146. The real reason your studio isn't growing & how to fix it in 2026

If your studio didn’t grow the way you hoped last year, it’s probably not because you aren’t talented enough, trying hard enough, or doing enough.In this episode, I’m breaking down the real reason so many designers feel stuck even when they’re busy, booked, and doing “all the right things.” Because in most cases, growth doesn’t stall because of marketing or leads it stalls because something underneath the surface is no longer aligned with the level you’re trying to reach.I’m sharing a personal story from my own business when everything looked good on paper, but internally felt way harder than it should… and the realization that changed how I built my studio from that point forward.More importantly, I’ll show you how to identify your primary bottleneck — and how to turn that constraint into your growth strategy for 2026, instead of fighting against it with more effort, more ideas, and more overwhelm.This episode is about designing a year that feels focused, sustainable, and aligned… where growth comes from smarter structure, clearer decisions, and becoming the version of you your next level requires.If you’ve felt like you’re capable of more, but something keeps slowing your momentum, this conversation is for you.Links:https://thestudioco.co/https://thestudioco.co/resourcesAligned offer suite workbookThe Studio Growth Audit

Behind the Design is officially back and this is not the same podcast you’ve known since 2019. In this relaunch episode, I’m sharing the story of how this show began, how it evolved alongside my design studio and mentoring work, and why I knew it was time for something bigger. Because while I’ll always love talking business, I’m no longer just a designer and entrepreneur, I’m a mom of two, a mentor and someone deeply invested in high-performance, wellness, and designing a life I’m genuinely obsessed with.This next chapter of Behind the Design is for the ambitious woman who wants it all, the business, the energy, the presence, the freedom, and the confidence to build success without burning out or playing small.This isn’t a new podcast, it’s the next chapter and if you’re craving growth that feels aligned, sustainable, and expansive, you’re in exactly the right place.

Save your seat!! Free Live Training, The High-Paying Client Method https://designedto-scale.com/the-high-paying-client-methodIn this episode of 'Behind the Design,' we're breaking past barriers holding that could be holding you back from reaching six-figures as a brand and website designer. I'm drawing from my personal journey and mentorship of other designers to highlight three critical areas: positioning and marketing, pricing and offerings, and systems and processes.The main goal of this episode is to help you decipher your ONE key area that is holding you back from reaching 6 figures, with action steps you can take today to reach your goal. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged victoriously.

Save your seat! https://designedto-scale.com/the-high-paying-client-methodIf you’ve been hustling for inconsistent projects, saying yes to every revision request, and still feel like you’re drowning just to hit your income goals… this is your wake-up call.What if you could run a $100k+ design studio that books premium clients consistently  without working nights and weekends, overdelivering, or questioning your rates?Inside my free live training, The High-Paying Client Method: How to Book Premium Brand and Website Projects, I’m giving you the real strategy behind a high-end studio — the same method that not only took me from $3k projects to $15k+ projects and consistent $100k+ years, but has helps countless of other designers do the same. If you’re ready to stop blending in, stand out among other designers, and finally run a studio that is highly profitable - this is where it starts.Join me live on July 22 or 23. It’s free, but spots are limited so grab yours now at the link in the show notes or go to designedto-scale.com.We get to hang out live, dig into your biggest questions in real time, and spend an hour focused on you and your business — not just your clients. This is your time to get clear, get confident, and start building the design studio you actually want. I can’t wait to see you there! Save your seat! https://designedto-scale.com/the-high-paying-client-method

*Free Workbook: The Aligned Offer Suite Builder: https://designedto-scale.com/aligned-offer-suite-workbookIn this episode, I’m breaking down the invisible force that determines whether you attract high-paying, respectful clients—or stay stuck on the client hamster wheel: your energy. We’ll unpack the red flags of “freelancer mode” (even at premium pricing), what true CEO energy looks like for creative entrepreneurs, and how to start embodying it immediately—even if it feels uncomfortable at first.https://designedto-scale.com/

FREE WORKBOOK! The Aligned Offer Suite Builder - get it herehttps://designedto-scale.com/aligned-offer-suite-workbookIf you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed by custom quotes, or ghosted by your dream clients—this episode is your wake-up call. I’m breaking down the one simple, powerful shift that doubled my design studio’s revenue without taking on more clients. Inside, I share how streamlining your offer suite isn’t just about simplicity—it’s about positioning yourself as the expert, attracting aligned, high-paying clients, and finally getting off the feast-or-famine hamster wheel. Plus, I walk you through how to start building your own strategic offer suite today with a free workbook to guide the process. This is the clarity you’ve been craving.https://designedto-scale.com/https://www.instagram.com/designedto_scale/

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why revenue-only goals can lead to burnout, and what you should actually be focusing on if you want to scale sustainably. We’re talking about the difference between vanity metrics and true freedom, the systems and delivery models that create real scalability, and how to build a business that supports your lifestyle—not one that takes over your life.Whether you're nearing that $10K mark or already there and wondering, “Is this really it?”—this episode is your permission slip to rethink what success really looks like.https://designedto-scale.com/https://www.instagram.com/designedto_scale/

If you're juggling nap time with Zoom calls or sneaking in podcast time while pushing a stroller, this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest transformations of my life—becoming a mom while running a business. From identity shifts and emotional unlearning to redefining success entirely, I share what no one prepares you for when you're both a mother and a founder.You'll hear:The messy and magical reality of raising babies and building a businessThe identity shift that rocked me—and how I grew from it5 things motherhood has taught me that made me a better business ownerWhy simplifying, setting boundaries, and trusting your intuition are essential CEO skillsHow I’ve redefined success around presence, purpose, and personal fulfillmentWhether you're pregnant, postpartum, years into motherhood, or dreaming of a future with both a family and a thriving business—you’re not alone, and you don’t have to choose. This is your permission slip to do both, in your own way.Journal Prompt:What has motherhood taught me about myself as a leader?🎧 Tune in, reflect, and share with a fellow mompreneur who needs this reminder.📲 Connect with me on Instagram @byoliviaaustin and @designedto_scale and follow along for more real conversations on motherhood, business, and building a life that’s fully yours.

What do the most successful creative entrepreneurs have in common? It’s not a secret sauce—it’s mindset. In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful shifts that separate high-achievers from the rest. From self-leadership and identity work to daily habits that build resilience, you’ll walk away with tangible mindset upgrades to elevate how you lead, create, and scale.

You’re getting inquiries... but then crickets. Or maybe you're stuck in back-and-forth emails, clients are dragging their feet, asking a million questions, or ghosting you after you send the proposal. Sound familiar?Here's the thing: your offers alone aren't the problem—your discovery call and proposal process might be.In today’s episode, I’m walking you through the exact system I use to book high-paying clients with confidence and clarity. No more second-guessing your pricing. No more awkward calls. No more ghosting. Just a seamless client experience that builds trust, positions you as the expert, and gets the “yes.”https://www.instagram.com/designedto_scale/