The Interior Design Business CEO

As interior designers, it's easy to get caught up in the idea that more is always better. Whether it’s working on client projects or moving the ball on our business goals, we believe that if we could just be more efficient, more organized, or more disciplined, we could finally get ahead. But what if this constant pursuit of productivity is actually holding us back? What if productivity isn’t the pinnacle it sells itself to be?

Join me this week to hear some hard truths about productivity that might surprise you. But don't worry, I also share some good news that will help you approach your work in a more intentional and sustainable way. Learn why more isn’t necessarily better, how the productivity trap strings you along, and most importantly, how to break free from it.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/108

In this episode, I sit down with Mark Ostrom, the founder, executive director, and creative director of Joy Collaborative: a nonprofit located here in the Twin Cities that creates uplifting spaces for children with life-limiting conditions. Mark shares the story behind Joy Collaborative and explores how designers can give back in a way that's authentic to their talents and values.

If you're looking for a more meaningful way to express gratitude to your clients this year, or are toying with the idea of turning your passion project into reality, this episode will leave you feeling inspired. Mark shares how thoughtful, functional design can be truly life-changing for these families. We also discuss creative ways interior designers can incorporate charitable giving as a memorable gifting and marketing opportunity, and how even small contributions can create a powerful ripple effect of joy.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/107

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In this episode, I answer a question from a listener who struggles with staying calm and collected when project issues arise. We often absorb the stress of these hiccups to shield our clients from them. However, things are most definitely going to go wrong at some point - whether it’s at the project site, during a presentation, or even in response to a client’s reaction. So how can we learn to ride the emotional waves ourselves?

I share practical strategies for managing your mindset when the unexpected happens. Learn how to separate facts from stories and how to tune into your body to process emotions. With these skills, along with realistic expectations, you’ll be better prepared to navigate project challenges with greater ease and resilience moving forward.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/106

You probably set yourself an annual financial goal back at the beginning of 2024, and here we are, coming into the final months of the year. Are you on track to hit your goals? Maybe you’re falling behind, or perhaps you’ve already surpassed your target and are wondering if you should raise the bar even higher.

Listen in this week as I show you how to master the art of goal revision. Hear what the process of evaluating your current position entails, the factors to consider when deciding whether to adjust your targets, and how to make the most of the remaining months and position yourself for success in the year ahead.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/105

As CEOs of our businesses, we are constantly faced with decisions about what to keep, what to let go, and what to bring in. But without a clear framework for evaluating these choices, it's easy to get stuck in indecision or cling to things that no longer serve us. That's where the concept of All Killer, No Filler comes in - a simple yet profound way to assess what truly belongs in your business and what needs to be released.

I dive into the origins of All Killer, No Filler, share practical examples of how I've applied it in my own life and business, and guide you through the process of using this powerful filter for yourself. You’ll hear why this concept is the secret to creating more ease, how it opens up both physical and mental energy, and helps you better utilize the resources in your business. 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/104

Whether you have part-time or full-time team members, it's crucial to ensure that their roles and responsibilities align with your company's goals. If you want to feel confident knowing that the investment you’ve made in your team members will optimize payback for you and your design business, it’s time to consider conducting a time audit, and I walk you through this process in this episode.

Learn how you can optimize your team’s performance to increase productivity, profitability, and overall satisfaction. Hear the importance of conducting a time audit to identify gaps, redundancies, and inefficiencies in your team’s workflow. I also share a step-by-step process for gathering data, reviewing it, and implementing solutions that will create more value for your business as a whole.

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/103

Are you holding back in your interior design business due to a fear of rejection? You're not alone. As a designer, putting yourself and your creative ideas out there can feel incredibly vulnerable, and the possibility of hearing no can be paralyzing. But the truth is that learning to work with and move beyond this fear will be transformative for your business and your goals.

Tune in this week as I share a powerful three-step process for supporting yourself through situations where rejection is possible, so that you can take bold action towards your goals with confidence and resilience. You’ll learn how to notice and address initial self-rejection, proactively decide what you know to be true about yourself, and put no on the table as a possibility in order to open yourself up to the potential for getting a yes. 

Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/102

This week, I’m joined by my former client and incredibly talented designer, Campbell Minister, as she lets us in on her journey from overwhelmed designer to true designer CEO. Over the past eight years, Campbell has grown her Montclair, New Jersey-based firm to a team of three designers, a director of operations, and a procurement and accounting team. But with this growth has come the challenge of maintaining a thriving business while being present in her personal life as a mother of three.

Listen in this week as Campbell shares her insights on the keys to her success as an interior design business CEO. She opens up about her fear of going from solopreneur to leading a full-time team, how she navigates the desire to control every detail, why focusing on relationships, not outcomes, has been vital to her success, and her goals for the near future. 

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/101

As I celebrate the 100th episode of the show, there are important lessons I've learned from this incredible journey of creating what has become a well-reviewed and established podcast. But these insights go far beyond podcasting; they are valuable principles you can apply to any new initiative, goal, or project in your interior design business.

Discover why focusing on small wins and cumulative effort is key to achieving big things, how patience and commitment work together to help you stay the course, and why examining your beliefs about yourself is crucial for unlocking your next level of potential.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/100