Laurie Laizure, Nile Johnson, and Phyllis Harbinger get practical about the business of interior design. Phyllis outlines her transparent purchasing model, where clients pay vendors directly, while her team manages the logistics. She charges a 35 percent cost-plus purchase management fee over net on everything. Her contract states she is not responsible for vendor malfeasance or damages, and if a replacement is needed, she manages it for the same fee.

She avoids the term “retainer,” opting instead to collect a defined design fee at signing, a choice reinforced by legal guidance that “retainer” can require refunds if projects end early. She also protects IP and has clients initial every page.

Day-to-day, Phyllis relies on daily team huddles, shared agendas, minutes, and Zoom recordings, which make approvals traceable and keep clients accountable. Design-wise, it is FFF, form follows function, with a deep understanding of how clients actually live and work.

Expect mindset gems too, from positive expectation resets to a reality check on TV budgets versus trade economics

Host Laurie Laizure sits down with Lee Hershberg, founder of Design Edge, a traveling, invite-only trade event created exclusively for interior designers. Drawing on decades of experience with KBIS, High Point, and Las Vegas Market, Lee designed the event to close the gap between manufacturers and the many designers who can’t attend large markets.

Design Edge is intentionally smaller and more focused, making it easier for designers to connect with senior brand leaders, exchange feedback, and find new products without the overwhelm of large show floors. The event features three parts: brand booths, a Maker Stage for product storytelling, and an Education Stage with sessions on contracts, luxury clients, and profit growth.

Laurie and Lee highlight shifting from a “product” mindset to a “product partner” approach, fostering collaborative relationships where brands understand and support a designer’s unique needs. They share real-life examples of successes and failures, encouraging designers to come prepared to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss what’s working and what’s not.

With stops planned across the U.S., Design Edge offers a high-impact, low-cost way for designers to source smarter, partner better, and ultimately grow their businesses.

Episode 44 of To-The-Trade features Ariene Bethea of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio in a lively chat with Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson. Known for her fearless use of color, love of vintage, and warm personality, Ariene shares her winding journey from HR to interior design.

She recalls the pivotal moment when redesigning her boss’s office revealed her passion for the trade, explaining why rigid design “rules” from school didn’t fit her style. After a stint at Bassett Furniture, she expanded her Etsy vintage shop into a retail store. While the shop attracted clients, not all shared her bold style, teaching her to only showcase the work she truly wants to do. They discuss client management, why “products lead to projects,” and why high-pressure sales tactics don’t belong in luxury design. Laurie and Nile encourage Ariene to consider writing a book that blends her maximalist aesthetic with a sustainable, anti-fast-furniture message. Ariene also previews her growing lampshade line and future lighting plans. The conversation is rich with business insights, design philosophy, and encouragement for creative entrepreneurs to stay true to their style.

Julie Sellers of @ellevatedoutcomes joins Laurie Laizure on the To-The-Trade podcast to talk about what really holds designers back from growing and how to fix it. From solopreneurs to firms with 25 employees, Julie shares why so many creatives become the bottleneck in their own business and what it takes to scale sustainably.

With a team of high-level strategists—including CFOs, COOs, and legal experts—Elevated Outcomes helps design professionals move from feeling overwhelmed to being organized, using systems and strategies that align with their personal goals. They explore pricing strategies for designers, debunk the myth of passive income through accolades, and explain why profit is not the same as salary.

This is a must-listen episode for any interior designer who aims to grow intelligently, not just extensively.

In this episode of the To-The-Trade podcast, Laurie Laizure chats with Jenny Warner, founder of J Thomas Designs, about her evolution from a hands-on childhood in construction to leading a profitable interior design firm with confidence and clarity.

Jenny shares the pivotal moment she realized she was undervaluing her time, and how that realization helped shift her mindset around billing and profit. With 24 years of experience under her belt, she now advocates for designers to understand every layer of a project, from tile installation to taxes, and to never lose sight of their value.

Jenny also reveals how she intentionally built her team, starting with a bookkeeper and later hiring part-time help that suits her business rhythm. Her leadership style blends flexibility with professionalism and includes thoughtful touches, such as spa rewards after intense installations.

The conversation also touches on legacy planning and future growth. Jenny and Laurie explore how to refine your client pipeline, resist the temptation of vanity projects, and invest in the right kind of support for long-term success.

This episode is packed with candid insights and practical strategies for design entrepreneurs navigating the business of interior design.

In this episode of To-The-Trade, Laurie and Nile are joined by Jenna Gaidusek, founder of eDesign Tribe and eDesign U, for a conversation about digital entrepreneurship in interior design. Jenna shares how her military lifestyle inspired her to build a location-independent design career and how she shifted from traditional interior design to creating a virtual design empire.

Jenna explains how she built a strong online community and educational platform to help designers grow. She shares automation tools, tips for confidently pricing services, and her belief that designers should embrace authenticity and modern workflows. She also discusses integrating technology platforms like MyDoma to make the design process more efficient.

The conversation is filled with honest insights about balancing creativity with entrepreneurship, building scalable systems, and redefining what success means. Jenna’s energy is practical, motivating, and rooted in real experience. Her message encourages designers to adopt new business models and craft a future on their own terms.

Rebecca Plumb and Shaun Crha of the Hot Young Designers Club join To-The-Trade to share how a chance meeting turned into a podcast that now supports a broad audience of interior designers. What started as a friendship and support system became a business during the pandemic, and they’ve navigated everything from burnout to business structures together.

They reveal how their podcast grew from casual Zoom recordings into a platform that offers honest, unfiltered conversations. The pair emphasizes the importance of designers having a community, especially when working alone, and how their honest friendship helps others feel seen and understood.

They also discuss the challenges of growing pains in monetization, hiring assistance, and managing client expectations. Audience feedback has been incredibly supportive, with many listeners crediting the show for helping them through burnout and business doubts. Topics such as setting boundaries, raising prices, and building confidence in business decisions are fan favorites.

A notable segment focuses on the controversial topic of photo copyright and the inequity designers face with usage rights. The duo advocates for fair contracts and transparency. The episode highlights the significance of community, vulnerability, and treating design as a professional discipline.

Interior designer and HGTV alum Justin Q. Williams joins Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson to discuss launching his design firm at 18, the power of social media, and building a personal brand. He shares insights into managing projects while filming on national TV, developing product lines, and fostering authentic relationships within the design community. Justin also discusses the impact of mentorship and his passion for design, which began in his childhood.

Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson talk with Shelly Hudson, founder of Hudson Home, about her journey from corporate design to running her own studio. Shelly shares lessons in managing client expectations, pricing with confidence, and creating deeply personal spaces. She also discusses mental wellness, the significance of community, and finding balance in a purpose-driven design business.

Laurie Laizure interviews interior designer Nikki Levy, who shares her bold career pivot from fashion retail to interior design and discusses how she built a thriving firm with a team of nine. Nikki opens up about the lessons she has learned in pricing, setting boundaries, establishing structure, and preserving her passion while scaling a business. Her advice for fellow designers emphasizes authenticity, confidence in pricing, and the power of systems that support creativity.