The dangers associated with the manufacturing of engineered stone benchtops continues to be a hot media topic in our Industry. And if you're a 60 Minutes viewer or even just one who reads the news headlines, you will most likely have come across reports that more than 275,000 Aussie tradies are now at risk of serious illness. Prolonged exposure to the dust produced by engineered stone when it’s cut, sanded, ground or polished is considered a risk factor for the development of Silicosis, and other serious medical conditions. And whilst these issues might not have an impact on end users, we as ..read more

As an interior design business coach, I'm often asked for advice on how to start a successful interior design business. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to business success, there are some key tips and strategies that I believe can help anyone who is looking to start an interior design business. First and foremost, it is important to focus on creating a business plan. Your business plan should include a detailed description of your services, your target market, and your pricing structure. It should also include a financial plan that outlines your start-up costs, projected income ..read more

Nearly 13 years ago when I launched my entrepreneurial journey as an interior designer, I had so many things I worried would happen. At first, it was scary. What if a client fires me? What if I mess something up and it costs me money? What if I don’t get any clients What if my client turns out to be a red flag? What if one of my trades stuff up my job and ruins my reputation! The truth is, ALL of this has happened at some point along the way. And you know what? I’m okay. My reputation is still good and I still have a steady stream of clients. No matter where you are in your journe ..read more

A lead magnet is a digital free “thing” that you offer to a potential client as a way to further engage them and hopefully get them to book a Discovery Call with you. It could be a quiz, a downloadable guide, or a resource. You offer your lead magnet for free in exchange for their email address. They are sometimes referred to as a “Freebie” or an Opt-in. Once you deliver the offer, you will follow up with them in a short series of emails referred to as a “Nurture Sequence” that helps them make the most of the guide/information you provided.  So…does your interior design business really n ..read more

I said yes to a client when I knew I should have said NO! You know the feeling, you just not vibe(ing) together, it feels like hard work. Communication is tricky, they really don't understand what you do or what the process is and they really don't value your worth. Apart from saying yes, I also let it drag on for too long, I didn't follow my processes and it all went to Shit! “There was was a little voice in my head telling me to pay more attention but I didn't.” The contract started 18 months ago, in that time we had Covid, the builder went bust, prices went thru the roof and the build had ..read more

When it comes to offering E-Design in your business, you can’t compete on price. You can’t be profitable if you try to compete with the agency model of E-Design who offers cheap room “design” for as low as $99.00 WHAT YOU CAN COMPETE ON:  Instead, you compete on these 3 things:  YOU - There is no other designer out there that has the special design talent that only you have. Whether it’s your genius use of color, your ability to tell an amazing texture story, or your expert skill at incorporating one-of-a-kind vintage and antique pieces.  What is unique about you and your des ..read more

Engaging in something and achieving results takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. There’s a process everything has to go through under the heavens to reach its final stage. It doesn’t matter; there’s no result if you don’t follow due procedures. And just like planting a seed, there’s a time to sow and a time to reap. But, as much as we know things to be this way and are willing to comply, sometimes we can speed up the process if we emulate others who have already achieved what we aspire to achieve and adopt their ways. Why? Because at times, what we may know to be the right way is wrong, a ..read more

Having worked with and talked with many Interior Designers - here are 6 characteristics I see that most of the successful ones have: Design Fee Minimum - they clearly define what the minimum spend a client needs to pay to work with them. They do not waiver from this amount. Clearly defined services and processes - they follow a process for every enquiry that comes into their business, it is documented and followed. I also see those who do this have less overwhelm and can scale faster. They invest in their business - this involves both money and time, and doing the actual work - they are ..read more

The Initial Consultation and what to charge A paid, in home initial consultation should always be the first step for any interior design service you offer. This (up-to) two-hour meeting generally goes one of two ways: A full ‘Working Design Session’ where you discuss ideas for layout of the space, bring various samples from your sample library and offer professional advice based on details you collected on your Discovery Call and the client’s answers to your questionnaire (completed prior to your meeting). Sometimes, this meeting could simply be a consultation for specifying paint colours ..read more

If you’re here because you’re considering a career revamp…you’re in the right place! And congratulations! I often connect with individuals who are keen, but not quite convinced that interior design is the career for them. This industry can be exceptionally tricky, because a creative eye is important, but it’s not everything. In truth, it’s really just one piece of the overall puzzle While I can’t make your decision for you, I can help you get closer to it!  Before you leap, check out my 5 must-have traits for building a successful interior design business, based on my 12+ years of person ..read more