Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design

Send Katie a Text Message!! In this solo episode, we're honing in on what it takes to build a business legacy. That may sound like nailing jello to a wall, but there are specific, actionable steps you can take to make this happen! This isn’t just about scaling your firm or making a name for yourself. This is about creating something that lasts well beyond your time in the industry. It’s about...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Unless you’re a drafter, most of us in the interior design world loathe technology. But it’s a necessary part of the job when it comes to running a business. So… how can tech support the design process and in scaling a business? My tech go-to, Danny Marsh, joins us for this episode! Danny shares technology challenges unique to interior designers, emerging tech trends, h...

Send Katie a Text Message!! The mental gymnastics it takes to start a business is just… different from the mindset shifts it takes to scale a business to 6-figures and beyond. (Mindset plays a huge role in both personal and professional growth!) I’m thrilled to have Laura Thornton back on the podcast for this conversation. We’re discussing the mindset shifts that are imperative when looking to sca...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Whether or not you’ve heard of thought habits, you’re most certainly familiar with the impact your self-talk has on your habits. But you may be surprised to hear just how impactful those thoughts of yours are on your business growth—or—lack thereof. Habit Finder Coach, Amy Kemp, is here to discuss this topic! Amy shares examples to bring these enlightening concepts to l...

Send Katie a Text Message!! As an interior designer, there are a few business decisions that will critically impact your growth. Scaling your business to your lifestyle is an artform. It takes dedication, discipline, and determination. And Jeanne Collins knows this journey all too well! She joins us today to share how to know when it’s time to hire a coach or contractor, key marketing strategies t...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Welcome to one of our most anticipated conversations—the 2025 Color of the Year! Join color marketing experts from PPG, Sherwin-Williams, and Benjamin Moore as they reveal their picks, what inspired the selections, what they’re noticing with design trends in general, and what’s coming down the pike in the next couple of years as America starts to take the lead. (Yep, I...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Leaders in the interior design industry join me to discuss trends and predictions about the future— specifically 2025! You’ll hear from LuAnn Nigara, Rick Campos, and Dr. Jennifer Chukwujekwe. They’re sharing what 2024 was like for their businesses, what they’re evaluating as we wrap up the year, how they’re strategically approaching 2025, and how AI factors into all of...

Send Katie a Text Message!! ‘Tis the season for the Fall High Point Market of 2024! We know you’re here for the tips, tricks, trends, and everything we learn at market every time we go. And this time is no different— except we’re switching things up a bit! Di normally goes to market and gives us a recap on what’s trending in lighting, furniture, and textures. This time? Katie’s in the guest chair,...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Creative burnout hits even the best of us. And Jennifer Bertrand (that’s right, of HGTV’s ‘Design Star’) is here to share her story with us from not-the-right-fit clients to sources of inspiration to how she’s been able to sustain her current level of creativity—Jennifer’s baring it all! Tune in, and don’t miss today’s Coaching Corner. Grab all the links and resources m...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Finances, in general, are a scary thing. Finances in your business, well, they can be even scarier. So how do you get over that? And what are the key skills and habits that business owners need in order to break through and reach that magical 7-figure number? Whether you run a 6-figure interior design firm and are wanting to get those magical 7-figures or are just think...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Even if you are a company of 1, it’s critical to think about the company culture you want to build! Which includes way more than just values and beliefs you post to your About page. But maybe you have questions like… how do you design a company culture? And how do you actually put it into action? Welcome Josh Dykstra back to the podcast! He’s diving into all things comp...

Send Katie a Text Message!! For art to not remain an afterthought with interior and commercial designs, we must incorporate art into the conversation early. As designers, we have a unique ability to propel up-and-coming artists forward while also inspiring more clients to bring incredible pieces of art into their spaces. But art isn’t just an important cornerstone to design, it also greatly impact...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Whether your design firm is new or not, it’s high time you learn how to make money and run a profitable business! No more free consultations. No more asking for permission to raise your rates. And certainly no more burying your head in the sand and not looking at your numbers. Award-winning designer and fellow podcaster, Laura Thornton joins me for this conversation! Sh...

Send Katie a Text Message!! It’s Las Vegas Summer Market recap time! Our favorite visual merchandiser, Diana Rushton, is here to tell all. From textures and color palettes to furniture and lighting—we’re talking all about what’s trending. Is gray gone for good? How about Farmhouse style? And when it comes to choosing which market you go to for your design firm, how do you make the best decision? A...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Your design business will grow faster, go further, and be more successful when you embrace 2 things: collaborations and technology. You may not want to admit it, but AI is here to stay! It can even have a positive impact on your firm—if you let it. And that’s just one collaboration you can engage in! There’s also the opportunity to join professional organizations which...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Digital marketing strategies like SEO and social media are critical to the success of an interior design firm. But which platform should you be on, what metrics should you monitor, and how can you stand out in a crowded industry? As you’ll hear in today’s roundtable discussion with Aaron and Kari, people are longing for connection and your digital footprint allows you t...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Systems and processes are likely not the first things that come to mind when you think of scaling your design business growth. It’s much more appealing to dream of luxurious Tuesday mornings spent sipping coffee and being creative. But—those “boring” systems and processes are the real movers and shakers that get you more time, more money, more happiness, and the busines...

Send Katie a Text Message!! We’re here to tell you the next big interior design trend to look for in 2024! Our very own Diana Rushton recently visited the High Point Market and is here to tell all. From how to merge sustainability and trends to updating a space designed with a previous decor trend to all that’s new in color, lighting, and textures—Di’s got you covered! Make sure you stick around f...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Networking as an interior designer can be intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. Not if you’re armed with the perfect questions to ask, a plan of action, and all the rest of the advice LuAnn Nigara shares with us in this insightful and inspiring conversation! Hear from one of the most connected women in the industry just how to navigate in-person and virtual networking...

Send Katie a Text Message!! One of the most critical aspects of business is the sale—and your body language could be killing your close rate. An interior designer’s nonverbal communication to clients must exude calm and confidence from the very beginning. But how exactly can you do that? Nancy Ganzekaufer is a body language trainer who specializes in marketing and sales strategies specifically for...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Your brand identity captures everything about your design firm. From the fonts and color palette you use to the intangible pieces like brand voice—it all works together to draw in your ideal clients. But where do you begin creating a brand identity? Do you need to hire a professional brand strategist? And how can you tell it’s time for a rebrand? Get your Notes app out...

Send Katie a Text Message!! A business series wouldn’t be complete without talking about pricing for interior designers. Pricing and project estimation can be such a touchy and intimidating topic, but it doesn’t need to be! How can designers turn what they love into a profitable business quickly? How do you make the jump from hourly to value-based (or flat-fee) pricing? Michelle Lynne Pant is here...

Send Katie a Text Message!! The target persona in your marketing is maybe the most critical piece of your business foundations. It’s just like the old adage says, if you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. But how are you supposed to determine your target market when you’re just starting your design business? How do you discover their wants and needs? And how does a SWOT analysis c...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Insurance should grow alongside your business—it’s not a set it and forget it situation! So let’s talk about the insurance needs of interior designers. What insurance must you have as soon as you open your design firm? How do your insurance needs change as your firm grows? And what rates can you expect to pay? Stephen Wisocky (the exclusive Insurance Partner of the Inte...

Send Katie a Text Message!! How are you supposed to know which CPA to hire? Or when to hire them? Can you ask them questions before becoming a client? What qualifies as a business expense? Which expenses do business owners commonly miss? And do you really want your CPA to ask you potentially awkward questions? Don’t you already have enough on your plate with starting a design business?  The answer...