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.

Laurie Laizure interviews Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, exploring how she creates deeply personalized spaces rooted in emotional and sensory experiences. Marie discusses her use of neuroaesthetic principles to enhance wellness through intentional design, from detailed client interactions to sensory-focused project reveals. She shares candid reflections on managing the growth of her firm, setting boundaries for a balanced lifestyle, and her dedication to diversity and mentoring emerging designers.

In this insightful episode of "To-The-Trade," host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson sit down with interior designer and neuroaesthetics expert Eryn Oruncak. Eryn delves into how neuroaesthetics, the science of how environments affect the brain and nervous system, can profoundly transform living spaces to improve mental health, emotional well-being, productivity, and overall happiness. Drawing on personal experiences and interactions with leading scientists, Eryn highlights the tangible benefits of this evidence-based approach, illustrating how intentional design can lead to enhanced sleep, reduced stress, healthier lifestyles, and even career advancement.

The conversation explores practical applications for interior designers, including strategies for effectively introducing neuroaesthetic concepts to clients, reading subtle cues and reactions, and designing spaces that foster desired emotional states and behaviors. Eryn shares valuable insights into sensory-rich environments, the importance of proper lighting and artwork selection, and how designers can confidently leverage scientific principles to enhance their professional value. Throughout, Eryn passionately advocates for elevating the interior design profession by harnessing scientific knowledge, ultimately benefiting not only individual clients but society at large.

Host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson welcome Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Design Collective, to discuss her path to becoming a renowned interior designer. Laura reveals how her Texas upbringing and early career experiences shaped her distinctive style and strong business sense. She shares practical insights into successfully managing both domestic and international projects, highlighting the value of structured processes, clear communication, and maintaining healthy client relationships. The conversation also touches on overcoming client conflicts, the importance of setting boundaries, and how travel continually fuels her creative inspiration.

Host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson discuss social media and digital marketing for interior designers with expert Emanuela Schneider. They address the challenges designers encounter in marketing, effective strategies for content creation, and the necessity of adapting to changes like the rise of ChatGPT over traditional search engines. Emanuela shares practical tips for crafting engaging social media content, including behind-the-scenes insights, authentic branding, and effective community engagement. They also explore how designers can optimize platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and provide practical advice on managing client expectations and evaluating the value of awards and professional associations.

Designer and entrepreneur Scott Meacham Wood joins Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson to talk about his new Somerset House collection of wallpaper and textiles. From his Ralph Lauren days to launching his line, Scott shares how storytelling, texture, and visual emotion guide his design philosophy. He reflects on his early blogging experiences, the importance of community, and the delicate balance between art and commerce. The episode delves into his collaborative process, his love of photo shoots, and how he thoughtfully blends vintage inspiration with modern execution. It’s a compelling look into the mind of a designer who knows how to make florals fierce and business beautiful.

Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson talk with Laura Thornton, a seasoned interior designer who transitioned from a potential law career into design, influenced by her family’s construction background. Laura emphasizes the challenges and strategies of staying profitable during uncertain economic times, focusing on financial acumen, thoughtful outsourcing, and clear client communication. She also provides insights from her Profit Academy, highlighting the importance of tracking numbers, avoiding being price-shopped, and building sustainable profits. Laura addresses marketing and branding, discusses the real impact of media exposure, and advises on managing burnout through effective delegation and prioritization.