Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching

• 166 | Scaling & Rebranding Your Design Business + Job-Site Confidence With Nicole Roe

  When you're first stepping into the interior design world, choosing a business name can feel like the defining decision of your entire future. Many designers freeze because they feel pressure to land on the “perfect” name—one that will carry them for decades. But here's the real truth most new creatives don't hear: you grow, and your business grows with you. Your brand name should have room to grow too.In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Roe, the founder and creative force of R. Nixon Interiors, a construction-savvy designer behind a fast-scaling boutique design firm. Nicole shares how she evolved from running “Nicole Roe Design” as a one-woman show to rebranding into a strong and scalable company identity… and why she will never rebrand again! We dive into the realities of choosing a brand name, the emotional and logistical hurdles of rebranding, and the importance of a name that empowers your team—not just your personal portfolio.If you’ve been questioning whether to use your name or create a standalone brand—or if you feel paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong—this episode gives you clarity. We also explore how construction knowledge, hands-on learning, and confidence on job sites can transform your role as a designer making you a trusted partner to contractors and clients alike.Featured Guest:Nicole Roe is the founder and creative director of R. Nixon Interiors, a boutique interior design studio known for blending bold luxury with real-life functionality. With a degree in building construction from Georgia Tech and over 15 years of experience across construction and interior design, Nicole brings unmatched technical expertise to every project. She leads a growing team, operates her own receiving warehouse, and hosts the podcast Highly Affected By Her Surroundings. Nicole is passionate about empowering designers, embracing functional luxury, and pushing the boundaries of boutique residential design.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ How Nicole transitioned from a personal-name brand to a scalable firm identity✳️ Signs it's time to rebrand—and how to avoid common rebranding pitfalls✳️ Advantages of having a flexible brand name✳️ How construction knowledge strengthens client trust and contractor relationships✳️ The importance of practicing design and problem-solving in your own home✳️ Team structure ideas that support growth in your interior design business✳️ Tips on stepping confidently into leadership roles in male-dominated spacesRead the Blog >>> Scale & Rebrand Your Design Business + Job-Site ConfidenceNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp You’ll gain a full year inside My Design Mentor, plus an eight-week program that gives you the roadmap, coaching, and systems to build a business you're proud of.Check out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction2:26 Nicole's Journey to Becoming an Interior Designer6:49 Early Career and Initial Projects8:23 Rebranding: Nicole Roe Design to R Nixon Interiors10:33 The Challenges and Realities of Rebranding12:50 Tips for Managing Google Listings During a Rebrand14:10 Masculine vs Feminine Energy in Design + Job-Site Confidence17:09 The Value of Doing Projects at Home20:49 Team Structure and Roles Inside R Nixon Interiors23:05 Expanding Studio & Warehouse Spaces24:24 Podcast & Brand Growth Beyond Interiors27:28 Final Advice for New Designers

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• 165 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #4: Key Systems Every Interior Designer Needs to Run a Professional Business

  Starting your interior design business can feel like pure chaos. You’re excited to finally design for real clients, but behind the scenes, you’re juggling endless tasks: client emails, project notes, contracts, invoices, and oh—remembering who said what about that sofa fabric. Without systems, it’s easy to feel disorganized and unprofessional.The truth is, having solid business systems doesn’t box in your creativity—it frees it. When your client management, communication, and project processes are organized, you show up polished and confident. That consistency builds credibility and trust, allowing you to focus on what you do best—designing beautiful spaces.In this episode, I’m walking you through the four key systems that form the foundation of a professional interior design business. If you want to look polished, even if you’re brand new, this episode will show you how to set up systems that create smoother client experiences, save you time, and give you more creative space.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why creative designers need structure—and how systems actually give you more freedom✔️  The four key systems every interior design business needs to look professional✔️  How a client management system (CRM) can simplify your communication and improve consistency✔️  The project management tools that keep tasks and timelines on track✔️  How to track your time and finances for smarter pricing and less stress✔️  Tips for organizing your communication and file systems to save hours every week✔️  Why systems make your client experience more consistent, polished, and referral-worthyRead the Blog >>> Key Systems Every Interior Designer Needs for a Pro BusinessNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business BootcampI’ll walk you step-by-step through setting up your client management, project tracking, and communication systems—so you can handle clients with confidence and clarity.Check out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction2:10 Benefits of Having Business Systems 3:46 The Four Key Systems You Need to Set Up4:47 Client Management System (CRM)7:05 Project Management System08:45 Time Tracking System13:07 Financial Management Systems14:28 Communication and File Systems Management16:56 Wrapping Up: How Systems Protect Your Creativity19:07 Invitation: Launch Your Business Bootcamp

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• 164 | Turning Remodel Problems Into Design Opportunities With Julie Stevens

  We’ve all been there — you start a remodel excited and full of vision, and then reality hits. A wall isn’t where you thought it was, a material is delayed, or something totally unexpected pops up once construction begins. Suddenly, your dream design feels like it’s slipping away.In this episode, I chat with the multi-passionate designer and entrepreneur Julie Stevens, whose creative journey spans interior design, product design, and entrepreneurship. Julie has designed everything from high-end interiors to patented products and even launched an award-winning cocktail brand, BeTini Spirits. What makes her story special isn’t just her creativity, but her resilience and mindset when things don’t go according to plan.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by design challenges or wondered how to stay calm and creative in the middle of chaos, this episode will help you reframe those tough moments. You’ll learn how to approach setbacks as opportunities, balance multiple creative passions, and design spaces that are truly functional, personalized, and full of purpose.Featured Guest:Julie Stevens is a designer, inventor, and entrepreneur who’s built a career around merging beauty with function. From creating custom furniture and consumer products to launching her award-winning cocktail brand, BeTini Spirits, she continues to inspire with her creativity and innovation. Her latest passion project, River Sound, is a historic theater-turned-music venue designed to nurture creativity in her Colorado community. Recognized by JP Morgan Chase as one of the 100 Women to Know in America, Julie embodies what it means to lead with imagination and purpose.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ How to develop a mindset that thrives through design challenges✳️ Why creativity thrives when you combine beauty with function✳️ How to turn design roadblocks into fresh opportunities✳️ The key to balancing multiple creative passions without burning out✳️ Why listening deeply to your clients transforms your designs✳️ How dual-purpose design can make spaces more functional and beautiful✳️ The mindset shift that helps you grow through every project (not just survive it)Read the Blog >>> Turning Remodel Problems Into Design OpportunitiesNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business BootcampCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction & Guest Bio1:48 Julie’s Creative Beginnings and Early Influences2:49 Transition Into Interior Design and Product Design3:48 Inspiration and Design Process7:31 Designing Dual-Purpose Furniture Pieces10:18 Balancing Multiple Design Projects13:39 Challenges Faced During COVID and Lessons Learned15:19 The Right Mindset for Unexpected Remodeling Challenges17:30 Advice for New Designers Entering the Industry19:27 Eco-Conscious Design and Her Upcoming Creative Projects

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• 163 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #3: Essential Steps to Set Up Your Design Business Legally

  Does the business side of design intimidate you? Many creatives dream of launching their own interior design business but freeze when it comes to legal paperwork, contracts, licenses, or financial planning. It feels complicated—almost like a foreign language that wasn’t covered in design school.The truth is, understanding the legal and financial setup isn’t as scary as it sounds. When you have a clear checklist and guidance, you can turn your creative passion into a legitimate business that clients trust.In this episode, I’m breaking down the non-negotiable legal and financial must-haves to help you build your business on a solid foundation. From your EIN and business license to contracts and bookkeeping systems, you’ll have a clear checklist for setting up your design business legally and professionally—so you can stop second-guessing yourself and finally take confident action.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ The essential legal steps for launching your interior design business✔️ How to apply for an EIN and why it protects your privacy✔️ Choosing the right business structure: LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietor✔️ The importance of licenses, permits, and business insurance✔️ Why contracts are non-negotiable for every client relationship✔️ Setting up business banking and payment systems for clean finances✔️ How to shift your mindset from hobbyist to confident CEORead the Blog >>> Essential Steps to Set Up Your Design Business LegallyNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business BootcampCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction1:34 How Rebecca Bootstrapped Her Business Setup5:26 Benefits of Setting up a Business Legally7:55 How to Get Your Ein9:51 How to Choose Your Business Structure11:02 Required Licenses and Permits12:09 The Importance of Having Business Insurance14:38 Why Contracts Are Your Business Backbone16:54 Business Banking and Financial Setup18:15 Bookkeeping and Hiring Help22:40 Mindset Shift: Viewing the Business as a Profitable Entity

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• 162 | LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business With Jonathan Feniak

  Starting an interior design business is exciting—but if you’re like most designers, the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. Should you stay a sole proprietor, form an LLC, or register as an S Corp? What does any of that even mean for your taxes, liability, or peace of mind?In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Feniak, attorney and co-founder of LLCAttorney.com, to talk about how to choose and form the right business entity for your interior design business. Jonathan breaks down the legal side of starting and running a design firm, explaining how to protect yourself with the proper business structure and why liability protection and insurance are essential for every designer. He also walks us through the natural progression many creatives take, from sole proprietorship to forming an LLC or S Corp, and how to know when it’s time to make that shift.Whether you’re just starting your design journey and ready to set up your business the right way, or you’re an established designer questioning whether your current setup still fits, this episode will help you get clear and confident. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to protect your assets, stay legally compliant, and make smarter financial decisions for your interior design business.Featured GuestJonathan Feniak is the lead attorney behind LLCAttorney.com, a company dedicated to making quality legal guidance accessible to small business owners. Specializing in LLC formation, business compliance, and asset protection, Jonathan helps entrepreneurs create strong legal foundations that empower their businesses to thrive. With decades of experience across finance, operations, and law, he combines real-world business insight with expert legal advice to simplify complex legal decisions for creatives and entrepreneurs.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ The difference between a sole proprietorship, LLC, and S Corp—and how each affects your taxes and liability✳️ Why insurance often matters more than your business entity when you’re just starting out✳️ How to know when it’s time to switch from a sole proprietor to an LLC or S Corp✳️ Why forming an LLC can make your design business look more professional and credible✳️ The most common mistakes designers make when setting up their businesses legally✳️ Simple steps to stay compliant and protect your personal assets✳️ How to avoid piercing the corporate veil and losing your liability protectionRead the Blog >>> >>> LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design BusinessNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business BootcampCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Feniak and His Background06:35 The Typical Path of Interior Designers: From Hobby to Sole Proprietor07:40 How to Evaluate Your Risk Before Forming a Business Entity10:45 When Insurance Is More Important Than an LLC12:50 What an LLC Really Is and How It Protects You16:56 Understanding S Corp Tax Classification and When It Makes Sense21:00 Why Most Designers Should Start With an LLC Instead of a Corporation24:00 Using DBAs (Doing Business As) For Multiple Design Brands25:20 How to Sign Contracts Properly to Protect Yourself Legally26:00 The Importance of Separating Business and Personal Finances28:30 Keeping Records and Exercising Business Judgment to Stay Compliant30:00 Why Having a Lawyer-Drafted Contract Is Essential as You Grow

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