The Design Dialogues Podcast

After 133 episodes, 85 interviews, 54 solo shows, and two live events… I’m pressing pause on the Design Dialogues podcast. This isn’t goodbye forever, but it does feel like the right moment to stop, breathe, and reflect on what’s next.When I started this podcast back in July 2023, I honestly didn’t know if anyone would listen. But week after week, you showed up. You tuned in on commutes, while walking the dog, late at night after wrapping up drawings. And together, we built something I’ll always be proud of — a space for real, honest conversations about the business of design.This episode is part reflection, part thank you, and part love letter to this community.Beth xxEpisode Highlights. Looking back at the journey: from Episode 1 to Episode 133. What I’ve learned from the incredible designers and experts I’ve spoken to. Why pressing pause feels both scary and necessary. The changing landscape of the design industry — and what it means for us. A heartfelt thank you to you — the listeners who made this podcast what it isKey Takeaways. Pausing isn’t failing — it’s making space for clarity, creativity, and renewal.. Our businesses are meant to evolve as we do. It’s okay if what excited you two years ago isn’t what lights you up today.. The design industry may be noisy, but true transformation happens when we invest in ourselves and our businesses.. Gratitude isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s what sustains us through the highs and lows.Practical InsightSometimes the bravest business move you can make is to stop and listen — to yourself, to your clients, to what you need most. A pause creates space for the next chapter to emerge, even if you don’t yet know what it looks like.This Episode is Perfect For:. Designers standing at a crossroads, wondering what comes next. Anyone who needs permission to take a step back before moving forward. Listeners who want to celebrate the journey of Design Dialogues. Business owners ready to embrace change with courage and heart Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode of Design Dialogues, I’m sharing why your second, third, or even fourth career is not a setback — it’s actually your biggest strength as a designer.I know it’s easy to feel like you’re behind if you didn’t study interiors straight out of school. But the truth is, the skills and experiences you’ve gained in other industries can give you a real advantage in building your design studio. From communication and project management to finance, creativity, and resilience — these are the tools that make clients trust you and projects run smoothly.If you’ve ever wondered whether your past career was wasted time, I want to reframe it for you: you didn’t start late, you started with a head start.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Why your past career experience is never wasted. How transferable skills strengthen your design business. Examples of skills from teaching, finance, retail, marketing, and more. Why maturity and lived experience help you connect with clients. How to reframe the story you tell yourself about “starting late”. A practical exercise to uncover your past career strengthsKey Takeaways. Your career journey is part of your brand story. Clients connect with the full picture, not just your design skills.. Transferable skills are design superpowers. Communication, budgeting, project management, and creativity give you an edge.. Experience builds trust. Clients value maturity, perspective, and real-world know-how.. Reframe your story. Stop saying “I’m behind.” Start saying “I started with a head start.”Practical InsightThis week, try this simple exercise:. Write down the last two industries you worked in.. List three skills you gained from each.. Look at how these six skills can support your design studio.. Weave them into your brand story, your website, your Instagram bio, and client conversations.Perfect For. Designers building their business after a career change. Second or third career professionals moving into interiors. Creatives who want to highlight their unique story in their brand. Anyone who feels “behind” and needs a reminder of their strengths Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

This week on Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Alison Wheeler, founder of boutique digital advertising agency Society State. Alison’s mission? To take the mystery (and stress!) out of social media advertising for small creative businesses.From starting out in PR and events to running a thriving agency while raising two little ones, Alison has walked the walk. She shares exactly how much budget you really need to get started, why strategy always beats the “boost” button, and the simple shifts that make ads work harder for your design business.If you’ve been thinking, “I don’t have the budget for ads,” or you’ve tried before and felt like you were throwing money away, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Alison’s story of building her boutique agency, Society State. Why “broad experience” gave her an edge in digital advertising. The truth about ad budgets (spoiler: you can start smaller than you think!). How organic content and paid ads work hand in hand. What to look for when choosing an agency that actually delivers. Productivity hacks for running a business and raising kids. Alison’s next big goals for her brand and why she’s excited about a refresh 🎉Key Takeaways. Start with strategy, not budget → clarity first, ads second.. Organic + paid = power duo → ads amplify what already works.. Be patient → results build over time (think 3 months, not 3 days).. Say no to boost → Ads Manager gives you real control.. Ask smart questions → experience, deliverables, and reporting matter.Practical Insights. You can kick off ads from $500–$1000/month with the right strategy.. Keep socials fresh and consistent — they’re your “digital storefront.”. Ads work best when they support your existing customer journey.. Twice a week posting beats being silent for months.Perfect For. Creatives + designers ready to grow with ads but not sure where to start. Small business owners tired of wasting $$ on boosted posts. Parents balancing family + business who want real-life hacks. Anyone craving clarity and confidence around digital advertisingKey Quote“Don’t start with budget and say, ‘I don’t have enough.’ Start with strategy.” – Alison WheelerConnect with Alison WheelerWebsite: https://societystate.com.au/services/ - Meta & Google Ads Management, Coaching & Training, Ads AuditsInstagram: @societystate Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode, I’m tackling a topic every interior designer has faced at some point: the nerves that come with walking into a showroom. From imposter syndrome to sales pressure, I’ve been there myself (yes, awkward mumbling about fabric samples included!).But here’s the truth: showrooms need us as much as we need them. In this episode, I share practical strategies, mindset shifts, and personal stories to help you replace nerves with confidence, build stronger relationships with reps, and start seeing showrooms as an essential tool for your success.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Why even experienced designers can feel nervous about walking into showrooms. The most common fears: imposter syndrome, comparison, lack of knowledge, and sales pressure. How to reframe your mindset: showrooms are a resource, not a gatekeeper. Building long-term relationships with showroom reps for trust and support. Practical tips to make your first visits easierKey Takeaways. You belong there. Showrooms exist for designers — you’re not an intruder, you’re a partner.. Preparation builds confidence. Do a little research, bring your plans, and have a few questions ready.. Relationships matter. Investing in reps creates future support, opportunities, and insider knowledge.. Start small. One positive visit leads to another — confidence grows with practice.Practical Insights. Treat showroom visits like a chef at a farmer’s market: explore, ask questions, and gather inspiration.. Take a buddy for your first visit — it makes the experience lighter and less intimidating.. Practice a simple opener: “Hi, I’m [your name], I run a design studio and I’m sourcing X for a project. Can you help?”. Build a hit list of 20 showrooms to visit over the year, focusing on relationship-building as much as product.Perfect For. Interior designers new to the industry. Designers feeling nervous or “not experienced enough” to walk into showrooms. Studio owners who want to build stronger supplier relationships. Anyone wanting to boost confidence in client and supplier interactionsKeywordsinterior design showrooms, showroom confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, building supplier relationships, interior designer tips, design business support, showroom reps, interior design confidence Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

This week I’m joined by Lisa Sinagra, interior designer, founder of Stylis Creations, and the driving force behind the Perth Design Community. With more than 20 years in the industry, Lisa knows the real ups and downs of running a design business—and she’s passionate about making sure other designers don’t have to figure it all out the hard way.In our chat, Lisa shares the lessons she’s learned about pricing, building confidence, and finding the right support. She’s honest, practical, and incredibly generous with her advice—exactly the kind of conversation you’ll want to grab a coffee and listen in on.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Lisa’s journey from boutique luxury projects to running her own design business.. Why she started the Perth Design Community—and how it’s helping designers thrive.. The never-ending question: how do you really price your services?. How collaboration can take the pressure off and open up opportunities.. Why confidence comes from action, not waiting until you “feel ready.”. The reminder that your niche doesn’t have to be forever—it can evolve as you do.Key Takeaways. You don’t need to do everything on your own.. Pricing is messy for everyone—you’re not behind.. Collaboration isn’t weakness—it’s smart business.. Confidence grows the more you show up and connect.Practical InsightCommunity and connection aren’t just “nice to have”—they can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward with clarity.Perfect For. Designers who feel isolated or unsure where to turn.. Anyone wrestling with pricing or second-guessing their value.. New designers starting out and looking for direction.. Studio owners who’d love more support (and less competition).Key Quote"You don’t have to do it all. Lean into what you love, and find others who can fill the gaps." – Lisa SinagraConnect with GuestFollow Lisa Sinagra on Instagram: @styliscreations @theperthdesigncommunityExplore her work: styliscreations.com.auLearn more about the Perth Design Community: https://subscribepage.io/VYc6Vz](https://subscribepage.io/VYc6Vz Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this solo episode of Design Dialogues, I’m exploring one of the most powerful tools an interior designer has in today’s crowded market: your brand story. With more designers setting up studios across Australia — from city hubs to growing regional areas — standing out is no longer just about your logo or your aesthetic. It’s about how you tell your story.I share why your brand story is so important, how it helps you connect with clients on a deeper level, and the role it plays in setting you apart from the other designers in your area. Whether you’re helping a young family into their first home, supporting downsizers, or guiding clients through life transitions, your story becomes the bridge between their needs and your expertise.If you’ve ever felt like you’re competing for attention in a saturated market, this episode will help you see why clarity and storytelling are just as crucial as your design skills.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Why interior design markets are becoming more saturated (and what that means for your business). The difference between branding, style, and brand story. How your brand story connects emotionally with clients — beyond just design aesthetics. Common transitions your clients are facing (and how to weave those into your story). Why your story should be visible across social media, newsletters, and client touchpoints. Simple ways to start crafting or refining your brand story todayKey Takeaways. Style alone isn’t enough: Aesthetic preferences may attract clients, but your story is what keeps you memorable and relatable.. Brand stories evolve: Your story should grow as your studio grows — reflecting who you serve and how you help.. Client transitions are key: Whether it’s upsizing, downsizing, or designing for lifestyle shifts, clients are looking for someone who understands their journey.. Consistency matters: Your story should filter through every client-facing touchpoint — from Instagram captions to proposals.Practical InsightsHere are a few prompts I share to help you shape your brand story:. Who do I most love designing for, and what transitions are they experiencing?. How does my process support them through those changes?. What values or personal experiences shape how I design?. How can I reflect my brand story consistently across all platforms?Perfect For. Interior designers in saturated markets. Designers in regional or growing areas competing with more studios. Studio owners who want to stand out beyond their visual style. Designers ready to connect with clients more authentically Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Bennett, Marketing Director at Momo Handles, a brand that has redefined what thoughtful, well-designed hardware can do for a space.Marc’s story is one of longevity, craftsmanship, and connection. With over 30 years of experience in the interiors industry, he’s seen trends come and go — and he’s learned that the brands that truly last are the ones that focus on more than just product.We dive into what makes Momo Handles stand out: the brand’s commitment to timeless curation, to service that feels personal, and to delivering small details that leave a big impression. Whether you’re running a design studio, curating your own product range, or simply looking for inspiration on how to strengthen your business’s identity, this conversation is packed with insight.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Why Momo Handles sees cabinet hardware as the jewellery of the kitchen. Marc’s career shift from fashion and wine brands to hardware — and why it works. The “brand triangle” and how it creates authenticity, equity, and loyalty. How to curate a product (or service) offering to stand out without overwhelming clients. Turning clients into brand ambassadors and why it’s the best marketing you can get. Balancing aesthetic beauty with functional reliability. How listening to your audience can spark entire new product lines. Productivity habits for busy creatives and marketers. Why the design industry is becoming braver and bolder with colour, texture, and materialsKey Takeaways. Your brand isn’t just your product — it’s your story, values, and the experience you deliver. Curating your offer makes it easier for clients to choose and builds a stronger brand identity. Listen to both positive and constructive feedback — it can uncover opportunities for growth. Brand perception comes from the little touches that make you memorable and trustworthy. Consistency in presentation builds credibility over time. Designers can borrow corporate brand strategies to elevate their studiosPractical InsightIf you’re building a design business, think about your own “brand triangle” — your true brand, your presentation, and your perception. Ask yourself:. Who am I really, and what do I stand for?. Do all my touchpoints (website, proposals, social media) reflect that truth?. What little extras can I offer to create an unforgettable client experience?Perfect For. Interior designers who want to elevate their business beyond just “beautiful projects”. Creative business owners looking to strengthen their brand presence. Product makers and suppliers who want to stand out in a competitive market. Anyone curious about how corporate marketing strategies apply to small businessesKey Quote"Brand marketing isn’t just about the product you offer — it’s about creating an emotional connection, building trust, and making your audience want to advocate for you." – Marc BennettConnect with GuestMarc Bennett – Marketing Director, Momo HandlesWebsite: momohandles.com.auInstagram: @momohandlesaus Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this solo episode, I’m exploring a question I hear so often from interior designers who are just starting out — how do you bridge the gap between design school and running your own studio?Whether you’re stepping into design as a second or third career, or you’re graduating and wondering what comes next, this episode will help you think about what skills you already bring, what knowledge you’re gaining, and most importantly — the gaps in between. Because it’s not just about design education. It’s about sales, marketing, finance, systems, and the confidence to run a business that works for you.I share insights on how to identify those gaps, how to start filling them while you’re still in school (or transitioning from another career), and how to prepare yourself for either joining a small studio or stepping straight into business ownership.Hope you enjoy the episode.Beth xxEpisode Highlights. Why moving from design school into a large corporate firm (like Gensler) may not suit every stage of life. The common challenges second-or third-career designers face when shifting into interiors. How to identify the gaps between your past experience, your design education, and the realities of running a business. Why it’s just as important to learn about sales and marketing as it is about design principles. Practical ways to prepare if you want to start your own studio right after graduation. Options for filling your knowledge gaps: coaching, formal training, or self-paced learning. Why being clear on what you actually want from your career path is the first step to successKey Takeaways. Your design degree teaches the creative fundamentals — but not always the business foundations.. Corporate design firms can offer great training, but may not give you flexibility, creativity, or decision-making power early on.. If you need a career that balances creativity with flexibility (family, lifestyle, location), small studios or self-employment may suit you better.. Identifying your knowledge gaps early will help you avoid overwhelm when starting your studio.. Marketing, sales, and systems are just as important as creativity in building a sustainable design business.Practical InsightIf you’re at design school or transitioning careers, take time to:. List the skills you already bring from previous careers (finance, HR, marketing, etc.). Identify the areas you know little about — sales, systems, business structure, documentation, etc.. Start building knowledge in those areas now, even at a basic level, so you’re not starting from scratch when you open your studio.Perfect For. Interior design students nearing graduation. Second- or third-career designers entering the industry. Designers considering starting their own studio straight from school. Anyone feeling uncertain about the business side of design Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this week’s episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Washington, DC–based interior designer Laura Hur, founder of Lorla Studio. Laura’s journey into design is anything but conventional — from growing up in Key West surrounded by stacks of shelter magazines, to earning her master’s at Pratt Institute, working for Gensler, and eventually building her own thriving luxury residential practice.Laura shares the realities of working at the high end of the market — why she spends 80% of her time on client management and only 20% on design — and the pivotal lessons she’s learned through years of trial and error. We also talk about navigating a changing economy, creating smaller service offerings like “Design Days,” and how outsourcing has allowed her studio to operate like a much larger firm without the heavy overhead.Whether you’re refining your own market positioning, trying to streamline your client communications, or thinking about how to grow your studio sustainably, Laura’s story is full of practical insights you can apply straight away.I hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights. Laura’s path from Key West to launching Lorla Studio.Transitioning from big commercial firms to boutique residential design. Why client management often outweighs design time. The benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing versus hiring in-house. How “Design Days” became a strategic service offering in a shifting economy. Setting clear, structured communication protocols with clients. Navigating the expectations of luxury clientele. The rise of the “no-trend” trend in designKey Takeaways. Niche matters — Working with clients who align with your process, values, and budget makes for smoother projects and better outcomes.. Boundaries are essential — Clear communication structures help avoid overwhelm and keep everyone on the same page.. Outsource wisely — Bringing in experts for finance, marketing, or legal frees you to focus on the creative and strategic work you do best.. Adapt to change — Smaller, clearly defined services can help bridge slower seasons.. Own your value — If you’re providing a luxury service, embrace the expertise and quality you deliver.Practical InsightIf you bill hourly, consider giving clients regular but concise updates so they’re never surprised when an invoice arrives. Pair this with well-defined deliverables and boundaries — especially for smaller service offerings — so you protect both your time and your margins.Perfect For. Interior designers growing or repositioning their business. Studio owners thinking about outsourcing core business functions. Designers looking to improve client management and communication. Creatives curious about the realities of the luxury residential marketKey Quote“I’m absolutely a designer and an artist on one hand, but the only way it’s successful is marrying that with the business owner. We’re not running a charity.” — Laura HurConnect with Laura HurWebsite: Lorla StudioInstagram: @lorlastudio Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a personal story about the part of my interior design business I used to dread: documentation. It drained my energy, stole my time, and left me feeling constantly behind. Instead of pushing through, I chose to outsource—and it changed everything.If you’ve ever felt pressure to do it all, this episode is for you. I share what outsourcing actually looks like in a small studio, how to build strong relationships with trusted collaborators, and why success doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself.Hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights• Why I struggled with documentation—and what finally made me outsource it• The hidden cost of doing work that drains your creativity• How outsourcing is actually about buying back your energy• The exact way I integrate outsourcing into client proposals• What to look for in a great collaborator• How to make outsourcing financially sustainable and stress-free• The surprising emotional shift once I let go of the pressure to do it allKey Takeaways• You don’t have to be good at every part of your business• Outsourcing is not giving up control—it’s creating more capacity• Strategic delegation helps you protect your creativity• Strong collaborations improve client experience and project delivery• You’re allowed to design a business that works for you, not just your clientsPractical InsightIf you're stuck in the weeds of documentation or drowning in tasks that don’t light you up, this episode is your reminder: you’re allowed to get help.• I share how I price for outsourcing in proposals• How I build trust with long-term collaborators• Why the right support can elevate your whole business—not just take things off your platePerfect For• Interior designers feeling overwhelmed or burned out• Studio owners looking to grow without growing a huge team• Designers who want to stay in their creative zone• Anyone curious about building smarter, not busier Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.