You see the finished rooms, the polished captions and the big-name collaborations. What you don’t see is the work that holds it all together. We’re joined by Sacha Strebe, an Australian editor and storyteller who now works behind the scenes as executive director with Athena Calderone to help craft and execute the creative vision for EyeSwoon. Sacha takes us from her Gold Coast journalism days to building a career in the US, including the mindset shifts that come with backing yourself, building relationships online, and writing your way into opportunities.

We get specific about what it takes to run a modern interior design and lifestyle brand with a small team: shaping brand voice, planning content calendars, creating newsletters, affiliate strategies, and supporting major partnerships from ideation through to contracts and production. If you’re a designer, creative, or business owner trying to grow an audience, this chat breaks down what still works across every platform: service, inspiration and entertainment, plus the discipline to stay true to your point of view.

Then the conversation turns deeply personal. Sacha shares the devastating experience of losing her home in the LA fires, the “phantom” feeling of a place that’s gone but still present, and how rebuilding becomes both grief and gratitude at once. We finish on what’s next, how Sacha defines success, and her current design obsession: brutalism, concrete, stone and light. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves design and storytelling, and leave a review to help more listeners find us.

Podcast Cover Photography Credit: Julie Guével Goldstone 

Bree is now offering a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. 

Bookings now open -  Book now

Join Lauren for The Conversation Circle beginning Monday 15th June.

This fortnightly small-group mentoring program is designed for interior designers, decorators and stylists who are ready to fast-track their business growth, gain clarity, and have the support and accountability to take action.

To ensure everyone receives personalised guidance and mentoring, the group is intentionally limited to just 6 designers. This creates space for meaningful conversations, individual feedback, and practical support tailored to your business.

For more info & application process please see below:

The Conversation Circle 2026