall apart? Spoiler alert: it’s rarely the client’s fault.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m walking you through the real reasons design jobs go sideways, and how to prevent them before they start. From clients ghosting your final presentation to never-ending projects with zero profit, I’ll show you how to build structure, communicate expectations, and take the lead from day one.

If you’ve ever found yourself mid-project wondering “How did we end up here?”, this episode is your roadmap to staying in control and getting paid what you're worth.

In this episode, I cover:

The #1 mistake designers make that leads to job chaos
What goes into a clear, client-aligned Letter of Agreement
Why the money talk must happen up front
How to structure your meetings and set boundaries
The connection between planning and profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Hiring the right team member can transform your business, but hiring the wrong one? It can drain your time, money, and sanity.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories from my own hiring journey, the flops, the fixes, and the eye-opening lessons that helped me build a team that actually supports me. From cheap hires to knee-jerk decisions, interns to untrained assistants, you’ll hear what not to do, and exactly how to prepare for your next great hire.

If you're looking to grow your team the right way, this episode is packed with lessons learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.

In this episode, I cover:

Why “cheap” help usually costs more in the long run
The hidden cost of hiring out of desperation
What tasks to delegate first (and what to keep)
Why interns and generalists can drag you backward
The systems that keep a team running smoothly

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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What’s the best way to charge for your design work, by the hour, by the square foot, or with flat fees? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each method, and revealing why design fees are the real workhorse of your business. You’ll learn how to handle scope creep, price add-ons properly, and present fees that align with how builders and clients think—without giving away your time or undercharging.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you price confidently and get paid what you’re worth.

In this episode, I cover:

Why design fees beat hourly billing every time
When it is okay to bill hourly, and how to do it right
The pitfalls of square foot pricing and how to avoid them
How to handle add-on requests without giving your time away
The #1 pricing strategy that positions you as a pro

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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What happens when your dream project finally lands in your lap… but you’re too buried in admin to say yes?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing the story of a designer who landed her absolutely fabulous project, only to realize she couldn’t take it on without radically transforming how her business runs. Sound familiar?

I’ll walk you through how we helped her restructure her team, delegate admin tasks, and reclaim her time, so she could finally step into her next-level design career.

In this episode, I cover:

The reality behind landing the “dream job”
What keeps designers stuck in admin overload
The paradigm shift that unlocks creative freedom
How one designer freed up 3 full days a week to design again
The power of structure, systems, and the right kind of help

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Think asking for help makes you look weak? Think again.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking one of the biggest mindset traps designers fall into—believing they have to do everything on their own to prove their worth. From raising kids to managing client projects to building a sustainable business, real success comes when you’re willing to reach out and receive the support you need.

I’ll share my personal journey, plus a powerful client story that proves just how quickly things can shift when you stop trying to figure it all out yourself.

In this episode, I cover:

Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
How my own journey changed when I stopped trying to do it all alone
The hidden mindset blocks that hold designers back from support
A real story of a $55K raise—thanks to one brave ask
How our programs help you move faster, with clarity and confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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What do you do when a contractor goes rogue?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story from one of our Growth Q&A calls, where a new contractor undercut a designer’s pricing, bypassed communication boundaries, and caused major headaches on the job. It’s a cautionary tale, and I’m walking you through exactly how to prevent it from happening to you.

You’ll learn how to set expectations upfront, stay in control of your projects, and protect your income and reputation—even when a “bad contractor” tries to take over.

In this episode, I cover:

The red flags to watch for when working with new GCs or subs
How to hold your ground and finish the project without drama
Why setting expectations before the job starts protects everyone
What to include in a contractor “statement of work”
How to regain control and protect your reputation

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Are you starting projects without a profit plan, and hoping it all works out?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the biggest reason designers under-earn: jumping into jobs without clarity on time, money, or scope. If you’ve ever found yourself discounting an invoice or redesigning a project just to meet the client’s “idea” of a budget, this one’s for you.

You’ll learn how to plan for profit before you ever write a letter of agreement, plus how to calculate fees, define deliverables, and set strong boundaries that keep your income intact.

In this episode, I cover:

Why skipping planning is silently killing your profit
The simple switch that keeps money from leaking out of your invoices
What every designer needs to calculate a profitable design fee
The power of client-approved budgets and clear deliverables
How the Snapshot program helps you master all of this in just 6 months

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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After coaching thousands of designers, I created Snapshot: a 6-month roadmap to help you confidently charge what you're worth and lead every project with clarity and profit.

Let’s stop leaving money on the table.
Join now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com

Just look for the Snapshot popup.

Are tariffs, rising costs, or slow-paying clients eating into your design income?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really takes to protect your profits, especially in unpredictable times. From tariff increases on imports to client ghosting and weak pricing strategies, I’m showing you exactly where money leaks from your business and how to plug them.
You’ll learn how to price with clarity, create healthy profit margins, and write solid letters of agreement that protect your time and income, even when the unexpected happens.

In this episode, I cover:

How new tariff hikes could impact your furniture orders
What to add to your purchase proposals now
Why sharing discounts is hurting your business
The 4 things every profitable job setup must include
A new 6-month training to help you price and protect every job

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

After coaching thousands of designers, I created Snapshot: a 6-month roadmap to help you confidently charge what you're worth and lead every project with clarity and profit.

Let’s stop leaving money on the table.
Join now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com

Just look for the Snapshot popup.

Feeling uncertain about your next move in business—or life?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to build unshakable confidence, even when things around you feel unstable. From rising costs and unpredictable markets to self-doubt and hesitation, I’ll show you how to shift from fear into action and clarity.
You’ll learn how to make decisions that move your business forward, attract better opportunities, and keep your profits intact—no shrinking, no discounting, no backing down.

In this episode, I cover:

The mindset shift that turns uncertainty into opportunity
Why “shrinking to fit” never works
How to stop discounting and start leading
The role of clarity and vision in creating confidence
How to say yes to new opportunities—even when they look different

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Feeling the weight of uncertainty in your design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m offering a no-fluff reality check on what’s happening in the design industry—and how to lead your business through it with strength and clarity.

From economic shifts and rising costs to client hesitation and self-doubt, I’m sharing the mindset tools and practical strategies you need to stay visible, profitable, and confident, even when the market feels shaky.

In this episode, I cover:

How to stop letting fear make your business decisions
What top designers do when the market gets weird
The myth that clients “aren’t spending” right now
Why visibility is your biggest asset in a downturn
The free masterclass that will show you how to future-proof your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

What do you do when a client insists on making design choices you can’t stand behind?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories and tough lessons from my early design career, including the moment I decided I’d never again let a client push me into delivering something I couldn’t be proud of.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job where the client’s taste goes against your design principles, this episode will help you navigate it with confidence, ethics, and clarity.

In this episode, I cover:

How to respond when the client insists on “bad” design
The moment I learned to say “no” and protect my brand
What to put in your letter of agreement to avoid blame
How to gracefully back out of a job without burning bridges
Why honoring your aesthetic is essential to long-term success

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Are you struggling to consistently find great clients for your interior design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the real reasons designers struggle with client attraction, and how to turn it around. Whether you think you don’t have time, can’t afford to market, or simply don’t know where to start, I’ve got the mindset shifts and proven strategies you need to get clients in the door.
If you’re tired of relying on luck, waiting for referrals, or feeling like the best-kept secret in your city, this episode will give you the tools to confidently grow your visibility and your business.

In this episode, I cover:

Why “I don’t have time to market” is a mindset trap
The real difference between marketing and advertising
How to network without sounding salesy
What to say when someone asks you for free design advice
How to re-engage past clients and become referral-worthy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Are endless client revisions derailing your design projects?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing how boundary issues and a lack of Systems are at the root of most revision chaos. I’ll walk you through a real story of a talented kitchen designer whose client just kept changing her mind—and how it all could have been avoided with the right structure in place.
If you’ve ever been trapped in revision after revision, struggling to say no or draw the line, this episode will show you exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to protect your time (and profit).

In this episode, I cover:

Why revisions go off the rails
How to stop resenting your clients
The boundary script that makes you look generous and professional
How to handle “one more little change” without giving your time away
Why revisions need to be limited in your letter of agreement

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Do you feel like you're always putting out fires in your design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m showing you how Systems create freedom—not restriction. By treating every task like a one-off event, you end up stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed. But when you put repeatable processes in place, everything changes.
I’ll walk you through the mindset shift required to embrace Systems, explain what Systems really are (hint: you’re already using them in your daily life!), and reveal how to offload work to your team while still maintaining creative control.
If you’re ready to step out of burnout mode and build a business that runs with more ease, this episode is your roadmap.

In this episode, I cover:

What a “Systems mindset” actually means
The difference between structure and rigidity
The 4-phase design process you can apply to every job
Why you don’t have to do it all yourself
How Systems let you delegate while still delivering your signature quality

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Are you saying “yes” to small design jobs just to be nice—or to avoid a slow season?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the real cost of people pleasing and how it undermines your time, energy, and business growth. Whether you’re helping a past client with a hallway light or hustling through low-paying work out of fear, these yeses are likely blocking you from the bigger jobs you really want.

I’ll show you how to shift your mindset, set a strong minimum fee boundary, and stop letting guilt or fear run your business.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tiny jobs or pressured to take work that doesn’t serve you, this episode will help you take back control.

In this episode, I cover:

Why people pleasing blocks profitable opportunities
The mindset trap of “I should help”
How small jobs sabotage big ones
How to implement a minimum design fee boundary
What to say when a past client asks for “just a quick thing”

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you giving away your time and talent in the name of overdelivering?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re digging into a sneaky habit that’s hurting your profitability—overdelivering to clients. Whether it’s showing too many design options, re-researching selections, or trying to “earn” your fees after the fact, these actions can backfire and actually lower your perceived value.
I’ll show you how to set respectful boundaries, build trust, and get paid what you’re worth—without burning out.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much for too little in return, this episode is your roadmap to reclaim your time, energy, and income.

In this episode, I cover:

The hidden cost of overdelivering at the concept stage
How your money mindset might be sabotaging your boundaries
The truth about client “choice addiction”
What happens when you don’t stand behind your letter of agreement
The small conversation that leads to big respect

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you constantly working evenings and weekends—only to feel like you’re barely keeping up?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving into the real reason your schedule feels out of control: poor boundaries around your time. Terri Taylor shares why time—not money—is your most valuable asset, and how reclaiming it is the first step toward a balanced, thriving design business.

If you’re tired of feeling stretched thin and want to get your evenings (and your peace of mind) back, this episode is for you. You’ll learn actionable strategies for honoring your time, setting boundaries with clients, and staying on track with your goals—without guilt.

In this episode, I cover:

Why time is more valuable than money—and how to protect it
How to spot “time leaks” that drain your energy and profit
Client behaviors that hijack your calendar (and how to stop them)
A simple hack to keep sourcing decisions from spiraling
Why saying “no” is a powerful business strategy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Do you struggle with billing your design services—or even asking to be paid at all?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving deep into why charging what you're worth is so hard—and what to do about it. From emotional blocks to inherited beliefs, this issue is more than a numbers problem. It’s about boundaries, mindset, and reclaiming your value as a design professional.

If you've ever overdelivered without billing for it, or felt paralyzed when it's time to send an invoice, this episode will show you a new way forward. I’ll share practical insights and real-world strategies for transforming your billing process—and your self-worth.

In this episode, I cover:

The emotional and historical roots of undercharging
Why designers consistently overdeliver (and don’t get paid for it)
How to stop self-sabotaging your invoices
A proven “hack” to simplify pricing and eliminate billing guilt

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Are you unknowingly leaking money in your design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the five biggest ways interior designers leave money on the table—and how to stop it. From underbidding jobs to misusing retail vendors and clinging to hourly billing, we’ll explore common money mistakes and the mindset shifts you need to run a truly profitable design business.

If you've ever found yourself working overtime with little to show for it, struggling with product margins, or hesitating to set proper fees, this episode is for you. Learn how to plug the leaks and design a business that pays you what you’re worth.

In this episode, I cover:

The #1 reason your margins keep disappearing (and how to fix it)
The budgeting mistake that almost guarantees a re-do
How retail vendors sabotage your profits
The truth about hourly billing and why it’s costing you
What your money mindset has to do with it all

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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What if I told you your client’s budget probably isn’t real?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the truth behind client budgets—and why taking them at face value can lead to disaster. You’ll learn how to avoid the “design trap,” stop underquoting yourself, and lead with confidence (and real numbers).

If you’ve ever been caught in the middle of a project where the budget didn’t match the scope—or worse, where you became the “bad guy” for costing too much—this episode will change the way you do business.

In this episode, I cover:

Why most client budgets are just guesses (and what to do instead)
The costly trap of selling too early
How to talk about money with confidence
A better way to scope projects and protect your time
Why Phase One Agreements save you time, stress, and money

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Even the best clients can turn difficult—and when they do, it’s often unexpected, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real-world experiences and powerful tools to help you navigate client challenges with grace, confidence, and strong professional boundaries.

You’ll learn how to spot red flags early, how to protect your time and energy, and why holding firm to your systems and agreements isn’t just good business—it’s essential for your wellbeing.

If you’ve ever struggled with indecisive clients, passive-aggressive couples, or late-night panic calls about backorders, this episode is your toolkit.

In this episode, I cover:

How to recognize and respond to emotionally charged clients
The importance of boundaries and clear contracts
Scripts and strategies to de-escalate drama
Why standing firm earns you more respect (and better clients)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you second-guess your skills—even after landing an amazing client or completing a successful project?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving deep into the difference between true confidence and imposter syndrome. Terri Taylor reveals how imposter thoughts sneak into even the most experienced designer’s mind and what to do when perfectionism, self-doubt, or over-delivery start taking the wheel.

From identifying the “superhero” and “natural genius” mindset traps to practical strategies for shifting your thoughts and building authentic confidence, this episode is packed with real talk and proven tools.

In this episode, I cover:

The five imposter syndrome archetypes—and how to recognize them
How to rewire your thought patterns and retrain your brain
Why journaling your wins is more powerful than you think
The real reason perfectionism backfires (and what to do instead)
A simple visualization practice that builds unstoppable confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Ever feel stuck when it comes to charging what you’re really worth?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes story of a real designer breaking through her “money ceiling”—that invisible limit you set for yourself about what you believe clients will pay you.

You’ll hear exactly how we crafted a high-end offer, rewrote the letter of agreement five times to meet a luxury client’s expectations, and walked confidently into a project that paid more than double what the designer initially believed was possible.

If you’ve ever hesitated to charge more—even when you know you’re worth it—this is the episode that will help you stretch into the next level.

In this episode, I cover:

What a “money ceiling” is and why it holds you back
How to structure a high-end project with luxury-level clarity
The power of detailed contracts in building confidence and trust
Why personal mindset shifts matter more than market pricing
What happens after you step into your worth (and ask for it)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Ever wonder why purchase orders matter so much—even if your vendor already gives you one?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down everything designers need to know about purchase orders. From avoiding costly mistakes to qualifying for top-tier vendor relationships, this episode is your blueprint for professional, profitable systems that support your business at every level.

If you’ve ever scribbled an order on a sticky note or relied on a vendor’s invoice as your record, this is your wake-up call. I’m sharing the real risks, the financial wins, and the step-by-step clarity you need to implement purchase orders the right way.

In this episode, I cover:

Why vendor invoices aren’t enough
The real cost of running blind (and how to fix it)
What makes purchase orders a contract—and a safeguard
How to double-check every charge and stop profit leaks
The systems that unlock vendor trust, credibility, and profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Do you feel guilty for carrying business debt—or worry that it means you’ve failed?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking the emotional weight we often attach to debt and giving you a new framework to understand the difference between destructive debt and strategic debt.

You’ll learn how to reframe those old messages about money, and see why smart, planned debt can be your ally in business growth. I’m sharing real stories, practical steps to tackle credit card debt, and how to use debt as a tool without shame—so you can keep building a thriving, profitable design business.

In this episode, I cover:

Where guilt and shame about debt really come from
The difference between good debt and overspending
How I used SBA loans and credit lines to grow my business
A step-by-step strategy to pay down credit card debt
How to celebrate progress and stay empowered

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you struggle with setting boundaries around your design fees?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how to set clear, confident design fee boundaries that protect your time, increase your profit, and keep your clients happy. If you’ve ever felt like your projects are dragging on, your client is asking for more than they paid for, or you're stuck doing design work that wasn't in the original agreement—this is for you.

I’ll walk you through the structure of a powerful letter of agreement, how to communicate scope, and how to set expectations that serve both you and your clients.

In this episode, I cover:

Why a clear scope of work helps everyone succeed
The minimum fee that actually covers your time
How to avoid scope creep with firm meeting and selection limits
The importance of clear money milestones (and how to set them)
Why boundaries lead to better client relationships and more profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Have you gotten a surprise tariff bill—and wondered what just happened?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sounding the alarm on the reality of tariffs and how they’re affecting designers right now. From unexpected charges at the dock to vendors quietly adding 15% to your invoices, these issues can destroy your margins—and your momentum—if you’re not paying attention.

If you're unsure how to protect your business and your clients through this changing landscape, this episode gives you the heads-up and strategy you need to lead with confidence and stay profitable.

In this episode, I cover:

Real stories from designers facing surprise tariffs
How vendors may be slipping in fees—and how to catch it
Why clarity, calm, and boundaries are non-negotiable
The #1 mindset trap that will leave you powerless
What your policy on tariffs needs to include (and why)

Register to watch the free webinar replay: https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/adapt-future-proof-tariffs/
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Tariffs are here, and they’re affecting more than just prices.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to navigate the ripple effects of tariffs on your design business, especially when it comes to client communication, purchase proposals, and protecting your profit margins.

You’ll learn how to talk to clients when pricing changes unexpectedly, what to include in your contracts to protect yourself, and how to think outside the box when your go-to products are no longer available or affordable. It’s not just about managing change, it’s about leading through it with clarity, boundaries, and confidence.

In this episode, I cover:

Why tariffs are a communication—not just pricing—issue
What to say to clients (and what not to!)
How to audit and protect open purchase orders
Key clauses to add to your letters of agreement
The mindset shift that makes you a trusted leader, not a stressed-out designer

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Have you ever felt like pulling back, hesitating, or waiting for things to “settle down”?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about the mindset of hesitation—why it shows up in uncertain times and how to shift out of it before it stalls your growth. If you’ve found yourself shrinking, playing it safe, or holding your breath in your design business lately, this one’s for you.

I’m sharing how hesitation sabotages momentum, why visibility matters more now than ever, and how to lean into leadership when everyone else is stepping back. Plus, I’ll show you how this could actually be the best time to grow.

In this episode, I cover:

What hesitation really is and where it leads
How fear-based thinking derails your momentum
Why now is the time to increase your visibility
How to build trust through consistency
What to do to protect your business from tariff-related price swings

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Are you ready to take control of your pricing strategy and run a more profitable, stress-free design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm sharing the four foundational rules every designer needs to understand and implement when it comes to pricing their services and products. These rules will help you separate your services clearly, get paid upfront, eliminate financial risk, and avoid frustrating client pushback. If you've ever been confused about how to present pricing, when to collect payment, or how to avoid being treated like a personal shopper, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I cover:

Why design and purchasing should always be treated as separate services
How to set up payments so you get paid before you start
The exact paperwork you need to stay protected (and profitable!)
Why “cost plus” pricing is a trap—and what to do instead

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

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Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in the room, even though you’ve worked hard to get there?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about imposter syndrome—what it really is, why it shows up (even for top designers), and what you can do to move through it with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt nervous before an install, doubted your talent mid-project, or tried to be “perfect” just to avoid being judged, this is for you. I’m sharing how to reframe these thoughts, how to train your brain for success, and how to get out of your head and into your brilliance—one small step at a time.

In this episode, I cover:

The real reason confidence feels out of reach
How to rewire your brain to overcome imposter syndrome
Why perfectionism is a trap—and what to aim for instead
A practical journaling tip to retrain your mindset
Why high performers struggle with self-doubt too (and how they move through it)

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you feeling the pull to play it safe right now? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m encouraging you to do the opposite—to stay visible, be consistent, and shine your light.

Uncertainty is in the air, but this is exactly when your community needs you most. I’m sharing how staying steady, authentic, and present positions you as a trusted leader and the go-to designer in your community. Now is not the time to shrink—it’s the time to stand tall, lead with confidence, and keep your momentum going.

In this episode, I cover:

Why staying visible during uncertain times builds trust
How consistency in your marketing creates opportunity
The power of establishing yourself as the go-to designer
Why positive energy attracts the right clients
What to do now to be ready when the next door opens

If you’ve been tempted to hide in the shadows, this episode will inspire you to shine brighter than ever.

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you do when a client insists on a design choice that makes your skin crawl? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m tackling the tricky topic of working with clients who have… well, let’s just say “questionable” taste.

This isn’t about complaining—it’s about navigating tough design decisions with grace and professionalism, without compromising your brand or integrity. I’ll share personal stories, practical strategies, and essential mindset shifts that help you handle these situations with confidence.

Whether you're a new designer just finding your footing or a seasoned pro facing a sticky situation, this episode will give you a framework for standing your ground without burning bridges.

In this episode, we cover:

🎨 How to maintain your professional standards—even when clients push back
🛋️ The risks of compromising your design integrity for a paycheck
🧠 Why standing your ground (graciously) builds your brand
📋 Three options when working with a client whose vision clashes with yours
💬 How to explain “bad taste” decisions without offending your client
💼 When to walk away—and how to do it without causing conflict

If you’ve ever faced a client with a mismatched design vision, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow us on Facebook:facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Can you start an interior design business as a hobby while your kids are little, then step into it full-time later? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m unpacking why that mindset won’t get you where you want to go—and what to do instead.

I’ll share why interior design demands a professional approach from day one, what systems and tools you need in place, and how to design a business that fits your lifestyle without treating it like a side project. Plus, I’ll explain the critical mindset shift that separates hobbyists from successful business owners.

In this episode, we cover:

🧠 Why interior design isn’t something you can “mess around with” in your free time
📋 The foundational systems and tools you need to run a real design business
⚖️ How to build a business that supports your family and your income goals
✅ The mindset shift that transforms your passion into a professional path

If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start designing a business that works for you, this episode is a must-listen.

🎯 Join our community at Interior Design Business Academy and learn how to build a business that supports your life—not the other way around.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Ever had a client try to bulldoze your boundaries or hijack your design process? Whether it’s demanding your designer discount, questioning your prices, or insisting on DIY product orders that derail your timeline, standing your ground can feel uncomfortable—but it’s absolutely essential.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re diving into two real coaching stories where designers were confronted by pushy clients—and how they handled it with calm, confidence, and clarity. If you’ve ever wondered how to say “no” without losing the job, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn how to:

Set clear boundaries without drama or guilt
Say “no” with confidence when clients overstep
Avoid scope creep, chaos, and resentment by protecting your process
Handle client attempts to take over sourcing (and why it’s a construction nightmare waiting to happen)
Position yourself as the expert from the very first conversation

If you’ve ever felt steamrolled, second-guessed, or just plain exhausted trying to please everyone, this episode will give you the mindset and language to take back control—without losing the client.

This isn’t just about standing up for yourself. It’s about protecting your time, your value, and the vision your clients actually hired you for.

🎯 Ready to step into your authority? Head over to interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/ and click “Book A Call.” Let’s talk about what’s next for your business.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Talking about budgets with clients can feel uncomfortable—but avoiding the money conversation is costing you. If you’re bending over backward to fit unrealistic budgets or underpricing your services just to land a job, it’s time to change your approach.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into why most clients have no idea what their project actually costs and why it’s your job to educate them. I’ll share how to confidently lead budget conversations, stop shrinking your pricing to fit client expectations, and ensure you’re getting paid properly for your expertise.

We’ll also uncover the biggest pricing mistakes designers make, how your own “money story” might be holding you back, and the exact steps to help clients set realistic budgets—without fear, guilt, or pushback.

In this episode, we cover:

💰 Why most clients don’t know what their budget should be—and how to guide them
🚫 The dangers of “shrinking to fit” into unrealistic budgets
🛠️ How to build scope and budget alignment before you start designing
✅ The step-by-step process to develop budgets that clients feel comfortable with
📈 How educating clients leads to bigger budgets and more profitable projects

If you’re tired of pricing stress and ready to run a more profitable design business, this episode is for you!

🎯 Want expert guidance on pricing and budget conversations? Book a call with our team at Interior Design Business Academy to learn more.

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you spending countless hours on social media but still struggling to land your ideal clients? You’re not alone. Many designers fall into the trap of thinking social media is the key to getting high-paying clients—but is it really?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into the reality of social media marketing for interior designers. I’ll break down why your ideal clients aren’t scrolling Instagram for their next designer, the biggest social media misconceptions, and the real strategy that will bring you high-quality clients—referral partnerships.

We’ll discuss the importance of building relationships with architects, contractors, realtors, and even unexpected connections like hairdressers and personal trainers to get high-value referrals. Plus, I’ll share practical ways to connect with the right people, position yourself as the go-to designer, and stop wasting time on strategies that don’t work.

In this episode, we cover:

📉 Why social media isn’t the best client acquisition strategy for designers
🔍 The surprising statistics about Instagram and its users
💡 How to build relationships with referral partners who can send you high-end clients
💬 The conversations that actually lead to new business opportunities
✅ Why getting out from behind your computer is essential for business growth

If you’re tired of posting endlessly without results and ready to focus on what actually works, this episode is for you!

🎯 Want to take your marketing to the next level? Book a call with our team at Interior Design Business Academy and discover strategies tailored to your success!

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many designers struggle with juggling multiple projects, endless to-do lists, and the constant pressure to keep up. But here’s the truth: overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do—it’s about not having the right systems in place.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I break down how to identify the root cause of overwhelm, strategies to regain control, and the importance of intentional time management to build a profitable, stress-free business. I’ll show you how to move from chaos to clarity so you can focus on what truly matters—your creativity, your clients, and your success.

In this episode, we cover:
🧠 Why overwhelm happens and how to stop it in its tracks
⏳ The power of time intentioning—how to plan your schedule so tasks don’t take over your life
✅ Chunking down big projects—how to break tasks into manageable steps to avoid stress
🚀 How getting organized leads to a more profitable and scalable business
💡 Why overcoming overwhelm is key to hiring and managing a design assistant effectively

If you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and build a business that supports your lifestyle, this episode is for you!

🎯 Need help streamlining your design business? Book a call with our expert coaches today: interiordesignbusinessacademy.com

📲 Follow along on social media:
📌 Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
📌 Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
📌 Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like clients are taking over your design process? Struggling with pricing conversations and setting boundaries? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I'm diving into the key strategy that keeps you in control—making clear, confident offers.

I’ll reveal why many designers get stuck in undercharging and scope creep, and how to position yourself as a design professional (not a personal shopper). You’ll learn how to separate your design fees from purchasing, create irresistible offers, and ensure you’re always paid fairly. Plus, I’ll share the mindset shift that will transform how clients see your value—and why they’ll say “yes” to your proposals without hesitation.

In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why making unclear offers puts you at risk of clients taking over
🚫 The #1 mistake designers make—treating themselves like salespeople instead of experts
💰 How to separate your design fee from product sales and increase profits
📋 The step-by-step process to create structured offers that clients love
🛑 How to set boundaries to avoid endless research and unpaid work

If you want to confidently price your services and take control of your design projects, this episode is a must-listen!

🎯 Need help structuring and scaling your interior design business? Book a FREE Strategy Session call for expert guidance!

📌 Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
📌 Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
📌 Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Scaling your interior design business isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about making it better. Many designers assume that growth means adding more clients, a larger team, and more revenue, but true scaling is about creating a business that supports your desired lifestyle.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re diving into how to scale your business strategically, whether you want to stay small and profitable, build a national brand, or set up a business that runs without you.

I’ll walk you through the key signs that it’s time to scale, the biggest mistakes designers make when expanding, and how to create a system that ensures profitability without burnout. Plus, I’ll share how to shift from the hustle mentality to a structured, sustainable approach that allows you to take control of your time, clients, and income.

In this episode, we cover:

📈 The real meaning of scaling—why bigger isn’t always better
⚖️ How to build a business that aligns with your goals and lifestyle
🏗️ Different scaling strategies: staying boutique, expanding nationally, or preparing to sell
💡 The biggest mistake designers make when scaling—and how to avoid it
🔑 The mindset shift from hustle to structured leadership

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with clients, constantly putting out fires, and wondering how to build a business that works for you, this episode is for you.

🎯 Join the Scale for Profit Workshop! Learn how to structure your business for financial success. Sign up here!

📌 Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
📌 Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
📌 Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you struggling to hold firm on your pricing? Do unexpected price increases from subcontractors leave you covering the difference? In this episode of Interior Design Business, we dive into the importance of setting and enforcing money boundaries in your design business.

I’ll share a real-life story of a designer who faced a difficult pricing dilemma, why maintaining firm financial boundaries is crucial, and how to confidently communicate with clients and subcontractors. Plus, I’ll reveal the mindset shift that can help you move from scarcity thinking to an abundant, profitable business.

In this episode, we cover:
💰 Why honoring your quotes is non-negotiable
📋 How to set clear pricing expectations with subcontractors
🚫 The dangers of absorbing costs to "be nice"
✅ How an abundant money mindset can transform your business

If you’re ready to take control of your pricing and stop second-guessing your worth, this episode is for you!

🎯 Want to develop a luxury money mindset that benefits both you and your high-end clients? Schedule a call with one of our trained coaches at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Follow along:
📌 Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
📌 Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
📌 Show notes available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you dread talking about budgets with your clients? Avoiding the money conversation can lead to major headaches—scope creep, underpricing, and lost profits. In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m breaking down how to confidently discuss budgets and ensure you’re getting paid what you’re worth.

I’ll share why clients hesitate to talk about money, how to set realistic financial expectations, and my Phase One Exploratory Agreement strategy that ensures clarity before any design work begins. Plus, I’ll reveal common pricing mistakes that leave designers underpaid and overworked—and how to avoid them.

In this episode, we cover:

💰 Why avoiding budget conversations can cost you money and time
📋 The Phase One Exploratory Agreement—a game-changer for setting expectations
🚫 How to stop “hoping” clients will increase their budget and start guiding them with confidence
✅ How to price your services so you’re paid fairly and avoid burnout

If you’re ready to take control of your pricing conversations and build a more profitable design business, this episode is for you!

🎯 Join the Remodeling Profit Playbook on February 27-28! Learn how to price your projects the right way. Sign up here.

Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Show notes are available atinteriordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you setting yourself up for long-term success in your design business? In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re tackling the most common pricing mistakes that keep designers stuck in underpaid projects and how to fix them.

Learn how to charge what you’re worth, avoid budget pitfalls, and create a profitable business model that attracts ideal clients. From avoiding the “cheap client trap” to setting clear financial expectations upfront, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to boost your profitability and confidence.

In this episode, I cover:
✔️ Why discounting your services leads to long-term financial struggles
✔️ How to shift your money mindset and attract high-value clients
✔️ The dangers of “hoping” for referrals and why you need a strategy
✔️ The importance of clear budgets and agreements before taking on projects
✔️ A proven system to ensure profitable design and remodeling projects

If you’re ready to build a profitable design business and stop undercharging, tune in now!

Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are your remodeling projects costing you more than they should? In this episode of Interior Design Business, we uncover the five biggest mistakes designers make during remodels—and how to avoid them.

Learn how to take charge of your projects, prevent costly budget overruns, and ensure you're getting paid what you're worth. From setting clear agreements to managing client expectations, this episode is packed with strategies to help you stay in control and profitable.

In this episode, I cover:

✔️ Why designers lose control of remodeling projects—and how to fix it

✔️ How to prevent contractors from overshadowing your role

✔️ The importance of setting realistic budgets and agreements

✔️ Strategies to secure your furniture budget and avoid costly overruns

✔️ The key steps to leading remodeling projects with confidence and profitability

If you’re ready to increase your profits and take control of your remodeling projects, tune in now!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are your remodeling projects feeling more chaotic than rewarding? In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re tackling the crucial topic of boundaries and how they can transform your design projects into profitable, stress-free ventures.

Learn how to create clear agreements, set expectations, and protect your time while delivering exceptional results for your clients. Whether it’s managing client decisions, keeping contractors aligned, or addressing ghosting behaviors, this episode has strategies to help you take control and thrive in your design business.

In this episode, I cover:

The importance of setting clear boundaries and consequences in agreements
How to protect your profitability and time during long-term projects
Tips to manage client indecision and contractor communication
Structuring your letter of agreement for success
Why boundaries lead to better outcomes for you and your clients

If you’re ready to establish control and take your remodeling projects to the next level, tune in now!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever wondered how to make remodeling projects not only fun but also highly profitable?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing my hard-earned insights into how designers can lead remodeling jobs, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize their earnings.

From creating clear contracts and setting boundaries to confidently owning your role as the leader of a project, I’ll walk you through the strategies you need to turn remodeling projects into a rewarding and lucrative part of your business.

In this episode, I cover:

The importance of a detailed exploratory phase before jumping into a remodeling project
How to structure contracts and budgets to protect your profitability
Why you should establish yourself as the project leader (not the contractor)
Tips for avoiding budget overruns and ensuring smooth client communication
How to create win-win situations for you, your client, and your contractors

If remodeling projects feel overwhelming or unprofitable, this episode will equip you with the tools and mindset to change that!

🎯 Ready to streamline and profit from your design projects? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to learn about our workshops and coaching programs designed to help you thrive.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you dread talking about money with your clients?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into the challenges designers face when they avoid money conversations—and how it can hurt your business, projects, and client relationships.

I’ll share why skipping the budget talk early on leads to mismatched expectations, wasted time, and lost profitability. Plus, you’ll learn practical strategies to confidently discuss costs and set clear boundaries with clients, ensuring smoother projects and better outcomes for everyone involved.

In this episode, we cover:

The hidden costs of avoiding money conversations
How to address common client objections about budgets
Strategies for discussing costs without feeling pushy
Using a “Budget on the Fly” approach to streamline discussions
How clear money conversations lead to trust and project success

If you’ve ever struggled with discussing money, this episode is packed with insights and actionable tips to help you approach these conversations with confidence and ease.

🎯 Ready to elevate your business? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to explore resources and coaching designed to help you succeed.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever dreamed of seeing your work featured in a national design magazine?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I sit down with Erin Shakoor of Shakoor Interiors to discuss her incredible journey to being featured in the summer 2024 issue of House Beautiful.

Erin shares the behind-the-scenes story of her three-year renovation project that earned an eight-page spread, including how she managed client expectations, overcame contractor challenges, and strategically positioned her work for publication. From pricing an $85,000 design fee with confidence to mastering the art of professional styling and photography, Erin’s story is a must-listen for any designer aiming to take their business to the next level.

In this episode, we cover:

How a cold lead turned into a dream project
Lessons learned from a detailed exploratory process
Pricing strategies for high-end clients
Building strong client relationships during lengthy projects
Tips for getting your work featured in national publications

If you’ve ever wanted to elevate your design business and gain recognition for your work, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration!

Ready to take your business to the next level? Visit Interior Design Business Academy for resources and coaching designed to help you succeed.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to start your design business but unsure where to begin? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing the ultimate guide to building a successful design business from the ground up.

I’ll walk you through the essential steps—from setting up your legal framework and building your team to creating vendor relationships and crafting a clear marketing plan. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your business, this episode is packed with actionable advice and a checklist to keep you on track.

In this episode, I cover:

The legal and financial foundations of starting a design business
Building a team of trusted vendors and collaborators
Essential software and systems to streamline your operations
How to identify your ideal client and clarify your brand
Marketing strategies to attract clients and build your reputation

Starting a design business is an exciting journey, and with the right tools and mindset, you can create a thriving, profitable business that reflects your unique talents.

Ready to take the first step? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to explore resources and coaching designed to help you succeed.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Talking about money with clients can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be!

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m joined by Head Mindset Coach Valerie Priester to discuss how to navigate money conversations with confidence and clarity.

We’ll uncover the hidden fears and money stories that hold designers back, and share practical strategies for discussing budgets, fees, and project costs without feeling salesy or pushy. From setting expectations upfront to using proven systems for presenting fees, you’ll learn how to transform these conversations into opportunities for building trust and winning clients.

In this episode, we cover:

Why avoiding money conversations can cost you time, trust, and profitability
How to identify and overcome money fears and limiting beliefs
The psychology behind presenting fees and budgets effectively
Proven systems for confident, transparent money conversations
How building trust through transparency leads to client success

Ready to elevate your mindset and skills? Visit Interior Design Business Academy and book a call to explore how we can help you master the art of money conversations.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Does the idea of networking make you cringe?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m breaking down why networking doesn’t have to feel awkward or forced. In fact, you’re probably already networking naturally—without even realizing it!

I’ll share how to shift your mindset about networking and reframe it as an organic, relationship-building activity rather than a pushy, sales-driven chore. You’ll learn practical strategies to connect authentically with others in everyday situations, craft a powerful elevator pitch, and draw clients and referral partners to you effortlessly.

In this episode, I cover:

Why networking isn’t about attending awkward events or pitching yourself
How to build genuine relationships that lead to new opportunities
The importance of a clear and compelling elevator pitch
How to spot organic networking opportunities in your daily life
Why creating referral partnerships can transform your business

If networking has ever felt intimidating, this episode will show you how to make it natural, effective, and even enjoyable!

🎯 Ready to grow your business? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to book a call and explore how we can help you succeed.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing innovative ways to scale your design business and increase profitability through strategic partnerships. Partnering with other designers, contractors, or vendors can open the door to high-profile, big-budget projects you wouldn’t tackle on your own—all while keeping your business independent and financially secure.

I’ll discuss real-world examples of successful partnerships, from design-build collaborations with architects and contractors to forming teams for larger projects like model homes or multifamily housing. You’ll also learn how to leverage stocking dealer accounts with other designers to maximize margins and streamline purchasing.

In this episode, I cover:

How strategic partnerships can unlock bigger opportunities
Why maintaining financial independence is crucial
Real-world examples of partnerships that boost profitability
Tips for combining resources to secure vendor accounts
How to scale your business without adding unnecessary stress

Ready to scale smarter? Visit Interior Design Business Academy to book a call and explore how we can help you grow your business sustainably.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you wondering if now is the right time to hire for your design business?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into the key indicators that it’s time to bring on help and how hiring can transform your business. 🚀

From spotting the signs that you’re ready for extra support to understanding the financial impact of delegation, I’ll show you how hiring strategically can free up your time, improve client satisfaction, and drive profitability. Whether you’re overwhelmed with admin tasks or feel stuck in the DIY mindset, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make the leap.

In this episode, I cover:

How to recognize the signs you’re ready to hire
The financial benefits of delegation for scaling your business
How hiring the right help improves workflow and profitability
Practical strategies for taking the first step toward building a team

If you’re ready to stop feeling overworked and start scaling your business with confidence, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like you can’t afford to hire help for your design business?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m flipping that belief on its head and showing you why you actually can’t afford NOT to hire someone to help you.

I’ll break down how just one extra billed hour can pay for several hours of administrative support each week, freeing up your time to focus on income-generating activities like designing and marketing. You’ll learn how the DIY approach is costing you more than you realize—your time, energy, and even client satisfaction.

Plus, I’ll share actionable strategies for tracking your time, identifying where you’re losing productivity, and scaling your business with a small but impactful team.

In this episode, I cover:

Why hiring help is a critical step for growth
The hidden costs of trying to do everything yourself
How to track your time and identify tasks to delegate
The 80/20 rule for maximizing your productivity and profits
Strategies for scaling your design business effectively

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start scaling your business, this episode is for you. Let’s turn your time into money and take your design business to the next level!

Ready to SCALE? Check out my workshop, SCALE! Your Design Business: https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/scale-your-design-business/

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re diving into the challenges of staying in control during remodeling projects. When clients bring contractors into the mix too early, things can quickly get complicated. We’ll explore a real-life case where a designer lost control of a kitchen remodel after the client and contractor made changes without the designer’s input, leading to budget cuts and project issues.

Learn essential strategies to avoid these pitfalls, such as finalizing project details before introducing contractors, developing a clear scope of work, and ensuring contracts are signed and funded before any contractor-client interactions. We also discuss how to communicate the impact of design changes, from increased costs to potential liability issues, and the importance of maintaining control over the project from start to finish.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you should avoid bringing contractors in too early
The importance of finalizing scope and budget before contractor-client meetings
How to handle client-led design changes and DIY efforts
Tips for maintaining control throughout remodeling projects

If you’ve ever felt sidelined during a remodeling job, this episode is for you. Take back control and ensure a smooth project flow!

Book a Clarity Call

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing how design fees can streamline your workflow, increase profitability, and create a smoother process from start to finish. I dive into why setting up clear budget agreements and scopes of work upfront can eliminate wasted time and unpredictable income, making it easier to plan your day, manage your time, and focus on what matters most.

Through design fees, you’ll gain control over your schedule, minimize last-minute client changes, and present the entire project as a cohesive concept. This approach keeps you in charge, ensures clients understand the full scope, and allows you to get paid upfront—all while delivering a superior experience.

In this episode, I cover:

How design fees eliminate guesswork and boost profits
Why budget and scope agreements streamline the process
Planning deliverables and managing time effectively
Presenting the total project for a single, cohesive sale
Invitation to the Design Fee Formula workshop

If you’re ready to streamline your design process, increase profitability, and gain control over your projects, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re unpacking the different methods for calculating design fees—whether by square footage, hourly rates, or fixed fees—and how to choose the best approach for your business. With insights on the pros and cons of each method, I’ll guide you on using these strategies to communicate clearly with clients, define project scope, and set up profitable billing practices.

We’ll also discuss why hourly billing, while not always ideal, can be a valuable tool for handling additional client requests, and how to treat these add-ons as new business opportunities. Plus, I’ll introduce the Design Fee Formula workshop, designed to provide in-depth training on calculating fees effectively and managing time wisely.

In this episode, we cover:

Design fee structures: square footage, hourly, and fixed fees
Why clear communication and scope of work are key
The advantages and disadvantages of hourly billing
Strategies for handling additional client requests and upselling
Introduction to the Design Fee Formula workshop

If you’re ready to take control of your pricing and ensure your fees reflect the value of your work, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m discussing why design fees are a smarter choice than hourly billing for designers who want to grow their income and client satisfaction. If you’re still charging by the hour, you may be leaving money on the table and running into unnecessary challenges.

I’ll share insights on how hourly billing can hold experienced designers back, lead to cash flow issues, and even create friction with clients. We’ll explore the advantages of design fees, from improving cash flow to setting clear project expectations, and how shifting to fee-based agreements can lead to more profitable, trusting client relationships. Plus, I invite you to join the Design Fee Formula masterclass to refine your pricing strategy and set yourself up for consistent success.

In this episode, I cover:

Why hourly billing often undervalues experienced designers
The cash flow and trust issues that time billing can create
How design fees offer a structured, profitable approach
Benefits of fee-based agreements for client relationships
Invitation to the Design Fee Formula masterclass

If you’re ready to improve your pricing strategy, build trust with clients, and get paid what you’re worth, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I dive deeper into the challenges designers face when it comes to billing, especially with hourly rates and managing legacy clients. If you’ve ever found yourself taking on small, low-paying jobs that end up consuming more time than you estimated, this episode is for you!

I share real-world examples, like the outdoor wall sconces project and a reupholstering job that went off track, to highlight why these types of jobs can become unprofitable. More importantly, I discuss how to break this cycle by implementing a structured design fee formula that’s tailored to your business stage. By setting a minimum design fee, you can enhance your profitability, protect your personal time, and elevate your professionalism.

Listen in to learn how to qualify potential clients, stop shrinking to fit smaller projects, and start charging what your services are truly worth!

In this episode, I cover:

The pitfalls of hourly billing and small jobs
Real-life examples of design jobs gone wrong
How to break the loop of unprofitable work
Introducing a minimum design fee to boost profitability
Strategies for qualifying potential clients with confidence

If you’re ready to set boundaries, create a profitable pricing structure, and start getting paid for the value you bring, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to start charging what you’re worth as a designer? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we focus on enhancing your billing practices and shifting your mindset toward valuing your design services. Host Terri Taylor shares key strategies to help you improve your billing accuracy, manage your time effectively, and maximize your income by focusing on design fees instead of product sales.

Discover how tracking your time and setting clear deliverables can lead to substantial annual earnings, and learn why self-worth plays a crucial role in client acceptance of your design fees. This episode also features practical tips for structuring your workweek to hit 20 paid design hours and build a consistent, profitable income.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to track time and improve billing accuracy
The importance of charging for design services, not product sales
Example earnings based on hourly rates
Shifting your mindset to communicate your value confidently
Invitation to the free webinar: ‘Design Fees Unlocked’

If you’re ready to charge what you’re worth and create consistent income from design fees, this episode is for you!

Design fees unlocked: 5 secrets to getting paid what you're worth

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to confidently charge what you’re worth as a designer? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, host Terri Taylor continues the discussion on overcoming pricing challenges and the importance of having transparent money conversations with clients.

Terri shares why forming budget agreements can lead to higher fees than you might expect, and how mental barriers like self-worth and imposter syndrome can get in the way of proper pricing. Learn how your environment can influence your income and why surrounding yourself with a supportive community is crucial to your success.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to discuss costs openly with clients
The impact of self-worth and imposter syndrome on pricing
Why your inner circle influences your income potential
How to gradually step up your pricing strategy

If you’ve struggled with pricing your services, this episode will help you take the next steps towards charging your worth.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you struggling to price your interior design services confidently? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for designers: pricing! Host Terri Taylor dives into the common challenges interior designers face when it comes to charging their worth and having open conversations about money.

From understanding your own money mindset to mastering effective client communication, this episode offers practical strategies like the ‘Budget on the Fly’ technique to help you gauge a client’s spending comfort and set yourself up for success. Terri also shares why it’s important to discuss costs clearly and confidently instead of underpricing to secure a project.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why discomfort with money conversations is holding you back
The impact of childhood experiences on your pricing mindset
Techniques for discussing budgets confidently with clients
How to embrace a trusted consultant mindset in pricing discussions

If you’ve ever felt overworked and underpaid, this episode is a must-listen as we help you transform your money conversations and set yourself up for greater success!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever had a client seem interested, only for them to disappear with nothing but crickets in response? 🦗 In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we dive into the challenges of client engagement and how to avoid missed opportunities.

We’ll explore the Law of Diminishing Intent and why it’s crucial to act quickly when a client shows interest. Learn effective strategies for securing jobs, from soft selling and discussing budgets to making offers at the right moment. Plus, discover how to handle client indecision gracefully and keep the momentum going in your business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The importance of timely follow-ups
How to capture job opportunities with a soft sell approach
Making offers confidently to avoid hesitation
Scheduling follow-up appointments to overcome “I want to think about it”

If you’re tired of hearing crickets and want to keep clients engaged, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever been hit with a wave of exhaustion in the middle of a project, feeling like your energy has crashed completely? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re talking about the energy crash that happens to many designers and how you can fix it.

We’ll cover how negative thoughts can drain your energy, even when everything seems to be going well. I’ll share simple, actionable steps to shift your mindset, calm your nerves, and handle stressful situations with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s a tricky client call or a project issue, these tips will help you protect your energy and respond effectively.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why your energy crashes during stressful situations
How to reset your mindset in the moment
The importance of staying calm and positive
Practical ways to breathe, relax, and refocus

If you’ve ever found yourself spiraling into negativity, this episode is for you!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a money magnet?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Academy podcast, we’re diving into how you can harness the power of vibrational energy and practical money strategies to attract wealth and abundance into your life. From overcoming financial struggles to creating a thriving design business, learn how to change your relationship with money and make it work for you.

Tune in to discover the steps to become a true money magnet!

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to combine vibrational energy with practical money strategies
Personal stories of overcoming financial struggles
Key steps to attract wealth and abundance

If you’re ready to change your financial mindset and create a more abundant life, this episode is for you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever said yes to a client when really you wanted to say no?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re talking about how to say no to a potential client and do it gracefully.

Maybe you’re wondering why you’d ever say no to a potential client, and the truth is there are all kinds of reasons. They might not have a big enough budget, you might not have enough time, or maybe their project just doesn’t interest you! All of those are perfectly good reasons to say no, but how do you do it professionally and gracefully?

Tune in to find out.

Topics covered in this episode include:

One skill that all successful designers work on
How to turn scope creep into an upsell
Red flags to look for in a job before you say yes

If you’re a people-pleaser and you have a hard time saying no even when you want to, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you ever wonder if you're playing it too safe in your interior design career?

In this episode, I’m challenging interior designers like you to dream big and tap into your true potential. I'll guide you through the process of applying your design visualization skills to business growth, showing you how to break down your big dreams into actionable steps.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand the parallels between designing spaces and designing your ideal career, and you'll learn how to leverage relationships to access new design opportunities. Join me to gain the confidence and tools you need to elevate your interior design career and create the business of your dreams!

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to apply design visualization skills to business growth
Breaking down big dreams into actionable steps
Exploring diverse career paths in interior design

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

If a client told you they could pay your discovery fee and your design fee, but they couldn’t exceed a total budget of $50,000, what would you say?

This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast shares an example of what can happen when old belief systems alter your present expectations and outcomes.

Old beliefs about money are really hard to shake, there’s no shame in that, but when you do shake them, you open yourself up to so much more potential. This episode is going to help you do it.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How your environment could be negatively affecting your results
One thing that will transform your outlook on a design job
An effective way to differentiate between window shoppers and viable clients

Tune in for a discussion about discovery call expectations for you and your clients, how expectations create your reality, and how to beat the old beliefs that are holding you back.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you get published in a national design magazine?

Our guest in this episode of Interior Design Business, Erin Shakoor, is a long-time member of the Interior Design Business Academy who recently scored an eight-page spread in House Beautiful. I asked her if she would come on the podcast and talk to us about what that process was like.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The method Erin used to attract her dream client
What it looks like to put a magazine-worthy design together
How to get the best photographs of your work
Tips for pitching your work to a magazine for publication

If you’ve ever wondered about the publication process and how you might go about getting published for the first time, Erin has answers for you. From the first connection with the client to getting published, she’s sharing it all.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Sign up for our free webinar, 7 Money Magnets, go to idbacademy.com and click on the pop up to register now!

Looking for clients? Try these strategies!

In every designer's journey, there are times when you’re crazy busy, and times when you’re wondering where the next client will come from. If you’re currently experiencing the latter, don’t panic. It happens to us all and you will come out the other side of it. To help you speed that process along, I’m sharing five designer marketing strategies that will get you out of a lull.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to figure out your target audience once and for all
The only surefire way to get referrals
A script to follow next time you need to give an elevator pitch

Tune in to this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast to find out how a designer of over 30 years finds new clients.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Sign up for our free webinar, 7 Money Magnets, go to idbacademy.com and click on the pop up to register now!

Picture this:

You’re the leader of a process-driven design company with a dreamy client experience, predictable and repeatable results, and a balanced schedule.

Can you envision it? Then you’re one step closer to achieving it! In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, you’ll learn how to use systems and processes to create the business of your dreams.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How I turned my business around when it was at breaking point
What every business needs in order to run smoothly
Why your business isn’t growing

Tune in to find out how the professionals run their businesses for the best results.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you take a lead, turn it into a prospect, and then turn it into a good design job?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing my process for turning leads into prospects and prospects into paying clients.

This is one of those things that you need to have a process for in your business. Without a clear and repeatable process, a lot of leads are going to fall through the cracks when they could have turned into really great design jobs.

We’re covering everything from the first touchpoint someone has with your business to signing them on as a client. You’ll hear about elevator pitches, customer experience, pricing, and so much more.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Identifying where your leads are coming from
Why you need a good elevator pitch
How to make yourself sound professional
How to answer the question, “what do you cost?”

If you’ve been wondering how to get more leads to say yes to your offer, this is the episode for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you wish you knew about marketing for designers?

By the end of this episode, you might just have your answer.

There’s a lot of information out there about SEO, social media, and all things marketing, but it’s hard to sift through and none of it is focused on designers.

Our industry is a little different from others. There are things that need to be done in a certain way and in a certain order to create the best platform for you to build your interior design business from. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing the steps for you to follow to start marketing your interior design business.

I have a whole workshop on this, but I wanted to share some of the basics with you right here on the podcast.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The power of advertising combined with referrals
How to get started with marketing as a designer
Why you need to create your messaging for a specific audience

Whether you have no idea where to start or you want to brush up on your marketing skills, this episode has something for you. Tune in!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What does it mean to “keep your shape” as an interior design business owner?

“Keep your shape” is a motto we use at the Interior Design Business Academy to talk about standing your ground. This comes into play in every area of your business: pricing, time, systems, offers, boundaries… you name it. We’re diving into it all in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, and today is our lucky day because IDBA lead coach Valerie Priester is back for another episode to share her expertise on the subject.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you might struggle to keep your shape if you’re a people-pleaser
How successful designers stand their ground on their pricing
A simple hack to get better at keeping your shape

If you have a hard time sticking to your boundaries then it’s probably costing you precious time and money that you need to run your business. Tune in to this episode to learn how to “keep your shape” from the experts.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like you never have any free time and yet somehow you still don’t have enough jobs to turn a profit?

This problem is more common than you think, and in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast we’re unpacking why that is. I sat down with our lead coach at IDBA, Valerie Priester, to talk about why designers get stuck with so many little jobs that they don’t have time to take on the big jobs they really want. If that sounds familiar, stick around because this is for you.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Signs that you have more of a scarcity mindset than you realize
Subconscious triggers that are causing you to take on small jobs
Red flags to look for before you take on a job

Tune in to learn how to get more dream jobs, work with more dream clients, and still have more free time on your calendar.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you tell the difference between honest sustainable companies and those that are trying to trick you with greenwashing in their marketing?

This is just one of many questions you might have if you’re thinking about going green in your interior design business, so I've recruited the help of expert Megan Thompson to answer some of those questions and point you in the right direction.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re talking about how interior design impacts the planet through excessive waste and contributions to global emissions and what you can do to make a difference.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How many tons of furniture end up in landfill each year
Lies you’ve been told about sustainability in interior design
A quick and easy trick to know if a product is really “green” or not

If you want to go green but you don’t know where to start, Megan’s got you covered.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you run a business or a hobby?

In this episode of Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into how your mindset and approach to money can make all the difference in the success of your business. Join me as I share practical insights into essential financial practices and mindsets that will help you get paid what you're worth.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The numbers you need to know to determine the health of your business on a daily basis
Common pitfalls of being a hobby business that you have to avoid if you want success
The impact of tracking your margins honestly and making sure each job is profitable

Are you ready to shift from hobbyist to business owner? Let's dive into the essentials that will help you turn up the volume on your profitability.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How many times have you said, “If I just had more time, then I could get it all done”?

I think we’ve all been there, but I want to let you in on a secret: It’s not about how much time you have, it’s about how you manage it. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m revealing five tips that will change your relationship with time so that you can improve your time management.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How I’ve avoided working on Fridays, weekends, or evenings for the last 25 years
Mindset hacks for better time management
A time-saving way to organize your tasks

If you’re constantly wishing you had one more day in the week or a couple more hours in the day, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What if you had a shortcut to identify the profitable and unprofitable practices in your business?

Enter this episode of Interior Design Business! I’m here to give you the class on business finances that you never got in design school. Tune in to learn an easy way to understand your financial reports and use them to increase your profits. I’m sharing best practices, communication skills, tips for setting boundaries, and so much more.

Topics covered in this episode include:

An easy-to-follow process for looking at your numbers
How I do my bookkeeping
Surprising ways you’re losing profits

I want you to be able to take what you learn in this episode and immediately apply it to your business so that you can watch your profits rise. Sound good? Let’s get started.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like no matter how much care you put into your design business, you never seem to increase your profits?

This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast will teach you how to make your business more profitable without starting from scratch. I’m sharing some of the hidden money leaks lurking in your business, unexpected obstacles that are getting in your way, and five simple strategies to start implementing for better profits.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How many design hours you need to bill each week to be profitable
Scary money stories getting in the way of your financial success
Poor business practices that leave you owing money to your vendors

Whether you’re just starting out as a business owner or you’ve been doing it for years, you’d be surprised how many designers don’t know about the tips in this episode. Tune in to join those of us in the know!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What are the appointment do’s and don’ts?

As you know, a first appointment is a rich opportunity to gain a potential client’s trust and business. How do you make sure that happens? That’s what I want to share with you in this episode.

I’m talking about what to charge, what to include, how long it should be, and lots of other appointment do’s and don’ts. If you’ve ever had a question about how to handle a first appointment, this episode has an answer for you.

No more giving away your time and value for free or spending hours on a potential client only to never hear from them again. Your first appointment should be setting you up for success and now it will!

Tune in to find out whether you’re doing any of these first appointment dos and don’ts!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you stay in control of a job when your client is getting carried away?

A client that wants to add more work to their job is a good problem to have, but if you don’t know how to appropriately handle it, you’ll soon find yourself out of the driver's seat and wondering “how did I get here?”.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m teaching you the simple steps to follow to make sure that you and your client are on the same page, you have a clear idea of the scope of work, and you are in control of your design job.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The hidden mistake in your process that’s spinning you out of control
A simple trick to help you take charge of your design job
The secret to gaining your ideal client’s confidence

If your client is the one calling the shots, something’s gone awry. Tune in to find out where you’re going wrong and how to get your job back on track.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

These are the confessions of a recovering perfectionist.

This episode of Interior Design Business is all about perfectionism and the surprising problems that it’s causing in your business. I’m sharing what I’ve learned about the dark side of perfectionism and how to overcome it so that you can be a better designer.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why your designs aren’t turning out the way you want them to
How to know when to be done with a project
Lies that the voice in your head is telling you about your design work

Perfectionism helped me become a great designer, but it’s a double-edged sword. You’ll have to tune into the episode to find out exactly what I mean!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, find out the four major roadblocks to success that most designers face so that you can take the fast track to overcome them.

The four roadblocks I’m sharing in this episode are things I’ve seen come up again and again for struggling designers. I’m coaching you through each roadblock in this episode so that you have the tools you need to troubleshoot your business and get things running smoother than ever. Think of this as your cheat sheet to success!

Topics covered in this episode include:

The importance of understanding your ideal client
How to stop underselling yourself and giving your time away
How to leverage systems in your business

If you want a financially sustainable design business that pays you what you’re worth and provides your dream lifestyle, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

For more information, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop-up

How many times have you wished you had a mini-me to help you get everything done?

When you’re working at 2 a.m. and dreaming about that mini-me, you might think it’s a good time to hire someone, but in this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m going to explain why it’s not. I’m walking you through the problems you’ll encounter if you try to hire a mini-me or jack-of-all-trades, how to avoid making a knee-jerk hire, and what to do instead.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you shouldn’t train someone to be a mini-me
Why a jack-of-all-trades isn’t what you need
Getting the help you need, not the help you think you want

Don’t make the same mistakes I did! Tune into this episode to find out how to build your business in a sustainable and productive way so that you can stop spending all your time on admin work and get back to what you love.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Networking doesn’t work, it’s just a waste of time.

Not true! Sorry if the title got your hopes up, but stick with me! Networking is not as hard as you think it is, it’s actually pretty fun, and I’m here to walk you through it. I’m going to turn networking from something you dread into something you look forward to. Don’t believe me? Tune in to this episode of Interior Design Business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to make networking fun
The value of building relationships in your everyday life
Why you shouldn’t make a business pitch as soon as you meet someone
How to get more referrals

If you want to learn how to make networking simple, repeatable, and fun, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you charging enough for your product purchasing services?

I talk a lot about design fees and prices here on the Interior Design Business podcast, but in this episode, I want to discuss the product sales side of things. I’m teaching you why you should separate your design services from your product sales, how to change your mindset around product sales, and how to profit from your product sales.

Topics covered in this episode include:

A good rule to follow when it comes to product sales
Why your mindset is getting you in trouble
How to be good with a client’s budget without being cheap

If you want my help figuring out whether you’re charging enough for product purchasing, tune in!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you feel like you’re always busy and yet you can never seem to get ahead?

The truth is that staying crazy busy isn’t helping you as much as you think it is and in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m exploring why.

Successful business owners have teams of different people to do different jobs, leaving them with more time to work on the things that pay the big bucks. When you’re always busy working in your business, it’s impossible to find time to work on it, and that work is really important.

I’m going to help you stop measuring your worth based on how busy you are so that you can let go of some of the everyday tasks you’re holding on to and free up your time to work on things that get you paid.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Where the most profit lies in your business
The value of outsourcing small tasks
Why staying crazy busy doesn’t work

If you’re exhausted from being busy all the time, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you want to create more freedom in your life? What if I told you I know a simple and effective way to achieve that?

The answer lies in systems, which is what we’re covering in this episode of Interior Design Business. I’m teaching you how to shift into a systems mindset so that you can simplify and streamline any area of your life.

I’m sharing examples of systems in your day-to-day life, how to make time to set up systems in your business, and what systems can help you get done.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How systems save you time and energy
Mindset issues that get in the way of creating systems
Making time to create systems

If you want to get back hours of your time and create a life of freedom, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you using templates to create your letters of agreement?

If you are, it’s really important that you hear this episode! Templates can be helpful, but they aren’t the be-all-end-all of letters of agreement (otherwise known as contracts).

If you use a template without thoroughly reading it through or making any changes, you’re going to end up in a world of hurt. The problem is that a template is never going to be able to cover the boundaries that you need in place for your unique business and every unique job that you do.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re going through how to use templates appropriately, the problems with relying on templates for your letters of agreement, and how to communicate your boundaries effectively to every client.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Things to look for in a template
Common mistakes designers make in their letters of agreement
The importance of setting boundaries in your letter of agreement

If you’ve been relying on templates to write your letters of agreement until now, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you feel like you’re in control of your financial situation?

Growing up and even into early adulthood, I always thought that my financial situation was something that just happened to me. I didn’t have control and I had to make do with what I had. When someone told me that I was the creator of my situation and I could control what happened, it changed my life.

If you feel like you’re always struggling and never making enough money, you’re not alone. You are the product of how you’ve been taught to think about money, but what if we could change all that?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I want to show you how to take total responsibility for your financial situation and set yourself up for financial success moving forward. Together, we’ll look at ways you’re losing money, how to set up boundaries to protect your finances, and the importance of knowing your worth.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How everything changes when you realize you have control over your financial situation
Where scarcity is coming from in your business
How to create abundance

If you want to end the struggle and always feel like you have enough, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Let’s talk about selling.

Don’t freak out! I know a lot of people hate this topic. There’s a lot of bad energy and negative stories around selling, but most of them aren’t actually true, so we’re going to unpack them in this episode of Interior Design Business.

I promise you do not have to be like a sleazy car salesman in order to sell. I’m here to teach you how to build a relationship with your potential client, create an offer that they want to say yes to, and set up the golden moment to make your sale. In this scenario, everyone wins! Your client is happy, you’re happy, and no one feels sleazy or taken advantage of.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Creating an offer that’s easy to say yes to
How to leverage the golden moment
A simple way to close a sale without feeling sleazy
How to make selling easy

If you want to learn how to use the golden moment in your sales process, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Hands up if this sounds familiar: your cash flow goes up and down like a rollercoaster, you’re struggling to attract clients and even then they can’t make any decisions on their $5,000 budget, and you’re afraid to tell your friends or family how much you made last year because they’ll tell you to get a real job.

If your hand’s in the air, you’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be that way. What you’re looking for is actually right in front of you, but it’s hard to get out of your own way long enough to see it.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re talking about some of the biggest ways we get in our own way as designers and I’m sharing some small steps you can take to start getting out of your own way.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you might be playing too small
Saying yes to things that scare or challenge you
Stepping into an abundant mindset

I’m going to help you get out of your own way so that you can make all your design business dreams come true.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Could you be leaving money on the table?

We’d all like to hope that we’re not, but it happens all the time, so how can you make sure it’s not happening to you? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m taking you through the most common ways design businesses leak money so that you can look at each of these areas in your business and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

A profitable design business doesn’t happen by accident, it’s something that you grow with intention, consistency, and the right strategies. Tune in for actionable tips that you can apply directly to your design business to start making more money right away.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to make your design business more profitable
Common ways design businesses lose money
Why hourly billing is limiting you

Don’t miss this opportunity to make easy money just by checking on some areas of your business.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you setting boundaries around money in your design business?

Every designer I’ve ever met (including me) struggles with boundaries because we’re all people pleasers. You’re in this business because you want to serve people and make them happy, but you’ve still got to be paid for it. I’m here to make sure you’re not short-changing yourself.

If you have a hard time creating and sticking to boundaries, listen up. In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m walking you through how to create boundaries, communicate them to your clients, and hold your shape when someone challenges them. I’m going to help you get your money boundaries in place so that you can stop worrying about being underpaid.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What happens when you don’t set boundaries
How to handle a client who wants you to lower your prices
Getting comfortable communicating your boundaries

Tune in to find out how to use boundaries to get paid what you’re worth.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What do you do when you get into a design job and discover that you don't want to put your name on it because the client's taste is so bad?

You won’t be in the design industry long before one of these situations comes up, so it’s important that you know how to handle it. In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing three ethical solutions to working with a client with bad taste. All of these options will protect you and your reputation as a designer while also treating your clients fairly, so you can use whichever solution feels best to you or try out all three over time!

Topics covered in this episode include:

What to do when your client is standing by design choices that you don’t agree with
How to say no to something you don’t want to put your name on
How to avoid bad client design choices reflecting on you
When and how to back out of a job

I know we’re in the business of people-pleasing, but remember that people-pleasing won’t always serve you. If that’s something you struggle with, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What do you say when a client asks you for your resources? Their questions might sound something like this:

“Where did you get the bar stools for my kitchen? My friend wants to buy them!”

“What’s the number of your painter? I need to get my daughter’s bedroom painted!”

Take a deep breath and remember they’re not trying to steal from you, they just don’t understand how your business works or how to ask for what they need. The good news is, you can educate them on that and you’ll probably end up with more business. Everyone wins!

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m teaching you what to say to clients who ask you to share your resources. It’s actually really simple when you know how to handle it properly—let me help!

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to clearly and calmly answer a question about your resources
Things about resources to include in your letter of agreement
The importance of having clear agreements with your contractors and subcontractors

Tune in to learn an easy way to handle clients asking for your resources!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Is my design fee enough?

This is a very common question to have, especially when you’re making the transition from hourly rates to design fees. It’s hard to figure out what your fee should be, right? You want to ensure you’re getting paid for all your time and making a profit but you might feel like no one will pay for your services if you price them too high. I can help.

Your design fee won’t be perfect when you’re getting started, no one’s is, but if you work on it, you’ll start to find the sweet spot. That’s what I’m going to help you with in this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast. I’m sharing five simple things for you to remember when you’re working out your perfect design fee.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Things to consider when developing your design fee
How to get paid for all your time when you’re not charging hourly
Why giving away your time won’t make clients like you more
How to know if your design fee is high enough

Whether you’re new to design fees or you’ve been working with them for a while, this episode has something for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

How do you turn prospective clients into paying clients?

Let’s talk about the magic question you should always ask a prospective client on an initial discovery call. This question will tell you everything you need to know about whether they will become a paying client or not.

In this replay of a favorite Interior Design Business Podcast episode, you’ll learn how to structure your discovery call, what to charge for it, what to include, and so much more. You’ll be bringing in new paying clients in no time.

I know it can be disheartening when you hop on a call and the first question your prospective client asks is, “What’s your hourly rate?” but don’t be discouraged! I’m also teaching you how to redirect the conversation to get them talking about their project and learning about you before you start talking money.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to structure a discovery call
Establishing your value from the beginning of a client relationship
Why there should never be homework for you after a first appointment

Tune in to find out what the magic question is and why it’s so effective.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

So, you’ve got a good design practice, a steady stream of ideal clients, and your jobs are consistently profitable. What’s the problem? You have absolutely no time for yourself. In fact, you spend most of your time putting out fires.

Does that sound familiar?

It’s hard to grow your business when you’re spending all your time fixing things. Do you want to know the solution to the chaos? Systems and processes.

When you have repeatable systems and processes in place, your problems will start to solve themselves. This episode is a replay of one of our greatest episodes about systems and processes, so if you could use a refresher, you’re in luck! I talk about the systems strategy you need to know and teach you how to start getting systems set up in your business so that you can reclaim some of your time.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The value of systems and processes
Why you need to write your systems and processes down
Identifying what tasks create the most money

If you’re ready to stop spending all your time putting out fires and start spending it on what you do best, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Where does the most potential for profit lie in design jobs? Purchasing.

If you’re not sure how to get your purchasing profits up, you’re in luck. Let me introduce you to our guest for this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Heather McManus. Heather is the creator and CEO of The Designers Collaborative and she knows pretty much everything there is to know about profitable purchasing in the design world.

In this episode, you’ll learn how to find vendors you want to work with, spend less time trying to find the perfect pieces for your designs, and make a higher profit on your purchases. You’ll also find out how a buying collaborative works and why I think it’s the thing that’s been missing from the design industry.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why purchasing is the most profitable part of a design job
What a buying collective is
How to start learning about the purchasing process as a designer

Tune into this episode to find out more about the key to profitable purchasing.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Have you been wondering how to start a design business? Maybe you’ve even started already but you’re not sure what to do next.

I’m bringing back one of the most popular episodes of the Interior Design Business Podcast all about starting a design business. If you’ve been scouring the internet for information about starting your own design business, you’ve made it to the right place.

In this episode, I’m taking you through a list of everything you need to get set up to start your business. From networking and building a team to setting up software and marketing, I’ve got you covered.

If you’ve already started your business, think of this episode as a checklist for you to go through, and if you haven’t, you can use this episode as a framework to move forward with.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Everything you need to know to start a design business
How to make important connections
Who you need on your team
Why marketing is so important

I’m so excited for you to start this journey and I can’t wait to see where it takes you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What do you do when you have a client you feel you can’t say no to?

This usually happens when it’s a client who put you on the map or helped your career in some way. You feel like you owe them, but they just keep calling with more and more design questions that you’re not getting paid to answer. Are you obligated to help this client? Coach Marsha Sewdass is answering all your questions in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast.

We’re talking about what it means to hold your shape, how to change the story you’re telling yourself about obligation, and what they don’t teach you about this in design school.

Topics covered in this episode include:

When your obligation to a client ends
The importance of sticking to your boundaries
Things that diminish your value as a designer
Why relationships based on obligation are not good for you

Ready to learn how to hold your shape? Let’s get started.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

“I hate my business.”

“This isn’t what I signed up for.”

“I’m overwhelmed.”

Does this sound like your inner dialogue right now? Have you reached a place where you’re feeling resentful toward your business?

Let’s talk about what happened, how you got here, and what it means for the future of your business. I want you to know that it’s normal to reach this point, so don’t feel bad about it. This feeling is telling you something about how to move forward in your business, and in this episode, I’m teaching you how to lean into that feeling and use it to take you to the next level.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Signs that you’ve started to resent your business
How to turn your resentment into something productive
Ways to make your business more self-sustaining so you can get your life back

You have put so much work into building your business from the ground up, so don’t let feelings of resentment convince you to throw it all away. Tune in to this episode to find out how to channel those feelings into creating the life and business of your dreams!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

I want to talk about my favorite thing to do: remodeling jobs.

They might be fun, but they can easily turn into money leaks if you’re not careful, because let’s be honest, they take a lot of time to do and you still need to get paid for all that time.

It took me a long time to figure out how to make remodeling jobs profitable, but now that I’ve got it figured out, I want to share the process with you. This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast will walk you through how to have a successful and profitable remodeling job that is enjoyable for everyone the whole way through. If that sounds like your dream, tune in!

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you need to see yourself as the leader of your jobs
Key mistakes to avoid in remodeling jobs
How to avoid budgeting problems with your clients
Creating a win-win situation for you and the contractor

If you’re like me and you love remodeling jobs but you’ve always struggled to make them profitable, you’ve come to the right place.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

It’s all well and good to know how to turn a lead into a profitable client, but how do you get a lead in the first place?

We talk about that first part a lot around here, but I want to take it back a step and talk about how to find clients. This is something that a lot of people are missing from their business plans because they don’t think they have the time or money for marketing. Don’t let that be you. I’m going to teach you how to get started with your marketing no matter how busy you are or how small your budget is. Spoiler alert: marketing doesn’t have to cost anything.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to start marketing your interior design business
Getting the most value out of the time you have
The difference between marketing and advertising

Tune into this episode of the Interior Design Podcast to learn why you need marketing to find clients, how to find time for marketing, and how to create your marketing plan.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Let’s talk about your relationship with money.

One of the biggest challenges you will face as a designer is your money story. If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about this before, and that’s because I can’t overemphasize how important it is that you work on your money mindset.

Most of us start with a scarcity mindset through no fault of our own. It could have come from experiences with money in your childhood or messages you’ve received about money from our society, but whatever it was, we’ve got to figure out how to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.

Tune into this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast to learn strategies for identifying a scarcity mindset and moving out of it so that you can attract more ideal clients and make bigger sales in your design business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How your childhood shapes your money mindset
Examples of how a scarcity mindset affects your business
How to identify your money mindset
Reflective questions to ask yourself about your relationship with money

Scarcity attracts scarcity; abundance attracts abundance. Which will you choose?

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Have you ever had a design job that you felt you somehow lost control of?

You could have an ideal client, a huge budget, and the perfect setup, but if you lose control of the job and the client takes over, it’s going to turn into a nightmare, trust me.

To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, we’re going to talk about how designers lose control of jobs and what you can do to avoid it. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re taking a look at an example of a designer who lost control of what could have been a great job and analyzing it together to see what went wrong.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you need to communicate your process with your clients
The hallmark of a successful designer
How to avoid losing control of a design job

If you don’t want to end up like the designer in the example, you might want to give this episode a listen.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Is your business leaking money?

There are a few common mistakes I see designers making that are causing them to lose money without even realizing they’re doing it. If you can learn how to avoid these mistakes, you’ll also learn how to avoid losing money. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing five potential money leaks in your design business.

Tune in to find out if you’re making any of these mistakes and what to do about it. The good news is that all of the leaks are fixable, so if you’re doing any of these things right now, it’s not too late to stop and start saving yourself money.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to stay out of trouble with your budget
The problem with giving quotes on the fly
Why you shouldn’t use retail vendors

Could you be leaving money on the table? Find out in this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What is getting in the way of being paid what you’re worth?

In Part 1 we discovered that the main reason designers don’t get paid what they’re worth is that they aren’t comfortable talking about money. We talked about how to fix this pricing challenge, but there’s more to be said, so I’m back with Part 2.

In this episode, we’re taking a look at the support you need from yourself and from the people surrounding you in order to feel comfortable charging more. Once you get comfortable talking about money, you also have to get comfortable charging large sums for your work, and that’s really difficult at first!

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to improve your self-worth
The value of getting the support you need
Identifying attitudes that are holding you back
Why you have to believe that you deserve money

Join me for a discussion about creating the right mindset and support system for you to overcome pricing challenges in your design business.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Designers often ask me, “What questions should I ask in a discovery call to see if this could turn into a real paying client?”

What if an effective discovery call isn’t so much about the questions you ask as it is about the system you use? Let’s talk about your discovery call system: the process that you use to take your clients from their first interaction with you to your first paid appointment.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m teaching you the five step selling system that will help you close more sales with high-end clients at the end of every discovery call. This process will help you weed out the clients who aren’t the right fit for you and get more paid first appointments scheduled with those who are.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to give the right impression to someone interested in working with you
The key to effective discovery calls
A script for you to use to secure a paid first appointment

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what to say and when to say it to make your discovery calls more effective than ever (meaning more sales for you!).

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What is getting in the way of being paid what you’re worth?

I want to address the most common pricing challenges that you’ll face as a design business owner. Maybe you’ve struggled with this before or maybe you’re looking out for your future self. Either way, this is important information for you to know.

This episode will teach you how to reframe your money mindset, get comfortable talking about money, and ask for what you’re worth. Many of us have been conditioned to be so uncomfortable talking about money that we find it impossible to confidently present large fees. That’s got to change if you want to run a successful business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Pricing challenges interior designer business owners face
How to get comfortable talking about money
The right time in a conversation to state your fee

If you’re facing pricing challenges in your design business, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Do you feel like you never have enough time for all the things you want to do?

Usually, when I ask fellow design business owners what they want their businesses to look like, they can give me a pretty clear answer, but when I ask them why they aren’t working towards it, they say something like “Oh I don’t have time for that.” If that sounds like you then I have another question for you: why not?

If your time isn’t being spent creating the business and life you really want then what’s it being spent on?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m addressing the time starvation epidemic. We’re all so busy hustling that it seems like we never have time for anything anymore. I want to reframe the way you think about time so that you can reclaim your schedule and discover that you have more time than you think.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Making conscious choices about how you spend your time
What the time starvation epidemic is
How to change your time mindset

There is power in knowing that you get to choose how you spend your time. So, what will you choose?

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

What is a luxury mindset?

This is an important concept for interior designers and service providers to understand, so I wanted to revisit this favorite episode.

There’s a misconception that once you start getting luxury clients, you’ll become a luxury designer, but it just doesn’t work that way. Your luxury mindset needs to come first and the clients will follow.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m taking you through the elements of a luxury mindset and how to start implementing them to build your luxury business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What a luxury mindset is
Understanding what your luxury client wants
Why high-end clients don’t make you a high-end designer
How to avoid caving on your pricing

If you’re ready to step into your luxury mindset and take your design business to the next level, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you still charging hourly rates? If so, listen up because this is for you!

In this episode, we’re going over the differences between working on an hourly basis vs. working on a fee basis as a designer and why I switched to working on a fee basis in my own business.

Not only is selling your services as a package deal beneficial to your clients, but it’s also beneficial to your business. By presenting your work as a fee-based service, your billing process, project management, and client commitment rates will improve. In this episode, I’ll be talking you through the reasons why!

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why charging hourly rates won’t get you the compensation you deserve
The benefits of presenting your services as a package deal
How a fee-based business makes billing more efficient

Do you work on a fee basis or an hourly basis? Is your current billing method working for you and for your business? Are you interested in giving fee-based services a chance? This is an episode, you won’t want to miss!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Are you taking advantage of the tipping point of your sales conversations?

If you’re not sure how to answer that, keep reading.

The tipping point is the point in a sales conversation with a prospective client when you ask to be hired. The thought of asking to be hired might immediately send you spiraling. That’s not uncommon, but we’re going to fix it.

My goal in this episode is to teach you how to get comfortable with the idea of selling, how to change the stories you’re telling yourself about being a sleazy salesperson, and why you need to take advantage of the tipping point.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to ask to be hired
What happens if you don’t take advantage of the tipping point
When in a sales conversation you should ask to be hired

Tune in to start working with more of your dream clients!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Have you ever done a design job that you didn’t get paid for until months after the design was finished?

This episode is going to make sure you avoid ever being in that position again. There are four rules of pricing that profitable design businesses follow and believe me, I learned them the hard way, so now I’m sharing them so you don’t have to.

When you follow these pricing rules, your design jobs will run more smoothly, your clients will be easier to handle, and your business is going to be more profitable in the long run.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The four rules of pricing that profitable businesses follow
A script you can use to explain your pricing to a client
Ways to simplify your bookkeeping
Why you should never sell products on a cost-plus basis

If you’re interested in this episode, I’m guessing you’re having some issues with communicating your pricing and getting paid. Look no further! You’ve come to the right place.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

To find out more about our Quiz, go to https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com and click on the pop up

Most designers struggle to get paid what they’re worth. Have you experienced this?

You might have felt the need to lower your prices to get a client, felt bad about charging a high price for something, or given away your time for free to try to lower your costs. Why do you feel the need to do things like this? The answer lies in your money mindset.

The first step to getting paid what you’re worth is working on your money mindset. You need to know what stories you’re telling yourself about money, where they came from, and whether or not they’re actually true. A lot of our money stories come from things we were taught about money as children. I’m going to share some examples of things you might have internalized about money and what you can do to change those thoughts so that you can be open to making more money.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to shift your money mindset
Why you should adopt an abundance mindset
What your upbringing can tell you about your money mindset
How to build confidence in your value

It’s time to revamp your money mindset so that you can get paid what you’re worth.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Go to interiordesignbusinessacademy.com, click on the pop-up to learn more and register for free!

When is the right time to hire help?

Maybe you’re intimidated by the idea of making your first hire, maybe you’ve had a bad experience, or maybe you feel like it would be easier for you to just keep doing everything yourself. I’ve experienced all of these, so I get it, but if you’re serious about growing your business, you’re going to need some help.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I want to help you change the way you think about hiring for your design team. I’m going to teach you everything you need to know about hiring so that you can save time, make more money, and grow your design business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How hiring helps create more income
A different way to think about hiring
The six pillars of a strong team
A simple framework for hiring

If I can master the hiring process, I know you can too. Let me help you figure it out!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Why would it be bad for your design business to grow too fast? Growth is good, right?

Well, yes and no. Your business needs to be set up to handle growth. If you experience rapid growth that you’re not prepared for, your business will not be able to support it and you’ll end up losing money and making rushed decisions. That’s not what we want.

Valerie Priester is here to walk you through the number of problems that can arise when you get ahead of yourself and grow too fast.

Valerie is a powerhouse business and mindset coach for women entrepreneurs. She helps her clients eliminate confusion, frustration, and overwhelm so they can confidently grow profitable and sustainable businesses.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to know if it’s the right time to grow your business
What happens when you grow too fast
Making strategic and sustainable business decisions

Whether you’re experiencing fast business growth right now or you want to prepare for the future, this episode will have value for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you do when your inner voice becomes your inner critic?

It happens to us all. Unfortunately, we’re much harder on ourselves than we are on anyone else. I bet you’d never talk to your loved ones the way you often talk to yourself.

How do you get past that voice when it’s telling you that you’re not good enough or you don’t have what it takes? The truth is, you’ll continue to get in your own way unless you actively choose to do the mindset work.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m teaching you how to start working on your mindset so that you can choose what thoughts you want to listen to and learn to get out of your own way.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why you need to work on your mindset
The power of your thoughts
How to get out of your own way

If you’re ready to step back, get out of your own way, and let your genius do the talking, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How much time do you spend putting out fires?

You’re going to need to get some of that time back if you want to scale your business. If you’re involved in every day-to-day task behind the scenes and you’re responsible for putting out every fire, your business cannot grow sustainably. It has to be able to function without you. So… how do you make that happen?

This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast is about how to scale your design business. We’re talking about developing systems within your business, how to hire the right people for your needs, and how to start taking back your time. When you implement the strategies in this episode, you’re setting yourself up to better serve your clients, avoid overwhelm, make more money, and finally take that three-week vacation you’ve been wishing for.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to get more of your design time back
Examples of fires that you’re constantly putting out
How to stop waking up in the middle of the night thinking about work

If you’re struggling to scale your design business, tune in and I’ll help you get started.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you consider yourself a perfectionist?

I think a lot of us designers do. Wanting your work to be perfect isn’t a bad thing, it shows how much you care, but it can get you into trouble. The thing is, nothing’s ever really perfect. If you’re always waiting for the perfect time, perfect product, perfect skill set, or perfect anything, you could be waiting forever. The real magic happens when you find the courage to take imperfect action.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I want to have a real and personal conversation about the challenges of perfectionism. This is something that I battle with all the time, so I want to share what I’ve learned about how to overcome it.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why perfectionism is a double-edged sword
The lies that perfectionism tells you
Why you need to prioritize completion over perfection
An affirmation to help you overcome perfectionism

If you’re a self-proclaimed perfectionist, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

When old clients come back to work with you again, how do you tell them that your fees have changed since the first time you worked together?

If you’ve been here before, you’ll know that I teach designers how to get paid what they’re worth. One of the first things we always work on in that process is design fees. Getting your design fees nailed down isn’t too hard, but communicating those fees and sticking to them is harder, especially when you’re dealing with returning clients who were familiar with your old prices.

When one of your early clients wants to work with you again, you might be tempted to charge them the same as when you first worked together. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to do that. Your clients don’t expect your fees to stay the same forever! You’re the only one putting that expectation on yourself.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What to do when an old client comes back but your fees have gone up
Why it’s important for your fees to reflect your growth
How to communicate changes to your clients

If you feel nervous about telling returning clients your new design fees, you’re in the right place. Tune in for a pep talk from me and my advice on how to charge returning clients.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you know how many clients your business could handle without becoming overloaded?

In this episode, I’m going to pitch a scenario to you and ask you some questions about how you’d handle it. The point of this exercise is to get you thinking about how prepared you and your business are to handle growth. If you feel like you have to work more and more in order to take on new clients, your business growth probably isn't very sustainable.

I’m teaching you how to structure your business to be able to keep growing without burning you out or compromising the quality of your designs. With the right systems in place, you can bust through the ceiling that is keeping you from taking your business to new heights.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to prepare for business growth
Eliminating things from your schedule that you don’t need to be doing
Setting up systems to get repeatable and predictable results
How to efficiently grow your team to maximize your time

If you’re working overtime to try to keep up with the rate at which your business is growing, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

I bet you didn’t start your own business so that you could work 60 hours a week, never take a vacation, and miss family events.

You might often find yourself in those situations because you’re a people pleaser, you don’t want to turn away business, and you feel bad saying no. Those are just a few of the things that tend to affect us as designers and how we undervalue our time.

In order to move away from being overworked and underpaid, you’ve got to rethink how you value time. Not all time has the same value, and that’s what we’re exploring in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast. I’m teaching you how to identify the value of your time so that you can integrate more high-value tasks into your schedule and get rid of the things that are wasting time and draining money.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why time is your most important asset
How to track your time
Why you need to stop giving away your time
How much time you should be spending on design

Tune in to find out how to get all your work done in 40 hours a week and make more money, not less.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you wish you knew about marketing for designers?

By the end of this episode, you might just have your answer.

There’s a lot of information out there about SEO, social media, and all things marketing, but it’s hard to sift through and none of it is focused on designers.

Our industry is a little different from others. There are things that need to be done in a certain way and in a certain order to create the best platform for you to build your interior design business from. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing the steps for you to follow to start marketing your interior design business.

I have a whole workshop on this, but I wanted to share some of the basics with you right here on the podcast.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The power of advertising combined with referrals
How to get started with marketing as a designer
Why you need to create your messaging for a specific audience

Whether you have no idea where to start or you want to brush up on your marketing skills, this episode has something for you. Tune in!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

“If only I had another day in the week, then I could get it all done.”

“If I just had two more hours in the day, I could finish everything.”

How many times have you said something like that? For me it’s a lot, that’s for sure, but those aren’t real options, so let’s chat about what you can do instead to take back your time.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re talking about how to figure out where your time is going, eliminate time wasters, and set boundaries on your time. Once your time is used there’s no getting back, so I want to help you get in control of your time and spend it on the things that are most important to you.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Why time is your most valuable currency
The benefits of tracking your time for a couple of weeks
Why you need to stop people pleasing
Boundaries that you need to have in place

Tune in to find out how to get your time under control.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What does it take for a designer to be a good leader? Let’s find out.

Valerie Priester and I are back for Part 2 of this episode all about leadership. In Part 1 we talked about learning from your mistakes, building confidence, and getting clear on your vision, and in this episode, we’re covering the self-care side of leadership: how to stand up for yourself, set boundaries, and outsource.

Stepping into your role as a leader might be challenging if you were brought up to be a people pleaser and perfectionist, but it’s a really important step on your path to success in your design business. You need to be able to lead a job, a team, and even yourself.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to stand your ground
The importance of clear communication
The mindset of an effective leader
The lies that burnout tells you

If you could use a reminder to set boundaries and put yourself first, we’ve got your back.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

When you started your design business, leadership might not have been the first skill on your mind, but the truth is you are a leader from day one.

Whether you’re leading yourself or a whole team, the way you lead is important. In this episode, I’m joined by coach Valerie Priester to talk about what it takes for a designer to be a good leader.

We’re talking about things like having a growth mindset, learning from your failures without beating yourself up, building confidence, and how all these things define who you are as a leader.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Looking for the lessons in your mistakes
Why you need to be willing to be vulnerable
How to build confidence as a leader
The value of getting clear on your vision

If you want to brush up on your leadership skills, this is the episode for you. And the good news is, it’s only Part 1! Stick around for Part 2 for even more of Valerie’s expert advice.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

I’m back with coach Marsha Sewdass for Part 2 of this episode all about healthy boundaries. It’s all very well to tell you to set more boundaries, but how do you implement them?

Sometimes you have to start small, so the small thing we’re starting with is a simple two-letter word: no.

In Part 1 we talked about how to identify areas in your life that need boundaries and carve out enough self-reflection time to start thinking about how to set those boundaries. In this episode, we’re covering how to say “no” to things. This is a big deal because you were probably trained to be a people-pleaser (most of us are), but saying “no” is a really important skill to practice.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Learning to let “no” be your complete answer
How to practice and get comfortable saying “no”
Other ways to assert your boundaries clearly and professionally

If you have a hard time saying “no,” this episode is going to help you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you find yourself constantly rushing out to job sites, responding to emails late at night, and taking calls on the weekends?

In this episode, I’m joined by coach Marsha Sewdass and we’re talking all about boundaries.

If you feel like work is encroaching on every hour of your day and you don’t have the time for your personal life that you wish you had, you probably don’t have enough boundaries in place, at least not ones that you’re sticking to.

Marsha and I are here to remind you that it’s okay to establish business hours and you don’t have to answer every question or solve every problem as soon as it arises. You need to be protecting your time and well-being if you want to be able to show up as your best self at work and at home.

We’re addressing why boundaries are so important, how to decide what you want your boundaries to be, and why your boundaries might be failing.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The definition of boundaries
The importance of prioritizing self-awareness and self-care
Why we break our own boundaries

Come back for Part 2 to get into the nitty-gritty of how to set boundaries.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Just because a business looks like it’s doing well, doesn’t mean it actually is.

You might have a lot of money going through your accounts, but how much is left over at the end? If it’s not as much as you’d like, what’s going on there? Let’s get to the bottom of it.

It can be hard to pinpoint why you’re not making any profit when it feels like you’re working hard, getting clients, and finishing great jobs. The truth is there are probably a lot of things behind the scenes that are leaking money. The good news is most of them have easy fixes, so let’s talk about what they are in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The importance of good financial reporting
Why you should be using design management software
Why you need to learn to delegate and relinquish control
Using systems to simplify your business

Tune in to find out how to prevent some of the money leaks in your business and start making more profit.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What is a luxury mindset?

This is an important concept for interior designers and service providers, so I wanted to dedicate a whole episode to it.

There’s a misconception that once you start getting luxury clients, you’ll become a luxury designer, but it just doesn’t work that way. Your luxury mindset needs to come first and the clients will follow.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m taking you through the elements of a luxury mindset and how to start implementing them to build your luxury business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What a luxury mindset is
Understanding what your luxury client wants
Why high-end clients don’t make you a high-end designer
How to avoid caving on your pricing

If you’re ready to take your design business to the next level, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have big price tags ever caused trouble for you in your design business?

I have a lot of stories about designers getting in trouble with big price tags, but probably not in the way you’re thinking right now.

I’m sharing some of these stories with you in this episode to demonstrate how your money mindset can clash with your client’s money mindset and get messy. You don’t want to let your own money mindset get in the way of delivering a big price tag to your client. Saving money isn’t always the best option, and in this episode, you’ll see why.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How your values around money interfere with clients’ jobs
Why you shouldn’t be afraid to present a big price tag to your client
Understanding that your money stories aren’t the same as your clients’ money stories
The truth about becoming a high-end designer

If you want to avoid getting in trouble with big price tags, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

These are words to live by when it comes to your systems and processes.

Here at IDBA, we have a really effective process for bringing in clients and jobs. It builds trust with your clients and sets you up to get paid for more and more work. The problem is, sometimes we get in our own way. We feel the need to get creative and stray from the processes that we know work.

Systems and processes are not where you need to get creative; save that energy for your designs! In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing some examples and analogies to demonstrate what happens when you stray from a tried and true process.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What happens if you don’t follow your processes
Examples of processes that work
What the “pass the salt” moment is and why you need to master it
How design jobs are like dinner parties

If you’re someone who gets caught up in the excitement of a potential sale and strays from your processes, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you take a lead, turn it into a prospect, and then turn it into a good design job?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing my process for turning leads into prospects and prospects into paying clients.

This is one of those things that you need to have a process for in your business. Without a clear and repeatable process, a lot of leads are going to fall through the cracks when they could have turned into really great design jobs.

We’re covering everything from the first touchpoint someone has with your business to signing them on as a client. You’ll hear about elevator pitches, customer experience, pricing, and so much more.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Identifying where your leads are coming from
Why you need a good elevator pitch
How to make yourself sound professional
How to answer the question, “what do you cost?”

If you’ve been wondering how to get more leads to say yes to your offer, this is the episode for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

When you jump into a job too fast, things tend to go wrong.

I get it; it’s exciting when a new job looks like it’s going to be a good one, but you need to know everything about it before you say yes and especially before you price it.

In this episode, let’s talk about how to slow things down and avoid saying yes to a job too quickly. The advantages of a slower design process are that you get paid appropriately for your time, you know exactly what the job will require of you, and your client knows what to expect from the very beginning.

Topics covered in this episode include:

Avoiding messy jobs
When to use an exploratory agreement
How to become a trusted consultant to your client
How to structure a job upfront

Does that sound good to you? Tune in!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you make remodeling jobs profitable?

Maybe you love working on remodels, but you always find yourself losing money on them. That’s a lot more common than you might think. Is there a solution? This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast has the answers for you.

Remodels are a big business these days. There are hundreds of thousands of dollars exchanging hands every day in the remodeling industry.

Designers can be a huge part of a remodeling job, but often they are underpaid and overworked. So, what’s going wrong?

Topics covered in this episode include:

Getting paid for construction support
Why you need to stop giving the cheapest quotes possible
How to charge enough for your time

Tune in to this episode to hear my five tips to get started with remodeling jobs.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How often are you pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone?

I know it’s hard to do, and you can’t do it all the time, but the truth is if you never leave your comfort zone, you’re missing out on a lot of opportunities.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m going to try to make it a little easier for you by sharing some practical reasons and ways to get out of your comfort zone. We’re talking about how to know where your comfort zone ends, embrace the good kind of scary, and start getting different results for your design business.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to identify your comfort zone
Examples of what it looks like to be stuck
How getting out of your comfort zone can make you more money
How to know when to take a risk

If you tend to play it safe, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever had a job go sideways because a client wanted to get involved with the purchasing process?

There are ways to allow clients to make their own purchases if that’s what they really want to do, but it’s really important to know how to protect yourself in those situations because they can get messy if you’re not careful.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing my purchasing secrets with you.

I’m teaching you how to handle clients who insist on purchasing from retail stores, why you need to avoid hybrid purchasing, and what rules to follow and boundaries to set when it comes to purchasing.

Topics covered in this episode include:

When to let your client buy something from a retail store
Why I no longer use a “cost plus” model
How to avoid hybrid purchasing
Why you should never let a client do their own purchasing for a custom design

If you’re ready to put the fun back in purchasing, tune in!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Click here to register for my FREE training webinar “Own that Remodeling Job and Get Paid what You are Worth” taking place live on March 31, April 3 and April 5 at 12pm ET' and the link is https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/real-deal-webinars/

How do you handle clients who are difficult to work with?

A lot of business owners dread facing challenging clients because they don’t know how to handle them professionally while still sticking to their boundaries. It’s not fun dealing with challenging clients, but it does happen, so let’s talk about it.

In this episode, I’m covering things like when to walk away from a situation, how to end a job that’s dragging on, how to communicate additional fees, and when to say no. I’m sharing my most effective solutions so that next time you face something like this, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to excuse yourself from uncomfortable situations
How to fulfill a project when your client won’t make a decision or purchase
Standing up for yourself without creating drama

If you’re nervous about dealing with challenging clients in your design business, I’ve got you covered in this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Click here to register for my FREE training webinar “Own that Remodeling Job and Get Paid what You are Worth” taking place live on March 31, April 3 and April 5 at 12pm ET' and the link is https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/real-deal-webinars/

Do you love remodeling jobs as much as I do?

I love the imagination and creativity that goes into taking something run down and turning it into something amazing.

A lot of designers enjoy remodeling jobs but they don’t know how to make them profitable. That stems from not knowing how to handle and position yourself with the contractor, so in this episode, I’m covering the mistakes designers make when working with contractors to help you avoid them next time!

If you’re making some of these mistakes, it’s not your fault! No one ever taught you about this so how would you have known? Now you’ll be armed with the information you need and be in a better position than ever.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to avoid giving away your job to contractors
The problem with the numbers contractors throw out
What you need to know about contracting laws

If you’re ready to start making money off of the remodeling jobs that you love so much, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you have boundaries in place (in writing) to protect you in your business?

The actions of your clients can reveal that you’re missing boundaries in some very important places, so I want to make sure that doesn’t happen. In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m sharing what kinds of boundaries you need to have in place, how to communicate your boundaries effectively and professionally, and how to follow through on your boundaries to avoid being taken advantage of.

This episode is important because when it comes to boundaries, the behavior that has to change is yours. You can’t control your clients’ behavior, but you can put clearer boundaries in place and stick to them when your clients try to cross them.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to stick to your boundaries
Why clients appreciate clear rules
The right way to communicate your boundaries
How to fix your boundary issues

If you don’t have any boundaries set up right now, watch and see how much easier your life gets when you start to implement them. Tune in to get started.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Throwing out design fee numbers to potential clients without thinking about it can get you in all kinds of trouble, so why does it happen?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m teaching you how to take a $1,500 throw-out fee that’s going to get you in trouble and turn it into a $4,500 fee with a $30,000 budget (or more!). It’s not hard to do, you just need to know how to say it and how to work through it, and by the end of this episode, you will.

Topics covered in this episode include:

How to avoid situations that require you to throw out a number without having time to consider it
The importance of scheduled discovery calls
How to fight the scarcity mindset

Tune in to find out how to stop losing money by throwing out fees on the fly.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you thought about hiring a virtual assistant for your design business?

One of the best things you can do for your business is focus on your brilliance. Your brilliance is your creativity and it’s where you make the most money. How do you spend more time there and less time on paperwork and putting out fires? You hire a VA to help you.

If you’ve been thinking about hiring a VA but you’re not sure if it’s worth it or how to go about it, this episode is for you. I’m covering all the basics like what type of assistant you need, what to assign them, and how to train them.

Topics covered in this episode include:

The difference between an admin assistant and a design assistant
How to train your new assistant
Examples of what a VA can do for you

Tune in to find out how to get your time back, make more money, and do more of what you love.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you scared to make your first hire?

The fastest way to build your business is by hiring good people to help you, but hiring has its pitfalls too as I’m sure you know.

I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be scared. I know it’s a big step, but when you’re well-prepared and you know exactly what you’re looking for, you’re not going to regret hiring people to help your business thrive.

In this episode, I’m sharing three mistakes for you to avoid to make the hiring process a lot smoother for yourself. Trust me, I’ve made these mistakes and learned the hard way, but now you don’t have to!

Whether you’re worried about the cost, the quality of the work, or figuring out who to hire, this episode has something for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What if I told you there were some simple changes that you could make to instantly grow your business?

In this episode, we’re talking about some of the common mistakes that could be holding your design business back. If your business isn’t growing as fast as you’d like or your growth has plateaued, these are some things that you can take a look at to get back on track.

I’m sharing specific things that you can change to give your business a boost, so get ready to take some notes, because you’re not going to want to waste any time getting started.

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in business for a while, this episode will help you get the results you want and build the design business of your dreams.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you trying to do everything in your business by yourself?

The fastest way to build your business is to focus your time on high-paying tasks, but often you get caught up in everything else it takes to run a design business. The sooner you can hire someone to do those things, the better.

I want to talk about the thing that stops a lot of business owners from hiring sooner: delegating. If you think that you can’t hire someone because you’re not good at delegating, I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. Anyone can learn to delegate!

Let’s master the art of delegating together in this episode. I’m sharing everything you need to know to start developing this skill.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you want to know the secret to reaching your goals? It might not be what you think.

When you’re starting out in the design business world, it’s all hustle. You pick up every job that falls at your feet and you don’t have a marketing or business plan to follow. It’s all about getting your business off the ground.

Now that you have better clients, you’re making more money, and you have bigger expenses, it’s time to get strategic about how to reach your revenue goals. What do you have to do to get strategic? Look at your data.

This episode is all about how to simplify the process of reaching your goals by learning to track and review the data in your business.

If you want to reach your goals faster (and more easily) tune in!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you been curious about getting into commercial design?

In this episode, I’m sitting down with Megan Thompson from Spark Interiors to talk all about her journey to becoming a commercial designer.

She’s sharing what her path to success has looked like and some of the things that helped the most along the way. From graduating during a recession to hustling as a new designer to hiring her own team, she’s covering it all, and boy does she have some wisdom for you.

Even if commercial design isn’t your area of expertise, there’s a lot to be learned from Megan’s story, so you’re not going to want to miss this!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Designing a business is exactly like designing a room.

Do you think I’m wrong? By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

I’m taking a look at what the design process is like and how to apply it to creating your business. The great thing about this is that you already know how to design a room! That means you already know the formula to design the business you want. You’re halfway there!

From vision boards to goal-setting, I’ve got you covered in this episode.

Tune in to hear how to visualize, plan, and create the business (and life) that you’ve always wanted. The process starts right here.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

So, you’ve got a good design practice, a steady stream of ideal clients, and your jobs are consistently profitable. What’s the problem? You have absolutely no time for yourself. In fact, you spend most of your time putting out fires.

Does that sound familiar?

It’s hard to grow your business when you’re spending all your time fixing things. Do you want to know the solution to the chaos? Systems and processes.

When you have repeatable systems and processes in place, your problems will start to solve themselves. In this episode, I’m talking more about the systems strategy and teaching you how to start getting systems set up in your business so that you can reclaim some of your time.

If that sounds good to you, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to say goodbye to imposter syndrome?

In this episode, I’m joined by someone who knows that feeling well, Thea Stephens. Thea is sharing how imposter syndrome manifested for her and how she overcame it (and you can too.)

You’ll hear the story of how she got started in design and where she is now, as well as some of the lessons she learned along the way and the changes she made to her business. If you enjoy hearing other people’s stories, you’ll love this episode.

If imposter syndrome is holding you back, it’s time to say goodbye. Tune in to find out how.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you been wanting to start your own design business and wondering how to get started?

If you’ve been waiting for an episode about starting a business, you’re in the right place.

In this episode, I’m taking you through a list of everything you need to get set up to start your business. From networking and building a team to setting up software and marketing, I’ve got you covered.

If you’ve already started your business, think of this episode as a checklist for you to go through, and if you haven’t, you can use this episode as a framework to get started.

I’m so excited for you to start this journey and I can’t wait to see where it takes you!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What’s it like to be a student at the Interior Design Business Academy?

In this episode, I’m joined by my student and amazing interior designer, Sarah Conti, to talk all about her journey.

Sarah is sharing her story from discovering a passion for design at a young age to starting a business and eventually realizing that she needed help if she wanted to grow. She’s sharing the takeaways from the Interior Design Business Academy program that have allowed her the freedom to work fewer hours, take on only her ideal clients, and do what she loves most.

I’m so proud of the program and I’m equally proud of my students who are thriving in their lives and business, so I’m excited for you to hear Sarah’s story. Don’t miss it!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever completed a job only to find that there’s no money left to pay yourself with and you don’t know where it all went?

In the last few episodes of the podcast, we’ve been talking about how to recognize jobs that are too small to be profitable and either make them profitable or say no to them. On the other end of the scale, there are also jobs that are so big that they end up not being profitable either.

These jobs can take years to finish and have beautiful results, but by the time you’ve paid everyone involved, there’s nothing left for you. In this episode, I’m showing you where you might be losing money and teaching you how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

If you’re not bringing in as much profit from big jobs as you should be, why not? Let’s take a look at it together.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you trying to move your business upmarket?

Perhaps you’ve realized that you’re not getting paid what you’re worth or you want to get some of your time back. Whatever your reason is, it’s not too late to start moving upmarket!

In this episode about moving upmarket, we’re talking about some technical and physical things you can do to shift your interior design business toward higher budgets, higher-paying clients, and better jobs. I’m covering how to charge more, why you need a sales system, how to say no, and so much more!

If you want to hear about the mindset work that goes into this process, go back and catch Part 1!

If you’re ready to take your business upmarket, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you move your interior design business upmarket?

In this episode, I’m sharing everything I know about moving upmarket and what it takes to shift your mindset as you become a high-end designer.

As interior designers, we usually start our businesses by hustling. We take every single job that falls at our feet. That hustle is an effective way to start a business, but it’s not an effective way to move upmarket. If you keep taking every job that comes your way and working longer and harder hours, you’re not going to have the time and energy to focus on up-leveling your business.

If you feel like you have to keep working more and more in order to succeed, I’m here to tell you that that’s not true. Let’s unpack it in this episode and find out how to take your business upmarket.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How well do you know your numbers?

In this episode, I’m talking about little money habits that create big results, and it all starts with getting familiar with your numbers.

I’m sharing some little changes you can make to the way you handle your money as an interior designer that will make a big difference to your finances. From bookkeeping tips to attracting more money, if you struggle with finances, I’ve got you covered.

I want to help you shift your energy around money so that you can use your time and money to benefit others without being taken advantage of or giving your knowledge away for free.

If you avoid looking at your finances because you think you’re not a numbers person, don’t skip this episode!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you say “yes” to that you shouldn’t?

In this episode, we’re talking about people-pleasing.

People-pleasing is an important part of being an interior designer, but it has a time and a place. People-pleasing often leads to giving away your time when really you don’t have time to be giving away! The problem is that many of us have a hard time saying no.

I’m listing some of the areas where you are likely giving away your time to be a people pleaser and sharing some strategies to help you break the habit of saying yes to everything.

This episode will help you stop saying yes to things that don’t serve you.

If you’re a chronic people pleaser, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How much of your time gets gobbled up by distractions?

Time is your greatest currency and it can’t be replaced. Once it's gone, it’s gone.

Often, I hear designers say, “If I just had one more day in the week, I could get it all done,” but the truth is if you did have one more day, you would just fill that one up too. A more practical solution is learning how to notice what is filling up your time and what happens when you get distracted.

In this episode, I’m helping you identify what is taking up your time and sharing some practical solutions to stop those things from cutting into your day.

Tune in to learn some of the most common things that take up time for interior designers and how to beat them!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What are the dos and don’ts of a first appointment?

As you know, a first appointment is a rich opportunity to gain a potential client’s trust and business. How do you make sure that happens? That’s what I want to share with you in this episode.

I’m talking about what to charge, what to include, how long it should be, and lots of other first appointment dos and don’ts. If you’ve ever had a question about how to handle a first appointment, this episode has an answer for you.

No more giving away your time and value for free or spending hours on a potential client only to never hear from them again. Your first appointment should be setting you up for success and now it will!

Tune in to find out whether you’re doing any of these first appointment dos and don’ts!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready for another episode all about budget mistakes?

This topic is important enough that I thought it deserved a second episode.

In this episode, I’m sharing more budget mistakes that you should look out for and avoid in your business. If you didn’t catch episode 10, you can go back to that episode any time to hear Part 1 of this discussion about budget mistakes.

In this episode, I’m covering sales tax, how much product to order, timelines, focusing on the experience, and so much more. I want to bring your attention to some of the mistakes that often go under the radar and that you might not have considered before.

If you want to find out what budget mistakes I think you should avoid, tune in.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Let’s talk about budget mistakes.

There are some mistakes that you just can’t afford to make. No matter how much you might want to help people out, you can’t run a successful business if you’re losing money on jobs. Trying to do jobs for less at your own expense just doesn’t work.

If you’re honest with your clients from the very beginning about what things cost and what you can do within their budgets, everyone will be happier in the end!

I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) about setting realistic budgets that work for your clients and still allow you to turn a profit.

If you have a hard time charging your worth and sticking to a budget, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever felt like a client was taking advantage of you and your time?

If you feel like that a lot, it might be time to take a look at your boundaries.

Many of us have never been taught to have boundaries or we’ve never had permission to have boundaries, so it’s not surprising that we just don’t have them. In this episode, I want to help you identify some areas of your business where you need to establish clear boundaries and teach you how to communicate those boundaries to your clients.

A lack of boundaries in your business leads to being taken advantage of and having feelings of resentment towards your clients and your job, which is why this is so important for us to talk about.

You might feel like clients will be upset with you if you try to establish new boundaries, but I promise that’s not true. Clear boundaries actually improve the client experience! It’s a win-win.

Tune in to find out how to establish clear and effective boundaries in your business.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you feel when you think about money?

Is your relationship with money comfortable, reliable, and consistent, or do you avoid thinking about it because it’s the opposite?

This episode is about making small shifts to the way you think that will make a huge difference to the way money shows up in your life, and that starts with thinking about how you feel about money.

I’m sharing 4 little money magnets to adopt into your thinking to start attracting more money into your life. By shifting your money mindset from one of scarcity to one of abundance, you are setting yourself up for success, both short and long-term.

Your money mindset won't change overnight - it takes practice, but if you’re looking for a place to start (or just need a refresher), this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Register for my FREE three-part webinar training here!

Are you comfortable with your design fee?

I talk to designers every day, often for the first time, and in that first conversation there’s always some kind of apology for a design fee or hourly charge.

People often start with “I know you’re going to tell me my rate is too low and I need to raise it, but…”

I’m not going to tell you to change your fee because you need to be comfortable with it, not me, but if you’re thinking like this it suggests to me that maybe you’re not comfortable with your fee right now.

Let’s talk about getting comfortable and being unapologetic about your design fee.

There’s a lot of confusion around what to charge, and the truth is it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. You have to charge what feels right to you, but it’s important you know that you are worthy of high design fees.

Find out how to stop apologizing for your design fee in this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Register for my FREE three-part webinar training here!

Are you still charging hourly for your design work?

I want to help you see that you are missing out by not charging for your value. The value you bring to a design job is not based on the number of hours you work, it’s based on the benefits that you bring to your clients, and they will pay more than you think for those benefits.

In this episode, I’m going through some of the many ways that you bring value to your clients as a designer to help you see your immeasurable worth and make sure you’re being paid accordingly.

It’s time to start owning your value (and getting paid for it!)

If you struggle to see your true value, don’t miss this episode.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Register for my FREE three-part webinar training here!

Have you ever felt like your client’s personal shopper instead of their designer? Or that you weren’t being paid enough for the amount of work you ended up doing for them?

Making clear offers for design services is a challenge most designers face.

Often we start by charging for a couple of hours of work, but the problem with that is that there’s no clear deliverable. The client doesn’t know what they’re going to get and you don’t know what you need to do.

You want an offer that is well-defined so that you know exactly what will be expected of you, how long it will take, and how much you will be paid. On the flip side, your client knows how their problem is going to be solved and they’ll be happy to say yes to your offer. I’m teaching you how to create that offer in this episode.

One of the most important things to remember is that when you get to the core of your client’s problem, that’s where your offer is. Don’t start adding in every little thing they mention; there will be opportunities to create new offers for those projects later.

If you want to create an offer that clients can’t say no to, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you turn prospective clients into paying clients?

Let’s talk about the magic question you should always ask a prospective client on an initial discovery call. This question will tell you everything you need to know about whether they will become a paying client or not.

In this episode you’ll learn how to structure your discovery call, what to charge for it, what to include, and so much more. You’ll be bringing in new paying clients in no time.

I know it can be disheartening when you hop on a call and the first question your prospective client asks is “what’s your hourly rate?” but don’t be discouraged! I’m also teaching you how to redirect the conversation to get them talking about their project and learning about you before you start talking money.

Tune in to find out what the magic question is and why it’s so effective.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

When was the last time you checked in with yourself and your mindset surrounding your business?

I realized many years ago that it didn’t matter how many templates, checklists, or scripts I provided designers, nothing was going to work unless their mindset shifted first. When I started developing my business to help designers with mindset work, I knew I would need some help. That’s when I met Valerie Priester.

Valerie and I have now been working together for six years to create an environment in the Interior Design Business Academy where designers can shift and grow into new versions of themselves.

I’m so excited to have Valerie joining us for this episode of the podcast to talk about mindset shifts and the power of abundant thinking.

When you start expanding the idea of what’s possible for you, everything changes.

If you could use some help moving from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, this is for you.

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Today we’ll be talking about the differences between working on an hourly basis vs. working on a fee basis as a designer, and why I switched to working on a fee basis in my own business.

Not only is selling your services as more of a “package” deal beneficial to your clients, but it’s beneficial to your business. By presenting your work as a fee-based service, your billing processes, project completion, and client commitment rates will improve. In this episode, I’ll be talking you through the reasons why!

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

Why billing hourly won’t get you the compensation you deserve
The benefits of presenting your services as a package deal
How a fee-based business makes billing more efficient
What a design fee means for budget, rate, and hours
The cons of billing hourly
How to talk about budget

Do you work on a fee basis or an hourly basis? Is your current billing method working for you and for your business? Are you interested in giving fee-based services a chance?

If I’ve helped you to answer any of these questions, I would be grateful to receive a rating or review here!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you recently taken a look at your hours and your income and realized… “Hmm. That’s not quite adding up?”

I’d like to talk to you about productivity, efficiency, and making the most of your time as a business owner. As counterintuitive as it may seem, making more money doesn’t always depend on an increase in your rates. Sometimes, the correlation between the two is barely even there!

So what really makes the difference? What are the steps to achieving that bigger payday you’re striving for?

We’ll be getting into how to better organize your finances, how to adjust your billing practices to attract clients vs. discourage them with daunting numbers, and how to really set yourself and your business up for success.

There are many ways to improve your efficiency as a business owner in the design world. Not all of them are easy, but they are worth the time and effort in the long run - TRUST me!

If you’d like to talk more about your interior design business, book a clarity call with me!

I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to?

Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.

Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.

Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.