Welcome back to another episode of Design for the Creative Mind! I'm thrilled to introduce our guest for today, Jaime Brown, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Studio Designer. Jaime has a wealth of experience working with design firms of all sizes, helping them tackle their business challenges and implement design-specific software into their workflows. She's here to share some invaluable insights with us today.

 Jaime breaks down the benefits of integrated systems, emphasizing the seamless combination of project management and accounting functionalities. By eliminating the need for manual data transfers between different software, integrated systems save time and reduce errors. One key feature Jaime discusses is item-level profitability tracking, allowing designers to analyze the profitability of each product or service. This granular insight enables designers to make informed pricing decisions and ensure they're adequately compensated for their work.

We talk about the importance of setting pricing boundaries and tracking project hours diligently and the value of data-driven decision-making, urging designers to leverage tools like time tracking reports to optimize their pricing strategies and project estimates. . While numbers may not be the most glamorous aspect of design, they're essential for maximizing profitability and ensuring long-term success. So, don't shy away from diving into the numbers and analyzing your business metrics—it's the key to unlocking your full potential as a creative entrepreneur.

Jaime is the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Studio Designer. Over the last 5 years, Jaime has specialized in working with small to large-sized design firms to help solve and improve their business challenges. By helping to implement design-specific software into their daily processes, Jaime helps interior design business owners grow and scale their firm, improve their firm's productivity and gain stronger financial insights to succeed.

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

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Welcome back to the Design for the Creative Mind podcast! Today, we've got an awesome guest, LoriAnn Coons from Profit Priority, a boutique accounting and fractional CFO firm. LoriAnn's mission is to help creatives feel confident about their finances and grow their profits.  She realized early on that traditional accounting practices didn't align with her values of helping businesses thrive year-round, not just during tax season.

Get ready to take notes because we dive into what numbers you should be paying attention in your business, and why tracking those numbers matter. We also chat about how staying on top of your finances is key to driving growth and being able to make crucial decisions in your business. LaurieAnn also talks about why you should hire a bookkeeper for your business and emphasizes why it's so crucial to finding someone who is familiar with your industry to support your business. 

I hope you enjoy this episode!

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text UPDATES to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

LoriAnn is the owner and CEO of Profit Priority, a boutique accounting and fractional CFO firm helping creatives go from unsure to unstoppable when thinking about their finances. Whether you are just starting out or you have been in business for years, our mission is to help creatives feel peace about their numbers while growing their profit and confidence. Business aside, LoriAnn is really just a midwest gal obsessed with traveling, reading, iced coffees and spending time on the farm with her two little kiddos.

Welcome back to Designed For The Creative Mind! In this podcast episode, I chat with Melissa Galt, an accomplished business coach with three decades of experience in leading a successful residential firm. Melissa, known as the "tough love coach," brings practical advice to help interior designers earn more with less stress and love their business.

It is so important to have a business coach, and we dive into why it's crucial for designers to find the right coach who aligns with their needs. Melissa shares her journey from running her own design firm for 30 years to transitioning into coaching, where she helps designers unleash their creativity and streamline their business operations.

Melissa's coaching style focuses on individualized approaches, with an arsenal of tools and strategies tailored to each designer's unique needs. She emphasizes the importance of resonance and flexibility in coaching, ensuring that designers find their one-of-a-kind fit and enjoy their business journey 

Melissa has an inherent understanding of business that most only dream of. Since launching her coaching business in 2009, Melissa has coached thousands of professionals (such as interior designers, architects, builders, and founders in the home furnishings industry) around the world, helping them to realize a level of success they had only dreamed of and to fall back in love with the business.

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text UPDATES to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

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Welcome to another episode of "Design for the Creative Mind" with your host, Michelle Lynne,  Today, we've got a jam-packed episode with not one, not two, but three amazing guests joining us. Let's give a warm welcome to Monica and Fabian Rivas from Enliven Interiors, based out of vibrant Las Vegas, Nevada. These two have been making waves in the design world, being featured in top publications like AD, Apartment Therapy, and Homes and Gardens. And that's just scratching the surface of their incredible journey. We're also thrilled to have Fernando Duque, the co-founder and CEO of Duke Renders, with us today. Fernando is a marketing genius, and you might have seen him at various conferences and events spreading his knowledge.

Monica and Fabian's journey is a testament to passion and dedication. With Monica's background in interior design and Fabian's expertise in business and marketing, they make a dynamic duo. Their journey began in school, where they crossed paths while pursuing their respective passions. Fast forward to today, and they've built a thriving business together, combining their skills to create stunning spaces.

But how did they connect with Fernando? Well, it all started with a podcast. Fabian came across Fernando's work and was immediately drawn to his innovative marketing strategies. They hit it off and realized they shared a vision for their businesses. Soon enough, they joined forces, and the rest is history.

What makes Monica and Fabian's partnership unique is their ability to complement each other's strengths. While Monica thrives in the creative realm, Fabian brings his business acumen to the table. Together, they've created a winning formula that fuels their success.

And let's not forget about the importance of renderings in their projects. With Monica's background in architectural gaming and their focus on hospitality and commercial spaces, renderings are a crucial part of their process. That's where Fernando and his team come in. Their collaboration has elevated the quality of their projects, providing clients with stunning visuals that bring their visions to life.

But what about residential projects? While renderings are a staple for their hospitality and commercial work, they're gradually incorporating them into their residential projects as well. With Monica's talent for hand sketches, they've found a perfect balance between traditional and digital techniques.

One of the keys to Monica and Fabian's success is their commitment to excellence. They've built their reputation on delivering top-notch service, and their clients have taken notice. With a focus on word-of-mouth referrals, they've organically grown their business and established themselves as industry leaders.

At the heart of it all is their passion for creating meaningful experiences for their clients. Whether it's designing a luxury hotel or transforming a family home, Monica and Fabian pour their hearts into every project, ensuring that each space reflects the unique vision of their clients.

And let's not forget about the importance of teamwork. With Lillian rounding out their team, they've created a supportive environment where creativity thrives. Lillian brings her own expertise to the table, contributing to their collective success.

 Monica, Fabian, and Fernando are a force to be reckoned with in the design world. Their passion, talent, and dedication shine through in everything they do, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for them.

Fernando is the co-founder of Duke Renders, your go-to for stunning 3D visualizations.    Duke Renders specializes in 100% photorealistic 3D rendering services, offering "do it for you" solutions perfect for interior designers seeking realistic and efficient visualizations.    They handle the entire rendering process, from concept to completion, reducing back and forth with clients, ensuring faster turnarounds, and guaranteeing you, your client and your contractors are on the same page so you can focus on what you do best – creating beautiful spaces.  

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text UPDATES to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Welcome back to the podcast,  I'd like to introduce you to Daniela Furtado today. She helms a digital marketing agency in Toronto. Her team uses search engines to help businesses quintuple their website traffic and triple their sales inquiries.

The agency specializes in the design and build industry. So, she's definitely on the right podcast. Outside of the agency, Daniela also teaches courses and she writes about marketing. Daniela takes the best of what she's learned over the years and passes on the most meaningful parts through her team, clients, and students.

So, whether it's in a meeting room, a classroom, or on a stage, Daniela is on a mission to make search engine marketing less boring, less technical, and mysterious, and instead, give it simplicity, creativity, and humor.

In this episode we dive into what exactly it means to have a search marketing strategy for your business. what things you can do now getting started creating a strategic marketing plan, and what it looks like to work with an agency to help you with your search engine marketing. We also touch on how to know which marketing platform is right for your business, and if social media is actually where your BUYERS are. 

Daniela Furtado is a consultant, speaker and writer on how to make businesses easy to find online. She runs the agency, Findable Digital Marketing. Connect with her here https://www.findabledigitalmarketing.com/

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text UPDATES to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Welcome back to another episode of Designed For The Creative Mind, today we have special guest Allyson Conklin, founder and principal of ACPR, a boutique public relations agency catering to interior designers.

Allyson shares her journey from a corporate PR career to founding ACPR, highlighting the pivotal moment when an interior designer's offer sparked the idea. Despite initial doubts, she embraced entrepreneurship and built a successful agency serving interior designers nationwide.

We discuss the role of PR in building brand awareness for interior designers, debunking misconceptions about its ability to directly bring in new clients. Instead, PR focuses on attracting audiences through media exposure, providing social proof and credibility crucial for brand positioning.

We also talk about when its the right time time in your business to look for a PR agency, what you can expect to spend, and what to look for in finding the right fit for you.

More about Allyson: 

Allyson Conklin is the founder of Allyson Conklin Public Relations (ACPR), a boutique PR agency for beauty, home, and lifestyle brands. A 2005 graduate of Colorado State University, she started her career in New York City working in publishing for W magazine before transitioning to PR. Allyson held PR roles at Shiseido, Cle de Peau Beaute, Zirh, and Talisker, prior to opening the doors to her eponymous company in 2010. For the last 13 years, Allyson and her team have worked with founders across the U.S. to help them grow their brands by expanding their awareness through earned media. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband, Michael, and their three dogs. https://allysonconklinpr.com

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today's guest is Josh Marten, the owner and head designer of Stahl Timber in the Dallas, Fort Worth area.  Josh shares his experiences, background, and insights on how designers can benefit from custom furniture in their designs.

Stahl Timber specializes in crafting custom furniture from substantial materials like hardwoods and metals. The company's name,  is Norwegian for steel and wood, reflecting Josh's heritage and his wife's Norwegian background.  Stahl Timber's furniture ranges from large tables to unique, custom pieces tailored to clients' needs and preferences. Collaboration with interior designers, builders, and architects is integral to their process, ensuring the realization of clients' visions.

Josh shares his journey, revealing his early passion for building and creating, despite initially struggling with traditional art forms. His interest in furniture design intensified in his late teens and twenties, leading him to experiment with welding and crafting furniture pieces. Following a career shift prompted by a corporate layoff, Josh and his wife founded Stahl Timber 12 years ago, embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hello, everyone! In this solo episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, I delve into the concept of having a "word of the year" and how it can guide and influence your personal and professional life.

I started contemplating my word of the year during the fourth quarter and honed in on it around Thanksgiving. Initially, I considered words like "mindful," "clarity," and "wisdom," but none felt quite right. I wanted a word that resonated with me on a deeper level, something that could act as a beacon for decision-making and personal growth.

After much reflection, I landed on the word "align." This word encapsulates my desire to make choices that resonate with how I want to feel and the direction I want my life and business to take. It's about ensuring that my actions are in harmony with my goals, beliefs, and desired feelings.

A recent personal example of putting this word into action was the decision to sell our house. Despite its uniqueness and the memories we've created there, the idea of selling felt aligned with my desire for a simpler, less burdensome living situation.

I encourage you to find your own word of the year, no matter what time of year it is. It's a powerful tool that can provide clarity and direction. And remember, it's okay to change your word if it no longer serves you.

I'd love to hear your word of the year, so feel free to drop me a DM on Instagram at @designedforthecreativemind And if you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review and joining our Facebook group, the Interior Designers Business Launchpad, for more business advice.

Until next time, keep striving for alignment in all that you do. Love ya. Mean it.

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Welcome back to another episode of Design for the Creative Mind, where we dive into the essentials of running a purposeful and passionate interior design business. I'm your host, Michelle Lin, and today we had the pleasure of speaking with the incredible Jude Charles, a master storyteller and documentary producer for entrepreneurs.

Jude has spent over 18 years crafting compelling narratives for clients like Google and Steve Harvey, and he's here to share his wisdom on the transformative power of storytelling in business. He's also the author of "Dramatic Demonstration," a guide that teaches entrepreneurs how to uncover and leverage their unique stories to grow their businesses.

In our conversation, Jude opened up about the importance of taking intentional breaks for personal reflection and growth. He shared his practice of taking two months off each year since 2013, which has allowed him to avoid burnout and maintain his creativity and passion for his work. Jude emphasized the clarity and insights that come from these periods of rest, which have led to the development of new offerings and a deeper understanding of what truly works in his business.

Jude also discussed the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in connecting with your audience. He believes that while every design is different, the process and the person behind the work should shine through. By sharing personal stories and the lessons learned from them, designers can differentiate themselves in a saturated market and attract clients who resonate with their unique perspective.

We delved into the practical aspects of storytelling, with Jude explaining how to identify the right stories to share and the importance of tying them back to your business values and mission. He also provided insights on how to balance personal sharing with professional boundaries, ensuring that your stories are relevant and impactful without oversharing.

Jude's message is clear: your stories are your superpower. They are what set you apart and make you memorable in the eyes of your clients. By embracing your experiences and sharing them with courage, you can create a deeper connection with your audience and drive your business forward.

So, if you're ready to harness the power of storytelling in your interior design business, make sure to follow Jude and check out his book for a roadmap to success. And remember, it's not just about the work you do; it's about who you are and the stories you tell.

Until next time, keep designing with purpose, efficiency, and passion.

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

 Welcome back to another episode of Design for the Creative Mind! I'm your host, Michelle Lynn, and today we had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of interior design with the incredibly talented Nicole Hirsch, owner and principal designer of Nicole Hirsch Interiors.

Nicole shared her journey from a marketing background to establishing her own successful design firm, emphasizing the importance of business acumen in the creative industry. We explored the intricacies of interior design, from the initial client conversations to the final install day, and Nicole generously offered insights into her meticulous process that ensures each project is executed with precision and passion.

We discussed the challenges of managing client expectations, the significance of communication, and the value of trusted partnerships with vendors and tradespeople. Nicole highlighted the critical role of receivers in the design process and how they contribute to the seamless realization of a designer's vision.

Our conversation also touched on the importance of scale in design, the strategy behind custom furniture, and the excitement of presentation days. Nicole candidly shared the less glamorous aspects of the job, like chasing down furniture orders and navigating the occasional bumps in the road. Nicole's approach to design is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a seamless experience for her clients, which is evident in her commitment to transparency and problem-solving.

Her firm's focus on large-scale, full-home projects has set them apart in the New England design scene, and their work has been recognized in prestigious publications, further solidifying their reputation in the industry. As we wrapped up, Nicole left us with some heartfelt advice for both clients and designers: to remain resilient through the ups and downs and to always seek solutions with a positive outlook.

For those eager to connect with Nicole or learn more about her work, she's active on Instagram and responsive to DMs. Potential clients can reach out directly through her website's email for inquiries. And before we sign off, a quick reminder about the Interior Design Business Success Summit coming up in April 2024. It's an event not to be missed, with a focus on thriving in uncertain markets and a lineup of speakers ready to share their expertise. T

hank you for tuning in, and remember to leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Join our Facebook group, the Interior Designers Business Launchpad, for more business advice and a community that uplifts each other. Until next time, keep designing with purpose, efficiency, and a whole lot of passion!

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text UPDATES to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production