Be Yourself! It’s the Best Business Strategy for Interior Designers
Embrace Your True Personality To Attract Your Ideal Clients and Boost Your Brand.
When I first launched my interior design business, I was obsessed with appearing “professional.” I knew my success hinged on how others perceived me, and I worked hard to cultivate an image that fit the traditional mold. I dressed in the classic black turtleneck, channeling both my inner Steve Jobs and every architect I had ever met. I was determined to be taken seriously. I even went to my hairstylist asking for a “professional” haircut, to which they responded with a puzzled look—what does “professional” even look like? The truth is, I had no idea.
The Disconnect: When Professionalism Backfires
Thanks to my fixation on being taken seriously, I created a website that was polished but lacked even a casual nod to my naturally bubbly, dynamic personality. I honestly thought I needed to tone down my enthusiasm to appeal to clients. I was wrong.
Luckily, some friends pointed out the problem: my website didn’t reflect the person they knew. There was a weird disconnect between the vibrant, happy Rebecca they knew and the somber, overly professional persona my website portrayed.
In an industry as intimate and personal as interior design, this disconnect was a problem. Trust is foundational to our work, and inconsistency between who you are and how you present yourself undermines that trust. That said, it’s natural to fear showing off our personalities because it feels so vulnerable. If clients didn’t like the real me, that would mean they didn’t like me—and that felt terrifying.
The Generalist Trap: Why Blending In Doesn’t Pay Off
I was also afraid that embracing my true self would scare off potential clients.
At that point in my career, I was too new to understand a fundamental truth about building a thriving business: You need to scare off some clients. 😳 Otherwise, you fall into the Generalist Trap—a beige, watered-down version of yourself that appeals to no one and is entirely forgettable. Ironically, this approach doesn’t get you paid as a professional; it keeps you stuck in a cycle of mediocrity.
Listening to my friends’ advice, I decided to make a change. I banished black from my wardrobe, infused my website with happiness and joy, and ultimately renamed my company from Rebecca West Interiors to Seriously Happy Homes. 😀 The result? My business soared! The exact kind of clients I wanted to help were drawn to my authentic self like bees to honey, and I finally understood the power of leaning into my natural personality.
Why Your Personality Is Your Best Asset
Your personality is one of your most powerful business assets. Whether you’re introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, you are exactly who you need to be to succeed. The key is to embrace your natural tendencies rather than suppressing them. This authenticity will not only set you apart in a crowded market but also attract clients who value you for who you genuinely are.
Questions to Help You Leverage Your Personality in Your Business
Ready to lean into your natural personality and build a brand that truly reflects who you are? Here are some questions to find your way:
- Are you more introverted or extroverted? How can you use this to your advantage when interacting with clients or marketing your services? (If you’re not sure, this is one of the things I cover in my Nail Your Niche course. It is such fun to watch my introverted students light up as they realize they don’t need to compete with their extroverted colleagues!)
- What aspects of your personality do you naturally lean into? How can these traits differentiate you from other designers?
- What kind of clients do you enjoy working with the most? How does your personality align with their needs and preferences?
- How does your personal style influence your design work? Is there a way to highlight this connection in your branding? (Our colleague Rachel Moriarty sets a great example of aligning her personal style with the rooms she designs!)
- What fears are holding you back from showing your true self in your business? How can you overcome these to create a more authentic brand?
Need Help Defining Your Niche?
Figuring out how to align your personality with your interior design business can be challenging, but it’s essential for building a successful and sustainable brand. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about how to narrow your focus, 1-1 business coaching for residential interior designers is just a Zoom call away!
Be brave, and may your business always make you Seriously Happy! 💕
Like this? Want more? 👇
Check out how I decided NOT to serve the Luxury market and help mid-market clients instead.
Hi! I’m Rebecca!
When I closed my design biz to move to Paris I discovered how hard it was for me to refer my clients to other designers because I couldn't tell what the designer did, who they did it for, or what they delivered!
Now I'm on a mission to help designers nail their niche and set clear client expectations.
It's all about being able to clearly communicate what you do, who you do it for, what they should expect, and what they'll get, and it's the #1 key to getting hired by clients you love to work on projects you're proud of!