Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

In this first Ask Rebecca Q&A episode, I'm answering your burning questions about running a design business—from staying organized on-site to handling awkward client scenarios. Tune in to hear: My best tips for interior design project management (hello, site binders!) What to say when clients want to skip implementation or use someone else's discount Real talk on setting boundaries and protecting...

Good design speaks for itself, but what if you're just starting out and don't have a single client project to show? In this episode, I'm sharing how I started my interior design business from scratch, built my first portfolio using my own home, and booked clients before I had any professional photos. I'll teach you how to showcase your eye, style, and problem-solving skills so clients see you as a...

Feeling exhausted by emotional clients and endless design revisions? It might be time to rethink your interior design career path. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with a designer who made a big pivot, from residential design to building medical and dental offices across the country. Leslie Abner of LA Studio shares what led to her burnout, how commercial design helped her rediscover her love fo...

Why You Need an Out-of-Office Email (And How to Write One) Worried clients will think you've disappeared if you take time off? You're not alone. Many interior designers avoid setting an out-of-office message because they fear it sends the wrong signal. But here's the truth: OOO replies can actually strengthen your client relationships and position you as a pro. In this episode, Rebecca shares: Why...

In this episode, luxury interior designer Erica Gelman returns to share how she evolved her contract from simple terms to a robust, 15-page agreement that protects her time, energy, and profitability. We dive into the real lessons learned through years of client experience, including what it was like to design a $7.3 million Princess Margaret Show Home, how she learned to charge for her value, and...

If you're still charging based on what you think your clients can afford… or afraid to raise your rates in case they push back… this episode is for you. I'm sharing one of my worst pricing mistakes from the early years, a commercial project that cost me hundreds of hours, drained my confidence, and taught me the hard way how damaging it is to undercharge. It's a story with no happy ending, but ple...

If you're in your first year of running an interior design business, this episode is for you. Anna Baldi is the founder of Contrast Interior Design and a recent graduate of Power of Process. After spending two decades working in commercial and set design, Anna finally listened to the entrepreneurial itch she had ignored for 20 years. She quit her job without a backup plan and started her design bu...

Why Trade Day Is the Secret to a Smooth Design Project!! In this episode, Rebecca shares the cringe-worthy story of a chaotic trade day early in her career—and how it nearly cost her a client (and a contractor). That one experience transformed how she approaches the interior design trade day and inspired her to create the system she now teaches inside Power of Process. You'll learn what a trade da...

What if two months could totally transform your interior design business? In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa McDonald of MelMac Designs, an interior designer with 15+ years of experience who recently realized her business wasn't as profitable—or fulfilling—as it could be. She took a leap of faith, joined Power of Process , and the results were nothing short of amazing. In just two months, she...

What if you could triple your rates and confidently land your biggest design project yet — in just a few weeks? In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Paige Leackfeldt of LANG Design Interiors to unpack her incredible transformation. After 15 years in the industry, Paige launched her own design business — but within the first year, she hit the familiar overwhelm of saying yes to everything, under...

Ever lost money (or sleep) over a wrong order, delayed shipment, or missing item? You're not alone — and in this episode, Rebecca Hay shares the honest, behind-the-scenes mistakes she made in her own interior design business so you can skip the pain and get straight to solutions. Rebecca opens up about the $10,000 sofa mistake that shaped her approach to systems, the software (and simple tools) th...

What makes a client say YES to you over someone else? In this episode, I sit down with two of my real-life clients, Kelly & Glen Patchet, founders of Quarterback Digital, to pull back the curtain on what clients really want. We talk about: Why they chose to work with me (spoiler: my process!) What it was actually like to go through my design journey How marketing and confidence go hand in hand for...

We all have that one client project we should've walked away from. This is the story of mine—and the powerful (and expensive) lesson it taught me. In this episode, I open up about one of the most challenging experiences in my interior design business: taking on a project that looked ideal on the surface but was packed with red flags I chose to ignore. From clashing personalities and unrealistic ex...

Starting an interior design business is about more than just loving design—it's about building a life you love, too. In this episode, Rebecca shares the five foundational steps every designer needs to set up a profitable, scalable business that supports their dream lifestyle. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck, these essentials—like a clear business model, a signature process, stron...

Wondering why you keep attracting the wrong clients—or no clients at all? In this episode, Rebecca Hay reveals why vague messaging is hurting your business and how niching down as an interior designer is the key to success. You'll hear a simple 4-step process to clarify your message, attract dream clients, and finally feel aligned in your marketing. Plus, Rebecca shares practical examples you can...

Sometimes the path to success isn't straight—and that's exactly where the magic happens. In this episode, Rebecca Hay sits down with Rebekah Higgs, the creative force behind DIY Mom, to share how she turned her passion for DIY into a thriving, multi-income design business. Rebekah opens up about her journey from musician to single mom to TV host and entrepreneur, revealing the systems, mindset shi...

Is your pricing keeping you stuck in a loop of burnout, resentment, and budget clients? In this solo episode, Rebecca reveals why most interior designers fear raising their rates — and how that fear is rooted in impostor syndrome, lack of industry standards, and the false idea that clients won't pay more. She breaks down the real cost of underpricing (spoiler: it's not just about money), and share...

Designers — ever wonder how real estate agents could help grow your business? 🏡 In this episode, I chat with Wendy Smith, a Toronto-based realtor and founder of Matter Homes, about real estate strategies every interior designer should know. We talk about what buyers really want in today's market, how move-in-ready design impacts resale value, and why partnering with real estate professionals can...

Before this episode, I didn't believe you could take professional-quality design photos with a smartphone. Now? I'm rethinking everything… Linda Holt is a former pro photographer turned educator who teaches designers how to shoot amazing photos with just their phones . In this episode, she explains why smartphones are more powerful than you think—and why owning your own photos might just save you...

Time is your most valuable asset. In this episode, Rebecca shares 5 simple, impactful automations every designer should implement to save time and reduce overwhelm. From client intake to content planning and communication, these tips are designed to help you streamline your systems—without relying entirely on tech. Whether you're managing a growing design firm or flying solo, these are the process...

Thinking about hiring but feeling overwhelmed by where to start? In this episode, I sit down with Katie Decker-Erickson, founder of the multi-million dollar remote design firm Color Works and host of  Success by Design . We dive into how to know when it's time to hire, the difference between contractors and employees, and how to create a strong company culture—even with a fully remote team. Katie...

If you missed my last Standout Designer Bootcamp—or even if you didn't—don't skip this episode! One of the most powerful tools I shared in my recent bootcamp is the Investment Guide—a game-changer for interior designers looking to secure the right clients. In this episode, I break down exactly what an Investment Guide is, how to use it effectively, and why it's key to pre-qualifying your clients a...

Every client wants to know what their project will cost ASAP, and guessing and throwing out a number will only do you and your client a disservice. This episode is going to help you dial in on your expertise and experience to remove the guesswork and the regret for project estimates.  I dive into how you can find out what it costs to decorate or renovate a space without relying on simple guessing...

Is it ever too late to start over? Our guest, Natalie Froom, proves that the answer is a resounding NO! This episode is all about why it's NEVER too late to follow your passion in interior design. Natalie, founder of Studio 180 Design, took a bold leap in her 40s to launch her interior design firm, leaving behind a career in psychology and nutrition. In this episode, she shares how she went from h...

This episode explores the journey of launching a new interior design business after stepping away from an existing and thriving design-build. Keely Gow, co-founder of the newly launched JK Studio in Muskoka, Ontario, shares her infectious passion as she talks about the decision behind her new business launch, why she chose to work with a partner, and what led her to shift her focus exclusively to...