097: How to Build Supportive Relationships Within Your Design Business WITH KARA COX

On the podcast today is Kara Cox, of Kara Cox Interiors. I’ve just got to tell you this was such a fun and a delightful conversation. It was recorded in mid-April while we are kind of figuring out how to work around the COVID disruption, and how things are going to start back up. What I love so much is Kara’s open and inviting personality. She just draws you in and has that beautiful southern speech.    

Something that struck me in our conversation was the idea of how beautifully she was mentored and taken care of by another designer. This designer then also encouraged her to launch her own design firm. We don’t hear that very often, so listening to her share the story and sweet relationship was such an encouragement.

Kara goes on to talk about how she has worked really hard to figure out how she serves others; not only her staff and her clients, but her community. I think you will be encouraged. Hope you enjoy the podcast.

Topics Mentioned 

• Leadership

• Coaching and Mentoring 

• Service

• Change

Key Thoughts:

• Kara’s mentor, Lindsay Henderson, taught her what servant leadership meant: those who literally served their clients, their community, and also served their employees. Kara(09:52)

• The more we learn about ourselves, the more we learn about the people that we work with on a daily basis in our team, the better we can meet their needs and we can figure out how to motivate the individual. Kara (20:32)

• Hiring a business coach, Tobi Fairley, transformed the way Kara does her business. Kara (25:08)

• Running a transparent business with the one flat fee and explaining the benefit to the clients. Kara (31:36)

• Adapting and continuing to a new normal by trying to offer some different services. Kara (48:04)

• The minimum that you need to do to keep your family going to keep your business going. Michele (52:25)

Contact Michele:

• Email: [email protected]

• Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting

• Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL

Contact Kara:

• Facebook: Kara Cox Interiors

• Instagram: @karacoxinteriors

• Website: www.karacoxinteriors.com

References and Resources:

• The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today

• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill