Interior Design Business

Have you ever landed a dream project only to wonder if you're truly qualified for it?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm joined by IDBA's Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most common challenges interior designers face at every stage of their careers: imposter syndrome.
Whether you're taking on your very first luxury client or stepping into a larger project than you've ever handled before, feelings of self-doubt can quickly creep in. Many designers begin questioning their abilities, overlooking their accomplishments, and convincing themselves they're not experienced enough, even when the evidence says otherwise.
Together, we discuss why imposter syndrome shows up during periods of growth, how to separate feelings from facts, and practical techniques to build confidence before fear takes over. From celebrating past successes and reviewing client testimonials to practicing gratitude and taking action before you feel completely ready, we share simple mindset shifts that can help you move forward with confidence.
If you've ever thought, "Am I really good enough for this project?" this episode will remind you that your success isn't an accident, it's built on the skills, experience, and talent you've already earned.
In this episode, we cover:
Understanding imposter syndrome
Why self-doubt appears during growth
Separating feelings from facts
Finding evidence of your capabilities
Celebrating your accomplishments
Why confidence comes from action
Using testimonials to build confidence
The power of gratitude
Moving past fear with practical tools
Trusting your experience and expertise
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you building both income streams your interior design business needs to thrive?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the most important concepts every designer needs to understand: your business should generate income from two completely separate sources, your design expertise and your product sales.
Many designers unknowingly combine these two revenue streams, creating confusion for clients and limiting their profitability. When design and purchasing become blurred together, designers often undervalue their expertise, struggle with pricing, and end up working far more than they're being paid for.
I explain why design should always lead the client relationship, how purchasing should function as a separate white-glove service, and where the line between design work and administrative purchasing tasks should be drawn. We also discuss why fee-based pricing creates stronger boundaries than hourly billing, how wholesale purchasing builds a healthier business, and why developing both income streams is essential for long-term success.
If you've ever wondered why you're working so hard without seeing the financial rewards you expected, this episode will help you rethink how your business generates profit and where opportunities for growth may be hiding.
In this episode, we cover:
The two income streams every design business needs
Separating design from purchasing
Why clients shouldn't see you as a furniture salesperson
Fee-based pricing versus hourly billing
Defining where design ends and purchasing begins
Avoiding scope creep and underbilling
Building profitable purchasing systems
The importance of wholesale vendor relationships
Creating sustainable business profit
How mindset affects your income ceiling
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
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Are your purchasing policies protecting your business, or creating costly headaches?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share the purchasing strategies that have helped countless interior designers avoid some of the biggest mistakes in managing client purchases. From retail shopping requests to custom drawings and hybrid purchasing, we'll explore the boundaries every designer needs to establish before a project begins.
Many designers struggle when clients want to shop alongside them, purchase products themselves, or ask for custom drawings they plan to take elsewhere. While these requests often seem harmless, they frequently lead to confusion, damaged relationships, lost profits, and projects that no longer reflect the designer's standards.
I explain why selling trade products at retail pricing creates a healthier business model, how to handle clients who insist on buying from stores like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and why hybrid purchasing almost always becomes a nightmare. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations in your Letter of Agreement and charging appropriately for purchasing services when retail products are involved.
If you've ever wondered how to protect your time, maintain profitability, and avoid purchasing disasters before they happen, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately.
In this episode, we cover:
Why hybrid purchasing doesn't work
Selling trade products profitably
Handling clients who want retail products
Setting purchasing boundaries from the beginning
Avoiding custom drawing disasters
Protecting your reputation during purchasing
Writing stronger Letters of Agreement
Charging purchasing fees on retail products
Giving clients clear purchasing options
Creating a smoother purchasing process
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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What beliefs about money are quietly shaping your interior design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined once again by IDBA's Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most powerful mindset topics every designer faces: their money story.
The way we think about money often begins long before we start a business. Childhood experiences, family beliefs, and past conversations can shape how comfortable we feel discussing budgets, charging premium fees, and working with affluent clients. These unconscious beliefs frequently influence pricing decisions, client conversations, and even the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue.
Together, we unpack where money stories come from, how they create fear around charging what you're worth, and why many designers unknowingly project their own financial beliefs onto luxury clients. We also discuss how developing a healthier relationship with money creates more confidence, better client experiences, and greater business growth.
If you've ever struggled to raise your fees, felt uncomfortable talking about budgets, or worried that clients won't invest in your services, this episode will help you recognize the beliefs that may be holding you backk, and show you how to begin changing them.
In this episode, we cover:
Understanding your money story
How childhood experiences shape financial beliefs
Why designers struggle with pricing conversations
Common money beliefs that limit business growth
Separating your financial mindset from your clients'
Why luxury clients think differently about money
Building a healthier relationship with money
Recognizing scarcity versus abundance thinking
Allowing money to flow instead of chasing it
How mindset impacts attracting ideal clients
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are the stories you're telling yourself holding your interior design business back?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA’s Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore how the stories we create in our minds shape our decisions, confidence, and business success.
Many designers hesitate to pursue bigger opportunities, raise their fees, or change the way they do business, not because they lack the skills, but because they're operating from stories based on fear, doubt, or past experiences. These stories often feel true, even when they aren't.
Together, we discuss where these stories come from, why our brains hold onto them, and how they influence everything from client conversations to pricing decisions. We also share practical ways to recognize limiting beliefs, stop preparing for imaginary problems, and take action with confidence.
If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What if they say no?" or "That won't work for my clients," this episode will help you replace fear-driven stories with empowering beliefs that support your business growth.
In this episode, we cover:
What your "story" really is
How fear-based thinking affects business decisions
Why your brain mistakes repeated thoughts for truth
Recognizing the "what if" mindset
Why action builds confidence
How stories create procrastination
Common limiting beliefs designers experience
The importance of staying present with clients
Replacing fear with a winning mindset
Building awareness to overcome self-sabotage
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy