In this Q&A episode, I answer real questions from interior designers covering the challenges we all face in building sustainable design businesses. From pricing confidence and marketing strategy to speaking opportunities and avoiding burnout, this episode tackles the practical issues that keep designers up at night. If you've ever wondered about charging what you're worth or felt stuck between beginner and expert, this conversation offers both validation and actionable guidance.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

A designer reached out feeling stuck between charging what she thinks her services are worth versus what she thinks clients will pay. This common struggle often comes down to confidence in your systems and processes. The first part of this is about mindset and about how you think of yourself as a designer and a business owner, but you can't really have good mindset around this without having strong systems and processes to have the business set up beneath you as a strong foundation.

The key insight: There can be two designers who are equally talented, but the one who provides a seamless client experience is perceived as having greater value. Part of our role is creating a process that is stress-free, with clear communication and professionalism.

A Perth-based designer doing corporate work (office fit-outs, hair salons) was spending significant time on Instagram without seeing results. The disconnect? Her clients weren't finding her through Instagram—they were coming through word-of-mouth referrals within the industry. We got talking about thinking when it comes to marketing, am I talking to my potential clients in the space where they are at?

The lesson: Consider how many leads you actually need per year and whether your current marketing efforts can realistically generate that number. Sometimes a targeted approach works better than trying to be everywhere.

When a designer was approached to speak at an expo but wasn't sure if it was the right fit, my advice was clear: unless it's obviously wrong for you, say yes.

You never know who is listening and who is watching. If you get approached to do a speaking gig or maybe on a panel or on a podcast, I really encourage you to take it because it's a great opportunity to show your skill and build your authority in the space.

A designer feeling stuck between beginner and expert asked how to reach the next stage of running a confident business. The answer involves several key elements:

Mindset: Having confidence that you're good enough and that opportunities will come your way for a business of that level.

Mentorship: Finding someone who can help you build your business to the next step, whether through formal coaching or informal relationships.

Investment: Putting money into business-building tools like better photography, branding, or systems that you couldn't afford when starting out.

Systems and Processes: There is absolutely no business that can go to the next level if their systems and processes are not in place. Having bad systems and processes or no systems and processes in place is absolutely putting a ceiling on your business.

A Townsville designer whose business had grown significantly was feeling exhausted and starting to resent it. The solution involves several strategies:

Throughout this Q&A, one theme emerges clearly: There's no one perfect way to run a design business, but there are shared experiences. There is wisdom in community, and there's so much power in hearing someone say, 'me too.'

This episode demonstrates that the challenges you're facing aren't unique to you—they're part of the journey of building a design business. The key is having the right support, systems, and mindset to navigate them successfully.

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.