Four designers. One chance meeting. Unlimited opportunities.

What started as a spontaneous trip to an industry event turned into a powerhouse partnership that’s changing lives — both inside the design industry and in communities across the country.

In this episode, I’m joined by the Designer Besties — Whitney Atkinson, Lori Johnson, Rhobin DelaCruz, and Nikki Watson — four talented creatives who have built more than just a friendship. Together, they’ve:

• Landed national press without hiring a publicist

• Created brand partnerships that amplify their visibility

• Launched a nonprofit transforming teacher lounges in schools nationwide

• Found ways to support each other through pricing questions, client challenges, and business pivots

We talk about how they first met, why vulnerability was the key to building trust, and how each of them leverages the group’s combined knowledge and network to grow their own businesses. You’ll also hear tactical advice for getting your work featured in the media, building partnerships, and finding your own “design besties” no matter where you live.

If you’ve ever felt isolated as an interior designer or wondered how to break into press opportunities, this episode will show you how collaboration can be your competitive advantage — and how friendship can be the best business strategy you’ve never tried.

Episode Resources:

• Help a Reporter Out
• Learn more about each guest at their website and follow them on Instagram @thedesignbesties
• Whitney Atkinson - Instagram
• Rhobin de la Cruz - Instagram
• Niki Watson - Instagram
• Lori Johnson - Instagram
• Episode 253: Trademarking your own product line as a designer with Whitney Atkinson
• Episode 238: When a Rebrand is right with Rhobin DelaCruz

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’re trying to grow your interior design business but feel like you’re spinning your wheels, this episode will be a breath of fresh air.

Renee Bush, brand strategist and former Director of Operations at Studio McGee, joins me to talk about the reality of burnout, the power of brand alignment, and what it really takes to work smarter and build a business you love.

We dive into:

• Why your marketing might not be working (and what to do instead)
• The branding gap most designers don’t realize they have
• Attracting dream clients through strategic alignment
• Mindset shifts that helped Renee recover from burnout
• How to simplify your design business without sacrificing success

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you lead your interior design business with intention.

• Episode 188: Visualize your way to success with LuAnn Nigara
• Learn more about Renee Bush at her website.

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!

This is your sign to hit pause and check in.

We’re a little over halfway through the year, can you believe it? Whether you’ve been crushing your 2025 goals or feel like they've slipped off your radar, this rebroadcast is your invitation to reflect, realign, and reignite your momentum for the second half of the year.

Originally released as our very first episode of 2025, this one’s packed with practical guidance to help you get back on track, or make a fresh plan entirely. I’ll walk you through 7 actionable steps to bring clarity to your vision, prioritize what matters most, and use your calendar as a tool for accountability.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify what’s working (and what’s not)
• Reset your intentions with purpose
• Create habits that support your big-picture goals
• Stay consistent—even when life gets busy

I’ll also share how I’m revisiting my own goals and making space for what I really want in both life and business.

✨ So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to regroup, this is it.

Grab your notebook (and your favorite drink!) and take this time to get intentional. The second half of the year is full of opportunity, and it starts with this episode.

Resources

10x is easier than 2x

Best Year Freebie Worksheet

Goal setting podcast 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

Episodes about goal setting / Asana-like program:

• 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

➡️ 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 first Ask Rebecca Q&A episode, I'm answering your burning questions about running a design business—from staying organized on-site to handling awkward client scenarios.

Tune in to hear:

• My best tips for interior design project management (hello, site binders!)

• What to say when clients want to skip implementation or use someone else’s discount

• Real talk on setting boundaries and protecting your profits

• My advice on how to fix an ordering mistake without losing money (or your mind)

Want your question featured in a future episode? DM me on Instagram or send us an email!

Episode Resources:

• Podcast Episode 287: The Fastest 2-Month Design Business Transformation You’ll Ever Hear with Melissa McDonald
• Grab my Free Discovery Call Script

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!

Good design speaks for itself, but what if you’re just starting out and don’t have a single client project to show?

In this episode, I’m sharing how I started my interior design business from scratch, built my first portfolio using my own home, and booked clients before I had any professional photos. I’ll teach you how to showcase your eye, style, and problem-solving skills so clients see you as a pro—even when you’re new.

What you'll take away:

• How to create a portfolio without client work
• Tips for styling and photographing your own space
• Why quality over quantity is key
• How to use discovery calls to weed out difficult clients
• The mindset shift that helped me grow my business

You don’t need a full project library to book clients—you just need to start. I’ll show you how.

Episode Resource

• Episode 278: Interior Design Photography on a Budget: How to Use Your Smartphone Like a Pro with Linda Holt

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!

Feeling exhausted by emotional clients and endless design revisions? It might be time to rethink your interior design career path.

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with a designer who made a big pivot, from residential design to building medical and dental offices across the country. Leslie Abner of LA Studio shares what led to her burnout, how commercial design helped her rediscover her love for the work, and why it might be the perfect niche for designers looking for more clarity, structure, and profit.

They also dive into pricing strategies, the power of saying no, and how to market yourself into a niche. Oh—and she also wrote a novel that every designer will want to add to their summer reading list!!

If you’ve been craving a change or wondering where your design business is heading, this episode is your permission to explore something new.

Episode Resources

• Learn more about Leslie at her website and follow her on Instagram here.
• Get the Book: "Renovation" by Leslie Abner

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!

Why You Need an Out-of-Office Email (And How to Write One)

Worried clients will think you’ve disappeared if you take time off? You’re not alone. Many interior designers avoid setting an out-of-office message because they fear it sends the wrong signal. But here’s the truth: OOO replies can actually strengthen your client relationships and position you as a pro.

In this episode, Rebecca shares:

• Why we feel guilty for stepping away (and how to change that)
• When and how to use out-of-office replies—even for reveal or install days
• What to say in your OOO message to keep things professional and personal
• Why clear communication = better boundaries (and better business)

🎁 Grab Rebecca’s FREE Out-of-Office Template Pack: rebeccahay.com/ooo

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, luxury interior designer Erica Gelman returns to share how she evolved her contract from simple terms to a robust, 15-page agreement that protects her time, energy, and profitability.

We dive into the real lessons learned through years of client experience, including what it was like to design a $7.3 million Princess Margaret Show Home, how she learned to charge for her value, and the timeline and revision clauses she swears by.

Whether you're struggling with flat fees, endless revisions, or client delays, this conversation will help you shift your mindset and sharpen your process.

Episode Highlights:

• Interior design contract tips that save you time and money

• How to handle revisions without getting stuck in feedback loops

• What to include in your proposal (and why it matters!)

• Why Erica stopped using flat fees—and what she uses now

• How to create boundaries while still delivering white-glove service

Episode Resources:

• Episode 147: Protecting yourself with a contract. Why you need a contract as an interior designer with Erica Gelman
• Episode 154: The ins and outs of designing a show house with Jennifer Muirhead
• Princess Margaret Lottery Grand Prize House
• Learn more about Erica at her website and follow her on Instagram.

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!

If you’re still charging based on what you think your clients can afford… or afraid to raise your rates in case they push back… this episode is for you.

I’m sharing one of my worst pricing mistakes from the early years, a commercial project that cost me hundreds of hours, drained my confidence, and taught me the hard way how damaging it is to undercharge. It’s a story with no happy ending, but plenty of takeaways.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why fixed fees can be risky if you don’t track your time
• The real cost of avoiding the money conversation
• How underpricing attracts the wrong clients
• What finally helped me shift from hobbyist to CEO

Plus, I’m inviting you to my free workshop: Priced to Profit — where I share the 3 pricing shifts that helped me raise my rates (without losing clients). Register at rebeccahay.com/profit

Episode Resources:

• Sign up for my Priced to Profit Workshop here!
• Episode 179: Pricing your design services with confidence
• Episode 46: Budgeting, Pricing your services, and attracting the right trades with Maia Roffey

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’re in your first year of running an interior design business, this episode is for you.

Anna Baldi is the founder of Contrast Interior Design and a recent graduate of Power of Process. After spending two decades working in commercial and set design, Anna finally listened to the entrepreneurial itch she had ignored for 20 years. She quit her job without a backup plan and started her design business the very next day.

In this conversation, she shares:

• The breaking point that led to her big leap
• What it was like launching a business from scratch
• Why she joined POP (even though she was hesitant)
• How she gained the confidence to implement a $5K minimum design fee
• The systems and boundaries that changed her life and business

This is an inspiring and practical episode full of honest takeaways for anyone starting their business journey.

Learn more about Anna Baldi at her website and follow her on Instagram.

👉 Learn more about POP at rebeccahay.com/powerofprocess

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!