Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson interviews fellow interior design professional and Liv Pod creator, Lisa Kooistra.  

Crystal and Lisa discovered that they essentially have been living parallel lives with Crystal being a few years ahead of Lisa. However, there is one major difference. While Crystal’s husband is also a contractor, she does not work with him on a regular basis or really at all. Lisa on the other hand, work regularly with her contractor husband Ryan Kooistra of York Renovation Design. She and her husband do residential home renovations. 

Lisa cut her “interior design teeth” working for several successful design firms gaining lots of interior design experience. After years of working for different interior design firms, she and her husband both decided it was time to start their own businesses. 

While looking for an alternative for a home office, Lisa and her husband decided to design a self-contained unit. What they call a “Liv Pod”. The pod is located in their backyard, and it has heat, electricity, and more. The pod s connected to the main house for all electricity. It was the perfect solution to still be able to work from home while also having a separate space. The Liv Pods are available for all types of uses. And she has found that even start-up salons have found the perfect solutions to their office problems. 

So, join Crystal and Lisa as they chat about Lisa’s similar experiences to Crystal’s. What Lisa is doing to create new flexible spaces for starting businesses. Do something today that your future self will thank you for. And look into getting a pod for your business.   

How to reach Lisa:
Website - lkdesigns.ca      I      livpods.ca

Recommended podcast - The Decibel

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson coaches fellow Interior Design professional Michaela Donato to help make her business better. 

This week’s episode is all about Michaela’s business and what insight Crystal can give to take her to the next level. Crystal will go over flat fees versus hourly pay, marketing, differentiating your business, and attracting the right clientele. Crystal asks Michaela open and honest questions about her style and what her current strategy is to find the best ways to help her. 

For Michaela, the main takeaway is learning how to set yourself apart from other Designers. For example, if you were in a room with one hundred other designers, what would do you do that no one else would raise their hand for? What makes you special? What could be the difference between someone choosing you or another designer? This could be your love for being environmentally friendly, your keen eye for good antique pieces, your use of bright colors, or your ability to adjust to someone’s lifestyle. There could be so many different key factors that could set you apart from others, and it is important that you know what that is. 

Crystal and Michaela also discuss design fees,  flat-fee versus hourly. In this episode Crystal touches on the fact that everyone has to start with a lower fee, due to being new to the craft, but as your experience grows your prices need to grow too. When it is time to increase your rates, you can inform your current clients that your prices will be increasing as of a particular date. Notifying your existing Clients will make them aware that you are more experienced and therefore more valuable. This will also inform current clients that anyone they refer to you will be paying a different price. In some cases, the current clients who are used to paying a smaller fee may agree to pay more to get more value from your work or not, either way, you will be paid your worth. 

So, join Crystal and Michaela as they explore different ways to grow her business. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and determine what makes you and your services different from other Interior Design professionals.

How to reach Michaela:

Website : donatodecor.com 

Recommended podcasts:

Happier, The School of Greatness, The Daily Shine 

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson is joined by fellow interior designer Christine Woodward. 

Christine is the owner of 19th & Co where she helps her clients transform their company into the next phase of growth by helping with strategy, implementation, and execution. She has a team of skilled consultants behind her that allow her to work with almost anyone wanting to grow their business. If it is not in Christine’s expertise, she will find a consultant of hers that is. Her biggest rule is that her company is not mean to give you more work or be a chore, instead, it is meant to make your work life easier. Christine’s ultimate goal for you is to help you get to the place where you are the most important person in the room but without the need to be there all the time (meaning a dependable team!)

Christine elaborates on how she only hires women to help empower her clients. Because to Christine, most women lack confidence, particularly in the business world. This is something that Christine wants you to no longer feel, and so she hires other informed women to keep the standard of empowerment. She never wants you to feel weak or powerless. Instead, she wants to help give you a voice and see your worth in your skill. Did you know most women will only apply for jobs when they have at least eight qualifications, but men will apply after they have two? So, why do men have more confidence? Confidence is not a trait, it’s a skill, and it is a skill you can learn.  Christine wants you to learn this confidence, apply it in your business, and then take your business to the next level. 

 So, join Crystal and Christine as they talk about confidence, and how to get your business to where you want it to be.  And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for, and be sure to contact Christine about your consultation today. 

How to reach Christine:

Website : 19thandco.com

LinkedIn- cwoodward1


Recommended podcasts:

The pitch and How I built this

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson joins Louise Brogan for a dual podcast of The Productive Designer and LinkedIn with Louise.   

Louise will answer Crystal’s many questions about how to use the social media platform LinkedIn with ease and professionalism. As this platform continues to grow in popularity,  becoming more authentic, now is the time to start defining yourself before it becomes too cluttered. Currently, the platform can be seen as a wild west. Most people have one, but only 1% of the users are currently using it regularly and to its full potential. Louise will show you how you can define yourself and get yourself established before others catch on. 

Unlike most social platforms LinkedIn really only needs to have two posts a week in order for you to stay ahead of the game. With that being said, it is best to be intentional with your posts. For example, if you are reposting an article, why are you reposting it? What is special about it? Elaborate on your content. Louise recommends commenting on someone’s posts, instead of just “liking” it. This will show up on their comments, and it will show your name and headline. The more eye-catching your headline, the better. This will allow you to be seen instead of getting lost in the “likes”. 

Louise also dives into the importance knowing that the platform is a “slow burn.” You’re not mean to find business in two or three weeks. You’re not mean to be an overnight sensation. Instead, it is about the connections that you make and the conversations you have. Don’t just instantly try to sell your product or business. You should try having a genuine conversation first to open the door. After you’ve established connections and had conversations, that’s really when things can start moving into place. It may take two or three months or more, but in the end it will be worth it. 

So, join Crystal and Louise as they talk about the wild west of LinkedIn. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and be sure to tune into LinkedIn with Louise. 

How to reach Louise:

Website : louisebrogan.com     LinkedIn : louisebrogan     Instagram- louisebrogan

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson chats with author and interior designer Pamela Durkin.

Pam has been in the industry for almost thirty years, and for most of that time, she has owned her own interior design firm. Pamela believes the best part of being a Designer is knowing the value you bring to the table when someone hires you. Elaborating on knowing your worth when walking into a home. Pamela explains how when a Client is looking ot hire a  Designer it is less about the furniture selections and more about how to make a space that works. Their home is a sanctuary, and they have to feel safe, comfortable, and blissful in their space. 

Pamela also gives Crystal a new perspective on social media. While Crystal often sees it “as a necessary evil”.  Providing tips on how to make your social media more impactful. Aw we know in reality, it is essential, as everyone is doing it. But, if everyone is doing it, why are you? Are you just going to post a white kitchen because everyone is? Or are you going to add what makes your kitchen style different? What elements did you add? What is unique? The real question is, if everyone is posting the same things, what can you do to make you stand out? Are you commenting on other’s post? The most important thing about social media is to be consistent and to show a different perspective.  

So, join Crystal and Pamela as they talk about social media, owning your own business, and Pamela’s book. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and check out Pamela’s book Elevate on Amazon.  

How to reach Pamela:

Website : pamela-durkin.com      I       Facebook : pameladurkindesigns/ 

Instagram- @pameladurkin

Book- Elevate-design-business-basement-Penthouse

Recommended podcasts:

Redefining Wealth

Recommended books:

Essentialism, No BS Marketing to the Affluent, My book, Elevate

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designerhost Crystal Collinson with author and speaker J. Kelly Hoey.  

Kelly started off a lawyer, but after many years on Twitter, she has since discovered her unique ability to combine networking and social media. She combined the digital age with the “analog” world, and she has unlocked the ability to create a new network without having to leave the house. In light of the pandemic and the need to meet virtually, she gives tips on how to best use your different platforms to work for you.  

The biggest advice she has for anyone who is on social media is to stop thinking about social media being another alternate personality. Instead, your social media should be a reflection of who you are as a person. Depending on the platform, you can decide what piece of your personality you might share, but no matter the media, it should always be authentic. You should never be striving to be anyone other than yourself. 

Kelly also knows the power of networking, the right way. After meeting with someone, you should always send a quick email thanking them for the meeting. The second email afterward is most important and is often forgotten. The second email should be explaining what you did with the insight and information you were given. By doing so, you demonstrate that you listened and you took action. A simple follow-up status email shows that you are taking the time to show your appreciation. When taking time for others, people will notice. 

So, join Crystal and Kelly as they talk about social media, networking, and authenticity. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and check out J. Kelly’s book Build Your Dream Network. 

How to reach Kelly:

Website - jkellyhoey.co      I      Twitter- jkhoey 

LinkedIn- kellyhoey          I      Instagram- jkellyhoey

Recommended podcasts:

The Red Note, The New Paris, Before Breakfast

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with fellow podcaster Rahul Faria. 

Rahul works in construction and has a clear passion for the craft. He started his podcast Build Our Future to better understand the changes the world of construction is making. He believes in understanding the past in order to create a better future. He also found that while in his podcast pursuits he fell in love with his job all over again. Sometimes in our lives, we can hit a rut in our careers and forget why we loved our job in the first place. This podcast has helped him reignite that love, by having meaningful discussions with others about various topics related to construction.  

As we navigate this new world, we all have had to adjust to new difficulties due to the pandemic, and sometimes relying upon realistic timelines and budgets is almost impossible. Many want discounts due to COVID, but he has to explain the added hardships that the job now encounters including safety measures, extensions, guidelines in place during COVID outbreaks, and more. 

Rahul reminds us that the client should always be given realistic expectations and an understanding of the buying decisions. For example, sometimes quality is better the more you pay.  In other cases, sometimes the price is high, but the quality is not. It is his job to explain to the client what their expectations of the products should be. This allows for clients to fully understand what their choices are and what their purchase means long term. 

So, join Crystal and Rahul as they talk about podcasts, constructions, and realistic expectations. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen to Crystal on the Build Our Future Podcast.

How to reach Rahul:

Website - rahulfaria.com     I     LinkedIn: rahul-faria 

Twitter: @rahul_faria      I      Instagram: @rahulfaria

Recommended podcast:

Contech Crew, The Construction Record, and The Site Visit

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with former journalist and CEO of She’s Newsworthy Media Jennifer Singh. 

Jennifer helps women entrepreneurs gain exposure in the media. As a journalist, she noticed that more men were getting tv spots and exposure than women. She believes part of this issue is related to a woman’s imposter syndrome that she often feels. Jennifer also coaches women to overcome their insecurities and find what makes them stand out. She helps women entrepreneurs on how to put their best foot forward on podcast interviews, presentations, and on-camera training.    

Jennifer offers many workshops to help others in their entrepreneur dreams. She includes one on one help as well as group activities. She offers a variety of options because she knows everyone needs something different in order to succeed. As we all have different learning styles.

Jennifer knows the key to success is reaching all different platforms. So it is important to her that women know how to land podcast interviews and tv spots.  

So, join Crystal and Jennifer as they discuss how to successfully start landing media spots. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and discover why you are “newsworthy”.

How to reach Jennifer:

Website – shesnewsworthy.com 

Instagram – @shesnewsworthy


Recommended podcasts:

Abraham Hicks, BizChixs and Turning Point 

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson is with interior designer Hollis Rendleman.   

Hollis creates an experience in the home that is purely based on how her clients want to feel when they are in their own space. She has advice for creating more soothing office spaces in the home by adding comfort items or scents. For example, if you find velvet to be soothing then perhaps a velvet throw pillow is a small item to add that will create a more soothing workplace in your home. Hollis elaborates on different ways to get clients to talk more about how they want to feel in their home instead of just explaining their likes & dislikes. 

Hollis has had experience as a social worker and a retail clerk which has created this desire to tune into people’s feelings. She has truly found her place in the market and is using these skills effectively to create custom interiors for each of her clients. However, getting into the interior design world and creating her own business has not always been easy. Like many, It was not always easy, and she had to push herself to pursue her dream of being her own boss. 

After a year of starting her own business, the pandemic hit. Like many, she struggled during that time, but thankfully, she was able to find ways to expand her business. She hosts workshops online to help people create more relaxing environments in their homes and helps others reach their full potential in their designs. The moral of the story is, there is no perfect time to start your own business, but once you found your calling, it’s time to dive in and just begin somewhere…the hardest part is starting. 

So, join Crystal and Hollis as they talk about Hollis's journey to interior design and creating a wonderfully relaxing home. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and find what items you can add to your home that will make you more at peace in your home.

How to reach Hollis:

Website - hollisrendleman.com and hollisrendleman.com/workshops 

Facebook- HollisRendlemanInterior

LinkedIn-hollis-rendleman 

Instagram- @hollisrendlemaninteriors  

Recommended podcasts:

Boom! Lawyered, Lovett or Leave it and Pod Save the World

Featured in this week’s episode of The Productive Designer host Crystal Collinson with entrepreneur and owner of Alchemy Accounting and Bookkeeping Services, Michelle Cooper. 

Michelle is an author and business owner who helps businesses create profit and lift themselves out of poverty. She discusses how she went virtual in her work over the years, but especially when COVID hit. Shifting to work virtual has allowed her to work with people from all over the world and support others in all aspects of their bookkeeping needs. QuickBooks has been instrumental in helping Michelle stay on top of her business in assisting others with their needs. 

Michelle also has her own blog with a multitude of advice for businesses. Some of her best advice is teaching others how to turn a profit instead of letting their bills and expenses take control. Michelle has seven key points to help you in your business endeavors. 

1. She starts by taking a look at your mindset to find what you are truly saying about yourself and your business subconsciously. Start by clearing your mind of the negativity your subconsciously thinking about your business. 
2. What is your profitability on your price point? 
3. Where is your spending going? Who are you paying and what are you paying for? Must Haves? Convenience? What is this? 
4. Where are you discounting your services to get clients? 
5. What is your team doing and where are their hours going? 
6. Developing important and better relationships with your vendors. 
7. What is your client’s lifetime value? 

So, join Crystal and Michelle as they talk about how Michelle can improve the mindset of your business, and how you can turn a profit on your business. And then, do something today that your future self will thank you for and listen to this episode of The Productive Designer. 

How to reach Michelle:

Website - alchemyaccounting.ca 

LinkedIn- michellebcooper 

Facebook- businessamongmoms

Recommended podcasts:

Mind Your Business, Run Like Clockwork and Real AF