If you’re starting a design business—or rebuilding one that feels messy and unstructured—this episode is for you.
I’ve had a lot of requests for a “how to start a design business” episode, and once I started mapping it out, I realized this isn’t just beginner advice… it’s a framework that every designer needs. Because interior design is not a simple business. It’s layered, it’s team-based, it’s system-heavy, and there are a lot of moving parts behind the creativity.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the whole setup process like a checklist: legal structure, vendor relationships, office systems, support teams, and marketing. Use this as a guide to see what you already have in place—and what still needs to be built to create a profitable, sustainable business.
Topics I Cover in This Episode:
- How most design businesses really begin… and when it’s time to shift from “helping out” to running a legitimate business
- The foundational legal, financial, and organizational pieces you need in place early (and why skipping them creates headaches later)
- What it truly means to “build your team” – vendors, trades, installers, and professionals who support your work
- Why retail-only sourcing will quietly sabotage your profitability, and what margins actually make a design business viable
- The systems and software that form the backbone of your office (and why starting organized matters more than being busy)
- Why marketing isn’t optional – and how clarity around your ideal client changes everything
- How networking, visibility, and credibility fuel growth far more than social media alone
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Book a Clarity Call
- Learn about the Growth & Structure programs
Additional Resources:
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