The Interior Design Business CEO

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the year-end rush? As the holidays approach, the pressure to finish tasks, meet deadlines, and prepare for the new year can feel intense. But what if you could reduce the stress, stay on top of your business, and still enjoy the season?   In this episode, I'm walking you through a planning strategy to help you wrap up the year with clarity and confidence. I'll share my approach to creating a "bridge plan" that transitions you smoothly from Q4 to Q1, helping you prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait until January. You'll learn how to create a "soft landing, smooth takeoff," avoiding that last-minute scramble and starting the new year refreshed.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/158   For the resources mentioned in this episode or to stay tuned for details about Create Your 2026 Roadmap, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset   Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/

Do you struggle with marketing? Marketing your interior design business requires visibility and connection with potential clients. For introverts who prefer smaller groups and more intimate interactions, traditional marketing advice can feel overwhelming and misaligned with their natural working style. The challenge becomes finding ways to share your work authentically while honoring your temperament and energy levels.   In this episode, I'm exploring how to create marketing strategies that align with your individual strengths and preferences as a business owner. Whether you identify as an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between, the key is understanding that effective marketing doesn't require you to be someone you're not. I share personal examples of how I structure my marketing activities to support my introverted nature while still achieving business growth.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/157   For the resources mentioned in this episode or to stay tuned for details about Create Your 2026 Roadmap, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset   Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/

Big goals and bold changes often come with a surprising amount of resistance. Whether it's a shift you know needs to happen or a dream you keep putting off, the tug of war between wanting to move forward and feeling frozen can leave you exhausted. That resistance isn't a sign you're unprepared or unmotivated; it's fear doing its job of trying to keep you safe from uncertainty.   In this episode, I'm sharing a coaching tool called a fear inventory that helps you get unstuck, build confidence, and take aligned action on the things you've been avoiding. I walk you through how I've used this process to make some of my biggest business decisions, including shifting the podcast schedule, closing my design practice, and investing in new levels of support, and how this same strategy can help you move through your own pivotal moments with more ease and clarity.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/156   For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Sign up for my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset   Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/

How do you make decisions that honor both your business goals and your energy as the owner? Every decision about where I invest my time, money, and mental bandwidth shapes not only my bottom line but also my day-to-day experience as a business owner. The most sustainable businesses come from taking a holistic approach, listening to both the data and my gut when making decisions.   In this behind-the-scenes episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my own business to show how I make choices about resources and navigate changes as priorities shift. You'll get a real-world look at strategic decision-making in action. Plus, I share an important announcement about changes to the podcast schedule and how this shift demonstrates exactly how I'm walking my talk when it comes to resource allocation and running toward what I want to create in my business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/155   For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Sign up to my Monday Mindset email list to get bite-sized insights on topics that you can use to set your week up for success: https://www.desicreswell.com/monday-mindset   Follow along or send me a message on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desicreswell/

This week, I'm pausing to share a powerful question for you to journal or think through. I also suggest revisiting a past episode with a fresh perspective for new takeaways.    Next Wednesday, I'll be back with a big announcement about the podcast and a behind-the-scenes look at how I'm navigating changes in my business.   For the resources available to you or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Sometimes the smallest tasks create the biggest mental weight. That pile of papers on your desk, the drawer you've been meaning to organize, the business process that needs updating – they sit there, taking up space in your mind every single day. The energy you spend thinking about these undone tasks often exceeds the energy required to actually complete them.   In this pep talk episode, I share a simple four-step process for moving past avoidance and procrastination to finally tackle those lingering tasks. Using my own closet overhaul as a real-world example, I walk through exactly how I shift from endless postponement to actual completion. The same process works for personal projects and business tasks that keep getting bumped to next week's to-do list.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/154   For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

How do you protect creative time when you're balancing a design business, family life, and a packed calendar? For designer CEOs, carving out dedicated time to create the vision for new projects isn't just a luxury; it's essential for project success and team clarity. In this follow-up to last week's listener Q&A, I'm diving into the practicalities of defining and honoring creative time as part of your regular workflow, even while managing team delegation and project reviews.   I'm also reflecting on my own summer slowdown, including what went right, what didn't, and the lessons learned along the way. From perfectionism showing up in unexpected ways to finding powerful personal growth before summer even began, I'm pulling back the curtain on my experience. You'll learn how to manage expectations, re-decide on your plans without guilt, and set boundaries that actually stick. Plus, I'll share the phrase that's helped me extend the same grace to myself that I naturally give to others.     Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/153   For the resources mentioned in this episode or to book a strategy session to work 1:1 with me, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

How do you manage growing pains when bringing on a new employee while keeping your business running smoothly? That's the question one listener asked, and it's one many designers face when adding their first junior designer. Stepping into leadership, delegating effectively, and staying productive can feel like a delicate balance, especially when client projects and daily design work don't pause for training.   This episode kicks off a two-part Q&A series following CEO Summer School. I dive into practical strategies for onboarding and managing a new team member, pinpointing where delegation often breaks down, and building systems that actually work. I also tackle how to make major business decisions when multiple exciting paths are available, whether that's growing your current business, pivoting to support other designers, or niching down further.     Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/152   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

How do you build trust with clients before they even start the inquiry process? For designers, this foundation often determines whether a project becomes a smooth collaboration or a series of stressful negotiations. I'm joined by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors and one of House Beautiful's 2025 Next Wave designers.   Melissa has mastered creating client relationships that run deep. You'll discover how showing behind-the-scenes parts of your work on Instagram builds credibility, why documenting client preferences can transform project outcomes, and how taking full accountability for mistakes can strengthen relationships. Melissa also shares how thoughtful touches in design create lasting connections with clients.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/151   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

What if the key to moving your business forward isn't having all the answers, but making the right decisions and committing to them? In this episode, we wrap up the CEO Summer School series by exploring why strong decisions are the wheels that drive your business. Every choice you make, from your fees and services to how you spend your time, shapes the trajectory of your business.   I break down what makes a decision strong versus weak, why commitment matters more than certainty, and how to stop straddling two mountains with one foot on each. You'll learn how to make choices that create momentum, use your decisions as a tool for learning and growth, and develop the self-leadership that allows you to steer your business toward your vision.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/150   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

What does it take to run a multifaceted design business that balances creativity, leadership, and growth? Katie Kath, CEO and Creative Director of Jkath Design Build, has spent years developing a business model that integrates interior design, custom cabinetry, and renovation management. Her journey from joining a two-person operation to leading an 11-employee team offers invaluable lessons for designers looking to scale their businesses strategically.   In this episode, Katie explains her approach to building a team that supports both the CEO and the clients. She offers insights into hiring, delegation, and team alignment. Katie also shares how she identified the "sweet spot," an optimal business size that allows for continued growth, strong collaboration, and consistent work quality. She discusses how internal review systems, setting clear expectations with clients, and maintaining team cohesion contribute to her company's success, and how you can apply similar principles to your business.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/149   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Are you solving the right problems in your design business? Every day brings new challenges, from client communications eating up your inbox time to profitability concerns that keep you awake at night. But there's a key difference between solving symptoms and addressing the root causes that will help your business thrive in the long run.   In this episode, I'm sharing truth number six from my CEO Summer School series: effective solutions start with solving the right problems. Through examples from the design industry, I'll show you how to dig deeper and identify what's really going on beneath the surface. You'll learn why your brain gravitates toward quick fixes, how to spot the difference between avoiding discomfort and taking the easiest path, and how to pinpoint the true problem.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/148   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Is your design business ready to take the next step with PR? If you've been wondering how public relations could help you grow your firm but aren't sure when or how to get started, you're in the right place. In this episode, we dive into the strategies that can take your brand from local visibility to national recognition.   I'm joined by Allison Hay, a seasoned communications strategist and PR expert with over a decade of experience in the design industry. She has worked with top-tier design firms and brands, helping them secure media coverage and amplify their presence. Allison shares her expert advice on how to navigate the world of PR and what you need to do to see measurable results, whether you're just starting to explore PR or ready to elevate your approach.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/147   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Building a strong team goes beyond simply hiring the right people. It requires a fundamental shift in how you engage with those who support your business. Many creative CEOs hire for relief, hoping to finally hand off tasks they don't enjoy or feel overwhelmed by. But this relief can quickly turn into frustration when team members aren't delivering the results you expected, or worse, when mistakes go unnoticed until they become costly problems.   In this episode, I'm sharing truth number five from the CEO Summer School series: true CEOs collaborate, they don't abdicate. This means recognizing that while you're bringing on team members to handle specific tasks and responsibilities, you remain a key ingredient in creating your business's success. Collaboration allows you to be the driver of your business while having others who understand where you're going and help you get there.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/146   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources

Do you often find yourself being your own toughest critic? Running a business as an interior designer requires resilience, but constantly focusing on what you haven't done perfectly can hold you back from reaching your true potential. In today's episode, I'm diving into why practicing self-compassion is one of the most powerful tools you can develop as a designer CEO.   Self-compassion isn't about letting yourself off the hook; it's about shifting your mindset to support yourself through challenges, setbacks, and mistakes. By embracing kindness and understanding toward yourself, you'll break free from perfectionism and quiet your inner critic. You'll discover how this approach not only helps you feel better but also increases your efficiency and problem-solving ability.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/145   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Running a business is like being on an upward spiral - you're continually expanding as your business expands, but the spiral isn't always smooth. You bump up against internal limits and ceilings, often of your own creation. When you understand that scaling is an inside job, you develop the toolkit to move beyond them.   Truth number four in the CEO Summer School series reveals that your business growth and all those outward markers of success start inside of you. In this episode, you'll discover how to address root issues instead of surface-level symptoms, understand why self-awareness without self-blame is crucial, and learn to recognize when your self-concept needs an upgrade to match your business expansion.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/144   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Are hidden time and energy drains quietly sabotaging your productivity? It's easy to focus on the obvious tasks—proposals, appointments, and emails—but what about the subtle drains that can add up over time? In today's episode, we're revisiting the important topic of time and energy leaks in your business, which are often harder to spot but can be just as costly.   This is a follow-up to truth number three in my CEO Summer School series, where we talked about taking control of your time to shape your future. You'll discover how simple shifts can plug these leaks and create more time and energy for what truly matters in your business. I'll share actionable strategies that will help you work smarter, not harder, and feel more energized as you move toward your business goals.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/143   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Could time management be the key to creating the business and life you want? If you feel like you're always running out of time or struggling to get things done, this episode will give you a new perspective. In truth number three of CEO Summer School, I'm sharing why taking control of your time is the first step toward taking control of your future.   You'll learn why time management gets a bad reputation and how a shift in perspective can help you see it as a tool for freedom rather than restriction. With a simple, sustainable approach to planning, you'll build the foundation needed to grow your business and make more deliberate progress toward your vision.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/142   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the idea of pursuing a vision for your business? Setting your vision and pursuing it boldly can feel daunting, especially when you're focused on what you want three years from now. In this follow-up to CEO Summer School's truth number two, I'm highlighting a crucial distinction that impacts your energy, effectiveness, and enjoyment as you build your interior design business.   The difference between running toward what you want versus running from what you fear shapes every decision you make and action you take. This subtle shift in focus can determine whether you're overcorrecting, settling for "good enough," or truly moving toward your vision with confidence.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/141   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool

Are you stuck trying to figure out what your business vision should look like? Maybe you know what you want but are unsure how to take action toward it. In today's episode, I'm sharing truth number two from my CEO Summer School series: "What I Know for Sure." In order to grow a thriving interior design business, you must have a compelling vision of where you're going and pursue it boldly.   We're diving into the importance of setting a clear vision for your business and how to confidently take the necessary steps toward making it a reality. This truth is essential for anyone who wants to stop second-guessing their direction and start moving forward with confidence.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://www.desicreswell.com/140   For the resources mentioned in this episode, click here: https://www.desicreswell.com/resources   Click here to enroll in CEO Summer School: https://www.desiid.com/summerschool