Standing Up to Clients

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.

What do you do when a client insists on a design choice that makes your skin crawl? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m tackling the tricky topic of working with clients who have… well, let’s just say “questionable” taste.This isn’t about complaining—it’s about navigating tough design decisions with grace and professionalism, without compromising your brand or integrity. I’ll share personal stories, practical strategies, and essential mindset shifts that help you handle these situations with confidence.Whether you're a new designer just finding your footing or a seasoned pro facing a sticky situation, this episode will give you a framework for standing your ground without burning bridges.In this episode, we cover: 🎨 How to maintain your professional standards—even when clients push back 🛋️ The risks of compromising your design integrity for a paycheck 🧠 Why standing your ground (graciously) builds your brand 📋 Three options when working with a client whose vision clashes with yours 💬 How to explain “bad taste” decisions without offending your client 💼 When to walk away—and how to do it without causing conflictIf you’ve ever faced a client with a mismatched design vision, this episode is a must-listen.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Can you start an interior design business as a hobby while your kids are little, then step into it full-time later? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m unpacking why that mindset won’t get you where you want to go—and what to do instead.I’ll share why interior design demands a professional approach from day one, what systems and tools you need in place, and how to design a business that fits your lifestyle without treating it like a side project. Plus, I’ll explain the critical mindset shift that separates hobbyists from successful business owners.In this episode, we cover: 🧠 Why interior design isn’t something you can “mess around with” in your free time📋 The foundational systems and tools you need to run a real design business⚖️ How to build a business that supports your family and your income goals✅ The mindset shift that transforms your passion into a professional pathIf you’re ready to stop dabbling and start designing a business that works for you, this episode is a must-listen.🎯 Join our community at Interior Design Business Academy and learn how to build a business that supports your life—not the other way around.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Ever had a client try to bulldoze your boundaries or hijack your design process? Whether it’s demanding your designer discount, questioning your prices, or insisting on DIY product orders that derail your timeline, standing your ground can feel uncomfortable—but it’s absolutely essential.In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re diving into two real coaching stories where designers were confronted by pushy clients—and how they handled it with calm, confidence, and clarity. If you’ve ever wondered how to say “no” without losing the job, this episode is for you.You’ll learn how to: Set clear boundaries without drama or guiltSay “no” with confidence when clients overstepAvoid scope creep, chaos, and resentment by protecting your processHandle client attempts to take over sourcing (and why it’s a construction nightmare waiting to happen)Position yourself as the expert from the very first conversationIf you’ve ever felt steamrolled, second-guessed, or just plain exhausted trying to please everyone, this episode will give you the mindset and language to take back control—without losing the client.This isn’t just about standing up for yourself. It’s about protecting your time, your value, and the vision your clients actually hired you for.🎯 Ready to step into your authority? Head over to interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/ and click “Book A Call.” Let’s talk about what’s next for your business.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Talking about budgets with clients can feel uncomfortable—but avoiding the money conversation is costing you. If you’re bending over backward to fit unrealistic budgets or underpricing your services just to land a job, it’s time to change your approach.In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into why most clients have no idea what their project actually costs and why it’s your job to educate them. I’ll share how to confidently lead budget conversations, stop shrinking your pricing to fit client expectations, and ensure you’re getting paid properly for your expertise.We’ll also uncover the biggest pricing mistakes designers make, how your own “money story” might be holding you back, and the exact steps to help clients set realistic budgets—without fear, guilt, or pushback.In this episode, we cover:💰 Why most clients don’t know what their budget should be—and how to guide them🚫 The dangers of “shrinking to fit” into unrealistic budgets🛠️ How to build scope and budget alignment before you start designing✅ The step-by-step process to develop budgets that clients feel comfortable with📈 How educating clients leads to bigger budgets and more profitable projectsIf you’re tired of pricing stress and ready to run a more profitable design business, this episode is for you!🎯 Want expert guidance on pricing and budget conversations? Book a call with our team at Interior Design Business Academy to learn more.Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you spending countless hours on social media but still struggling to land your ideal clients? You’re not alone. Many designers fall into the trap of thinking social media is the key to getting high-paying clients—but is it really?In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into the reality of social media marketing for interior designers. I’ll break down why your ideal clients aren’t scrolling Instagram for their next designer, the biggest social media misconceptions, and the real strategy that will bring you high-quality clients—referral partnerships.We’ll discuss the importance of building relationships with architects, contractors, realtors, and even unexpected connections like hairdressers and personal trainers to get high-value referrals. Plus, I’ll share practical ways to connect with the right people, position yourself as the go-to designer, and stop wasting time on strategies that don’t work.In this episode, we cover:📉 Why social media isn’t the best client acquisition strategy for designers 🔍 The surprising statistics about Instagram and its users 💡 How to build relationships with referral partners who can send you high-end clients 💬 The conversations that actually lead to new business opportunities ✅ Why getting out from behind your computer is essential for business growthIf you’re tired of posting endlessly without results and ready to focus on what actually works, this episode is for you!🎯 Want to take your marketing to the next level? Book a call with our team at Interior Design Business Academy and discover strategies tailored to your success!Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Many designers struggle with juggling multiple projects, endless to-do lists, and the constant pressure to keep up. But here’s the truth: overwhelm isn’t just about having too much to do—it’s about not having the right systems in place.In this episode of Interior Design Business, I break down how to identify the root cause of overwhelm, strategies to regain control, and the importance of intentional time management to build a profitable, stress-free business. I’ll show you how to move from chaos to clarity so you can focus on what truly matters—your creativity, your clients, and your success.In this episode, we cover:🧠 Why overwhelm happens and how to stop it in its tracks⏳ The power of time intentioning—how to plan your schedule so tasks don’t take over your life✅ Chunking down big projects—how to break tasks into manageable steps to avoid stress🚀 How getting organized leads to a more profitable and scalable business💡 Why overcoming overwhelm is key to hiring and managing a design assistant effectivelyIf you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and build a business that supports your lifestyle, this episode is for you!🎯 Need help streamlining your design business? Book a call with our expert coaches today: interiordesignbusinessacademy.com📲 Follow along on social media:📌 Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy📌 Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy📌 Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like clients are taking over your design process? Struggling with pricing conversations and setting boundaries? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I'm diving into the key strategy that keeps you in control—making clear, confident offers.I’ll reveal why many designers get stuck in undercharging and scope creep, and how to position yourself as a design professional (not a personal shopper). You’ll learn how to separate your design fees from purchasing, create irresistible offers, and ensure you’re always paid fairly. Plus, I’ll share the mindset shift that will transform how clients see your value—and why they’ll say “yes” to your proposals without hesitation.In this episode, we cover:✅ Why making unclear offers puts you at risk of clients taking over🚫 The #1 mistake designers make—treating themselves like salespeople instead of experts💰 How to separate your design fee from product sales and increase profits📋 The step-by-step process to create structured offers that clients love🛑 How to set boundaries to avoid endless research and unpaid workIf you want to confidently price your services and take control of your design projects, this episode is a must-listen!🎯 Need help structuring and scaling your interior design business? Book a FREE Strategy Session call for expert guidance!📌 Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy📌 Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy📌 Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Scaling your interior design business isn’t just about getting bigger—it’s about making it better. Many designers assume that growth means adding more clients, a larger team, and more revenue, but true scaling is about creating a business that supports your desired lifestyle.In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re diving into how to scale your business strategically, whether you want to stay small and profitable, build a national brand, or set up a business that runs without you.I’ll walk you through the key signs that it’s time to scale, the biggest mistakes designers make when expanding, and how to create a system that ensures profitability without burnout. Plus, I’ll share how to shift from the hustle mentality to a structured, sustainable approach that allows you to take control of your time, clients, and income.In this episode, we cover: 📈 The real meaning of scaling—why bigger isn’t always better⚖️ How to build a business that aligns with your goals and lifestyle🏗️ Different scaling strategies: staying boutique, expanding nationally, or preparing to sell💡 The biggest mistake designers make when scaling—and how to avoid it🔑 The mindset shift from hustle to structured leadershipIf you’re feeling overwhelmed with clients, constantly putting out fires, and wondering how to build a business that works for you, this episode is for you.🎯 Join the Scale for Profit Workshop! Learn how to structure your business for financial success. Sign up here! 📌 Follow along on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy📌 Follow along on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy📌 Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you struggling to hold firm on your pricing? Do unexpected price increases from subcontractors leave you covering the difference? In this episode of Interior Design Business, we dive into the importance of setting and enforcing money boundaries in your design business.I’ll share a real-life story of a designer who faced a difficult pricing dilemma, why maintaining firm financial boundaries is crucial, and how to confidently communicate with clients and subcontractors. Plus, I’ll reveal the mindset shift that can help you move from scarcity thinking to an abundant, profitable business.In this episode, we cover:💰 Why honoring your quotes is non-negotiable📋 How to set clear pricing expectations with subcontractors🚫 The dangers of absorbing costs to "be nice"✅ How an abundant money mindset can transform your businessIf you’re ready to take control of your pricing and stop second-guessing your worth, this episode is for you!🎯 Want to develop a luxury money mindset that benefits both you and your high-end clients? Schedule a call with one of our trained coaches at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.Follow along:📌 Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy📌 Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy📌 Show notes available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.