In this episode, I address the reality that running an interior design business can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or just plain hard. Learn why these challenging periods don't mean you're doing it wrong or that you're not cut out for business ownership. Discover practical strategies for navigating tough times and how your response to difficulties can transform your studio's trajectory.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

Let's be honest - running an interior design business isn't always glamorous photoshoots and fabric selections. There are days when it feels like you're dragging your studio uphill in a wheelbarrow, blindfolded.

It's okay if business feels tough sometimes. It doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. It doesn't mean that you're not good at it. It doesn't mean you're not cut out for it. And it definitely doesn't mean everyone else has it figured out except you.

The truth is, feeling challenged is part of the journey, especially when you're building something that really matters to you.

When business feels difficult, the first step is to gain perspective:

Take a step back, look at the big picture. Are you just having a rough week or a rough day or even a rough month? Or is there a deeper system boundary or workflow that needs tweaking?

This perspective helps you determine whether you're experiencing a temporary challenge or if there are fundamental issues that need addressing in your business systems.

Getting specific about your challenges is crucial for finding solutions:

• Is it overwhelm from juggling too many projects?
• Are you experiencing cashflow issues?
• Is it client fatigue from difficult relationships?
• Are you feeling isolated in your business?

Name it, call it out. Once you are clear on what the actual problem is, you can then work on fixing it.

Many designers fall into a pattern of self-criticism when facing business challenges.

Feeling behind is not a moral failure, it's data. Use it, learn from it, and then move on. Move forward.

This shift from shame to curiosity transforms challenges from evidence of personal failure into valuable information that can improve your business.

When you're stuck in a fog of uncertainty or overwhelm, clarity starts with action:

Make one decision. When you're stuck in a fog, clarity starts with action. And that action might just be going for a walk. But choose one small thing to fix or shift.

This could be sending an important email, changing a procedure, or revisiting documentation. The key is that momentum builds from these small actions.

Sometimes the best response to business challenges isn't doing more:

It's also okay to rest. On the other side of the scale, sometimes what you need in that tough patch isn't to do more. It's to pause, to rest, to reconnect with why you started.

Burnout doesn't build bold businesses. Energy, clarity, and support do.

Running a confident design business isn't about never struggling—it's about having the tools and self-trust to respond well when challenges arise:

This moment doesn't define you, but how you respond to it, that will shape your future.

Whether you're currently in a challenging period or want to prepare for inevitable future difficulties, this episode provides practical guidance for navigating the ups and downs of design business ownership with resilience and grace.

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.