Seriously Happy Biz Tips
My best advice for growing your interior design business
How to Create A Fabulous Interior Design Freebie
If you’re reading this, you already know it’s smart to have an email list. The real question is — how do you create a Freebie that actually leads to paying clients? The Problem with Most Freebies The first thing to acknowledge is that most people aren’t going to hire you right after they download your Freebie. You’ll…
Show, Don’t Tell: The Key to Happier Client Communication
We’ve all been there — stuck in a conversation where two people are using the same words but… mean completely different things. 😬 It’s a small thing, but it can create some big obstacles if you’re trying to help your clients, customers, or students accomplish a goal. A client might say they love ‘blue rooms,’ but is…
Embrace Scope Creep: It’s A Profitable Side Hustle!
Everyone talks about avoiding scope creep like it’s an ominous threat to our timelines and profit margins. And sure, if you’re doing more work but not getting paid any more money, scope creep is a profit-devouring nightmare. But handled right, scope creep is a profitable opportunity. Without spending any time, money or energy finding a…
Should Interior Designers Give Away Free Advice?
Yes. Interior designers *should* give away free advice. And also, no. Interior designers should absolutely not give away free advice. Let me explain. 😂 The issue is not whether free advice is good or bad. The issue is where you give that advice, who you give it to, and whether it helps your business grow…
3 Marketing Lessons I Wish I Learned Earlier as an Interior Design Business Owner
Oh the lessons I’ve learned. 1) I wish I understood that marketing implementation is not the same as marketing strategy. Oh, if only I’d grasped this sooner—it would’ve saved me so much frustration. My assistants were wonderful people and eager employees, but without me steering the ship with a proper marketing map, they were left posting blindly, chasing trends, and…
Does Your Aesthetic POV Matter? Expert Advice from an Interior Design Business Coach
I Thought I Was a Design Chameleon… Till I Got a 2-Star Yelp Review. 🥺 When I first started as a designer I thought I could design anything for anyone. In fact, I thought being a design chameleon was a strength, allowing me to cater to every client’s needs. Over time I learned that this…
How To Define Your Interior Design Services
Creating Clear Services Makes Sales So Much Easier! As an interior designer, one of your most important business decisions is how you’ll define your interior design services. Maybe it’s a bit of all three. Whatever you choose, base your services on your strengths and passions, and most importantly, make sure those service descriptions are clear,…
Pick A Lane: What’s Your Interior Design Luxury Level?
Why I Help Regular People Get Happy At Home. When I started my interior design business, I had a big decision to make: would I focus on the luxury market and cater to the top 1%, or would I serve the mid-market, designing for “real” people living in regular homes? All my mentors encouraged me…
The Hidden Cost of a Large Interior Design Territory
Avoid Burnout and Build a Thriving Design Business by Targeting the Right Geographic Market. Like a lot of designers, when I started my interior design business in Seattle, I thought having a broad service area would attract more clients. I willingly traveled as far east as Sammamish and Issaquah, west to the islands, up north…
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…
Looking for something specific?