Tariffs are here, and they’re affecting more than just prices.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to navigate the ripple effects of tariffs on your design business, especially when it comes to client communication, purchase proposals, and protecting your profit margins.

You’ll learn how to talk to clients when pricing changes unexpectedly, what to include in your contracts to protect yourself, and how to think outside the box when your go-to products are no longer available or affordable. It’s not just about managing change, it’s about leading through it with clarity, boundaries, and confidence.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why tariffs are a communication—not just pricing—issue
  
  
• What to say to clients (and what not to!)
  
  
• How to audit and protect open purchase orders
  
  
• Key clauses to add to your letters of agreement
  
  
• The mindset shift that makes you a trusted leader, not a stressed-out designer

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Have you ever felt like pulling back, hesitating, or waiting for things to “settle down”?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about the mindset of hesitation—why it shows up in uncertain times and how to shift out of it before it stalls your growth. If you’ve found yourself shrinking, playing it safe, or holding your breath in your design business lately, this one’s for you.

I’m sharing how hesitation sabotages momentum, why visibility matters more now than ever, and how to lean into leadership when everyone else is stepping back. Plus, I’ll show you how this could actually be the best time to grow.

In this episode, I cover:

• What hesitation really is and where it leads
  
  
• How fear-based thinking derails your momentum
  
  
• Why now is the time to increase your visibility
  
  
• How to build trust through consistency
  
  
• What to do to protect your business from tariff-related price swings

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you ready to take control of your pricing strategy and run a more profitable, stress-free design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm sharing the four foundational rules every designer needs to understand and implement when it comes to pricing their services and products. These rules will help you separate your services clearly, get paid upfront, eliminate financial risk, and avoid frustrating client pushback. If you've ever been confused about how to present pricing, when to collect payment, or how to avoid being treated like a personal shopper, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why design and purchasing should always be treated as separate services
  
  
• How to set up payments so you get paid before you start
  
  
• The exact paperwork you need to stay protected (and profitable!)
  
  
• Why “cost plus” pricing is a trap—and what to do instead
  
  

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

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Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in the room, even though you’ve worked hard to get there?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about imposter syndrome—what it really is, why it shows up (even for top designers), and what you can do to move through it with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt nervous before an install, doubted your talent mid-project, or tried to be “perfect” just to avoid being judged, this is for you. I’m sharing how to reframe these thoughts, how to train your brain for success, and how to get out of your head and into your brilliance—one small step at a time.

In this episode, I cover:

• The real reason confidence feels out of reach
• How to rewire your brain to overcome imposter syndrome
• Why perfectionism is a trap—and what to aim for instead
• A practical journaling tip to retrain your mindset
• Why high performers struggle with self-doubt too (and how they move through it)

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you feeling the pull to play it safe right now? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m encouraging you to do the opposite—to stay visible, be consistent, and shine your light. 

Uncertainty is in the air, but this is exactly when your community needs you most. I’m sharing how staying steady, authentic, and present positions you as a trusted leader and the go-to designer in your community. Now is not the time to shrink—it’s the time to stand tall, lead with confidence, and keep your momentum going.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why staying visible during uncertain times builds trust
• How consistency in your marketing creates opportunity
• The power of establishing yourself as the go-to designer
• Why positive energy attracts the right clients
• What to do now to be ready when the next door opens

If you’ve been tempted to hide in the shadows, this episode will inspire you to shine brighter than ever. 

Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you do when a client insists on a design choice that makes your skin crawl? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m tackling the tricky topic of working with clients who have… well, let’s just say “questionable” taste.

This isn’t about complaining—it’s about navigating tough design decisions with grace and professionalism, without compromising your brand or integrity. I’ll share personal stories, practical strategies, and essential mindset shifts that help you handle these situations with confidence.

Whether you're a new designer just finding your footing or a seasoned pro facing a sticky situation, this episode will give you a framework for standing your ground without burning bridges.

In this episode, we cover:

•  🎨 How to maintain your professional standards—even when clients push back
•  🛋️ The risks of compromising your design integrity for a paycheck
•  🧠 Why standing your ground (graciously) builds your brand
•  📋 Three options when working with a client whose vision clashes with yours
•  💬 How to explain “bad taste” decisions without offending your client
•  💼 When to walk away—and how to do it without causing conflict

If you’ve ever faced a client with a mismatched design vision, this episode is a must-listen.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Can you start an interior design business as a hobby while your kids are little, then step into it full-time later? In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m unpacking why that mindset won’t get you where you want to go—and what to do instead.

I’ll share why interior design demands a professional approach from day one, what systems and tools you need in place, and how to design a business that fits your lifestyle without treating it like a side project. Plus, I’ll explain the critical mindset shift that separates hobbyists from successful business owners.

In this episode, we cover: 

• 🧠 Why interior design isn’t something you can “mess around with” in your free time
• 📋 The foundational systems and tools you need to run a real design business
• ⚖️ How to build a business that supports your family and your income goals
• ✅ The mindset shift that transforms your passion into a professional path

If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start designing a business that works for you, this episode is a must-listen.

🎯 Join our community at Interior Design Business Academy and learn how to build a business that supports your life—not the other way around.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Ever had a client try to bulldoze your boundaries or hijack your design process? Whether it’s demanding your designer discount, questioning your prices, or insisting on DIY product orders that derail your timeline, standing your ground can feel uncomfortable—but it’s absolutely essential.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, we’re diving into two real coaching stories where designers were confronted by pushy clients—and how they handled it with calm, confidence, and clarity. If you’ve ever wondered how to say “no” without losing the job, this episode is for you.

You’ll learn how to: 

• Set clear boundaries without drama or guilt
• Say “no” with confidence when clients overstep
• Avoid scope creep, chaos, and resentment by protecting your process
• Handle client attempts to take over sourcing (and why it’s a construction nightmare waiting to happen)
• Position yourself as the expert from the very first conversation

If you’ve ever felt steamrolled, second-guessed, or just plain exhausted trying to please everyone, this episode will give you the mindset and language to take back control—without losing the client.

This isn’t just about standing up for yourself. It’s about protecting your time, your value, and the vision your clients actually hired you for.

🎯 Ready to step into your authority? Head over to interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/ and click “Book A Call.” Let’s talk about what’s next for your business.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Talking about budgets with clients can feel uncomfortable—but avoiding the money conversation is costing you. If you’re bending over backward to fit unrealistic budgets or underpricing your services just to land a job, it’s time to change your approach.

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into why most clients have no idea what their project actually costs and why it’s your job to educate them. I’ll share how to confidently lead budget conversations, stop shrinking your pricing to fit client expectations, and ensure you’re getting paid properly for your expertise.

We’ll also uncover the biggest pricing mistakes designers make, how your own “money story” might be holding you back, and the exact steps to help clients set realistic budgets—without fear, guilt, or pushback.

In this episode, we cover:

• 💰 Why most clients don’t know what their budget should be—and how to guide them
• 🚫 The dangers of “shrinking to fit” into unrealistic budgets
• 🛠️ How to build scope and budget alignment before you start designing
• ✅ The step-by-step process to develop budgets that clients feel comfortable with
• 📈 How educating clients leads to bigger budgets and more profitable projects

If you’re tired of pricing stress and ready to run a more profitable design business, this episode is for you!

🎯 Want expert guidance on pricing and budget conversations? Book a call with our team at Interior Design Business Academy to learn more.

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Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you spending countless hours on social media but still struggling to land your ideal clients? You’re not alone. Many designers fall into the trap of thinking social media is the key to getting high-paying clients—but is it really?

In this episode of Interior Design Business, I’m diving into the reality of social media marketing for interior designers. I’ll break down why your ideal clients aren’t scrolling Instagram for their next designer, the biggest social media misconceptions, and the real strategy that will bring you high-quality clients—referral partnerships.

We’ll discuss the importance of building relationships with architects, contractors, realtors, and even unexpected connections like hairdressers and personal trainers to get high-value referrals. Plus, I’ll share practical ways to connect with the right people, position yourself as the go-to designer, and stop wasting time on strategies that don’t work.

In this episode, we cover:

• 📉 Why social media isn’t the best client acquisition strategy for designers
•  🔍 The surprising statistics about Instagram and its users
•  💡 How to build relationships with referral partners who can send you high-end clients
•  💬 The conversations that actually lead to new business opportunities
•  ✅ Why getting out from behind your computer is essential for business growth

If you’re tired of posting endlessly without results and ready to focus on what actually works, this episode is for you!

🎯 Want to take your marketing to the next level? Book a call with our team at Interior Design Business Academy and discover strategies tailored to your success!

Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com