Interior Design Business

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...

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 ...

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 creepin...

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 protec...

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 compar...

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 so...

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. ...

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, ener...

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 unp...

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 answere...

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 int...

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 aro...

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 cree...

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 ins...

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 proje...

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 w...

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.

...

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 tr...

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, you...