144: Bootstrapping Your Interior Design Business: My Start Up Story

In this powerful solo episode, Melissa shares the raw and real story of how she launched her interior design business with no funding, a mountain of debt, and sheer determination. You’ll hear her journey from a corporate hospitality career to her first design roles, and ultimately to bootstrapping her own design firm against all odds. This is not just a nostalgic look back—it's a blueprint for how you can start from zero and build a thriving business in the design world today.

Melissa walks you through the pivotal moments, gritty lessons, and the massive mindset shifts that made all the difference. From working side gigs and teaching evening classes to identifying ideal clients and finally breaking free from overwork, this episode is packed with inspiration and tactical takeaways for anyone starting or scaling an interior design business. If you're in the messy middle or just getting started, Melissa’s journey proves that you absolutely can create a successful, fulfilling business on your terms.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:29) How Melissa’s early career in hospitality became the perfect foundation for sourcing and procurement in design
• (05:14) Why she walked away from corporate success to pursue interior design full time
• (09:58) The financial hole she had to climb out of—and the personal struggle behind it
• (12:57) How teaching evening classes helped her land her first design clients
• (19:27) The game-changing client avatar discovery that doubled her revenue and halved her workload
• (24:51) The mindset that fueled her success—and why failure was never an option

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.