Welcome back to the Mindset Magic with Mika, you stellar soul! ✨

If you’re prepping for the Interior Design Licensure Exam (IDLE) and overthinking everything—from incomplete plates to whether self-study is enough—this episode is for you. I actually failed my first attempt but on my second try, I completely switched up my approach, and it changed everything.

🎙️ Here’s what we’re covering:

✨ Do incomplete design sheets = automatic fail? (Let’s clear this up!)
✨ What went wrong the first time—study habits, mindset, and prep mistakes I had to unlearn
✨ What actually worked—using my 9-to-5 as part of my review, mastering one solid design concept strategy, and simplifying my approach
✨ Study strategies that make a difference—fast conceptualization, speed drafting, and design plate tips
✨ Balancing work & review—self-study vs. review centers, and making the most of your time
✨ How to handle the waiting game—managing post-exam anxiety and keeping your sanity intact

If you're gearing up for the board exam (or any big milestone), this episode will help you study smarter, trust your process, and stop psyching yourself out.

💡 What resonated most with you? Tag me on Instagram @mikadoria and let's chat ~ IDLE Special episodes drop weekly at 10AM PHT, stay tuned!

Welcome back to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! ✨

If you’ve ever doubted yourself after a setback—this episode is for you. I took the Interior Design Licensure Exam (IDLE) twice before passing, and I’m finally sharing my full-circle journey. From the fears that almost held me back to the exact shifts that made all the difference, this episode is packed with study strategies, exam tips, and the mindset breakthroughs that helped me pass.

🎙️ Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
✨ The story + why behind this passion project
✨ How to create a study schedule that actually works (without burning out)
✨ Drafting techniques: Floor plans, RCPs, elevations, and time-saving hacks
✨ Pen vs. pencil for design exam day
✨ How to study for history without memorization overload
✨ Managing overwhelm while reviewing for the exam

This journey taught me that everything happens in perfect timing—and that setbacks can set you up for something even greater.

💡 What’s your biggest takeaway? Tag me on Instagram @mikadoria and let’s chat! IDLE Special episodes drop weekly—stay tuned!

Welcome back to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! ✨

If you’re feeling overwhelmed about the Interior Design Licensure Exam (IDLE)—from study techniques to design strategies to waiting for results—this episode is for you. I was invited by IDr. Kaye and IDr. Yuki, 2024 IDLE topnotchers, to a live Q&A session, and I’m sharing my biggest takeaways to answer your top concerns!

🎙️ Here’s what you’ll learn:

✨ Do incomplete design sheets mean automatic failure? How the scoring really works.

✨ Study routines that work—from strategic subject breakdowns to memory tricks.

✨ Concept-making & rendering tips for the Interior Design exam.

✨ Balancing work & review: Should you self-study or enroll in a review center?

✨ How to stay grounded & manage anxiety—both during review season and while waiting for results.

✨ Speed drafting & time-saving techniques to finish all required drawings.

✨ The best study resources and what I would do differently if I reviewed again.

I took the IDLE twice and passed on my second try. This time, I changed my approach—focusing on mindset, psychology, and intentional review strategies—and it made all the difference.

This episode is packed with real talk, practical strategies, and encouragement to help you prepare with clarity and confidence!

💡 What’s your biggest takeaway? Tag me on Instagram @mikadoria and let’s chat! And stay tuned—this is just the start of my IDLE Special Series!

Welcome back to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! ✨

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with licensed interior designer Marlo, where we dive into life after graduating with an interior design degree. From career shifts in design to branding, project management, and business growth, we explore how to navigate creative careers with confidence.

🎙️ Here’s what we explore:

✨ Exploring new career paths and unexpected opportunities in interior design

✨ How decluttering spaces creates an energy shift (and why it matters!)

✨ The surprising role of project management for interior designers

✨ The power of saying "yes" to aligned opportunities for career growth

✨ A fun reflection on how something as simple as a sticker collection holds deeper life lessons

This episode is packed with insights for aspiring and professional interior designers, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone building a career that aligns with their passions.

💡 What resonated most with you? Share your biggest takeaway by tagging or DMing me @mikadoria and Marlo @mycenaeoux on Instagram! And tell me—what do you want to hear next?

Welcome to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! ✨ In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and fellow licensed interior designer, Marlo, for a deep and candid conversation on personal growth, confidence, and stepping into your main character energy.

🎙️ Here’s what we dive into:

✨ The magic of catching up with friends through meaningful conversations

✨ Creative projects that fuel our passions and purpose

✨ Lessons on confidence, personal branding, and self-expression

✨ The highs and lows of 2024—our biggest wins, struggles, and takeaways

✨ The power of asking for help, financial literacy, and navigating life’s unexpected hurdles

This episode is packed with real talk, mindset shifts, and powerful insights to help you grow, evolve, and show up fully in your life. 💫

And this is just Part 1! Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive even deeper into the conversation – more about our interior design journey so far.

In the meantime, share your biggest takeaway by tagging or DMing me @mikadoria and Marlo @mycenaeoux on Instagram! And let me know—what do you want to hear next?

Welcome to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! In this episode, I'm sharing how success is subjective – seek within.

I wanna know your takeaway – share your thoughts by tagging or messaging @mikadoria on Instagram and spread the golden nuggets and sparkles! What do you wanna talk about next?

More goodies:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Receive daily vibe-shifters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (follow me on Instagram~)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Other links here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (your guide for that confidence boost)

Welcome to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! In this episode, I'm sharing how our worth has always been inherent, innate, WITHIN.

I wanna know your takeaway – share your thoughts by tagging or messaging @mikadoria on Instagram and spread the golden nuggets and sparkles! What do you wanna talk about next?

More goodies:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Receive daily vibe-shifters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (follow me on Instagram~)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Other links here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (your guide for that confidence boost)

Welcome to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! In this episode, I'm sharing how to make goal-setting smoother so we can actually follow through.

I wanna know your takeaway – share your thoughts by tagging or messaging @mikadoria on Instagram and spread the golden nuggets and sparkles! What do you wanna talk about next?

More goodies:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Receive daily vibe-shifters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (follow me on Instagram~)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Other links here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (your guide for that confidence boost)

Welcome to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! In this episode, I'm sharing how being patient reassures me that the path I chose is the one for me.

I wanna know your takeaway – share your thoughts by tagging or messaging @mikadoria on Instagram and spread the golden nuggets and sparkles! What do you wanna talk about next?

More goodies:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Receive daily vibe-shifters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (follow me on Instagram~)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Other links here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (your guide for that confidence boost)

Welcome to the Mindset Magic with Mika podcast, you stellar soul! In this episode, I'm sharing how self-leadership is key to leading others – here's an excerpt on how I prepared for my guest speaker speech for youth leaders in our city.

I wanna know your takeaway – share your thoughts by tagging or messaging @mikadoria on Instagram and spread the golden nuggets and sparkles! What do you wanna talk about next?

More goodies:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Receive daily vibe-shifters⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (follow me on Instagram~)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Other links here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (your guide for that confidence boost)