Our guest, Heather Lastiwka, has worn many hats in her career (including a stint at Earls—just like me! 😉) before taking the leap into running her own design business. She opens up about how burnout led her to rethink her path, why design has always been a part of her story, and how she finally made her dream a reality.

Heather also shares her brilliant real estate flipping strategy (seriously, I may have to steal her term "bounce buddy" for myself!) and how she leveraged Power of Process (POP) to set up her business for success—even if it took a few tries.

This episode is packed with practical advice for anyone considering a career change into design, proving that it's all about Progress Over Perfection!

Episode Resources:

• Learn more about Heather Lastiwka at her website.
• Learn more about Power of Process.
• The Gap and The Gain
• Who not How

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➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

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Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

The Secret to Getting a Fast YES from Clients

Before we can bring a vision to life, we need a solid YES from the client. The key to making that decision effortless? Owning your expertise—because you are the expert.

In this episode, I’m sharing practical strategies to help you communicate your ideas with confidence and streamline your client process. We’ll dive into some (potentially controversial) tips I’ve learned firsthand—ones that will help you gain faster buy-in, build trust, and avoid the endless email back-and-forth.

Bottom line? Your confidence is contagious—so let’s use it to your advantage!

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➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

We all want to work with our version of a premium client, but before we do so, we need to establish a premium approach. Working with premium clients demands a premium approach, and in this episode, I'm sharing how to do exactly that! 

This episode shares examples of what kind of client this person actually is and what they expect. One spoiler I'll give away is that a premium client doesn't always equate to "premium money".

I share a few questions to ask yourself to help you create a good first impression, stand by your boundaries, and include unique personal touches in the entire experience. I dive into some examples of how I learned this lesson the hard way and use some "Rebecca tough love" to encourage you to ensure your clients feel safe, secure, and can relax trusting that you've got their best interests at heart.

Episode resource

• Sign up for my bootcamp here

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, I'm sharing a tip that will change your life and your business.

As an interior designer, you are first and foremost a problem solver! High-level clients want solutions, not a menu of options! The best thing you can do to help clients understand your value is to hone in and define your core offering, a prime service that will be the pillar of your business. This helps to establish your professionalism and that you're not winging it until you find what sticks. Having a core offering, let's you be clear about what service you provide and the problems you solve for your clients!

Through the episode, I share a few scenarios of my own and some questions to ask yourself so you can give your clients what they really need, erase all the fluff, and allow you the freedom to be the expert in your business.

Sign up for my bootcamp here 

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

We all want consistent work, but what happens when that work is consistently lacking?

Today I share my own experience being stuck inside a seemingly never ending loop of budget clients, how it happened and how I escaped. These are clients that may be great when you start out, but don't level up budget wise or quality wise as you and your business grow. You need to be sure you are aligned with your true, unique strengths so you can avoid getting stuck, burnt out and uninspired. I leave you with a bit of homework so you can take a beat to really listen, learn and identify the ways to prevent or escape the pitfalls and challenges that come with a budget client loop.

Sign up for my bootcamp here 

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Our identities shift and evolve as we age and I've found clinging to the ego can do more harm than good. I've been battling through a major business decision for over a year and have finally been able to come out through to the other side which I share in this episode. I had to listen to my body, say goodbye to the ego, and let go of the perceptions of others to finally reach this place of peace. I want to focus on the gain, not the gap and I encourage you to take a listen and see if your body is telling you something similar too.

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The Gap and The Gain

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

We are only human. We’re not machines and no matter how good your memory is with the day-to-day, something is bound to be forgotten or slip through the cracks. We simply can’t be on top of EVERYTHING in our business and lives. This is why we need systems in place, they are our failsafe and they keep us on track! 

In this episode, I'm sharing a few systems that I've learned over the years are non-negotiable and necessary to run a profitable interior design business, I share the importance of onboarding, communication, and offboarding as well as a new addition that will be a must for me going forward. 

You've heard me go on and on about processes, but these 5 systems are vital to set the tone for your clients and keep them from any feelings of buyer's remorse while ensuring that you are set up for success and can complete a project as efficiently and enjoyably as possible. 

But a key part that I hope you don’t miss - all of these systems are worth almost nothing if you are not consistent and follow through on them. So take note of these streamlining strategies and keep to them so you can concentrate on what you are best at, designing!

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

You may think that working with your dream client is a once-in-a-lifetime experience but I'm here to tell you it doesn't have to be!

In this episode, I'm sharing tried and true tactics to ensure that I keep the ideal clients coming and the non-ideal clients away. 

I dive into an exercise that I use at the end of every year that brings intention and, more importantly, attention to the traits of my clients and use this information to bring in the ideal clients to me. Some of these tactics may surprise you but I guarantee you that saying NO, keeping open communication, and cultivating the right referrals could revolutionize your client stream!

So take a listen, take some time, and get ready to welcome your dream clients in 2025.

Episode 119 Attracting clients in a slow economy

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist   

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

If you only choose one thing to focus on in 2025 let it be this: stop 'people pleasing' your clients!

We're used to the adage that the customer is always right, but I'm here to tell you that to build a sustainable, successful business means not being at the complete beck and call of your clients. After years of hearing stories from fellow designers and my own experience, I've decided on a few approaches that help us avoid bending over backward for clients (which typically does more harm than good anyway)!

Don't run around in circles making yourself crazy for your clients! In this episode, I share some advice, tips, and responses that you can use when establishing healthy boundaries with your clients ensuring that you always come across like the professional you are because you deserve to be in control of your business and as the expert to call the shots.

Episode Resources:

Episode 67 How to deal with unhappy clients

Episode 49 - An Interview with my clients: Why having a process made them choose me

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

2025: The year to think BIG! 

In this episode, I’m sharing a simple yet powerful goal-setting system designed to help you make 2025 your best year yet. If you’ve reflected on the past year and find yourself asking, “What’s next?”—don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Here’s what to do: carve out dedicated time and space to fully engage with this episode. I’ll guide you through 7 actionable steps that will help you take small, intentional actions that can snowball into major results.

This system is all about building habits and creating room to focus on your goals. We'll explore how to identify your professional aspirations, determine the resources you need to succeed, and, most importantly, leverage your calendar to stay committed. Your calendar will be your ultimate accountability partner!

Throughout the episode, I’ll share examples of how I’m approaching my own 2025 goals so you can apply the same strategies to your plans.

Let’s make 2025 the year of thinking big, dreaming bigger, and taking actionable steps to achieve success. It’s time to get excited, set your goals, and get started on your journey toward an incredible year!

Episode Resources

10x is easier than 2x

Freebie Worksheet

Related Episodes

• Ep 40. Get your business ready for 2021 part 1

• Ep 41. Get your business ready for 2021 part 2

• Ep 89. Annual company planning part 1

• Ep 90. Annual company planning part 2

• Ep. 137. My 2022 year end review

• Ep. 183. 4 key steps to planning for the year ahead when you have no idea where to go

• Ep 10. Goal setting 101

• Ep 88. Back to Basics! Let’s set some goals

• Ep 200. Try this hack to fast-track your goals

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

➡️Minimize stress and chaos on Reveal Day, with our Reveal Day Kit Checklist

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about my systems building course.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!