In this powerful and mindset-shifting episode, you're going to break free from the outdated belief that interior design is a "nice hobby" or a side hustle. Melissa takes a deep dive into what’s truly possible in the world of interior design when you treat it as a serious business—one with the potential to earn six figures in your first year and scale into the multiple six and seven figures. You'll hear real success stories of designers who shattered income plateaus and made strategic changes that led to exponential growth—without burnout. Melissa shares personal insights from her own journey, along with lessons from the countless designers she’s coached. Whether you’re new to design or have been in the game for years but feel stuck, this episode will ignite your ambition, remind you of your power, and give you the clarity and courage to aim higher. If you're ready to stop treating your talent like a part-time gig and start treating it like the business it is, this one's for you. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (01:05) Why six and seven figures in design aren't just possible—they're within reach (04:20) How one designer hit $1.5M in 18 months after going out on her own (06:36) The real ceiling in your business and how to dismantle it (13:02) Why doubling revenue doesn't have to mean doubling your workload (16:45) How to grow strategically even during a slow season (21:36) The three key traits every successful designer must have: passion, persistence, and ambition SUPPORTING RESOURCES: Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissagaultofficial When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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152: Interior Design is the Ultimate Deal: No Discount Required
In this powerful episode of Design Business Freedom, you’re getting the ultimate reframe to shut down client discount requests with confidence and clarity. Melissa breaks down why interior design is one of the most valuable investments your clients will ever make—not just for a moment, but for decades of daily joy, beauty, and functionality. She shows you how to confidently articulate that value and stand strong in your pricing, without falling into the trap of unnecessary generosity or fee-cutting. You’ll learn how to shift both your mindset and your messaging so that you and your clients see design for what it truly is: a transformational upgrade with a return on investment that outlasts any vacation, luxury car, or designer handbag. From residential to commercial projects, Melissa gives you the exact soundbites, analogies, and positioning tools to communicate long-term ROI and educate your clients into appreciating—not questioning—your fees. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (01:05) How to quantify your value with a 24-7-365 impact that lasts 15 to 30 years (03:09) Why design is not a one-time purchase like a car or a vacation—and how to explain this to clients (06:23) The secret to reawakening client appreciation months or even years after a project ends (08:25) Why discounts devalue your work and train clients to expect more for less (10:30) A powerful ROI breakdown that turns a $150K investment into less than $28/day (13:23) How to reframe price objections with calm confidence, not defensiveness SUPPORTING RESOURCES: Design ROI One-Sheet Download When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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151: Tame Your Inner Imposter: Escape the Interior Design Comparison Trap
If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling short compared to other designers, this episode is your gentle but firm nudge to stop measuring your worth against someone else’s highlight reel. Melissa pulls back the curtain on imposter syndrome and the comparison trap, sharing 20 practical, mindset-shifting steps to silence that inner critic and step fully into your brilliance. You’ll walk away with tools you can use daily to reset your thinking, build unshakable confidence, and create unstoppable momentum in your design business. From naming your imposter something silly, to creating a “confidence kit” of your wins, to swapping perfectionism for progress, this episode will help you reclaim your lane and own it. Melissa also dives into how to curate your circle for maximum support, share your work before it’s perfect, and shift your focus back to your unique gifts. This is a masterclass in turning self-doubt into self-assurance—so you can stop comparing and start celebrating the designer only you can be. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (01:02) How to recognize the signs of comparison and imposter syndrome before they take hold (03:09) Why naming your inner critic can help you separate from it and take back your power (04:06) How to create a “confidence kit” that keeps your wins front and center (09:54) The freedom that comes from making peace with being a lifelong work in progress (14:31) Why perfectionism is your imposter’s favorite weapon—and how to fight back (27:40) How to surround yourself with the right people and release toxic influences When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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150: The One Marketing Move for Interior Design Clients, Cash, and Confidence
In this milestone 150th episode of Design Business Freedom, you're guided through a refreshingly simple yet strategic approach to overcoming slow seasons in your interior design business. Instead of succumbing to the overwhelm of "more marketing," Melissa Gault, your interior design business coach, walks you through the transformative power of choosing one intentional action to focus on for 30 days. This episode is packed with tangible ideas and real-life examples to help you bring in clients, cash, and confidence—without the hustle. Melissa shares 12 proven marketing strategies specifically designed for interior designers and emphasizes the importance of alignment, authenticity, and consistency. Whether you're feeling a slowdown in inquiries, income, or inspiration, you'll walk away with a practical plan to shift from scattered effort to meaningful momentum. It's about simplifying your strategy to amplify your results—and this episode shows you exactly how. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR: (01:09) Why “doing more” during slow seasons leads to burnout, not bookings (03:40) How to select one of 12 proven marketing moves to focus on for 30 days (05:31) Why launching a digital newsletter can be a game-changing visibility tool (07:17) The power of story-driven Instagram content that attracts ideal clients—not DIYers (13:07) Tips for getting into publications and podcasts your clients actually pay attention to (26:11) How optimizing your Google Business Profile can improve local visibility fast SUPPORTING RESOURCES: Tricia Malloy Testimonial Writing Services Timeleft Dinners When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.
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149: Skip the Scope Creep: The Design Agreement that Safeguards Your Sanity
Believe it or not, I see so many designers flying without a net, which is what I call it when you work without a letter of agreement or with one that has absolutely no protection for you in it. A letter of agreement is just another word for a contract, but it sounds much friendlier. Most importantly, a letter of agreement will outline all stipulations, clauses, and information that you and your client need to set up a positive and professional project timeline. Your business needs to have a document that provides protection for your profits and peace of mind for you as the principal of the firm while at the same time providing clarity and confidence to your client. And even though this is so important, the legalese that most contracts are written in often makes both designers and clients uncomfortable and overwhelmed. My attorney-approved letter of agreement template is written in plain English and covers everything needed for protection from any snafus that may arise. And in today’s episode, I will walk you through my process of creating the right letter of agreement that is not going to overwhelm you or your clients but will still provide all of the clarity, confidence, and cohesiveness needed for your next project. In this episode, you will hear: How to craft a thorough and protective letter of agreement in plain English that will be easy for you and your clients to navigate Which clauses to walk your clients through when reviewing your Letter of Agreement The importance of presentation and ease of information when crafting your letter Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love to welcome you to our creative community, if you haven’t yet subscribed. We’d truly appreciate it if you drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and spreads the word about the podcast Supporting Resources: View my Letter of Agreement template - https://melissagalt.kartra.com/page/the-right-design-agreement For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok @MelissaGalt Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
What if you had a business coach who was a creative just like you, and could ask them about how they built a successful business they love? That’s what we do each week on Design Business Freedom. Hosted by Melissa Galt –– award winning business coach, marketing consultant, and interior designer with over 3 decades of creative experience –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to create systems and processes, increase your confidence, and build a quality team to support you. The goal is to give you the information and resources you need to avoid being overworked and undervalued, and help you earn more in less time with less stress.
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