Design Fee Boundaries

Ever feel stuck when it comes to charging what you’re really worth?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes story of a real designer breaking through her “money ceiling”—that invisible limit you set for yourself about what you believe clients will pay you.You’ll hear exactly how we crafted a high-end offer, rewrote the letter of agreement five times to meet a luxury client’s expectations, and walked confidently into a project that paid more than double what the designer initially believed was possible.If you’ve ever hesitated to charge more—even when you know you’re worth it—this is the episode that will help you stretch into the next level.In this episode, I cover:What a “money ceiling” is and why it holds you backHow to structure a high-end project with luxury-level clarityThe power of detailed contracts in building confidence and trustWhy personal mindset shifts matter more than market pricingWhat happens after you step into your worth (and ask for it)Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Ever wonder why purchase orders matter so much—even if your vendor already gives you one?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down everything designers need to know about purchase orders. From avoiding costly mistakes to qualifying for top-tier vendor relationships, this episode is your blueprint for professional, profitable systems that support your business at every level.If you’ve ever scribbled an order on a sticky note or relied on a vendor’s invoice as your record, this is your wake-up call. I’m sharing the real risks, the financial wins, and the step-by-step clarity you need to implement purchase orders the right way.In this episode, I cover:Why vendor invoices aren’t enoughThe real cost of running blind (and how to fix it)What makes purchase orders a contract—and a safeguardHow to double-check every charge and stop profit leaksThe systems that unlock vendor trust, credibility, and profitShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you feel guilty for carrying business debt—or worry that it means you’ve failed?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking the emotional weight we often attach to debt and giving you a new framework to understand the difference between destructive debt and strategic debt.You’ll learn how to reframe those old messages about money, and see why smart, planned debt can be your ally in business growth. I’m sharing real stories, practical steps to tackle credit card debt, and how to use debt as a tool without shame—so you can keep building a thriving, profitable design business.In this episode, I cover:Where guilt and shame about debt really come fromThe difference between good debt and overspendingHow I used SBA loans and credit lines to grow my businessA step-by-step strategy to pay down credit card debtHow to celebrate progress and stay empoweredShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you struggle with setting boundaries around your design fees?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how to set clear, confident design fee boundaries that protect your time, increase your profit, and keep your clients happy. If you’ve ever felt like your projects are dragging on, your client is asking for more than they paid for, or you're stuck doing design work that wasn't in the original agreement—this is for you.I’ll walk you through the structure of a powerful letter of agreement, how to communicate scope, and how to set expectations that serve both you and your clients.In this episode, I cover:Why a clear scope of work helps everyone succeedThe minimum fee that actually covers your timeHow to avoid scope creep with firm meeting and selection limitsThe importance of clear money milestones (and how to set them)Why boundaries lead to better client relationships and more profitShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Have you gotten a surprise tariff bill—and wondered what just happened?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sounding the alarm on the reality of tariffs and how they’re affecting designers right now. From unexpected charges at the dock to vendors quietly adding 15% to your invoices, these issues can destroy your margins—and your momentum—if you’re not paying attention.If you're unsure how to protect your business and your clients through this changing landscape, this episode gives you the heads-up and strategy you need to lead with confidence and stay profitable.In this episode, I cover:Real stories from designers facing surprise tariffsHow vendors may be slipping in fees—and how to catch itWhy clarity, calm, and boundaries are non-negotiableThe #1 mindset trap that will leave you powerlessWhat your policy on tariffs needs to include (and why)Register to watch the free webinar replay: https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/adapt-future-proof-tariffs/Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Tariffs are here, and they’re affecting more than just prices.In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to navigate the ripple effects of tariffs on your design business, especially when it comes to client communication, purchase proposals, and protecting your profit margins.You’ll learn how to talk to clients when pricing changes unexpectedly, what to include in your contracts to protect yourself, and how to think outside the box when your go-to products are no longer available or affordable. It’s not just about managing change, it’s about leading through it with clarity, boundaries, and confidence.In this episode, I cover:Why tariffs are a communication—not just pricing—issueWhat to say to clients (and what not to!)How to audit and protect open purchase ordersKey clauses to add to your letters of agreementThe mindset shift that makes you a trusted leader, not a stressed-out designerShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Have you ever felt like pulling back, hesitating, or waiting for things to “settle down”?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about the mindset of hesitation—why it shows up in uncertain times and how to shift out of it before it stalls your growth. If you’ve found yourself shrinking, playing it safe, or holding your breath in your design business lately, this one’s for you.I’m sharing how hesitation sabotages momentum, why visibility matters more now than ever, and how to lean into leadership when everyone else is stepping back. Plus, I’ll show you how this could actually be the best time to grow.In this episode, I cover:What hesitation really is and where it leadsHow fear-based thinking derails your momentumWhy now is the time to increase your visibilityHow to build trust through consistencyWhat to do to protect your business from tariff-related price swingsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you ready to take control of your pricing strategy and run a more profitable, stress-free design business?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm sharing the four foundational rules every designer needs to understand and implement when it comes to pricing their services and products. These rules will help you separate your services clearly, get paid upfront, eliminate financial risk, and avoid frustrating client pushback. If you've ever been confused about how to present pricing, when to collect payment, or how to avoid being treated like a personal shopper, this episode is for you.In this episode, I cover:Why design and purchasing should always be treated as separate servicesHow to set up payments so you get paid before you startThe exact paperwork you need to stay protected (and profitable!)Why “cost plus” pricing is a trap—and what to do insteadShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in the room, even though you’ve worked hard to get there?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about imposter syndrome—what it really is, why it shows up (even for top designers), and what you can do to move through it with confidence.If you’ve ever felt nervous before an install, doubted your talent mid-project, or tried to be “perfect” just to avoid being judged, this is for you. I’m sharing how to reframe these thoughts, how to train your brain for success, and how to get out of your head and into your brilliance—one small step at a time.In this episode, I cover:The real reason confidence feels out of reachHow to rewire your brain to overcome imposter syndromeWhy perfectionism is a trap—and what to aim for insteadA practical journaling tip to retrain your mindsetWhy high performers struggle with self-doubt too (and how they move through it)Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you feeling the pull to play it safe right now? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m encouraging you to do the opposite—to stay visible, be consistent, and shine your light. Uncertainty is in the air, but this is exactly when your community needs you most. I’m sharing how staying steady, authentic, and present positions you as a trusted leader and the go-to designer in your community. Now is not the time to shrink—it’s the time to stand tall, lead with confidence, and keep your momentum going.In this episode, I cover:Why staying visible during uncertain times builds trustHow consistency in your marketing creates opportunityThe power of establishing yourself as the go-to designerWhy positive energy attracts the right clientsWhat to do now to be ready when the next door opensIf you’ve been tempted to hide in the shadows, this episode will inspire you to shine brighter than ever. Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.