Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design

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What exactly is corporate social responsibility? Ever heard of Humble Design? This organization furnishes and decorates up to 13 homes each week in five cities across the country. Back in 2009, Treger Strasberg created a nonprofit and established a system that helps thousands of veterans, women, children, and families stop the revolving door of homelessness. The belief is simple: individuals emerging from homelessness deserve to come home each day to a clean, friendly, and dignified home. 

How does the 99% success rate of Humble Design really impact a family and a community? I can’t think of a more beautiful way to celebrate the day after Thanksgiving than by realizing we are all so incredibly blessed. And the responsibility and privilege that comes with that blessing is giving back to others through corporate social responsibility. Hear all that and more in today’s conversation!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Learn how Humble Design came to be and how they support those exiting homelessness.
2. Discover ways you can give back to your local community.
3. Uncover the benefits of corporate social responsibility—for your firm, yourself, & those in need.

Full Show Notes Here

👉 Mentioned Resources
Humble Design
Fast Company article
Humankind by Rutger Bregman

📲 CONNECT with Treger:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

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Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

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Have you ever wondered what goes into selecting the color of the year? Who picks these trends? Do these colors have any longevity to them? What are we supposed to do with the color choices as designers? And will we ever be done with gray? I am thrilled for you to hear this roundtable discussion with Susan Wadden of Sherwin-Williams and Ruthanne Hanlon of PPG Paints. These ladies dished all the secrets of the meticulous processes to select the year's color. So many variables and pieces of data are analyzed by these large, global teams before we ever hear the color trend results! Designers and consumers alike will love this colorful conversation—specifically about 2024!

In this episode, you will:

1. Discover how PPG and Sherwin-Williams chose the color of the year for 2024.
2. Learn the best way to talk about color trends (as a designer) with clients.
3. Uncover the true intention behind color trends.

Full Show Notes Here

👉 Mentioned Links and Resources
Ep 2 Color Trends of 2023 w/ Sue Wadden
Upward
Limitless
Krypton
Guacamole
Tricorn Black
Purple Basil
Urbane Bronze
Taiga
Antiquarian Brown

📲Connect with Ruthanne & Sue:
Ruthanne (LinkedIn)
Susan (LinkedIn)

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

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What if I told you that you could improve your employees’ productivity by over 200%? Yes, you could actually have energized, happy, thoughtful, and super-productive employees by getting clear on just one thing! It’s something that greatly differentiates you from your competition. Your company culture. 

Josh Dykstra is with me today to talk about all things company culture. What it is and how it impacts your business and where to even begin. And we’re not just talking about typical office culture—Josh helped me settle a debate about building teams remotely. Whether you’re running a small firm or a large one, this episode is packed with helpful tips!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover the meaning and importance of company culture.
2. Learn exactly how to craft or improve the company culture in your business.
3. Uncover the secret to attracting energized and happy employees and contractors.

Full Show Notes Here

👉 Mentioned Resources
Igniting the Invisible Tribe
Firms of Endearment
Strengths Based Leadership

📲Connect with Josh:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Wondering how entrepreneurs and people who are self-employed are taxed? Does that just make you want to curl up in a ball for the rest of the year? The thing is, if you’re paying money to the IRS, then you’re making money. That’s supposed to lessen the blow, but financial planning as a business owner can be a sensitive and overwhelming subject. Which is why I was so glad Kate Snelson agreed to share her public accounting knowledge with us. We tackled a lot in this episode! From W-9s and 1099s to LLCs, quarterly taxes, and planning for retirement. You’ll walk away feeling much more prepared for Q4 and next tax season!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Learn how to make smart financial decisions as a business owner.
2. Discover the tax implications for your business if you have kids.
3. Learn how to avoid penalties and interest on estimated tax payments.

Full Show Notes Here

**This episode provides general tax information only and is not professional advice. Laws change and vary by location; always consult a tax professional. The host and guests' opinions are their own and not official guidance. We're not liable for any actions taken based on this content.**

👉 Mentioned Resources
Harry Potter Series
Guide: Your Tax Calendar; Dates You Don't Want to Miss!

📲CONNECT with Kate:
Instagram
Facebook
Booking Link (mention you heard Kate on Colorful Conversations!)

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

Send Katie a Text Message!!

What is the importance of branding? Whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a design firm, having a brand makes you memorable. But good branding doesn’t happen by throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks—it’s strategic and thoughtful. My friend and branding expert, Corey Fuller, is sharing that with us on this episode! We touched on everything from naming a business to finding the perfect typography. This conversation is an incredible resource for anyone looking to brand a new business or rebrand an existing one. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Uncover the most critical components of branding.
2. Learn the business branding mistakes you must avoid!
3. Discover the importance of branding whether you’re a solopreneur or part of a firm.

Full Show Notes Here

👉 Links & Mentioned Resources
Ep 3: Relaying your Brand as a mom-preneur with Becca Ellison
Jaber Crow by Wendell Berry
Deep Work by Cal Newport

📲CONNECT with Corey:
Website
Instagram

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Do you let the natural environment inform your designs? How does color affect your designs? And how can you adequately share what you do when you explain color to your clients? It’s a lot to think about. Lucky for us, my dear friend, Jason Bemis joins us on this episode to talk about nature, psychology, physiology, and color. We’re getting scientific! This is an interview not to miss if you’ve felt like inspiration has been lacking or you’re just looking for something to enliven your designs.

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover the role color has on our productivity and endocrine system.
2. Learn the best way to explain the impact of bringing nature into the color conversation with your clients.
3. Get clarity around how we can use color, design, and textures to support the human condition.

Full Show Notes Here

👉 Links & Mentioned Resources
Be Nice to Spiders
The Prophet
AICCE Academy

📲CONNECT with Jason:
Instagram

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

Send Katie a Text Message!!

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Mews, Construction Management and General Contractor at Lippert Bros., Inc., to explore the critical partnership between general contractors (GCs) and interior designers.

Jason emphasizes the collaborative nature of this relationship, highlighting how designers bring creative visions to a project while GCs translate these ideas into tangible structures. Effective communication and trust are paramount, as both parties must work closely from project inception to completion.

📦Unpacking the Topic:
3:45 Design plans with GC plans
23:10 Field visits
26:23 Precon meetings

Full Show Notes Here

📚Expand your Knowledge:
Interior Design Resources
Lippert Bros., Inc. Projects

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

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In this episode, we sit down with Wesley Rutledge, licensed Architect at Beck Design. Our conversation explores the dynamic relationship between architects and designers, emphasizing the value of a collaborative approach from the very beginning of the design process. Wes sheds light on the essential role designers play in shaping architectural outcomes, advocating for their involvement at the conceptual stages.

Full Show Notes Here

📚Expand your Knowledge:
Interior Design Resources
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
“Glass House”
Watch Episode 2: Color Trends of 2024 with Sue Wadden

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

Send Katie a Text Message!!

She’s back! In this episode, we reconnect with the lovely Diana Rushton once again, Project Manager and Assistant Designer at Color Works Design, as she recounts her captivating observation of the much-anticipated Las Vegas Market 2023. With Diana as our guide, we traverse the vibrant landscape of the latest interior design trends like the revival of burnt orange colors, the sumptuous allure of chocolate tones, and the tactile luxury of shag. Shag rugs and furnishings make a bold return, adding texture and comfort. Plaster art pieces also come into focus, showcasing how texture can transform spaces. Connect with Diana on Instagram. 

Full Show Notes Here

📚Expand your Knowledge:
Interior Design Resources
Las Vegas Market
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Building a Brand Story by Donald Miller
Scaling Up by Verne Harnish
Watch Episode 1: NeoCon 2023 Review

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website

Send Katie a Text Message!!

In this episode, we sit down with Becca Ellison to discuss elevating your brand. Becca is a remarkable brand strategist and photographer who shares invaluable insights on crafting a compelling personal brand as a solopreneur or entrepreneur.

Join us as we explore the significance of authenticity, leveraging unique strengths, and finding balance in the chaotic world of juggling parenthood and entrepreneurship. Becca’s expertise shines as she guides us through defining and refining our personal brand to attract the right audience, make a meaningful impact, and close the deal.

Full Show Notes Here

📚Expand your Knowledge:
Interior Design Resources: https://colorworks.design/resources-2/
The Psychology of Selling by Brian Tracy
FREE Personal Brand Checklist for Coaches and Service Pros from Becca

📲CONNECT with Becca:
Website: https://rebeccaellison.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaellisoncreative/

Connect with Katie

LinkedIn

Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers

Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm

Website