Change is never easy. But without change there is no growth. Change tests us. It helps us to discover what we’re really made of and to realize our untapped potential. To be willing to change takes great courage. To see change through to the end requires fortitude and the support of those around you.

In this podcast, Gail and Erin have an in-depth conversation with Nancy Charbonneau, CEO, founder & principal designer, Charbonneau Interiors in Woodland, Texas. Nancy is a long-time client of Gail’s and for nearly the past two years has served as a coach for Pearl Collective.

Some twelve years into operating her business, Nancy was dissatisfied that she was not earning higher profits despite having what otherwise seemed a successful interior design practice and retail window treatments store. She knew she needed help but wasn’t sure what to do about her business. She began working with Gail and some time later at a Boardroom retreat, got feedback from the other members that challenged her to make some significant changes. She took that feedback to heart and immediately set about implementing those changes.

Gail praised her for being so open and willing to change. “It was scary,” said Nancy. “It wasn’t easy. Staying the same wasn’t going to be easy, either. You have to pick which path you’re going to follow.” She and her business partner, Kimberly, quickly pivoted, and, as it turned out, for the better.

“I think we grow the most when have to face these really difficult pivotal moments,” observed Gail, “where we actually have to find out who we are, what we’re made of, how much grit do we have, how much resilience do we have, and how much determination do we have to really break through whatever our current situation is and do something radically different. You don’t know how it’s going to turn out. You have to believe it’s the right move.”

Erin and Nancy talked about the challenges of being a working mom running your own business. It’s important, they agreed, to make time for yourself. “You have to have your personal core values that guide your decisions,” said Nancy, “and make boundaries around the things that are non-negotiable.” For her, that includes making time to work out, to restore and to relax.

Asked why she decided to serve as a coach, Nancy said it was her way of giving back to the profession and to Gail’s firm for all the help and support they have given her over the years. “I wouldn’t have made it without you,” she said.

Listen to the full podcast to hear how Nancy got her start in interior design, the changes she’s made to her business that have helped it thrive, and why she believes it’s important to give yourself grace in order to keep going in a tough business like interior design.

If you're listening on your favorite podcast platform, view the full shownotes here: https://thepearlcollective.com/s7e1-shownotes

Mentioned in This Podcast

To learn more about Nancy and her firm, Charbonneau Interiors, including viewing her portfolio, visit the firm’s website at www.charbonneauinteriors.com.

Nancy spoke highly of the book Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.

Nancy also mentioned Dr. Hardy’s Future Self program. Along with his book, Be Your Future Self Now: The Science of Intentional Transformation, he also has some videos on the topic on YouTube. You can learn more about Dr. Hardy from when he was a guest on our podcast.

https://youtu.be/cfRFjfuiD9Q