Today we welcome Jenny Slingerland, Founder & Principal Designer of Black Ink Interiors based in Scottsdale, Arizona. In this episode, Jenny shares her unique journey into design, from working as a labor and delivery nurse to launching her own thriving interior design firm. We dive into her transition from healthcare to homebuilding, the pivotal moments that shaped her business, and how her greatest weakness—understanding the financials—evolved into her biggest strength. Jenny's story is a testament to the power of surrounding yourself with experts, staying curious, and building a business that supports your personal values and family goals.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

• Jenny’s path from nursing to interior design, and how she paid her way through design school by delivering babies.
• How working for top custom home builders gave her a strong foundation in construction and technical design.
• The importance of asking “why” on job sites and the impact of curiosity on professional growth.
• Why Jenny and her husband decided to team up in business and how his financial and construction background supports their success.
• How COVID prompted a re-evaluation of business goals and led to a lifestyle-driven pivot in her firm’s structure.
• Jenny’s transformation from financially overwhelmed to financially empowered through business coaching and “Finance Fridays.”
• The critical role of time tracking in profitability and project efficiency.
• Her advice on establishing systems and processes before growing your team.

NOTABLE QUOTES

• “You can be the most talented designer in the world and your business can fail because you're not watching your numbers.”
• “We all have our zones of genius. Hire the people that you specifically need.”
• “Just because you know your business is doing great doesn't mean that something doesn't come up—you have to keep learning.”
• “Success is no longer about crazy financial goals. It’s about supporting my family and creating a lifestyle we love.”

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

• Black Ink Interiors Website
• Black Ink Interiors Instagram
• Michelle Williams (Business Coach): Scarlet Thread Consulting
• Time Tracking Tool: Timely App
• Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

SPONSOR LINKS

• Design Manager
• Daniel House Club
• Hooker Furnishings

Today we welcome Emily Campbell, principal designer of Emily Jean Interior Design based in Portland, Oregon. In this episode, Emily shares her fresh perspective on the business of design as a student and entrepreneur. We discuss the pivotal moment that prompted her transition from fashion to interiors, her experience of balancing design school with launching a business, and how she’s building a foundation for long-term success by combining technical skills with real-world networking. Emily also shares how her entrepreneurial spirit, fearlessness, and commitment to community are shaping her journey.

• Emily shares her creative roots in fashion and how her design interests evolved toward interiors after building and renovating her own home
• She explains why she chose to return to school to learn the technical side of design, despite already having a strong foundation in textiles, color theory, and branding
• Emily discusses the importance of choosing a program that focuses not just on skills, but also on networking and building real-world relationships
• She talks about the entrepreneurial spirit that runs in her family and how it's influenced her desire to start her own business
• Emily opens up about the role of mentorship in her career development and how working alongside seasoned designers is helping her learn faster and more confidently
• She reflects on the transferable skills she gained from fashion trend forecasting, like overcoming shyness, building confidence, and approaching people fearlessly
• Emily emphasizes the importance of getting out of the classroom to network, visit showrooms, and engage with the design community early and often
• She shares advice for students in design programs: ask questions, stay curious, and embrace the learning process
• Emily offers her personal definition of success: focusing on the process of creating something meaningful rather than the outcome

• “Hold on to a beginner’s mind and never let yourself feel like you know it all.”
• “It’s okay to fail. Redefine what failure means to you.”
• “Just because you can see the vision doesn’t mean the client can—you have to be able to show them.”
• “The classroom and showrooms are where you should be asking the questions.”

Emily Jean Interior Design WebsiteFollow Emily on Instagram

Design Manager — Project management, accounting, and purchasing built for interior designers Hooker Furnishings — Versatile furniture, décor, and designer support Daniel House Club — Sourcing from over 150 vendors in one place with trade pricing and concierge service

Page Sigband, founder of Design by Page and Joyride Garage Design, joins the podcast to share how she carved out her place in the design world by specializing in one of the most overlooked spaces—the garage. In this episode, Page walks us through her background in graphic and furniture design, her transition into museum design, and how these experiences uniquely shaped her niche business model. From TV appearances and magazine features to pop-up tents and mechanic shop visits, Page reveals the real marketing strategies that move the needle. We also explore how thoughtful branding, hands-on sales experience, and good old-fashioned networking have fueled her success and brought a fresh perspective to garage design.

• Page’s unique design background in graphic, furniture, and museum exhibit design shaped her storytelling approach and hands-on creativity.
• Her pivot into garage design began with transforming her own space during the pandemic and led to a TV opportunity that launched Joyride Garage Design.
• Branding was a critical step, including rebranding her business and learning the importance of trademarking the right way from the start.
• Old-fashioned networking works best—building relationships at car shows and with auto industry professionals has driven more business than media features.
• She values freedom over scale, prioritizing creative satisfaction and personal fulfillment over running a large firm or managing a team.

• "I just want enough work to satisfy my creative soul."
• "The only thing more complicated than the business of design is a niche business of design."
• "You can't just flip the open sign and wait for them to come. You've really got to show up for this."
• "I don't know anyone who's doing garage design—this could be a really cool niche."
• "Branding lesson: talk to a trademark attorney first. It can save you a ton of time and money."

Design by Page WebsiteJoyride Garage Design WebsiteFollow Design by Page on InstagramFollow Joyride Garage Design on Instagram

Sponsor Links:

A bit thank you to our sponsors:

Design Manager – Project management, accounting, and purchasing built for interior designers. Hooker Furnishings – Versatile furniture, decor, and designer support. Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 vendors with exclusive trade pricing.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select 'Ratings and Reviews' and 'Write a Review,' then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Paul McClean, founder of McClean Design, returns to the podcast for an insightful conversation about the evolution of his internationally renowned residential architectural firm since our last interview in 2019. Paul shares how his business has expanded into the global market post-COVID, the challenges and rewards of working internationally, and the nuances of merging cultural traditions with contemporary design. We also dive into the process of developing his second book, Contemporary Living by McClean Design, and his deep appreciation for California’s architectural landscape.

[00:26] Paul’s background and an overview of McClean Design [05:10] How his business model has evolved over the last 25 years [08:39] The impact of COVID on his firm and the industry [12:29] The importance of in-person collaboration in creative fields [15:13] Expanding into international markets and the challenges of working globally [22:57] The process of selecting homes for his latest book [26:08] The balance between honoring architectural history and creating modern spaces [29:39] The impact of California wildfires and the future of rebuilding [33:59] Paul’s perspective on leadership, relationships, and business longevity

• "We were always like, 'You need to come in and work.' Remember how sick we used to come to work? Now it's like, 'No way, stay home.'"
• "I think we've been very fortunate to be in business for 25 years now. But for the business to continue, it has to become less about me and more about the team."
• "Time zones are the biggest challenge in global design. The Middle East is a full 12-hour difference, and it’s really hard to get that to work."
• "COVID made people more critical of design. They now think deeply about how they live at home—offices, wellness, fitness spaces. That shift is here to stay."
• "The houses we design are the backdrop of people’s lives. Let’s not make them part of the problem—let’s make them part of the solution."

McClean Design Website Follow McClean Design on Instagram

Design Manager – The all-in-one platform for project management, accounting, and purchasing, designed specifically for interior designers.

Hooker Furnishings – A trusted resource offering a versatile portfolio of furniture and decor, with a dedicated design support team.

Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 of your favorite vendors with exclusive trade pricing and personal concierge service.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select 'Ratings and Reviews' and 'Write a Review,' then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Jamie Gasparovic, founder and principal designer of Studio Gaspo, joins us to share the evolution of her business model over the past seven years. About four years in, Jamie experienced an introspective moment that led to a bold rebrand centered around intention and authenticity. We discuss how confidence and leadership shape the business of design, allowing her to take risks, carve her own path, and be a true disruptor in the industry.

• [00:26] Jamie’s background and journey into interior design
• [05:49] How her business model has evolved over the years
• [09:57] Early mistakes and lessons learned when launching her firm
• [13:09] The power of confidence and leadership in growing a design business
• [17:21] Jamie’s disruptive approach to design and why it matters
• [22:04] Why confidence and clarity are essential in leading clients
• [27:58] Hiring a senior designer as her first full-time employee
• [33:14] How refining her brand identity helped her attract better clients
• [39:17] Jamie’s definition of success and how it ties to freedom

• "If you're hiring a designer, you probably want something that's very customized to you. Your home shouldn't look like everyone else's."
• "I think a lot of designers are missing confidence. If you feel confident, your clients will too. If you don't, they won't trust you."
• "The thing you think is weird about you is probably your superpower. Stop trying to hide it."
• "I don’t want a million leads—I want the right leads. I intentionally designed my business to focus on quality, not quantity."
• "Boundaries are the secret to my survival. If you don’t stick to them, they don’t exist."

Studio Gaspo WebsiteFollow Jamie on Instagram Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit

Design Manager – The all-in-one platform for project management, accounting, and purchasing, designed specifically for interior designers.

Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 of your favorite vendors with exclusive trade pricing and personal concierge service.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select 'Ratings and Reviews' and 'Write a Review,' then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Welcome to this special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! This supplemental format highlights brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally.

Today, we’re speaking with Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau, also known as The Girls at Flourish—a luxury photography firm specializing in interior design, real estate, and the home industry. Brittany and Ava share how professional photography can position design professionals as leaders and experts in their field. They also walk us through their thoughtful approach to capturing designers in their element and creating an experience rooted in trust.

• The Role of Branding Photography – Why designers need high-quality images of themselves, not just their work.
• Photography for Marketing & Visibility – How to use professional photos to attract high-end clients.
• The High Point Market Experience – Their exclusive photo sessions designed for interior designers.
• Curating the Perfect Image – How Girls at Flourish helps designers create strategic, on-brand imagery.
• Overcoming Camera Anxiety – Tips for feeling confident in front of the camera.

• “Designers are realizing they need their faces out there—clients want to see the person behind the brand.”
• “Photography should be intentional. It’s not just about looking good—it’s about visually communicating who you are and where you want to take your business.”
• “You can’t just compete on design alone anymore. The thing that makes someone hire you is trust, and your personal brand is the key to building that.”

• Learn More About Girls at Flourish: Visit Their Website
• Follow Girls at Flourish on Instagram: @girlsatflourish
• Schedule Your Photo Shoot at Spring High Point Market: Book Here

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Helen and Simon Knox, the husband-and-wife team behind Lewis Knox Interior and Architectural Design based in Cheshire, UK. In this episode, we explore the business of design from a UK perspective.

Helen and Simon share their journey from design school to launching their own design business, and they explain their approach to developing a multi-faceted business model—including the addition of a cabinetry studio. We also discuss the state of the design community in the UK and how their experience at the first Business of Interiors Community Summit has impacted the growth and development of their business.

• Launching a Design Business: The pivotal moment when Helen and Simon took the leap.
• Business Model Evolution: How they integrated cabinetry into their services.
• Challenges & Growth: Lessons learned from building and scaling a design team.
• UK Design Community: The importance of networking, pricing transparency, and industry collaboration.
• The Business of Interiors Summit: Insights gained and why events like these are shaping the UK design landscape.

• “We never set out to run a business together. It just evolved naturally, and when the opportunity presented itself, we had to take the leap.”
• “In the UK, no one teaches you how to run a business. Design school is all about creativity, but figuring out the financials, the processes, and the structure—that was something we had to learn ourselves.”
• “Owning a cabinetry studio allows us to control the quality and timelines, which makes our design process smoother and our clients happier.”

• Learn More About Lewis Knox: Visit Their Website

• Follow Lewis Knox on Instagram: @lewisknox_

• Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Details & Tickets

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.
• Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Hannah Oravec, founder of Lawless Design—a New England-based residential and boutique commercial interior design studio focused on wellness and sustainability. In this episode, Hannah shares her design journey and the process of launching her own design business. We discuss her perspective on commercial and residential design and her strategy for qualifying projects that best align with her business model and personal design approach. We also dive into the value of expanding your professional circle, and Hannah shares her top networking tips for creative introverts.

• Business Beginnings: Hannah’s journey from commercial design to launching her own studio.

• Finding Your Niche: How wellness and sustainability became central to Lawless Design’s mission.

• Networking for Introverts: Hannah’s tips for creative professionals to make meaningful connections.

• Team Growth: The lessons learned from hiring and building a supportive design team.

• Infusing Joy: How to incorporate passion projects into your business model.

• “Design should be personal. We’re not just giving you a cookie-cutter design; it’s about how our clients live in their homes and what makes them feel good.”

• “I’m very upfront when interviewing clients—I’m not the designer for everyone, and that’s okay. There’s a designer out there for everyone.”

• “Make sure there is an aspect or component of your business that truly brings you joy. You’re the business owner; you have the ability to make joy part of your business.”

• Learn More About Lawless Design: Visit the Website

• Follow Lawless Design on Instagram: @lawless_design

• Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People

• Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Information

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.

• Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Today, we’re thrilled to host Julia Bocchese of Julia Renee Consulting, a firm specializing in SEO and Pinterest strategies for creative businesses, including interior designers.

In this episode, Julia breaks down the unique power of Pinterest and shares actionable ways design professionals can use the platform to expand visibility, drive traffic to their websites, and strengthen their brand messaging. From Pinterest’s role as a visual search engine to its ability to enhance SEO, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss.

• The Pinterest Advantage: Why Pinterest is a visual search engine, not just another social media platform.
• Boosting Visibility: Strategies for using Pinterest to drive meaningful traffic to your website.
• SEO Synergy: How Pinterest activity can directly enhance your website’s SEO rankings.
• Public vs. Private Boards: The best way to use both to build relevance and showcase your style.
• Content Strategy: Tips for creating Pinterest-friendly content, from keywords to graphics.

• “Pinterest is a search engine. It’s not about followers or likes; it’s about using the right keywords and connecting with people actively searching for what you offer.”
• “If someone pins your image, it’s automatically linked back to your website. That’s a huge benefit for driving traffic and boosting your SEO.”
• “Instagram posts disappear in 24 to 48 hours, but a good pin can drive traffic for months or even years.”
• “Think of Pinterest as an extension of your portfolio. It’s a way to share your vision for styles that may not yet be in your online portfolio.”

• Learn More About Julia Bocchese: Visit Julia’s Website
• Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliareneeconsulting

• Design Manager https://www.designmanager.com
• Daniel House Club https://danielhouse.club/pages/dbsg

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Today, we welcome Molly Rose – a professional interior photographer and public relations partner for interior designers and architects. In this episode, Molly breaks down her 10-step strategy to help you create project campaigns that support your overarching brand and provide content throughout the design process. We discuss how a combination of micro storytelling, DIY photography, and a structured posting schedule can truly enhance your messaging and your PR strategy for each project.

Heads up – have your iPhone ready for a camera settings tutorial that will change the game for you!

• Molly’s experience interviewing Rick in EP78 of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast
• Molly’s 10-step strategy for creating project campaigns
• Tips for using a phone camera effectively for interior photography
• How to document and share content from the inquiry phase of a new project
• Linking content together from different project phases
• Organizing and utilizing content across various social media platforms
• Documenting client reactions and the design reveal
• The role of media in validating designers and their work
• How to use AI to promote your design style

Settings → Search camera → Enable Apple ProRAW → Ensure grid and lens correction are on → Open camera → Portrait mode → Click the upward arrow to adjust exposure → Drag exposure down to -1.0 to -1.3 → Adjust aperture (F) between 5.0 to 5.6 for wide shots, 2.0 to 2.8 for detail shots.

• “Approach your work with the best intentions. It will get in front of somebody who will love it, and their appreciation might surprise you. And who doesn’t like it also might surprise you. But don’t be too worried about conforming to a certain approach because one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone has a place at the table.” – Molly Rose
• “Use AI to show stuff that you would do. Generate images to show stuff that you would do.” – Molly Rose

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Feature Guest Website – http://mollyrosephoto.co/

Design Stories Workbook – http://mollyrosephoto.co/stories

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mollyrose.photo/

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