In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura Thornton sits down with financial therapist Aseel El-Baba to dive deep into the hidden challenges creatives and designers face around money, self-worth, and pricing. Aseel shares her inspiring personal journey from growing up in Lebanon and immigrating to Canada, to becoming a Bay Street financial advisor, and ultimately shifting to a holistic practice as a financial therapist. Through her story and expertise, Aseel reveals why so many designers—especially women—struggle to charge what their work is truly worth, and how money taboos and deep-seated beliefs from childhood and culture continue to impact our businesses today.
Together, Laura and Aseel explore practical tools and mindset shifts to help designers build confidence with money, reframe their relationship with wealth, and weather the inevitable feast-or-famine cycles of the industry. The conversation covers the power of somatic practices, emotional literacy, and the importance of making financial decisions from a grounded, empowered place rather than fear. Listeners will leave with actionable advice and the inspiration to redefine wealth and value in both their business and personal lives.
Holistic Optimal Wealth: https://www.holisticoptimalwealth.com/
In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.
This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.
Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.
Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.
The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design I @thorntondesign
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