What if you didn’t need a formal qualification, a traditional path, or a big following to build a successful design business — just a clear point of view?

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, Simone Haag shares how she created her own niche in the design world by leaning into what made her different. With no formal training, Simone built her career from the ground up — first as an apprentice at the leading Melbourne design studio Hecker Guthrie, then as the founder of her own studio known for bold, layered interiors that reflect a highly personal style.

Come listen to our conversation where we talk about Simone’s unconventional journey into design, how she turned her love of vintage into a signature strength, the way she works with clients, charges for her services, and how she built a team around her creative vision. Simone’s story is a powerful reminder that when you own your point of view, you don’t need to compete — because no one else can do what you do.

If you’re trying to stand out, find your style, or carve your own niche in a crowded market, this is a must-listen.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Simone’s unconventional journey to become an interior designer

Her creative process working with clients

What she’s learnt about trusting your intuition

How she built her business

How you can charge for your services

How to value your time

Why nicheing can provide more value to your clients and help your business grow

What it takes to grow a team, and why investing in coaching is essential

How to overdeliver for your clients

Why your willingness to try is one of your best resources.   

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

Get your free guide here — 7 Insider Secrets to make it happen!

Simone’s business Simone Haag

Simone instagram @simonehaag

Design studio Hecker Guthrie

Hotels designed by Phillipe Starck

Simone’s Whiskey room project

IDEA Awards — Designer of the year

Book Atomic Habits by James Clear

Podcast The Elements by Stuart Diver

My book Style: The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home

Simone’s Phillip’s Island coastal home Angler’s Shack

Podcast production: Yaga Media

While design trends are seductive, the best way to create interiors that look as good as they feel is to express your unique perspective.

In one of the most loved episodes of the podcast, I share what it really means to style with authenticity — and why it’s the key to creating work that not only stands out but truly resonates.

I reflect on how I moved beyond imitation in my early styling days, how I discovered my signature style, and the mindset shifts that made all the difference.

Whether you're styling your home or building a design business, this episode will help you trust your vision, simplify your decisions, and create spaces that feel like you.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

What if your love of interiors could become a whole new career?

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, Reena Simon of Hygge for Home by Reena Simon for_home shares how she went from working in PR and raising three young children to renovating a 1960s bungalow — and building a meaningful career as an interior stylist, author, and content creator.

We explore how her love of Scandinavian design helped her create a calming, thoughtful home — and connect with a global audience. She opens up about finding her voice on Instagram, writing her book Scandi Rustic, and how she approaches design decisions, motherhood, and creative boundaries.

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion into something more, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired to begin — right where you are.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Reena’s passion for Scandinavian design

Her 1960s bungalow renovation

Trusting your gut instinct when making design decisions

Why Reena started her interiors & design blog

Blocking out the noise and focussing on what brings you joy

Writing for Grand Designs Magazine

The creation of her book Scandi Rustic

Learning to compromise and adapt in design and in life

How Reena connects with people through Instagram

Building confidence later in life

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

My new book STYLE - The Art of Creating a Beautiful Home now available for pre-order

Reena’s instagram @hygge_for_home

Reena’s blog and website

Reena & co-author Rebecca’s book Scandi Rustic

Grand Designs Magazine

Canon camera

Adobe Lightroom

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen

We’ve all heard the phrase work smarter, not harder — but what does that actually look like in real life?

In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m sharing why I’ve chosen to simplify my business — and how that decision is helping me create more space for what matters most. From streamlining my offers and systems, to refining how I spend my time and where I show up, this new season is all about clarity, focus, and alignment.

You’ll hear the real changes I’ve made — including why I’m pressing pause on the podcast (for now) — and how I’m creating deeper impact inside Design & Grow and my 1:1 mentorships, while also spending more time connecting through my free weekly newsletter on Substack.

If you’ve been feeling stretched, scattered, or out of sync with your business, this episode will give you both permission and practical ideas to simplify in a way that supports your life — not competes with it.THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

The personal and professional changes shaping this season

How she’s shifted Design & Grow for deeper connection

Why Substack is now the primary home for content

What simplifying her tech, team, and time has made possible

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

Natalie Walton Mentorship

The Styling Playbook for Interior Designers

Natalie Walton Instagram

Free live training - The Confident Stylist

Natalie Walton - Design & Grow Coaching Program

Natalie Walton - The Styling Masterclass

One of the most powerful ways to create the results you want in your life is to get clarity on what matters most. This can begin in the home.

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, home organiser and bestselling author Shira Gill shares her five-step method to help you simplify your space, let go of the excess, and create a home that supports your values.

We talk about overcoming guilt, teaching kids to edit their belongings, and how Shira built a thriving business from scratch — starting with nothing but a clear intention. Whether you're craving calm, clarity, or a fresh start, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tools to begin.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack.

Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

One of the questions I get asked all the time is, “Am I too late?”Women in their 40s, 50s, 60s… wondering if they can really step into the world of interiors or styling.Honestly, it’s never too late. In fact, you may be more ready than ever.

In this episode of Imprint, I’m sharing why age is your advantage, not your obstacle — and how to use your life experience, perspective, and confidence to carve a creative path that’s truly yours.

Come learn how you can make bold pivots later in life.

Plus, I’ll walk you through five simple steps to help you reconnect with your creativity, build confidence, and start showing up — no matter your age or stage.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start HereFor Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack. Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

What does it take to pivot into a creative career — especially when you're not in your 20s, don’t live in a major city, and didn’t follow a traditional design path?

In one of the most popular episodes of the Imprint Podcast, interior and prop stylist Jen Paul shares how she transitioned from teaching to styling, landed a role at Studio McGee, and built a career on her own terms. She opens up about the power of being intentional, learning on the job, and how following her curiosity led to unexpected opportunities.

If you're questioning your path or wondering if it’s too late to start something new, Jen’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to back yourself — and move into action.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth group program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

~

Let’s connect!

Join 20k readers of This Creative Life for free on Substack. Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/nataliewalton

Explore my resources and programs: nataliewalton.com

Creativity isn’t about waiting for the perfect idea or moment. It’s about showing up — again and again — and trusting yourself enough to take the first step.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to live a creative life. From overcoming self-doubt to developing a daily practice, you’ll learn why the creative process is available to all of us — and how engaging with it can transform not just your work, but your home and life.

Whether you're styling a space, building a business, or finding your voice, this is a call to stop holding back and start creating with courage and clarity.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com

Go Deeper

For Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance in a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic business growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are focussed on growing smarter, not harder. | Join Here

How do you turn a love of interiors into a business that grows through referrals, book deals, and a loyal client base?

In one of the most popular episodes on the Imprint Podcast, interior designer and author Caitlin Flemming shares how she built her design studio from the ground up — starting with a blog, side income, and the courage to take on small projects that led to big opportunities. We talk about how she defined her aesthetic, found her first clients, and priced her services with confidence (after years of trial and error).

Caitlin also opens up about creating two bestselling books (Travel Home and Sense of Place; she has another book coming out soon) with her mother, building a small but mighty team, and how she makes time for family while running a successful business.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow a creative practice on your own terms, this conversation is full of thoughtful insights, practical advice, and a refreshing reminder that your aesthetic can be your advantage — when you know how to use it.

THIS EPISODE FOCUSES ON

Catilin’s childhood growing up going to flea markets with her mother with a passion for interiors & antiques

The joyful experience of creating her books with her mother

How creativity was engrained in her childhood

Her passion for travel & how this was developed in her formative years

Studying business & marketing at university

The threads of her journey showing up in her work

Starting her interior design practice & getting her first client

How one small job can create future work

Why Caitlin chooses to charge hourly

The value of word-of-mouth referrals

Caitlin’s interior design process

Her instinct for design & styling

FEATURED ON THIS EPISODE

Planning to design, renovate or build your dream home? Come join my FREE CLASS TODAY! Register here

Caitlin’s website

Caitlin’s new book Sense of Place

Caitlin’s Instagram @caitlinflemming

My course The Styling Masterclass

Caitlin’s first book Travel Home

Photographer Stephanie Russo

Book Create by Ali Heath

Business of Home podcast

Sophie Ashby on Business of Home podcast

The Interior Collective podcast

Band Imagine Dragons

Podcast production: Yaga Media

Sometimes we’re so close to our work or business that we stop seeing it clearly — caught in the details and the day-to-day tasks that we are unable to step back and see the big picture.As the saying goes, we can’t see forest from the trees.

Yet someone else can often spot what’s missing in an instant.

In today’s episode of Imprint, I’m sharing 9 simple — yet often overlooked — ways to increase visibility for your work and your business with subtle yet powerful shifts. These are patterns I see again and again when reviewing websites and marketing assets inside Design & Grow. Talented creatives doing beautiful work — but not sharing it in a way that helps them make meaningful progress.

If you’re ready to stop missing what’s right in front of you and start creating momentum with some simple shifts, this episode is for you.

➤ Let’s continue the conversation here: www.nataliewalton.substack.com ~

Go DeeperFor Interior Designers & Stylists: A proven program to elevate your interiors, develop your signature style and attract your dream clients with clarity and confidence. | Start Here

For Creative Entrepreneurs: Expert guidance through a 1:1 mentorship intensive to start or scale your creative business. | Learn More

For Business Strategy, Systems & Support: A strategic growth program for interior designers and creative business owners who are ready to grow smarter, not harder. | Join Here