In this episode of the 'Designer Within' podcast, John McClain interviews Sara Lynn Brennan, a successful interior designer who transitioned from being a middle and high school science teacher to running her own multi-million dollar design business.
Sara shares her early business mistakes and emphasizes the importance of establishing structured processes and having hard conversations with clients. She discusses her journey from DIY projects to handling large-scale renovations, the evolution of identifying luxury clients, and the significance of clear, value-driven client communication.
Sara also highlights the pivotal role of social media in maintaining visibility and attracting clients. The episode includes a deep dive into Sara's business approach, client management strategies, and her perspective on authenticity and transparency in the design industry.
00:00 Welcome to The Designer Within Podcast
02:18 Reflecting on 2024 and Planning for 2025
04:01 Introducing Sara Lynn Brennan
05:09 Sarah's Journey from Teacher to Designer
07:59 The Importance of Processes in Business
16:19 Finding the Right Clients
27:32 Attracting the Right Clients
28:34 Sharing Your Story and Processes
29:16 Navigating Social Media During COVID
30:25 The Power of Authenticity
38:01 Defining Luxury Clients
41:47 Understanding Client Needs
46:26 Balancing Boldness and Sensitivity
51:17 Conclusion and Te
5 Things I'd Do Differently If I Started My Design Business Today
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