Being good with money isn't about being stingy or sacrificing creativity—it's about creating a business that sustains you. Financially savvy designers understand that a profitable business gives them more freedom to be creative, not less.

I hope you enjoy the episode
Beth xx

I share a story about working with a designer who had been charging about $180 an hour for years without analysing how that hourly rate compared to her take-home pay or business costs. After working backward from ideal income and factoring in overheads, we discovered she needed to charge $220-250 per hour just to break even.

What sets financially savvy designers apart?

• Know exactly how much they need to earn each month (profit, not just revenue)
• Price their services based on data, not emotion
• Understand their margins on products and services
• Say no to projects that don't serve their bigger goals

When you know your numbers, you will stop doubting yourself, overthinking quotes, or apologizing for your rates. This data-driven confidence is something clients can feel—and that builds trust.

While "charge what you're worth" sounds empowering, I point out that it's actually vague and subjective. Financially savvy designers build their pricing around reality:

• Their desired income
• Hours available to work
• Business expenses
• The true cost of delivering services

Many designers either pass all trade pricing to clients (missing margin opportunities) or mark up randomly and feel uncomfortable about it. I recommend a more savvy approach:

• Be transparent from the start
• Clearly explain your trade pricing policy in all client documents
• Communicate the value your markup covers (sourcing, logistics, warranty management)

Financial savvy isn't a one-time thing—it's a mindset and habit.

• Set time each month to review your numbers
• Know which services are most profitable
• Be willing to say no to underquoting
• Refuse to stay stuck in survival mode

The most profitable studios I see are not the flashiest. They're the most intentional. They know what they're aiming for and they have systems that support that.

This episode is perfect for interior designers who want to build businesses that are not just creatively fulfilling but financially sustainable. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your studio's profitability, these practical insights will help you make more intentional financial decisions.

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

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