Designing Success

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Trying out something new this week, I uploaded nine FAQ's to my phone, shuffled them and then read them out blind and answered them on the spot (picture in the style of celebrities reading out mean tweets, but a lot less mean girl vibes.)  Check out the client database here https://www.oleanderandfinch.com/trade-supplier-list/#project join the fr...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Johanna, the powerhouse behind Pink Nade, joins me to drop wisdom bombs on lifelong learning, boss-level multitasking with FIVE kids, and reviving that creative spark. She's the ultimate business bestie, serving up joy and actionable tips. Get ready to feel seen, inspired, and armed with a whole new approach to success. You can connect with Joh v...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I've gone back to the coaching archives and decided to share (with permission) snippets from an anonymous frameworker's 90 minute zoom session.  This wasn't all we discussed in her mentor session, however it felt like a hugely beneficial part that could really help others feeling pressure to post and who just need a striped ba...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In today's episode, I sit down with Gemma, the mastermind behind Studio Gemma. We delve into her 15-year journey from London's top design studios to launching her solo venture in Sydney. This is a must-listen for tips on work-life balance, navigating client expectations, and mastering social media marketing. Plus, get the inside scoop on Gem...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Real talk time, I’m exploring all the parts no-one tells you about before you go out on a limb and start a business! Let’s get into the unexpected challenges of entrepreneurship, from the social media grind to feeling like a lone wolf.  Marketing & social media hustle Keeping up with TikTok & AI Being your own IT & HR, customer service, ad...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Join me as I get the scoop on what it's like for the students of the Interior Design Institute. I'm chatting with Jasmine Abel and Vicki Mullins and we are discussing life and concerns from a design students perspective as well as a little about what you can expect in the course and I get their take on industry trends and more. If you are lo...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I’ve gone agony aunt style and unpacked some of the questions I get asked the most. These questions usually always start with ‘this is probably a stupid question but…” and yet they are not silly questions - especially while you’re working with hypothetical clients and trying to nut out what documents you need and what you offer etc.  Let’s u...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. This week I am having a chat to a friend and you're invited! Vienna dishes out on her experiences living and working in Norway. Imagine having killer design instincts but facing language barriers that turn job interviews into sitcom episodes. Thankfully,  Vienna took it in stride, pivoting to e-design and turned her hand to working internationall...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. You know that nerve-wracking feeling when you're about to hit a major life milestone, like having a baby, and you're scared it might sink your interior design business? If having a baby i on your futur on on your radar but you’re panicked about what it end l your solo biz, Ont panic! I’ve  been there. So in this episode, I’m  getting real ab...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. I’m going backstage and getting a raw and authentic real-world look at   property styling with Hannah and Alex from The Uncommon Room.  Get the inside scoop as we talk about everything from their dynamic business partnership to the hard truths of the staging and interior industry. Ever wondered what the first year in business really feels like? They&a...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In today's episode of "Designing Success,"  let’s unpack Instagram metrics for interior designers and solo entrepreneurs.  Are your Instagram posts and stories really reaching your target audience? We're diving deep into the world of Instagram analytics, exploring essential measurements  like engagement rate, reach, and impressions...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Today I sat down with Penny Miller, an expert in designing inclusive spaces. We explored the nuances of creating interiors that work for everyone, especially those with neurodivergence, disabilities, and other sensitivities. Wondering how to balance design aesthetics with functional needs, or whether you’re asking all the right questions or considerin...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Have you ever dreamt about a do-over with your business? Well indulge me here because for today that's exactly what I'm doing, with five years insights and the blessing of hindsight (not to mention the advancement of tools and technology already!) I am going back to the basics and telling you exactly where I would invest my money from the be...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Today's episode is a lifeline for anyone trying to balance work and home life during the school holidays. Let’s get into six practical ways to keep your content rolling even when the house is, well, a madhouse. I’m covering everything from Educational Carousels on Canva to making the most out of B-Roll footage on your phone. Whether you're s...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep.  Get a front row seat as we get into exactly what it’s been like for my husband and his observations of my journey with Oleander & Finch. It’s an intimate podcast episode and we spill the tea on probably more than I would have expected. From mum guilt, financial pressure, comparisonitis, pricing, boundaries, burnout and everything in between. We e...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In this podcast episode, I’m reflecting on some of the challenges O&F has faced with pricing  over the past five years.   Breaking down the ways of recognising when it's time to raise your prices and offering tips on how to do it effectively. The signs that indicate it's time to increase your pricing include: When clients readily approve...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In this episode of 'Designing Success,' I sit down with Brandon Willington, founder of Where u? A Western Australian based digital marketing agency. Brendan spills about his own entrepreneurial journey and shares heaps of helpful insights  Brandon first grabbed my attention online through his guerrilla style Facebook ads that are designed to...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. In this episode we're exploring the importance of seeking expertise in specialty areas like window treatments and flooring. I want you to know that asking the experts is not a sign of lacking knowledge but a commitment to delivering the best for your clients.  Here are some key takeaways: First, it's crucial to understand your client's...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Get a rare look behind the scenes of Style Sourcebook as I pin down Sammy Major, their commercial director and get her to spill the tea on all the amazing new features in the works, I won’t include any spoilers as she shares a lot of things you’re going to want to hear for yourself, but I will say I’m totally here for the one that rhymes with ‘Sminter...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. I've realised that it's essential to detach my self-worth from business outcomes and embrace the adventure of experimentation. So, I if a task annoys me or I’m putting it off - I challenge myself to view tasks as an employee would—objectively. I imagine discussing strategies in a team meeting, refining decisions for success.  When I evaluate...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Meet Jefsie from Wholesome by Design : https://instagram.com/wholesomebydesign_ https://www.wholesomebydesign.com/ A spark of creativity who found her groove, faced her fears, and stepped into her power. Meet Alana : https://instagram.com/studioterra_alana https://msha.ke/studioterra A hairdresser-turned-designer with 13 years of business experience....

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Let’s dive into the world of transferable skills, exploring how you can identify, leverage, and utilise them to carve out a unique niche in the interior design industry. Who knows how many hidden transferable skills you’re sitting on right now from your past work life? Reflect on those skills and learn how they can fast track your business, such as ma...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Join me for an incredible conversation with Alessandra Smith, the creative mind behind Alessandra Smith Designs. Leaving behind a career in pharmaceuticals, Alessandra took a risk that many would shy away from, embarking on a whole new path in interior design. In this episode, we dive deep into Alessandra's courageous leap from the safety of the...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Dive into the world of AI without feeling overwhelmed.  In this episode, I’m sharing a special masterclass from inside the framework, delivered back in April - It's still as relevant as ever! Come behind the curtain and get a sneak peek into our weekly mentor sessions. We'll be exploring the use of ChatGPT, and how you can teach it more abou...

Text me and tell me what you think of this ep. Tune in to a laid-back yet insightful conversation with Rhiannon, an Australian interior designer, and Rebecca, her American counterpart. Both podcast hosts, designers, mentors, and mothers, reminisce about their startup days, bringing a relatable touch to the discussion. In this #designingsuccess episode, @studioplumb and I chat about industry gateke...