S6 Ep 190: How Turning Down the “Wrong” Work Accelerates Your Growth.
Hey, hey, hey! In this episode of Design for the Creative Mind, we’re talking about something that feels scary but will absolutely change your business: saying no before you feel ready. I know how hard it is to turn down a project—what if the right one doesn’t come along? What if word gets around that you turned someone down? I’ve had all those same fears. But here’s the truth: every time you say yes to the wrong project, you’re blocking space for the right one. I’ll share the hidden costs of saying yes to everything, how to recognize the red flags early, and the exact scripts you can use to say no without burning bridges (because you don’t need to feel like the bad guy). IN THIS EPISODE, I COVER: Why we wait too long to say no (hello, FOMO + people pleasing ) The financial, creative, and emotional costs of taking on bad-fit clients A simple red-flag checklist to spot a “no” before you’re in too deep My favorite word tracks that let you say no kindly and confidently A student story: how saying no freed her calendar and brought in higher-value clients Saying no isn’t risky—it’s a growth strategy. When you protect your time and energy, you create space for projects that light you up, clients who respect your process, and a business that actually feels good to run.
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S6 Ep 189: Stop Over-Delivering: Why Doing More Is Costing You Time, Money, and Sanity
Season 6: Off the Record: The Hidden Curriculum of Design Business They didn’t teach you this in design school. You won’t hear it in a CEU course. And most business coaches wouldn’t dare say it out loud. This season of Designed for the Creative Mind is your backstage pass to the unspoken skills, strategic instincts, and hard-won wisdom that separate hobbyists from high-earning design business owners. From reading between a client’s words, to knowing exactly when to say no (and how to do it without burning bridges), to spotting profit leaks before they sink you — these are the lessons I wish I’d learned sooner. I’m sharing the real stories, the actual scripts, and the business-building shortcuts I teach inside The Interior Design Business Bakery and The Lead Lab — so you can skip the fluff and build a business that’s profitable, sustainable, and still lights you up creatively. Because running a design business isn’t just about talent. It’s about knowing the rules no one talks about… and when to break them. We’ve all been told to go “above and beyond” for clients—but in your design business, overdelivering isn’t a flex. It’s a recipe for burnout, lower profits, and clients who constantly expect more for free. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why overdelivering backfires, how to set healthy boundaries, and the phrases I use to stop scope creep in its tracks (without feeling like the bad guy). IN THIS EPISODE: The hidden financial cost of “just one more thing” for clients Why overdelivering trains your clients to expect freebies How to shift from giving extras out of ego to creating consistency that builds trust Scripts you can use when clients ask for something out of scope A real-life success story from one of my students who stopped overdelivering and started making more money If you’ve ever found yourself exhausted, resentful, or quietly frustrated because you’re doing more than what was agreed to, this episode will hit home. Overdelivering feels good in the moment, but it creates long-term problems for your business. By learning how to deliver exactly what you promised—exceptionally well—you’ll protect your profits, your client relationships, and your peace of mind.
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S5 Ep 188: No Portfolio? No Problem: The Secret Strategy to Attract High Paying Clients
Hey hey hey! I’m so glad you’re here with me today on Designed for the Creative Mind. Whether you’re listening from your studio, your car, or curled up with a glass of wine (not in the car, please), you’re in for a really insightful conversation. I brought on the fabulous Mina from Duke Renders to talk about all things renderings—especially how they can help you build a strong portfolio even if you don’t have a single professionally photographed project. If you’ve been holding off on putting your work out there because you’re waiting for the “perfect” photos, this episode is going to change everything. Mina shares how Duke Renders came to be after she had frustrating experiences outsourcing renderings as a designer herself. What started as her husband and his brother helping her out turned into a full-blown, high-touch rendering studio that truly understands the needs of interior designers. We also talk about the process (which I completely loved working with), why outsourcing your renderings isn’t as scary as it seems, and how even the biggest names in design (yes, we mention Shea McGee) dealt with team resistance before seeing the light. If you’re at the beginning stages of your business or pivoting into a new niche, Mina explains how renderings allow you to showcase the kind of work you want to be hired for—even if you haven’t landed those ideal clients yet. We talk about creating a portfolio based on your dream aesthetic, using renderings to fill the gap when photography isn’t possible, and why this investment often brings a bigger return than advertising or getting published. The biggest takeaway? Renderings aren’t just pretty pictures—they’re a powerful business tool. They can help you land higher-end clients, speed up your design process, and most importantly, give you the confidence to put your work out there. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever felt stuck because your portfolio isn’t “there yet.” Renderings might just be your new secret weapon. Thanks for tuning in. You’ve got this, and I’m so excited for what you’re building. Resources Mentioned: Duke Renders Follow Mina and the Duke Renders team on Instagram: @dukerenders Stay Connected: You can always find me on Instagram @michellynninteriors. Shoot me a DM—I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode!
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S5 Ep 187 From Italy to the UK: One Baker, Two Countries, Big Design Dreams
Today, we’re crossing the pond! I had such a fun and inspiring chat with one of our fabulous Bakery graduates, Marta Rosato, who built her thriving interior design business all the way from Bristol, UK. Her story is filled with courage, creativity, and a whole lot of clarity — and I know you’re going to love hearing it. Marta didn’t start out in interior design. She spent 20 years working across Europe in project management and event organizing, and later as a marketing strategist for sustainable tourism. But after moving to the UK and becoming a full-time mom, she had a moment — you’ll hear all about it — that led her to totally change direction. With a background in design consulting, marketing, and project planning (and after blogging her own home renovation during the pandemic), Marta started getting requests from customers who wanted more than just help picking a sofa. So she leaned into her passion, launched Marta Rosato Interiors, and hasn’t looked back. We talk about: How she transitioned into design after becoming a mom Why Bristol was the perfect place to start her business The exact moment she knew it was time to invest in herself What happened when her “dream client” project didn’t pan out — and why that was a blessing in disguise How the Bakery gave her the confidence and tools to launch a business she’s proud of Marta’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, build a business you love, and trust your gut (even across time zones). Thanks for tuning in, and I hope this conversation leaves you feeling just as energized and encouraged as it did me.
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S5 Ep 186 Why Your Dream Clients Don’t Know You Exist (Yet)
Hey, hey, hey y’all! We’re back with Part 3 of our “Booked by Accident vs. Booked by Design” series—and today we’re tackling something that stings a little... but only for a second. You know that feeling when someone tells you there’s food in your teeth? Yeah. It’s kind of like that. Awkward for a moment, but ultimately a gift. Because once you know, you can fix it. Same goes for today’s topic: Why your dream clients don’t know you exist… yet (and yes, that “yet” is doing some heavy lifting). Here’s what we get into: The real reason the best designers are still getting overlooked Why pretty portfolios just aren’t cutting it anymore The shift in how clients are hiring (and what they’re quietly looking for before they ever reach out) Why visibility isn't about vanity—it's about service And the three questions I’m asking my own team as we clean up our visibility strategy I’m sharing a story about a baker (names changed to protect the innocent) who thought she didn’t need visibility… until she did. HARD. And if you're silently hoping referrals will just keep rolling in? This is your heads-up that now is the time to start planting seeds. I’m also giving you a sneak peek into my free upcoming workshop, Booked by Design, happening August 4th! It's three days of helping you nail your message, get seen, and go from crickets to clients—without turning into a full-time content creator. So whether you’re just starting out or you've been doing this for years and feel like your ideal clients are walking right past you, this episode is your gentle nudge (okay, maybe more like a sassy push 😉) to fix the food in your teeth and finally be seen. Let’s make your brilliance impossible to overlook, babe. Sign up for Booked by Design (it’s FREE!): TheDesignBakehouse.com → Events Tab Ready to stop blending in and start converting dream clients? Join us for this 3-day Client Catching Workshop starting August 4!
Your designs are beautiful, but you’re struggling with the business of your interior design business. Join successful interior design business owner, Michelle Lynne, of ML Interiors Group each Monday morning as she shares the processes she has found useful in growing her own 7-figure design firm, interviews industry related guests, and brings her own team of designers on for lively conversations. If you aren’t happy with the performance of your interior design business, are tired of trading your time for money, and know you were made for more, this show is for you.
South Africa