What if I told you your client’s budget probably isn’t real?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the truth behind client budgets—and why taking them at face value can lead to disaster. You’ll learn how to avoid the “design trap,” stop underquoting yourself, and lead with confidence (and real numbers).

If you’ve ever been caught in the middle of a project where the budget didn’t match the scope—or worse, where you became the “bad guy” for costing too much—this episode will change the way you do business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why most client budgets are just guesses (and what to do instead)
• The costly trap of selling too early
• How to talk about money with confidence
• A better way to scope projects and protect your time
• Why Phase One Agreements save you time, stress, and money

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Even the best clients can turn difficult—and when they do, it’s often unexpected, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real-world experiences and powerful tools to help you navigate client challenges with grace, confidence, and strong professional boundaries.

You’ll learn how to spot red flags early, how to protect your time and energy, and why holding firm to your systems and agreements isn’t just good business—it’s essential for your wellbeing.

If you’ve ever struggled with indecisive clients, passive-aggressive couples, or late-night panic calls about backorders, this episode is your toolkit.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to recognize and respond to emotionally charged clients
• The importance of boundaries and clear contracts
• Scripts and strategies to de-escalate drama
• Why standing firm earns you more respect (and better clients)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you second-guess your skills—even after landing an amazing client or completing a successful project?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving deep into the difference between true confidence and imposter syndrome. Terri Taylor reveals how imposter thoughts sneak into even the most experienced designer’s mind and what to do when perfectionism, self-doubt, or over-delivery start taking the wheel.

From identifying the “superhero” and “natural genius” mindset traps to practical strategies for shifting your thoughts and building authentic confidence, this episode is packed with real talk and proven tools.

In this episode, I cover:

• The five imposter syndrome archetypes—and how to recognize them
• How to rewire your thought patterns and retrain your brain
• Why journaling your wins is more powerful than you think
• The real reason perfectionism backfires (and what to do instead)
• A simple visualization practice that builds unstoppable confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Ever feel stuck when it comes to charging what you’re really worth?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes story of a real designer breaking through her “money ceiling”—that invisible limit you set for yourself about what you believe clients will pay you.

You’ll hear exactly how we crafted a high-end offer, rewrote the letter of agreement five times to meet a luxury client’s expectations, and walked confidently into a project that paid more than double what the designer initially believed was possible.

If you’ve ever hesitated to charge more—even when you know you’re worth it—this is the episode that will help you stretch into the next level.

In this episode, I cover:

• What a “money ceiling” is and why it holds you back
• How to structure a high-end project with luxury-level clarity
• The power of detailed contracts in building confidence and trust
• Why personal mindset shifts matter more than market pricing
• What happens after you step into your worth (and ask for it)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Ever wonder why purchase orders matter so much—even if your vendor already gives you one?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down everything designers need to know about purchase orders. From avoiding costly mistakes to qualifying for top-tier vendor relationships, this episode is your blueprint for professional, profitable systems that support your business at every level.

If you’ve ever scribbled an order on a sticky note or relied on a vendor’s invoice as your record, this is your wake-up call. I’m sharing the real risks, the financial wins, and the step-by-step clarity you need to implement purchase orders the right way.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why vendor invoices aren’t enough
• The real cost of running blind (and how to fix it)
• What makes purchase orders a contract—and a safeguard
• How to double-check every charge and stop profit leaks
• The systems that unlock vendor trust, credibility, and profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you feel guilty for carrying business debt—or worry that it means you’ve failed?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking the emotional weight we often attach to debt and giving you a new framework to understand the difference between destructive debt and strategic debt.

You’ll learn how to reframe those old messages about money, and see why smart, planned debt can be your ally in business growth. I’m sharing real stories, practical steps to tackle credit card debt, and how to use debt as a tool without shame—so you can keep building a thriving, profitable design business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Where guilt and shame about debt really come from
• The difference between good debt and overspending
• How I used SBA loans and credit lines to grow my business
• A step-by-step strategy to pay down credit card debt
• How to celebrate progress and stay empowered

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you struggle with setting boundaries around your design fees?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how to set clear, confident design fee boundaries that protect your time, increase your profit, and keep your clients happy. If you’ve ever felt like your projects are dragging on, your client is asking for more than they paid for, or you're stuck doing design work that wasn't in the original agreement—this is for you.

I’ll walk you through the structure of a powerful letter of agreement, how to communicate scope, and how to set expectations that serve both you and your clients.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why a clear scope of work helps everyone succeed
• The minimum fee that actually covers your time
• How to avoid scope creep with firm meeting and selection limits
• The importance of clear money milestones (and how to set them)
• Why boundaries lead to better client relationships and more profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Have you gotten a surprise tariff bill—and wondered what just happened?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sounding the alarm on the reality of tariffs and how they’re affecting designers right now. From unexpected charges at the dock to vendors quietly adding 15% to your invoices, these issues can destroy your margins—and your momentum—if you’re not paying attention.

If you're unsure how to protect your business and your clients through this changing landscape, this episode gives you the heads-up and strategy you need to lead with confidence and stay profitable.

In this episode, I cover:

• Real stories from designers facing surprise tariffs
• How vendors may be slipping in fees—and how to catch it
• Why clarity, calm, and boundaries are non-negotiable
• The #1 mindset trap that will leave you powerless
• What your policy on tariffs needs to include (and why)

Register to watch the free webinar replay: https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/adapt-future-proof-tariffs/
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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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
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy