Episodes

  • 100\\ Tips and Stories for Starting Your Interior Design Journey Plus Celebrating 100 Episodes With Lillian Janek

    100\\ Tips and Stories for Starting Your Interior Design Journey Plus Celebrating 100 Episodes With Lillian Janek
    Aug 5 2024
    We did it! We finally made it to 100 episodes and even landed in the top 100 in the Apple Podcast US and top 20 in the Apple Podcast Canada both in Design Category. Thank you for tuning in each week. To celebrate, I have a special giveaway for you. Scroll down for details on how to enter and win. Also, in this milestone episode, I have a special guest, Lillian "Lilly" Janek, my associate designer and right-hand gal. She has been instrumental in helping me grow my business, organize it, and manage all the various aspects, including the podcast and my mentorship program, My Design Mentor. Join us as Lilly shares her inspiring journey from a creative child to a key player in our design firm. Discover how she overcame the challenges of starting her career and the valuable lessons she learned. If you're an aspiring interior designer or a recent graduate unsure of your next steps, this episode is packed with insights and advice to help you succeed in your creative career. From internships to working with clients, Lilly's experiences offer a roadmap for achieving your dreams in the interior design industry. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from someone who has been in your shoes and emerged successful. Tune in now and take the first step towards building a fulfilling and prosperous career in interior design. Featured Guest: Lillian "Lilly" Janek is an experienced interior designer with a passion for creativity and a keen eye for design. After graduating from CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, she has honed her skills, starting as an intern to an associate designer at Rebecca Ward Design firm. With a knack for sourcing furniture and construction finishes, Lilly excels in design drawing and client relations. Her dedication to mentoring interns and sharing her knowledge reflects her commitment to growth and learning in interior design. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn from Lilly's real-life examples and practical advice for navigating your career path in interior designUnderstand the importance of internships and mentorship in shaping a successful design careerGet inspiration and encouragement as you pursue a career or business as an interior designer Check out the show notes >>> Tips and Stories for Starting Your Interior Design Journey Plus Celebrating 100 Episodes With Lillian Janek Join the 100th Episode Giveaway To celebrate the 100th episode of my podcast, 1 lucky winner will win an Interior Designer's Tool Package which includes: Hulken BagLaser MeasureFull Focus PlannerBranded Graph Paper PadCustom Scented CandleErasable PensBoss Lady Mug ENTER TO WIN In 3 easy steps: Leave a Star Rating & Review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser (if you're not an Apple user)Follow @rwarddesign on InstagramLeave a comment on our giveaway post. Let us know what your favorite episode is. Giveaway Period: August 5 to 9, 2024 Winner Announcement: August 9, 2024 Grab your freebies: Furnishings Investment Guide https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/furnitureinvestment⁠Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Listen to Related Episode: Episode 5: The Do’s and Don’ts of Interior Design InternshipsEpisode 68: The Power of Intention: How to Set and Achieve your Goals for 2024 With Sierra Collins Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    30 mins
  • 99\\ Smart Way to Maximize Profits in Your Interior Design Business: Furniture Sales and Designer Discounts

    99\\ Smart Way to Maximize Profits in Your Interior Design Business: Furniture Sales and Designer Discounts
    Jul 29 2024
    Did you know you can profit from selling furniture in your interior design business? Furniture is an important topic in interior design, especially for those planning to run their own business. It's important to include furniture in your business model to sell to clients and profit from it. However, many people underestimate the costs involved. In this episode, I talk about this topic and how it can be a game-changer for your design business. I break down the different levels of furniture costs, from budget to luxury, and offer practical advice on setting realistic budgets for your clients. I also share tips on how to use designer discounts and wholesale accounts to maximize your profits while ensuring your clients get the best value. If you want to set up your design business the right way, so you can charge for your time and products effectively, make a profit, and help your clients make informed decisions about their furniture investments, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss this furniture investment guide to making money through furniture in interior design. Plus, get ready for our exciting 100th episode and a special giveaway! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Understand how to build a successful furniture sales strategy that keeps your design business thriving.Get the furniture investment guide to help your clients set realistic furniture budgets.Discover how to effectively use designer discounts and wholesale accounts to provide value to your clients while boosting your profit margins. Check out the show notes >>> Smart Way to Maximize Profits in Your Interior Design Business: Furniture Sales and Designer Discounts Links Mentioned: Furnishings Investment Guide https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/furnitureinvestment NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    14 mins
  • 98\\ Prioritizing Profit: Tips for Interior Designers to Grow Your Business With Danielle Hendon

    98\\ Prioritizing Profit: Tips for Interior Designers to Grow Your Business With Danielle Hendon
    Jul 22 2024
    During the first six years of my business, I was hoping every month that we'd have all our expenses covered. Running a business this way is not ideal. Understanding your financial statements and managing cash flow can help avoid surprises and reduce stress in your interior design business. That's why, in this episode, I've invited Danielle, a Fractional CFO and founder of 4 Corners CFO, to discuss how to make sense of your finances and ensure your design business thrives. She shares tips on avoiding common pitfalls and the benefits of having a financial team, including a Fractional CFO. Danielle also shares about her career transition and she totally gets the fears and uncertainties that often come with taking that next financial step. Whether you're just starting in the design industry or transitioning in your career, this episode is full of advice to help you take control of your finances and focus on what you love—designing beautiful spaces. If you're ready to take charge of your finances and grow your business, you won't want to miss this episode and learn from Danielle's expertise. Featured Guest: Danielle Hendon is the founder and owner of ⁠4 Corners CFO⁠, a firm offering financial advisory services to small business owners on a scale that fits their company and budget. Coupling her decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting with her passion for small business owners, Daniel brings the benefit of big business financial analysis to entrepreneurs. Now, instead of helping corporations increase share prices, Daniel gets to help business owners increase their livelihoods so they can leave a legacy and lasting impact on their community. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn practical tips on managing your business finances, including cash flow, expenses, and invoicing.Understand common financial mistakes designers make and how to avoid them, helping you make smarter business decisions.Discover the benefits of having a financial team and how a Fractional CFO can guide you in long-term planning and growth, ensuring your business thrives. Check out the show notes >>> Prioritizing Profit: Tips for Interior Designers to Grow Your Business With Danielle Hendon Links Mentioned: Visit 4cornersCFO.com/designcurious and grab your free workbook: “Guide to Review Your Expenses” NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    28 mins
  • 97\\ Key Interior Design Terms to Communicate Better with Clients and Showcase Your Design Skills

    97\\ Key Interior Design Terms to Communicate Better with Clients and Showcase Your Design Skills
    Jul 15 2024
    Do you ever struggle to explain your design ideas to clients? Do you wish you had the right words to help them understand and love your designs? I hear you! In this episode, I walk you through the must-know vocabulary words that every designer starting out needs to incorporate. These are the words I use almost every day, especially when I'm doing presentations or site visits with clients. You'll learn key terms like balance, contrast, and focal point that will really make your designs more understandable and compelling to clients. I also dive into color terminology and fabric patterns, explaining essential concepts like hue, tone, and texture. By mastering these words, you’ll be able to describe your designs more clearly, making it easier for clients to see the value and beauty in your work. Listen now to transform how you talk about your designs and ensure your clients fall in love with your ideas. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review, and share your favorite vocabulary words with me! Let's make design communication easier and more effective together! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn essential vocabulary that will help you explain and defend your design choices more effectively to clients.Master key terms and color terminology to describe your designs with clarity, making it easier for clients to understand and appreciate your work.Equip yourself with the right words to sound more knowledgeable and professional, increasing your clients' confidence in your design skills. Check out the show notes >>> Key Interior Design Terms to Communicate Better with Clients and Showcase Your Design Skills NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Listen to Related Episode: Episode 71: Exploring Color Theory in Interior DesignEpisode 81: What's Your Design Style: Exploring 12 Interior Design Styles Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    20 mins
  • 96\\ How AI Tools Like HomeVisualizer.AI Can Make Your Interior Design Projects More Creative With Kasey Hayano

    96\\ How AI Tools Like HomeVisualizer.AI Can Make Your Interior Design Projects More Creative With Kasey Hayano
    Jul 8 2024
    Do you struggle with clients who have difficulty visualizing their homes? Well, I have some right now. Despite having 3D renderings of the space, it's not quite hitting the mark. Not everyone can visualize like interior designers, and that's where AI comes in to help! As the world figures out how to use AI effectively in our work, today, I chat with Kasey Hayano, CEO of HomeVisualizer.AI about the benefits of AI to interior designers and how to use it effectively. She introduces an AI tool that can help you create stunning, photorealistic renders quickly, delighting your clients, and streamlining your workflow without the need for complex software. With features like Auto Style, Custom Design Requests, and Style Fusion, this AI tool can transform your sketches and photos into beautiful renders with just a few clicks. Imagine showing your clients exactly what their space will look like. This not only helps them see your vision but also simplifies decision-making. Pretty amazing! This tool is perfect for both seasoned & new designers and small firms. Listen now and learn how HomeVisualizer.AI can transform your design process. Click the link in the show notes to start your free trial and see the difference AI can make in your projects today. Featured Guest: ⁠Kasey Hayano⁠ is the co-founder and CEO of ⁠HomeVisualizer.AI⁠, which is a platform that helps designers quickly ideate and create new visual content in an easy-to-use program. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to leverage AI to elevate your design projects and stand out in the home industryCompare HomeVisualizer.AI with other tools you use in your design projectsBuild your portfolio using HomeVisualizer.AI Check out the show notes >>> How AI Tools Like HomeVisualizer.AI Can Make Your Interior Design Projects More Creative With Kasey Hayano NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    20 mins
  • 95\\ 11 Mistakes I Made in Interior Design Projects and How You Could Avoid Them

    95\\ 11 Mistakes I Made in Interior Design Projects and How You Could Avoid Them
    Jul 1 2024
    As an interior designer, you will make mistakes at some point in your career. Making mistakes is normal, but learning from them can make a huge difference in your projects. In this episode, I share my mistakes in interior design projects (hopefully you won't make the same ones!) and the lessons I have learned from them. This comes from a document called "Lessons Learned," where I keep updating it with new lessons from each project. You will hear about actual projects and solutions to help you avoid common pitfalls and improve your design process. Listen now to learn from my mistakes so you can manage your projects smoothly and keep your clients happy. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Gain insights from actual project errors to avoid making the same mistakes in your design projectsDiscover the most common issues interior designers face and how to solve themGet practical tips on implementing effective systems and procedures to keep your projects on track and within budget Check out the show notes >>> 11 Mistakes I Made in Interior Design Projects and How You Could Avoid Them NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    20 mins
  • 94\\ How to Overcome Fear and Start Taking Action to Grow Your Interior Design Business With Andrea Liebross

    94\\ How to Overcome Fear and Start Taking Action to Grow Your Interior Design Business With Andrea Liebross
    Jun 24 2024
    Are you stuck in your interior design business, unsure how to grow or take that next big step? Are you held back by fear and uncomfortable feelings, preventing you from taking action or leaving your comfort zone? In this episode, I dive deep into thinking big with Andrea Liebross, business & life coach and the author of "She Thinks Big." Andrea explains what it means to think big, why it's so important, and how to apply it to your interior design business today. Andrea introduces her powerful TRUST acronym, which she uses to guide her clients to success. This framework provides actionable steps to overcome challenges, manage fears, and take decisive actions that lead to growth. Through real-life examples, she illustrates how shifting your mindset can turn daunting challenges into exciting opportunities. This episode is a must-listen if you want to break free from small thinking, overcome your fears, and make bold decisions that will drive your interior design business forward. Tune in now and start thinking big! And don't forget to pick up Andrea's book for even more insights and strategies. Your future self will thank you! Featured Guest: ⁠Andrea Liebross⁠ is a coach, speaker, podcast host, and author of the book "She Thinks Big." She helps entrepreneurs and professionals think bigger and achieve their goals. With her coaching programs and podcast, she provides guidance and support to individuals looking to make significant changes in their lives and businesses. Andrea's expertise lies in helping her clients overcome fear, embrace uncertainty, and take massive action to create the life and business they desire. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how to break out of the small, safe mindset and embrace big thinking to unlock your full potentialLearn how to transform your feelings of fear and inadequacy into confidence and proactive decision-makingUse Andrea's real-life coaching example of thinking big so you can take massive action to drive your business forward Check out the show notes >>> How to Overcome Fear and Start Taking Action to Grow Your Interior Design Business With Andrea Liebross NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Listen to Related Episode: Ep32: Top Secrets and Winning Mindset Behind a Wildly Successful Business Owner with Andrea Liebross Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    30 mins
  • 93\\ Pro Tips to Make Your Life Experiences Boost Your Interior Design Skills

    93\\ Pro Tips to Make Your Life Experiences Boost Your Interior Design Skills
    Jun 17 2024
    Are you doubting your decision to switch careers to interior design, thinking you'll start with a blank slate? Or are you new to the field and feel unprepared because you lack real experience? Here's the thing: you are not going into an interior design career empty-handed. You have a lot of skills and life experience that you can bring forward with you. In this episode, I explore how to turn your life experiences into design gold. Whether it's a trip you've taken, a movie you've watched, living in different homes, or even just the way your own home is set up, these experiences can inspire and improve your design skills, making your projects more functional and beautiful. Don't miss out on these insights that can help you move forward in your career with confidence. Tune in now and start turning your everyday experiences into design success! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how your daily life experiences can inspire your design ideas and help you create stunning, functional homes that clients will loveDiscover actionable advice on observing and analyzing home layouts and features so you can avoid common design mistakesGain the confidence you need to switch careers and start in interior design Check out the show notes >>> Pro Tips to Make Your Life Experiences Boost Your Interior Design Skills NEXT STEPS: Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design StyleInterior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Enroll in Business of Design with Kimberly Seldon or DesignYou with Tobi Fairley today to scale your interior design business! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here. Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
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    12 mins