Designed for the Creative Mind

• S5 Ep 184 If You Build It, They Still May Not Come

  Welcome back to Designed for the Creative Mind, the podcast where we get real about what it actually takes to build a beautiful and profitable interior design business. In this episode, Michelle kicks off a brand-new series called Booked by Accident vs. Booked by Design—a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered why your dream clients still aren’t showing up, even though you’re doing “all the right things.” Michelle unpacks what’s really going on in today’s economy and why relying on referrals, a pretty Instagram feed, or a solid reputation alone just isn’t enough anymore. Here’s what she covers: Why “just do good work and the clients will come” is outdated advice The difference between visibility and actual connection How to market like a guide, not a design hero Why marketing to your peers is a trap What clients are actually looking for (hint: it’s not a waterfall edge) The truth about consistency vs. constant content creation If your leads have slowed down, are inconsistent, or just aren’t aligned, you’re going to want to hear this. Free Live Workshop Invitation: Michelle is also inviting you to a free three-day live workshop called Booked by Design—specifically created for interior designers who are ready to attract aligned, consistent clients. Here’s what you’ll learn over three days: Day One: How to nail your message and communicate your value Day Two: Marketing strategies that actually work right now (without reels or burnout) Day Three: A live Q&A and action-planning session so you know exactly what to do next The workshop runs August 4–6 at 12 p.m. Central Time, and it’s completely free. You can register at thedesignbakehouse.com under the Events section, or click the link in the show notes. Coming Up Next Week: Michelle dives into why relying on referrals isn’t a real marketing strategy—and what you can do instead. If you’ve been clinging to word-of-mouth alone, this one’s for you. Final Thought: You can build a business that gets booked consistently. You can create marketing that doesn’t feel overwhelming. You can attract dream clients without burning out. But it won’t happen by accident. It happens by design.  

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• S4 Ep. 183 The Ghost of Marketing Past

  Babe, let’s get real — leads are slow right now. The inbox is quiet, the DMs are empty, and that “just post a pretty picture” strategy? It’s not cutting it anymore. But here’s the kicker: what’s haunting your business might not be the algorithm. It’s probably the marketing you didn’t do six months ago. In this episode, we’re talking about: The hidden cost of inconsistent marketing (and how it creates feast or famine cycles) Why marketing should be a rhythm, not a reaction What happens when your visibility finally kicks in, but your business isn’t ready How to align your marketing with your capacity so dream clients will wait for you Tips for batching, repurposing, and automating your content to bend time in your favor Why building systems is the key to consistent leads (without burning yourself out) You’ll also hear real talk about why scrambling for leads doesn’t work — and how to start marketing for the future, not just the present. If you’re tired of ghosting your audience or riding the feast-or-famine rollercoaster, this is your episode. Ready to get consistent? Check out the Interior Design Business Bakery and join the Interior Designers Business Launchpad for weekly free training. And hey — if this one hit close to home, share it with a fellow designer and leave a quick review. Let’s get this message into more earbuds. You’ve got the vision — now let’s build the business that backs it.   Podcast Website and Resources: Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery   Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.   SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.   Stay in touch with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/  Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad  Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact   A Podcast Launch Bestie production    

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• S4 Ep. 182 The Truth About Trade Pricing

  Have you ever had a client hit you with, “You get that for how much?” If so, you’re not alone — and today we’re talking about one of the most common (and most avoidable) pricing mistakes in interior design: oversharing your trade pricing. In this episode, I break down why being too open about your pricing creates confusion, resentment, and profit erosion — and how you can confidently communicate your value without overexplaining or apologizing for making a profit. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why oversharing trade pricing puts you in a weaker position The difference between trade pricing and a discount (and why it matters) How to talk about pricing confidently without overexplaining Why your clients are paying for your expertise, not your shopping skills The mindset shift that will help you own your margins without guilt How to handle it if you’ve already shared too much about your pricing Why transparency doesn’t mean exposure — and how to draw the line If this episode hits home, take it as your invitation to start owning your pricing like the CEO you are. You are allowed to make a profit. You are allowed to set margins that support your business. And you can do it with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Want help making it happen? Inside the Interior Design Business Bakery, we’ll teach you exactly how to price, structure, and communicate your offers so you can stop fumbling and start thriving. Check it out at thedesignbakehouse.com. And if you enjoyed this episode, please share it with another designer who could benefit, and don’t forget to rate and review — it helps more than you know.   Podcast Website and Resources: Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery   Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.   SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business. Stay in touch with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/  Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad  Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact   A Podcast Launch Bestie production    

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• S4 Ep. 181 The DIY Designer Syndrome

  Ever feel like you’re wearing all the hats in your interior design business  and still answering client texts at 8 PM about grout colors? You might be stuck in what I call DIY Designer Syndrome: a mix of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and a dash of martyrdom that has you doing everything yourself. In this episode, I’m sharing how this mindset hurts your business (and your life), why “being busy” is not a badge of honor, and how to start building healthier boundaries and systems that actually support your creativity and profitability. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why trying to “do it all” is rooted in fear and control, not smart business How being constantly available creates unrealistic expectations with clients Simple boundary-setting phrases you can use today What to automate, delegate, and systematize so you can focus on what matters Why boundaries are a sign of professionalism — not punishment The truth about hustle culture and why it leads to burnout, not success How to shift from being a bottleneck to being the CEO of your business If today’s episode hits home, take it as your permission slip to make a change. You didn’t start your own business to be everyone’s assistant  or to burn yourself out recreating corporate hustle in a prettier office. You started it for freedom, creativity, and fulfillment. And you deserve to build a business that honors that vision. If you want support setting boundaries, building systems, and creating a business that works for you, check out the Interior Design Business Bakery -the link is in the show notes. And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast to help spread the word to more designers. Thanks for listening, I’ll catch you next time. Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery   Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.   SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business. Stay in touch with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/  Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad  Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact   A Podcast Launch Bestie production    

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• S4 Ep.180 The Contract Catastrophe

  Hey friend, welcome back to Design for the Creative Mind! I'm so glad you're here. If you’re new around here, this season is all about Rookie Mistakes & Real Talk—a behind-the-scenes look at the most common missteps interior designers make in business (and how to bounce back when you make one). In today’s episode, I’m sharing a hard lesson I learned the painful way—what happens when you don’t have a strong contract… or worse, when you do and you don’t enforce it. If you’ve ever had a client overstep, ask for something totally out of scope, or shop your selections online… this one’s for you. I’ve been there (like, deeply), and I want to help you avoid the stress, the loss, and the awkward convos I had to navigate back when I didn’t know better. What I cover in this episode: The (cringey but honest) story of how I lost thousands early in my career Why a one-page contract does not make you client-friendly—it makes you vulnerable Common red flags to watch for, like the “just one more thing” request or the feedback that takes forever Exact phrases you can use to set boundaries with clients who are overstepping What to do when your contract doesn’t cover something How I present contracts now to prevent miscommunication and build trust The recent updates I made to my own contract after a few client hiccups I know contracts aren’t the sexiest part of our business—but they are absolutely essential. They’re not just paperwork—they’re your business armor. And when you know how to use them confidently, you lead your business instead of reacting to chaos. So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s talk about the contract catastrophe that changed everything for me—and how you can avoid it. Podcast Website and Resources: Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery   Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.   SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business. Stay in touch with Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/  Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad  Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact   A Podcast Launch Bestie production    

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