Are you starting your interior design business but unsure how to manage the financial side? The right money mindset is more important than you think.

In this episode, financial expert Danielle Hayden shares why understanding your money personality is key before launching your business. Knowing your strengths and challenges can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success.

Danielle also reveals the essential money team you need to build from day one to keep your finances in check. With her practical advice, you’ll learn how to invest in your business wisely and pay yourself properly.

Whether you're just starting or running an established design firm, this episode provides practical solutions to take control of your finances and set your business up for long-term success.

Ready to transform your money mindset? Tune in and discover how to manage your finances better so you can focus on what you do best—designing beautiful spaces!

Featured Guest:

⁠Danielle Hayden⁠ is the co-founder and CEO of ⁠Kickstart Accounting, Inc.⁠ Her bookkeeping and accounting firm is on a mission to coach six-figure and beyond female entrepreneurs so they can better understand their numbers through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and support so they can grow profitable, sustainable and enjoyable businesses.

With over 15 years of experience in finance, Danielle has worked her way from an accounting firm intern to the co-founder of Kickstart Accounting. She understands how complex business finances can be and knows that entrepreneurs need more than just a bookkeeper. They need real financial analysis and support to get the confidence required to create the sustainable wealth they deserve. Danielle brings a unique perspective when it comes to providing business owners with a total package that relates to their finances. She has been a guest on multiple shows, and when she isn't in her money mindset work, you can find her hiking or spending time with her family.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> The Money Mindset You Need Before Starting Your Design Business With Danielle Hayden

Links Mentioned:

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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Are you struggling to keep your interior design projects running smoothly?

Worry no more! I've got it covered.

In this episode, I share the tried-and-tested Seven-Step Process I use in my design firm, Rebecca Ward Design, to help you manage your projects more efficiently and effectively. I walk you through each step—from gathering crucial information to presenting your design and overseeing implementation—so you can deliver beautiful, on-time results that impress your clients and within budget.

Whether you are approaching your first project or collaborating with a designer for the first time, this will give you a clear roadmap to manage your project confidently and easily.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your project management skills—tune in now, and let’s make your next design project a success!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects

NEXT STEPS:

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Take a Quiz!

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

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Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

An interior designer's role is to partner with clients to manifest and bring their dreams to life through personalized designs.

I love how Kelee, my special guest, illustrates that role.

Kelee Katillac, an acclaimed interior designer and author shares her remarkable journey from a childhood of adversity to becoming a respected voice in the industry. She reveals how her personal experiences of marginalization and self-discovery led her to embrace design as a tool for healing, empowerment, and community building. She emphasizes the importance of finding your "three critical moments" - pivotal life events that can inspire your design work and give it deeper meaning.

She also shares her expertise on the science of color therapy and how designers can incorporate it into their practice to promote wellness and personal growth. Spoiler Alert: there's a color meditation towards the end of the episode 😉

Kelee's infectious passion and authenticity shine through in our conversation, making it no surprise that she consistently transforms her client's visions into reality.

Whether you're a seasoned interior designer or just starting, this episode will inspire you to infuse your design work with passion, purpose, and the power to transform lives.

Tune in, get inspired, and start designing with purpose.

Featured Guest:

⁠Kelee Katillac⁠ is an interior and architectural designer as well as a preservation consultant. Her work has been featured in the pages of USA Today, House Beautiful, Designer Builder, Traditional Home, Introspective, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, The Dallas Morning News, The Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, and hundreds of others worldwide. The books House Beautiful Pink and Gestalten’s, The Chamber of Curiosity featured her signature style. She has been a guest on CNN, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Discovery Channel, Pure Oxygen, The Family Channel, and many others. In addition, Kelee is the author of two nationally acclaimed books and is the founder of Design Gives Back – ⁠designgivesback.com⁠, an initiative to provide rooms of hope, health, and happiness for those critically ill or in need.

Kelee's new book is ⁠Historic Style: Honoring the Past with Design for Today⁠.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Turning Challenges into Creative Fuel: Kelee Katillac's Journey in Helping Clients Manifest Their Dream Spaces PLUS Color Meditation

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Coming up with construction project estimates can be challenging. Project costs can quickly add up, potentially causing the client or the project manager to underestimate the project's total cost.

In this episode, I break down the costs of common construction projects so you can plan your project budget with confidence. From painting an entire home to remodeling a kitchen, I share the average costs based on my experience here in Northern California. I even explain why prices can vary and what I do to avoid surprises.

If you are looking for ballpark estimates for your construction project this episode is for you. Listen now to get the tips you need to prepare a solid construction project budget.

Don't forget to check out the show notes for the Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide and additional resources and guides to help you on your journey. Let's make your next project a success!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Easy Guide to Setting a Realistic Budget and Timeline for Your Next Construction Project

Links Mentioned:

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

We did it! We finally made it to 100 episodes and even landed in the top 100 in the Apple Podcast US and top 20 in the Apple Podcast Canada both in Design Category.

Thank you for tuning in each week. To celebrate, I have a special giveaway for you. Scroll down for details on how to enter and win.

Also, in this milestone episode, I have a special guest, Lillian "Lilly" Janik, my associate designer and right-hand gal. She has been instrumental in helping me grow my business, organize it, and manage all the various aspects, including the podcast and my mentorship program, My Design Mentor.

Join us as Lilly shares her inspiring journey from a creative child to a key player in our design firm. Discover how she overcame the challenges of starting her career and the valuable lessons she learned.

If you're an aspiring interior designer or a recent graduate unsure of your next steps, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you succeed in your creative career. From internships to working with clients, Lilly's experiences offer a roadmap for achieving your dreams in the interior design industry. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from someone who has been in your shoes and emerged successful.

Tune in now and take the first step towards building a fulfilling and prosperous career in interior design.

Featured Guest:

Lillian "Lilly" Janik is an experienced interior designer with a passion for creativity and a keen eye for design. After graduating from CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, she has honed her skills, starting as an intern to an associate designer at Rebecca Ward Design firm. With a knack for sourcing furniture and construction finishes, Lilly excels in design drawing and client relations. Her dedication to mentoring interns and sharing her knowledge reflects her commitment to growth and learning in interior design.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Tips and Stories for Starting Your Interior Design Journey Plus Celebrating 100 Episodes With Lillian Janik

Join the 100th Episode Giveaway

To celebrate the 100th episode of my podcast, 1 lucky winner will win an Interior Designer's Tool Package which includes:

ENTER TO WIN In 3 easy steps:

Giveaway Period: August 5 to 9, 2024

Winner Announcement: August 9, 2024

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz:

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Did you know you can profit from selling furniture in your interior design business?

Furniture is an important topic in interior design, especially for those planning to run their own business. It's important to include furniture in your business model to sell to clients and profit from it. However, many people underestimate the costs involved.

In this episode, I talk about this topic and how it can be a game-changer for your design business. I break down the different levels of furniture costs, from budget to luxury, and offer practical advice on setting realistic budgets for your clients.

I also share tips on how to use designer discounts and wholesale accounts to maximize your profits while ensuring your clients get the best value.

If you want to set up your design business the right way, so you can charge for your time and products effectively, make a profit, and help your clients make informed decisions about their furniture investments, this episode is a must-listen.

Don't miss this furniture investment guide to making money through furniture in interior design. Plus, get ready for our exciting 100th episode and a special giveaway!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Smart Way to Maximize Profits in Your Interior Design Business: Furniture Sales and Designer Discounts

Links Mentioned:

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

During the first six years of my business, I was hoping every month that we'd have all our expenses covered. Running a business this way is not ideal.

Understanding your financial statements and managing cash flow can help avoid surprises and reduce stress in your interior design business.

That's why, in this episode, I've invited Danielle, a Fractional CFO and founder of 4 Corners CFO, to discuss how to make sense of your finances and ensure your design business thrives. She shares tips on avoiding common pitfalls and the benefits of having a financial team, including a Fractional CFO.

Danielle also shares about her career transition and she totally gets the fears and uncertainties that often come with taking that next financial step.

Whether you're just starting in the design industry or transitioning in your career, this episode is full of advice to help you take control of your finances and focus on what you love—designing beautiful spaces.

If you're ready to take charge of your finances and grow your business, you won't want to miss this episode and learn from Danielle's expertise.

Featured Guest:

Danielle Hendon is the founder and owner of ⁠4 Corners CFO⁠, a firm offering financial advisory services to small business owners on a scale that fits their company and budget.

Coupling her decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting with her passion for small business owners, Daniel brings the benefit of big business financial analysis to entrepreneurs.

Now, instead of helping corporations increase share prices, Daniel gets to help business owners increase their livelihoods so they can leave a legacy and lasting impact on their community.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Prioritizing Profit: Tips for Interior Designers to Grow Your Business With Danielle Hendon

Links Mentioned:

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Do you ever struggle to explain your design ideas to clients? Do you wish you had the right words to help them understand and love your designs?

I hear you!

In this episode, I walk you through the must-know vocabulary words that every designer starting out needs to incorporate. These are the words I use almost every day, especially when I'm doing presentations or site visits with clients. You'll learn key terms like balance, contrast, and focal point that will really make your designs more understandable and compelling to clients.

I also dive into color terminology and fabric patterns, explaining essential concepts like hue, tone, and texture. By mastering these words, you’ll be able to describe your designs more clearly, making it easier for clients to see the value and beauty in your work.

Listen now to transform how you talk about your designs and ensure your clients fall in love with your ideas. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review, and share your favorite vocabulary words with me!

Let's make design communication easier and more effective together!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Key Interior Design Terms to Communicate Better with Clients and Showcase Your Design Skills

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Do you struggle with clients who have difficulty visualizing their homes? Well, I have some right now. Despite having 3D renderings of the space, it's not quite hitting the mark.

Not everyone can visualize like interior designers, and that's where AI comes in to help!

As the world figures out how to use AI effectively in our work, today, I chat with Kasey Hayano, CEO of HomeVisualizer.AI about the benefits of AI to interior designers and how to use it effectively. She introduces an AI tool that can help you create stunning, photorealistic renders quickly, delighting your clients, and streamlining your workflow without the need for complex software. With features like Auto Style, Custom Design Requests, and Style Fusion, this AI tool can transform your sketches and photos into beautiful renders with just a few clicks.

Imagine showing your clients exactly what their space will look like. This not only helps them see your vision but also simplifies decision-making. Pretty amazing!

This tool is perfect for both seasoned & new designers and small firms. Listen now and learn how HomeVisualizer.AI can transform your design process. Click the link in the show notes to start your free trial and see the difference AI can make in your projects today.

Featured Guest:

⁠Kasey Hayano⁠ is the co-founder and CEO of ⁠HomeVisualizer.AI⁠, which is a platform that helps designers quickly ideate and create new visual content in an easy-to-use program.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> How AI Tools Like HomeVisualizer.AI Can Make Your Interior Design Projects More Creative With Kasey Hayano

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

As an interior designer, you will make mistakes at some point in your career.

Making mistakes is normal, but learning from them can make a huge difference in your projects.

In this episode, I share my mistakes in interior design projects (hopefully you won't make the same ones!) and the lessons I have learned from them. This comes from a document called "Lessons Learned," where I keep updating it with new lessons from each project. You will hear about actual projects and solutions to help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your design process.

Listen now to learn from my mistakes so you can manage your projects smoothly and keep your clients happy.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> 11 Mistakes I Made in Interior Design Projects and How You Could Avoid Them

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.

Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...