Rebecca and Shaun talk with Ali about balancing strategy with gut instinct, using Instagram as both a marketing and educational tool, and why community matters so much when you are scaling a design business. From hiring help for social media to building referral relationships with other designers, architects, and builders, this episode is packed with practical insight for designers navigating change and growth.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Why trusting your instincts can be just as important as relying on the numbers when making growth decisions
2. How Ali positioned AEF Interiors around process instead of aesthetic alone
3. What happened when she invested in social media support and why Instagram became a major lead source
4. Why organic content can attract both ideal clients and fellow interior designers
5. How networking with architects, builders, realtors, and other designers can create long-term opportunities
6. The importance of hiring people who are better than you in their specific roles
7. Why tracking your time is essential for pricing, hiring, and understanding what it costs to run your business
8. How community and designer-to-designer relationships can support both your business growth and emotional health

Mentioned:

1. AEF Interiors website
2. Follow Ali on Instagram
3. Haven Workshop
4. Her workshop with Tandem
5. Diving Into the Interior Design Process

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

Brooke shares why the scrappy mindset that helps you start a design business is not always the same mindset that helps you lead a team, manage profit, or scale sustainably. Together, they unpack everything from project management tools and onboarding workflows to gross profit benchmarks, ideal clients, confidence, leadership, and building a business that actually supports your life.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Why confidence is one of the biggest differentiators between designers who stay stuck and those who grow
2. What Brooke means by “people, processes, and profitability” and how those three areas shape a successful design firm
3. Why what got you here in business may not be enough to get you to the next level
4. How designers can stop running their firms on vibes and start understanding key numbers like gross profit, net profit, and operating costs
5. The difference between managing a business and truly leading a growing team
6. Why simplifying your systems and choosing tools that actually fit your brain can make a huge difference
7. How getting clearer on your ideal client makes discovery calls, proposals, and decision-making so much easier
8. Why community, support, and honest conversations with industry peers can help designers build confidence faster

Mentioned:

1. Brooke Stoll
2. The Design Field Retreat

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

This episode moves between funny, personal, and deeply relatable conversations about what it means to build a design business that actually supports your life. From limewash mishaps and freight increases to career transitions at home and the power of saying no to the wrong projects, this one is full of honest insight for interior designers navigating growth, boundaries, and ambition.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Shaun’s upcoming Norwalk Furniture factory tour in Ohio and what designers can learn from seeing large-scale upholstery production up close
2. Rebecca’s idea to turn fabric remnants into studio-made pillows and possibly host an open house sale at her office
3. How stressful client messages can feel during construction, especially when something like a specialty paint finish goes wrong onsite
4. The difference between handling client feedback during the design phase versus when money has already been spent and installs are underway
5. A creative brainstorm around transforming a discontinued leather chair into an art piece with tattoo-inspired work from local artists
6. Why global events, fuel costs, and freight increases continue to affect furniture pricing, lead times, and client expectations
7. Rebecca’s reflections on her husband’s upcoming retirement and how that may shift the balance of home life and career priorities
8. The importance of protecting your business model, qualifying better-fit clients, and leaving room for the projects that are truly aligned

Mentioned:

1. Norwalk Furniture
2. Color Atelier
3. Market and Nest

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

They dig into the misconceptions that keep homeowners and designers from planning ahead, from the belief that accessibility is only needed “later” to the idea that it has to look clinical or cost dramatically more. Along the way, they also talk about designing for seniors, the future of accessible interiors, social media hot takes, and a few delightfully chaotic sidebars only this club could deliver.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Why Maegan believes seniors are often the best entry point for conversations about accessibility and aging in place
2. Common misconceptions around accessible design, including the idea that it is ugly, overly expensive, or only necessary after a crisis
3. How designers can make homes more flexible with features like curbless showers, wider doorways, blocking for future grab bars, and hybrid cabinetry
4. The difference between accessible design, ADA guidelines, universal design, and aging-in-place planning in residential interiors
5. Why waiting until an injury, illness, or mobility change happens is usually too late for smart and seamless home updates
6. How Maegan is using social media to educate both designers and homeowners about accessibility in a more practical and relatable way
7. The challenge of building a design business that serves an underserved population while still sustaining a luxury service model
8. A mix of industry chatter on portfolios, newsletters, design process tools, celebrity house features, and the realities of sharing opinions online

Mentioned:

1. Blue Copper Design
2. Blue Copper Design on Facebook
3. Blue Copper Design on Instagram

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they talk about using AI as a practical life tool, from building skincare routines to experimenting with fashion and body-type analysis. They also explore how inspiration often arrives when you have the space to receive it, leading into a fascinating discussion about spirit houses, cultural research, and why staying open to new ideas is essential for designers and humans alike.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Rebecca’s recent ChatGPT experiments, including using it to organize her skincare routine and help define her personal style
2. Color analysis, Kibbe body types, and the evolving relationship between fashion, self-expression, and “flattery”
3. Preparing for new brand headshots and how styling, clothing, and environment all shape visual identity
4. The tension between buying statement pieces versus building a lived-in wardrobe with quality staples
5. Creative inspiration through books, music, and storytelling, including a moving conversation about the novel Theo of Golden
6. How curiosity, rest, and mental bandwidth help creatives reconnect with ideas and inspiration
7. Shaun’s deep dive into Cambodian spirit houses and how one small design question can open an entirely new creative rabbit hole
8. Why staying curious as you age matters, both for your design work and for staying connected to culture and people

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

The hosts dive into tile sourcing adventures, experimenting with creative practices outside of work, and the surprising ways designers recharge. From Japanese-inspired tile showrooms to the economics of custom beds and the eternal quest for better sleep, this episode wanders delightfully through the real-life thoughts and distractions of running a design business while staying creatively inspired.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Shaun’s hunt for Japanese-inspired tile and the unique glazes, textures, and shapes showing up in specialty tile lines
2. How experimenting with low-pressure creative practices (like sketching or figure drawing) can help reignite inspiration
3. The challenges of specifying custom furniture and understanding manufacturer pricing structures
4. Why designers should deeply learn the product lines they specify to avoid costly mistakes
5. The surprising role beds, sleep setups, and nighttime routines play in maintaining creative energy
6. How trends like tobacco browns and layered neutrals are showing up in current design palettes
7. The hosts’ evolving perspectives on aging, creativity, and the shifting priorities that come with experience
8. Shaun’s mission to finally get new headshots that better reflect his brand and personality

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

From navigating red flags on discovery calls to debating whether we’d decorate a Miami Vice mansion for the right price, this episode is equal parts business strategy and design therapy. If you’ve ever questioned a client fit, struggled with pricing under tariffs, or wondered how other designers hold their boundaries, this one’s for you.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Why presenting one strong design concept can lead to fewer revisions and stronger client trust
2. How tariffs are impacting pricing, sourcing, and designer-client conversations in real time
3. When it’s smart (and necessary) to turn down a high-paying project
4. The red flags that show up during discovery calls—and how to handle them professionally
5. Why ideal clients often have collections, strong opinions, and shared values
6. Flat fee vs. hourly structures and how that affects presentation strategy
7. The power of designer friendships and creative accountability groups
8. A truly unhinged handyman story that proves vetting referrals matters

Mentioned:

1. Studio Laloc (https://www.studiolaloc.com/)
2. Heather KW Styles (https://www.heatherkwstyles.com/)

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

The big takeaway? Not every piece in a room can be the Beyoncé—but you do need at least one showstopper. Rebecca shares her current tile spiral, Shaun vents about the sea of neutral beds, and together they unpack why customization (even in small ways) is often the difference between basic and brilliant.

In this episode they discuss:

1. The recent acquisition of The Expert by Havenly—and what it signals about private equity’s growing influence in the interior design world
2. Feeling creatively boxed in by your own standards (aka: when you’ve trained clients to expect “cool tile” every time)
3. The struggle to source interesting, textured, and affordable tile that doesn’t feel overdone or Instagram-familiar
4. Why most beds on the market feel painfully beige—and how to push upholstery vendors toward better, more customized solutions
5. Smart ways to customize without going fully bespoke (split finishes, special applications, COM, trim details, and reupholstering standard pieces)
6. The value of handling complex details—like hardware specifications and mixed finishes—to prove your worth as a designer
7. Rebecca’s evolving brand pillars: cool, collected, layered, lived-in, and delightfully different—and how they function as a creative filter
8. The core philosophy: not every piece can be the Beyoncé, but every piece deserves intention—and at least one moment in the room must steal the show

Mentioned:

1. The Expert – https://www.theexpert.com
2. Havenly – https://havenly.com
3. Norwalk Furniture – https://www.norwalkfurniture.com
4. Fireclay Tile – https://www.fireclaytile.com
5. Zia Tile – https://www.ziatile.com
6. Dovetail – https://www.dovetailfurniture.com
7. Philip Jeffries – https://www.phillipjeffries.com

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

The trio dives deep into mastermind dynamics, defining your ideal client (hint: it’s not based on Diet Coke preferences), setting minimums, managing anxiety in your workflow, and the power of surrounding yourself with designers who challenge and inspire you. It’s honest, hilarious, and full of real talk about leveling up without losing yourself.

In this episode they discuss:

1. How one brave lunch invitation led to a thriving design community and the creation of Happy Hour Design Collective
2. The evolution of Etch & Ivy Design and what it looks like to grow a business around your life (not the other way around)
3. Why defining your ideal client is about boundaries, not beverages
4. Setting design fee and purchasing minimums—and actually sticking to them
5. Time blocking, capacity limits, and how anxiety shows up differently for every designer
6. The value of retreats, masterminds, and getting outside your bubble to avoid stagnation
7. Why you don’t have to do business like everyone else (goodbye, unnecessary automations)
8. A spicy Facebook rant about $100K kitchens—and why some thoughts belong in your diary

Mentioned:

1. Happy Hour Design Collective - Instagram
2. Etch & Ivy Design - Instagram
3. Anything But Vanilla Podcast - Instagram

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

After a transformative retreat with business coach Renee Bush and other design peers, they share what they’re focusing on to get out of their own way this year. It’s part therapy, part strategy session, and fully relatable for anyone building a creative business while juggling life’s curveballs.

In this episode they discuss:

1. Rebecca’s recent car accident and the unexpected upside of letting go of an old vehicle
2. Why Rebecca is ditching instant discovery call booking for a more thoughtful intake process
3. How Shaun is proactively blocking time off and reorganizing his weekly calendar
4. The emotional load of proposals and how better forecasting is changing everything
5. Building systems to hire help and delegate without micromanaging
6. Setting and communicating clear project minimums without sounding like a jerk
7. Vetting clients with automation tools like Dubsado
8. Making space for life and business to coexist with better boundaries and clarity

Mentioned:

1. Tandem | Business coaching with Renee Bush
2. Basecamp
3. Dubsado
4. Studio Designer
5. Asana
6. Design Biz Retreat

Our links:

1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
3. Rebecca’s Instagram
4. Shaun’s Instagram
5. For more information - Check out the website
6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
7. Design Resources - Check out our shop

They revisit the goals they set at the beginning of the year (in Episode 138) and dig into what worked, what didn’t, and why sometimes just holding steady is a success worth celebrating. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or new to the business, this episode offers inspiration and validation that your growth is happening—even if it’s slower than you expected.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why looking back—even when you don’t feel like it—is essential to growth
• How Shaun’s business remained resilient during a personally challenging year
• Rebecca’s experience finally finding the right bookkeeper and getting her finances dialed
• Their evolving relationships with designer on-call services and how to better qualify leads
• Why having fresh portfolio photography changed Rebecca’s marketing game
• How Shaun refined his brand voice and simplified his services for more aligned clients
• The value of investing in professional development through retreats and workshops
• The systems and automations they put in place to support bigger goals in 2026

Mentioned:

• Episode 138: What's out for 2025 - 6 goals for our businesses

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this conversation they discuss:

• What it’s like being “the only girl on the job site” and how gender dynamics still shape design + construction relationships.
• How Renée built her career—from design school at New York School of Interior Design to AD 100 firms, then launching her own firm—and how that experience informs her teaching today.
• Why integrating large‑scale construction projects (not just decorating) gives designers business resilience, and how she targets ~70 % construction/30 % decorating in her annual mix.
• Entry‑points for designers who want to add more construction management to their services (but feel intimidated)—Renée shares practical advice on framing your first job, setting expectations, and charging appropriately.
• How designers can take control of the budget on construction projects—especially by scrutinizing “allowances”, managing procurement, and protecting the furniture/decor budget.
• The “pretty proposal” trap: Why verbose, beautifully‑designed decks might cost you jobs (and profits), and how clarity and scope define professionalism.
• How to manage scope creep, addenda, and contract clarity—so you don’t end up working for free or losing value because someone assumed something was included.
• How to position your business model for sustainability—flat fees versus hourly, discovering what parts of your business you enjoy (and which parts you don’t), and building systems so you don’t carry all the friction yourself.

Mentioned:

• deVignier Design
• The Designers Edge
• Only Girl on the Jobsite Podcast

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this conversation they discuss:

• The recent Facebook designer‑group debate about trade discounts vs deep pricing and what that means for profitability.
• How going up‑market and leveraging stocking dealer accounts can open room for margin (and why that old‑school model still has relevance).
• The concept of hospitality—drawn from the book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara—and how it applies to interior‑design business beyond restaurants. (Unreasonable Hospitality)
• Practical low‑starts for elevating client experience (handwritten notes, snack trays at presentations, anticipating needs) and the hard part: sustaining it over a full project.
• Shaun’s and Rebecca’s personal experiences: one signing a new project at a ‘lowest point,’ website copy finally working for leads, and the bravery of hiring operations/ procurement help.
• The shift from being “just a furniture order‑taker” to being a concierge, experience architect, and partner—and how that reframes your value proposition.
• The emotional and operational reality of hiring: knowing when you’re doing too much, needing to delegate, whether you’re ready to manage people (or handlers), and the fear of burning out or falling behind.
• 
  
• 
  

Mentioned:

• Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat
• House of Savoy Instagram post example
• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this friendly, candid conversation you’ll hear stories of photo‑shoot challenges, licensing headaches, and practical business strategies that interior designers can apply right now.

In this episode they discuss:

• How Jessica moved from wedding photography into interior design marketing and then interior‑shoot work — and the lessons she brought with her.
• Why shooting every project is not only expensive but may hurt your brand if the work doesn’t align with your vision.
• How to decide which spaces to shoot (and publish) and which to leave out or hold for later.
• Why building a trusted long‑term photographer‑designer relationship matters (and how it benefits both sides).
• Key contract and licensing issues designers should ask photographers before a shoot — e.g., copyright, vendor use, third‑party licensing.
• Growing a photography business and the parallel to growing a design firm: scaling, handing off work, outsourcing editing/licensing.
• How social media, PR, and vendor/product‑licensing have changed the interior‑photography landscape—what designers should watch out for.
• Jessica’s favorite (and least‑favorite) rooms to shoot, how to manage shoot stress and logistics, and her advice on working with a stylist and assistants.

Mentioned:

• Jessica Burke’s website: https://www.jessicaburke.com/
• Jessica’s Instagram: @jessicaburke
• The Haven List feature on Jessica Burke Photography: Haven

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In the discussion they cover how to approach the show grounds, how to be intentional rather than overwhelmed, how to balance work + enjoyment on the trip, and how to make sure your investment (time, money, travel) pays off once you’re back at your studio.

In this episode they discuss:

• How Rebecca and Shaun view Las Vegas Market as a “work trip that doesn’t feel messy” — accessible, fun, efficient.
• Pre‑registration, badge scanning, hotel & shuttle logistics so you’re not wasting time checking in.
• Apparel, shoes, bags, and what to bring (or leave behind) so you’re functional while sourcing.
• Planning your showroom visits: when to make appointments (and when not to), how to use the show app and preview guide.
• How to use the show as both business sourcing and content creation (photos, videos, trend‑spotting).
• Tips for managing time, energy, and collaboration if you bring a team or assistant.
• Post‑market hustle: organizing your photos/videos, documenting expenses, leveraging new vendor contacts, and keeping the momentum alive.
• Networking and social aspects: dinner reservations, meeting designer friends, and making the most of the “fun” side of market.
• Trend‑watching tactics: walking the floors with a mindset, capturing patterns, using the market as a source of inspiration for both client work and social content.

Mentioned:

• Las Vegas Market official site

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

They also explore the emotional side of design work: how homes affect mental wellness, the tension of leading a team vs. being the face of the brand, and what growth looks like when you lean into your style instead of trying to adapt to external trends.

In this episode they discuss:

• Melissa’s journey from finance/PR/photography into interior design and why she finally said yes to doing what she loves.
• How she made the decision to be in two states (Minnesota and Colorado), the trade‑offs, and how that changed her business structure.
• Why she moved from flat‑fee pricing to hourly billing, and the importance of having historical data to price confidently.
• How Melissa builds trust with prospective clients before they even hire her — via Instagram, transparency around cost, and showcasing results.
• Her team structure, leadership style, and how she’s learning to delegate, let go, and empower senior and associate designers.
• How rising build costs and other recent industry shifts have forced process changes and ways to ensure feasibility earlier (so design work isn’t discarded due to budget surprises).
• What she feels most confident about (processes! systems!) and what’s still evolving for Oho Interiors.
• Melissa’s future goals: expanding influence, exploring product partnerships or retail, and building what she calls a modest “empire.”

Mentioned:

• Oho Interiors website — ohointeriors.com
• Oho Interiors on Instagram — @oho_interiors
• Oho Interiors Pinterest — /oho_interiors

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In the second half of the episode, they debate the ethics, emotional labor, and financial risks that come with sourcing, receiving, and delivering furniture—especially when imperfections, shipping issues, and miscommunications arise. They also explore how one small branding detail like footwear in photos can signal so much about professionalism, identity, and client expectations.

In this episode they discuss:

• Rebecca’s design retreat: goals, structure, productivity, and what she accomplished (brand strategy guide, website refresh)
• The importance of having external accountability (“show and tell” among designer friends) to push projects forward
• Challenges working with vendors and receiving warehouses: damaged goods, imperfect manufacturing, inspection failures, and the cost (financial & emotional) of fixing them
• Why healthy project and product margins are non-negotiable in design to absorb unexpected costs
• The rise of AI agents in business: potential, limitations, risks (data access, automation gone wrong)
• The debate on brand photo styling: barefoot vs shoes, what each choice communicates about professionalism and personal brand
• Reflections on aging, style evolution, and gaps in the market (e.g. men’s clothing quality and age-appropriateness)

Mentioned:

• The Airbnb Rebecca stayed in for her retreat
• https://formandfield.com/work/donner-lake-cabin
• Rebecca worked on her brand guide based on ideas from Renee Bush from Tandem. Listen to Renee’s episode 150
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/150-renee-bush-from-tandem-on-building-cohesive-brands/id1505427626?i=1000717943157
• Agents in AI
• https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6u2YScK/

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

This episode unpacks the emotional and practical realities of running a design-forward business in today’s turbulent global climate. Whether you’re a designer, design enthusiast, or entrepreneur, Jamie’s reflections on mistakes, margins, and maintaining a unique aesthetic offer both inspiration and grounded wisdom.

In this episode they discuss:

• Jamie and her husband, David’s, leap into business—starting with mixing cement lampshades and launching with just three lamps while parenting their first child.
• The aesthetic evolution: organic, understated luxury, working with natural materials, bespoke glazes, metals, and ceramics shaped by travel and craftsmanship.
• The lengthy and intricate product development process—from sourcing in South Asia, to sampling, inventory, and ensuring products are trade‑ready fast.
• Manufacturing challenges: product failures, warped mirrors, sampling issues, production hiccups, and how transparency and communication matter.
• How tariffs and global sourcing shifts act like a game of "whack-a-mole," and how Jamie Young Co. has adapted by diversifying materials and production countries.
• The often-overlooked truths about profitability in creative work: pricing for value, building team support for finance and operations, and maintaining creative boundaries.
• The importance of ego management, client-designer relationships, expectations, and the balance between being right and being done.

Mentioned:

• Jamie Young Co. on Facebook
• Jamie Young Co. on Instagram
• Jamie Young Co. on LinkedIn
• Jamie Young Co. on TikTok
• Jamie Young Co. on Pinterest

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode they discuss:

• How process, confidence, and language establish you as the leader
• Setting expectations early through investment guides and onboarding materials
• Identifying when you’ve slipped into the passenger seat—and how to get back in control
• Using confident and concise language with clients to assert expertise
• Managing collaborative clients without losing creative authority
• Establishing milestones and updates to reduce client uncertainty
• Avoiding long, justifying emails and replacing them with direct, proactive communication
• Building flexibility into your process while maintaining leadership energy

Mentioned:

• Girls on Max – Watch it on Max
• Shaun’s Hype Playlist on Spotify – Listen here
• Interior Design Investment Guide
• Client Purchasing Guide
• Client Welcome Guide
• Client Onboarding Bundle

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• How a chance moment in a luxury retail store in Singapore—touching up a window display—led to Judi’s first interior design project and how that led to her first 18‑month contract in Jakarta
• Embracing saying “yes”: Judi’s experiences of interning unpaid, commuting long distances, and leaning into mentorship to grow her skills and presence
• The transition from custom residential work to serving developers with model homes, multifamily, and amenity design, adapting her signature style for sales‑driven environments
• The challenges of navigating immigration, motherhood, postpartum mental health, and team transitions—all while rebuilding and recalibrating her business to sustain both her creative and personal life
• The current and future vision for Jubilee: undergoing a rebrand, expanding her team, and manifesting her dream project—a ground‑up custom home she’s designing from the ground floor up

Mentioned:

• Judi interned with JAC Interiors as her first opportunity when moving from Singapore to the US - https://jacinteriors.com/
• Judi’s Website: https://www.jubilee-interiors.com/
• Judi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubilee.interiors
• Judi went on her own manifestation journey, similar to what we explored in Episode 142 with Coach Jacquelyn

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

They explore key topics such as professional branding tropes (we're looking at you, barefoot headshots), generational social cues, the ethics of pricing design services, and creative integrity in design feedback culture.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why it may be time to just stop using barefoot photos in your professional branding—it can feel unprofessional or performative.
• The concept of the “millennial pause” in video content and why editing it out matters for audience engagement.
• Exploring the buzzword ethos in branding: why it might be overused, vague, or feel pretentious.
• How taking intentional summer breaks—especially July in the design industry—can support mental health and long-term business sustainability.
• Strategies for silencing notifications, reducing digital micro‑stress, and reclaiming control over your attention and productivity.
• The pitfalls of underpricing design services: why charging too little hurts individual designers and the broader community.
• Why the term timeless design is misleading, and what a more realistic approach to longevity and quality might look like.
• Common spelling mistakes in design terminology—such as principal vs. principle, loose vs. lose, and stationary vs. stationery.

Mentioned:

• Send us your Just Stop submissions: https://portal.dubsado.com/public/form/view/681d3da2db8d4f003ad45766

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

They dive deep into how strategic clarity—knowing who you are, who you're talking to, and what you want—transforms client experience, marketing, pricing, and scale. Renee’s wisdom around confident positioning, signature processes and aesthetics, and the importance of a North Star brand makes this a foundational listen for any designer ready to level up.

In this episode they discuss:

• Renee’s non-designer path: transitioning from graphic design/studio ops through Studio McGee into founding Tandem
• What brand strategy actually means: values, tone, ideal client, mission, emotional deliverables
• How to uncover a designer’s unique "North Star" that aligns brand, process, team and marketing
• The power of signature processes or aesthetics as a form of positioning
• Why confidence—especially in pricing—is the linchpin to attracting the right clients
• How small, strategic changes across branding, social media, press, and referrals generate exponential growth
• Tailoring Instagram and content for your future ideal client without losing your current audience
• Choosing between volume of smaller projects vs. fewer high-end ones—and ensuring profitability through smart systems

Mentioned:

• Tandem – with-tandem.com
• The Haven List workshop – thehavenlist.com/workshop
• Tandem Instagram – instagram.com/with_tandem
• Tandem Pinterest - pinterest.com/with_tandem
• Episode 99 with Ali Faulkner
• Episode 149 with Danielle Chiprut

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode they discuss:

• How Danielle transitioned from a solo designer to leading a polished team with a junior designer and ops manager
• Letting go of control: her team’s first install without her and why it was a proud milestone
• The strategic use of Design Assisted and freelance hires before making her first in‑house hire
• Investing in PR and photography early: how it boosted credibility, landed press, and supported premium pricing
• Participating in the Hampton Designer Showhouse and Housing Works Design on a Dime—and the client leads that followed
• Her journey through education, retreats, and workshops like Haven and Design Camp to build strategy, community, and confidence
• The boundary-building mindset she adopted as her business grew, and why that strength matters for her team
• Future plans: opening a studio, creating design “pods,” hosting client workshops, and growing community presence

Mentioned:

• Danielle Rose Design Co: https://www.daniellerosedesignco.com/
• @daniellerosedesignco (Instagram)
• Watch Danielle’s team do their first install without her: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKSmWPwJSIZ/
• Brand Identity PR: https://www.brandidentitypr.com/
• Housing Works (LGBTQ+ housing & community health): https://www.instagram.com/housingworks/
• Hampton Designer Showhouse: https://hamptondesignershowhouse.com/
• Haven Workshop: https://thehavenlist.com/workshop
• Tandem (branding): https://with-tandem.com/
• Design Camp: https://www.design-camp.co/
• Design Assisted: https://www.designassistedco.com/
• Hear Design Assisted’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000528360925
• Asana: https://asana.com/

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

With practical tips on establishing vendor relationships, setting up effective storage systems, maintaining sample quality, and curating collections by color or usage, this episode is packed with insights to help designers build an efficient, beautiful, and functional materials library.

In this episode they discuss:

• How to get design trade accounts and sample access from major vendors like Pindler, Fabricut, Kravet, York, and more using resale certificates and business credentials.
• Strategies for organizing fabric samples—by color themes, outdoor vs. indoor, window treatments, and best folding and bin systems to keep samples visible and curled-free.
• Tips for storing tile, rugs, hardware, lighting, and paint samples—utilizing IKEA Pax units, bins, hangers, shallow drawers, finished-sample rings, and rep-supplied storage aids.
• Using Material Bank and vendor programs for efficient sample sourcing and quick shipping of paint, commercial fabrics, and tile.
• Solutions for managing bulky samples (e.g., tile boards, rug swatches, paint decks) and the benefits of building strong vendor relationships for rep delivery and service.
• Facing common challenges such as moth infestations, sample deterioration, and the time/labor required to maintain a materials library, including ideas for reuse or redistribution of unused samples.
• Leveraging market exposure (High Point, Las Vegas, Pacific Design Center) to expand your sample collection and deepen vendor knowledge without cluttering your home studio.

Mentioned:

• IKEA Pax System: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-system-19086/
• HYDC Material Library Organization Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3ZTSZp5
• Happy Hour Design Collective: https://www.itshappyhour.co/
• Pindler Fabrics: https://www.pindler.com/
• Fabricut Fabrics: https://fabricut.com/
• Schumacher Fabrics: https://schumacher.com/
• Kravet: https://www.kravet.com/
• York Wallcoverings: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/
• Anna Elizabeth / Greenhouse Fabrics: https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/anna-elisabeth
• Crypton Fabrics: https://crypton.com/
• Zia Tile: https://www.ziatile.com/
• Fireclay Tile: https://www.fireclaytile.com/
• Supply Showroom: https://www.supplyshowroom.com/
• Pattern Collective: https://thepatterncollective.com/
• Phillip Jeffries: https://www.phillipjeffries.com/
• Jaipur Living: https://www.jaipurliving.com/
• Loloi Rugs: https://www.loloirugs.com/
• Surya: https://www.surya.com/
• Norwalk Furniture: https://www.norwalkfurniture.com/
• Bedrosian’s Tile: https://www.bedrosians.com/en/
• Kohler: https://www.kohler.com/en
• Delta: https://www.deltafaucet.com/
• Brizo: https://www.brizo.com/
• California Faucets: https://www.calfaucets.com/
• Top Knobs: https://www.topknobs.com/
• Emtek: https://www.emtek.com/
• Sherwin Williams: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/
• Benjamin Moore: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/
• Dunn Edwards: https://www.dunnedwards.com/
• Farrow & Ball: https://www.farrow-ball.com/
• Portola Paints: https://portolapaints.com/
• Material Bank: https://www.materialbank.com/
• Visual Comfort: https://www.visualcomfort.com/
• Hudson Valley Lighting Group: https://hvlgroup.com/
• Blueprint Lighting: https://blueprintlighting.com/
• Dutton Brown Lighting: https://www.duttonbrown.com/
• High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/
• Las Vegas Market: https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/
• Pacific Design Center: https://pacificdesigncenter.com/
• San Francisco Design Center: https://sfdesigncenter.com/
• Ginny MacDonald Design: https://www.ginnymacdonalddesign.com/
• Lulu & Georgia: https://www.luluandgeorgia.com/

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

If you're feeling stuck sourcing from the same retailers or want to push your creative limits, this episode is a must-listen. Rebecca and Shaun break down the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help you make custom your new standard.

In this episode they discuss:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can help visualize custom furnishings and win client buy-in
• Why custom might be a necessary pivot in today’s economy and evolving retail landscape
• Challenges with finding local vendors and how to build your dream custom team
• The importance of managing client expectations with custom installs and fittings
• Creative ways to customize ready-made pieces without breaking the bank
• How to structure your pricing when there’s no MSRP for custom work
• Small-scale custom ideas that can elevate your portfolio and client experience
• Strategies to avoid burnout and ensure profitability with time-intensive custom projects

Mentioned:

• Norwalk Custom Upholstery (https://www.norwalkfurniture.com/)
• Villa Lagoon Tile (https://www.villalagoontile.com/)
• Gat Creek Custom Furniture (https://www.gatcreek.com/)
• Jaipur Living Custom Rugs (https://www.jaipurliving.com)
• Fabric Guru (https://www.fabricguru.com/)

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode they discuss:

• Natalie's journey from fine artist to interior designer
• Filming Artfully Designed and navigating behind-the-scenes challenges
• How her book Start with the Art came to life and what she learned
• Collaborating with brands like Mitzi and Mitchell Black on product lines
• Balancing client work with content creation and licensing deals
• The importance of boundaries and fit in client relationships
• How she handles unsolicited opinions and the downsides of virality
• Why midlife is actually the best time for creative evolution

In this episode they discuss:

• Rasheeda’s transition from corporate marketing to full-time interior design
• Building a business while juggling a 9-to-5 job and family responsibilities
• Collaborating with her husband to create a design-construction duo
• The significance of community and mentorship in her career growth
• Revising her pricing structure to enhance profitability and cash flow
• Leveraging local television as an effective marketing tool
• Balancing flat-fee and hourly billing to meet creative and business needs
• Preparing for her most significant TV project to date and expanding Gray Space's recognition

Mentioned:

• Home Ec Op Website
• Home Ec Op Instagram
• Natalie’s Wallpaper Collection with Mitchell Black
• Artfully Designed on Discovery +
• Home Ec Collection with Mitzi Lighting
• Natalie’s Book: Start with the Art

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Together, they share their own stories of burnout, depression, therapy, and medication, while encouraging fellow designers to normalize conversations around emotional well-being. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about real talk, compassion, and taking steps (big or small) toward mental resilience in a creative industry that often demands so much.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why it's important to name and acknowledge your emotional state without shame
• The emotional crash that can follow the adrenaline of busy periods and client work
• Tips for recognizing and responding to situational versus long-term depression
• The benefits of therapy, medication, and consistent mental health check-ins
• How somatic stretching and body awareness can support emotional release
• Drawing boundaries with email, social media, and business energy drains
• The struggle of detaching your identity from your business and client feedback
• Finding healing and connection through your design community and close friends

Mentioned:

• BetterHelp
• TalkSpace
• Psychology Today

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

From juggling 20 projects while holding down a full-time job to building a renovation-focused business with her husband, Rasheeda gets real about the hustle behind the glam. She also shares her evolving pricing strategies, her love for marketing, and what it takes to step into the spotlight on national TV.

In this episode they discuss:

• Rasheeda’s shift from corporate marketing to full-time design
• How she built her business while working a 9-to-5 and raising a family
• Partnering with her husband to create a design-construction power duo
• The importance of community and mentorship in building her career
• Reworking her pricing structure to protect profits and boost cash flow
• Using local television as a powerful marketing tool
• Balancing flat-fee and hourly billing to serve both creativity and business needs
• Preparing for her biggest TV project yet — and aiming to make Gray Space a household name

Mentioned:

• Gray Space Interiors: https://grayspaceinteriors.com/
• Rasheeda Gray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayspaceinteriors/
• Rasheeda Gray on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grayspaceinteriordesign/
• Kelly Collier-Clark: https://www.instagram.com/kellycollierclark/
• House of Clark Interiors: https://www.instagram.com/houseofclarkinteriors/
• Cheryl Luckett: https://www.instagram.com/dwellbycheryl/?hl=en

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode they discuss:

• Rebecca’s restaurant project manifestation story and how it happened almost too fast
• How Rebecca structured her first commercial project proposal and what she learned
• Hitting critical mass in business and the terrifying feeling of leveling up
• Why discovery calls can be painful when clients have unrealistic budgets and timelines
• Remodeling costs in 2025 and why even ChatGPT’s numbers might be too low
• The hard truth that not every designer can—or should—work with 1% clients
• Why it's important to pay for upgrades, even monthly app fees, to scale your business
• More Facebook group drama and the politics of online designer communities

Mentioned:

• Harvest App (https://www.getharvest.com/)
• Acuity Scheduling (https://acuityscheduling.com/)
• Noir Furniture (https://www.noirfurniturela.com/)

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

If money mindset has ever held you back in your design business, this episode will inspire you to reframe your thoughts, trust your journey, and dream bigger. Jackie shares her own personal stories of manifestation and energetic alignment while guiding listeners to step into their most confident, wealthy, and authentic selves.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why money mindset blocks are rooted in fear and self-worth
• How to shift out of scarcity and embody your next-level self
• The link between procrastination and self-doubt in your business
• Creating your “alter ego” to help show up with confidence
• Reprogramming beliefs through affirmations and visualization
• How to let go of control and trust the journey (especially with money!)
• Letting go of outdated narratives around wealth and success
• Why manifestation works best when you detach from the "how"
• 
  

Mentioned:

• The Pursuit To Happy Website
• The Pursuit To Happy on Instagram
• The Pursuit To Happy on TikTok
• The Pursuit To Happy on YouTube
• Clear Your Money Blocks Course

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

• A surprising Facebook group mystery—who blocked Rebecca and why?
• The exhausting cycle of clients who over-revise and degrade their own designs
• Why some designers take on too many projects for the money and end up drowning in work
• The battle of parenting culture and why we need to stop making everything "kid-proof"
• How restaurant design is failing—why spending money on bad design is just as costly as good design
• The case against tiny shower windows—why are they still a thing?
• Learning to say no to projects that don’t excite you and staying true to the work you love

Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, monthly live calls, and 20% off our shop? Join us on Patreon: Patreon.com/hydc and be part of our designer community!

Supporting Resources:

• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Stay connected: Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Caroline built her business and team structure
• The benefits of creating a waitlist for projects
• Why she doesn’t love getting referrals—and how they can cause problems
• Setting minimum project investment amounts and how that changed her business
• Learning to fire clients (and how some refused to be fired!)
• The role TikTok has played in her business growth
• The impact of AI on the design industry and why designers need to be cautious
• Her experience taking over a project after another designer was let go
• The challenges of working with contractors and standing firm on budget conversations
• How she launched Confessions of an Interior Designer and what it’s really like running a podcast

Supporting Resources

Caroline Turner Interiors

https://carolineturner.co/

Follow Caroline Turner Interiors on Instagram and TikTok

https://www.instagram.com/carolineturnerinteriors/?hl=en

Confessions of an Interior Designer Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-an-interior-designer/id1777908471

Rebecca's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/studioplumb/?hl=en

Shaun's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/wrenstedinteriors/?hl=en

Join Our Patreon

https://www.patreon.com/hydc

Listen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626

Shop HYDC

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/

Visit Our Website

https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/

From booking accommodations early to finding the best showrooms and events, this guide will help you maximize your experience at the biggest trade show for designers.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why designers should go to High Point Market – The value of attending and how it can help you grow your business.
• The best time to plan your trip – How early you should book flights, hotels, and register for market.
• Navigating the massive layout – Understanding transportation options, shuttle routes, and how to group showrooms.
• Maximizing showroom visits – How to efficiently take notes, snap photos, and collect vendor information.
• The importance of networking – Making connections with other designers, attending panels, and learning from the best in the industry.
• Packing smart for market – What to wear, what to bring, and how to stay comfortable during long days.

Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, monthly live calls, and 20% off our shop? Join us on Patreon: Patreon.com/hydc and be part of our designer community!

Supporting Resources:

• High Point Market: Registration
• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Stay connected: Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

Tune in for a candid discussion on what’s working, what’s getting cut, and how they’re evolving their businesses to better align with their long-term vision.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What’s out for 2025 – Letting go of unnecessary services, distractions, and outdated processes.
• Refining client onboarding – Automating workflows and creating seamless client experiences.
• Defining business goals – How Shaun and Rebecca are balancing growth without overloading their businesses.
• Streamlining bookkeeping and financial tracking – The power of visibility into revenue and profitability.
• Focusing on high-impact marketing – Using brand voice, case studies, and strategic website updates to attract dream clients.
• Investing in professional development – How conferences, networking, and masterminds are fueling business growth in 2025.

Want exclusive behind-the-scenes content, monthly live calls, and 20% off our shop? Join us on Patreon: Patreon.com/hydc and be part of our designer community!

Supporting Resources:

• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Stay connected: Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

Discover how her corporate background helped her build efficient systems and how she uses innovative tools like QR codes to streamline communication with vendors and trades.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Meredith's transition from corporate sales to design – How her background shaped her business practices.
• Efficient processes and tools – Why QR codes and meticulous documentation make her projects run smoothly.
• Balancing motherhood and business – Tips on time-blocking and setting boundaries for a thriving design firm.
• Building strong vendor relationships – How trades are an extension of her brand and why professionalism matters.
• Lessons in client relationships – How Meredith ensures her clients are a perfect fit for her style and processes.

Supporting Resources:

• Follow Meredith Huck:
• Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | LinkedIn
• Visit House of Huck: Website
• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Kicking off 2025 – Celebrating milestones, setting intentions, and navigating the new year.
• Refining client boundaries – Learning to say “no” and how it opens doors to better opportunities.
• Evolving marketing strategies – The ups and downs of social media and exploring alternative ways to market your design business.
• Staying connected – How to balance professional networking with personal rest.
• Insights from the industry – Reflections on events, trends, and the changing role of designers.

Supporting Resources:

• Join us on Patreon: Patreon.com/hydc
• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Stay connected: Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Heather's unique approach to building her brand in interior design and real estate staging
• Transitioning to construction-focused projects and the challenges of balancing multiple businesses
• The art of staging and styling — How Heather and her partner create personalized, emotionally compelling spaces that help properties sell
• Creative storytelling through design — Building fictional “lifestyle stories” to stage each space for target buyers
• Managing client relationships and setting boundaries in a high-touch service industry
• Heather's approach to client onboarding with detailed surveys and in-depth consultations that streamline project alignment

Mentioned:

• Check out Heather KW Styles Instagram and Website for a look at her recent projects and services.
• Explore Copper Interiors’ real estate staging portfolio here.

Supporting Resources:

• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Stay connected: Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

Tune in for insights, strategies, and a little humor to guide you into the new year with clarity and purpose.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Looking back on 2024 goals – Did we crush them or get crushed?
• Top highlights from past episodes – Revisiting conversations on AI, boundary-setting, and emotional growth in design.
• Leveraging AI tools – How AI transformed our workflows and client experiences this year.
• Refining client relationships – Why saying “no” can lead to bigger “yeses.”
• Breaking free of outdated norms – The evolving role of self-promotion and authenticity on social media.
• Managing professional and personal balance – Small changes that create lasting impact.

Supporting Resources:

• EP118: Do Designers Have Rights?
• EP119: A Conversation with Ashley Ausland, How her personal hardship lead to growth
• EP125: Crystal Bright, How she streamlines virtual projects with Design Live
• EP128: Just Stop VII: The Squeakquel, Vendors, Renders & Offenders
• Rebecca's Instagram: Studio Plumb
• Shaun's Instagram: Wrensted Interiors
• Stay connected: Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Explore more: Hot Young Designers Club Website
• Shop our design resources: Hot Young Designers Club Shop

Become a Loyal Hottie:

Support the show by subscribing on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review, and sharing this episode with your design besties. For exclusive content, join us on Patreon.

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca talk with interior designer Nicole White about the importance of building strong relationships and how setting boundaries is key to staying balanced and successful.

In this episode, they discuss:

• Nicole’s journey from being a journalist to becoming an interior designer
• The challenges Nicole faced in her career as a self-taught designer without a formal design education
• Elitism and lack of support in the design industry when Nicole started
• Evolution of the design industry and the shift in cultural attitudes toward helping and supporting each other
• Nicole’s approach to mentoring and supporting younger designers
• The importance of building strong, long-lasting relationships in the industry
• Being approachable and offering guidance while maintaining boundaries
• The importance of self-care and separating personal and business life
• Pros and cons of social media for designers
• Nicole’s strategy for managing social media presence and the importance of authenticity and not feeling pressured to conform to trends
• Nicole’s collaboration with Leftbank

Mentioned:

Check out Nicole’s portfolio: https://nwdinteriors.com/

Follow Nicole White Designs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolewhitedesignsinteriors/

Nicole draws inspiration from Mick De Giulio’s kitchen: https://www.instagram.com/degiuliodesign/

Nicole’s collection with Leftbank Art: https://leftbankart.com/ARTIST-Nicole%20White

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• How to have less awkward conversations with clients about money and budgets
• Starting budget conversations early to avoid surprises later
• Clients often have outdated information about costs, based on what their family members paid in the past
• Examples of clients being disappointed when the actual project costs are much higher than they expected
• Interior design client questionnaire with over 100 questions to guide client discussions
• Strategies to screen out clients with unrealistic budgets early on
• Tips for staying calm when clients react to unexpected prices and how to educate them on costs

Mentioned:

See what’s new on our Blog: https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/blog/

Submit one of your projects to be featured on our Blog: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/65eb93c448cd67003a74507a

Have you checked out our new Interior Design Client Questionnaire: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/interior-design-client-questionnaire

Furnishing Budget Calculator: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/furnishing-budget-calculator

Client Purchasing Guide: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• Jeanne’s background in fashion design and her transition from fashion design to interior design
• Going back to school for interior design, starting her design business, and opening a design showroom with her husband
• Using blogging and attending industry events to get recognition and credibility in the interior design industry
• The impact and value of attending industry events like the High Point Market in growing her business
• The benefits and challenges of working with her husband in the business
• Using technology and AI tools (like Fireflies.ai) to improve efficiency in her work
• The importance of customization and original design in her projects
• Tips for designers on balancing creative and administrative tasks

Mentioned:

Follow Jeanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozystylishchic/?hl=en0

Cozy Stylish Chic on Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/cozystylishchic/ 

Cozy Stylish Chic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozystylishchic/ 

Check out Jeanne’s work on her website: https://www.cozystylishchic.com/

Jeanne is hosting the Insiders Tour at Fall High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/InsidersTour

JK Chung Interiors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkchunginteriors/

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca discuss the value of developing your own processes and finding your way in the design industry. They remind you that it’s not about copying someone else’s way of doing things—it’s about developing a process that works best for YOU.

In this episode, they discuss:

• The awkwardness of people asking for resources and the importance of setting boundaries
• The challenges of sharing design processes and the importance of not copying others’ work
• The vulnerability of sharing work with other designers
• Learning from resources like podcasts and building your knowledge
• The importance of avoiding comparing yourself to other designers and focusing on developing your unique process
• How the unique personality of each designer shapes their business
• The value of building a community of designers and developing genuine relationships instead of just asking for templates or tools
• Adapting and improving your process through self-awareness and continuous experimentation

Mentioned:

Have you checked out what’s new on the HYDC blog? https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/blog/

My Chief Architect Upgrade Journey: https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/my-chief-architect-upgrade-journey/

What disclosures do you put on an interior design drawings? https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/what-disclosures-do-you-put-on-an-interior-design-drawing/

Have your project featured on the HYDC blog: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/65eb93c448cd67003a74507a

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• Rona’s background and her transition from teaching to interior design
• Starting Grace Blu during the 2007 economic downturn and the challenges she faced
• The importance of having a business mindset, not just a creative mindset
• Growing your business incrementally instead of rushing into expanding too fast
• Hiring people with skills where you lack expertise and delegating tasks and responsibilities 
• The importance of collaboration and learning from others in the industry
• The importance of saying no and not taking on every project
• Balancing the creative and business aspects of running a design firm
• Rona’s approach to managing client expectations and the importance of not showing them the messy, unfinished parts of the work
• How hiring a CFO has helped her forecast revenue, manage overhead costs, and make informed business decisions

Mentioned:

Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/

Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/podcasts/

Follow Grace Blu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceblu/

Check out Grace Blu’s website: https://www.graceblu.com/

The E-Myth: https://amzn.to/47CoO8S

Rana experienced the luxury of the Palmilla to help understand her clients better: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla

Email Rona for help, or templates, or mentoring: https://www.graceblu.com/contact

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca’s Hot Spot tour at High Point Market on October 26
• Coaches focus on their earnings instead of the results they help clients achieve
• The importance of routine check-ups and preventive care
• Using AI-generated renders and photorealistic images on social media without clearly labeling them as such
• Stop doing everything yourself in your business, especially for photo shoots
• Generic, impersonal outreach emails from vendors and sales representatives
• Personalizing your emails and messages and providing real value upfront
• Vendors making websites that are overly exclusive and difficult to access
• Hotels and hospitality design that lacks creativity and design appeal

Mentioned:

High Point Furniture Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/Fall/2024/RegistrationOpen 

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Stephanie & Jessica met and started Etch Design Group
• How they divide responsibilities in their business
• The importance of communication and mutual support in their partnership
• Building their team gradually, starting with interns and eventually hiring full-time employees as their business grew
• Managing a remote team, trusting their team, and giving them autonomy
• Their fears and misconceptions about AI and embracing and exploring its potential
• AI’s impact on creativity, ethics, and control
• How they use AI to improve their efficiency, creativity, and profitability
• Why they prefer hourly billing and the pros and cons of using a flat rate
• Using AI for design inspiration, visualization, and rendering
• The potential of AI to transform the design industry 
• Different AI tools designers can use to enhance their business operations
• Details of their live webinars to help people with various AI tools and techniques

Mentioned:

KBIS: https://kbis.com/

Follow Etch Design Group: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

Check out Etch Design Group online: https://etchinteriordesign.com/

Hear more from Jessica & Stephanie on their podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-lunches/id1727481441

It’s time to discover AI for Interiors online: https://aiforinteriors.com/

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors/

Check out their podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-for-interiors/id1734103554

AI Tools Mentioned:

Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/

ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/

Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com/home

Prome AI: https://www.promeai.pro/

Listen back to Crystal Bright in Episode 125 for how she uses AI in her business

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• How Shaun and Rebecca handle multiple projects and manage client expectations
• Determining if you have the capacity to take on a new project and avoid overbooking
• Organizing and visualizing project workload and pipeline
• Handling challenges like clients being unresponsive or changing their minds during a project
• Setting realistic project timelines and communicating them effectively to clients and adding buffer time for client feedback and approvals
• Some project management tools – Gantt charts, Basecamp, Monday, etc
• Dealing with clients who constantly change requirements or are slow to respond and how that impacts workflow
• Taking time off as a business owner, and challenges and considerations around taking a long break
• Story of a problem Rebecca had with a third-party Dubsado template
• The importance of having backup systems and emergency contacts in place for your business

Mentioned:

PMO Work Management Software | monday.com: https://monday.com/work-management/pmo 

Gantt: https://www.gantt.com/ 

Basecamp: https://basecamp.com/ 

ClickUp: https://clickup.com/ 

Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/ 

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• Crystal’s story of starting a virtual interior design business and growing a lot during the 2020 pandemic
• Crystal was offering kitchen plans on Fiverr initially at a low cost of just $15 but later realized her value
• Overcoming impostor syndrome, and gaining confidence in her design work through education and experience, and taking NKBA courses
• Virtual design and rendering software that Crystal uses – 2020 Design Live, SketchUp, Lumion, etc
• Pros and cons of flat rate vs hourly fee structures for design services
• Challenges of in-person design work vs remote work and balancing business and creativity
• How Crystal automates her client communication and uses tools like Canvas, Monday CRM, Zapier, etc, to simplify workflows
• How Crystal streamlines her virtual projects with Design Live
• Finding a balance between charging rates that clients can afford and appropriate compensation for her skills and expertise
• Strategies for negotiating project proposals 
• Using AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline client onboarding, interpreting clients’ questionnaires and design preferences, etc

Mentioned:

Follow Crystal:

@crystaldbright

https://www.instagram.com/crystaldbright/ 

@livingbrightinteriors

https://www.instagram.com/livingbrightinteriors/ 

@3dbrightdesigns

https://www.instagram.com/3dbrightdesigns/ 

Living Bright Interiors Website: https://www.livingbrightinteriors.com/ 

NKBA courses for kitchen and bath: https://nkba.org/ 

Scanning floorpans with Canvas app: https://canvas.io/ 

Lumion for renderings: https://lumion.com/ 

Monday CRM app to communicate internally: https://monday.com/ 

Zapier for automation: https://zapier.com/ 

Loom for video replies and communication: https://www.loom.com/ 

Learn more about Cyncly and Design Live: https://www.2020spaces.com/2020products/2020designlive/ 

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

They encourage you to get out there and find your niche. With the right niche, you can build the business and life you want! 

In this episode, they discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca’s plans for the 2024 High Point Market
• What is a niche, and how can interior designers find and define their niche
• Different approaches to finding and defining your niche:
• Being true to your personal style and skills
• Doing research and understanding the market gaps to find your niche and not just following trends
• How can interior designers niche down in terms of project type, price point, design style, home type, or target demographics
• How Shaun and Rebecca have been refining their business niche over the years
• Importance of finding a niche that aligns with your skills and expertise
• How niching helps with marketing, branding, and attracting ideal clients
• Editing your portfolio — hiding projects that don't align with your style, highlighting projects that showcase your style
• How to overcome common challenges in niching like differentiating from other designers
• Showcasing your niche through imagery, mood boards, Pinterest, blog posts, etc
• Working remotely or nationally to broaden your market size

Mentioned:

Episode 121: Evan Larkin, SEO for Interior Designers: https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/episodes/121-evan-larkin-seo-for-interior-designers/ 

How to Find Your Business Niche on Business News Daily: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6748-business-niche-characteristics.html 

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• Jennifer's journey from working for a luxury designer to starting her own business
• Jennifer's remodeling projects with Tankersley construction 
• Incorporating furniture sales into her design services
• Her client inquiry process and how she communicates costs upfront
• The importance of discussing the budget during initial client calls
• Jennifer’s experience with Sandler Sales System and how it helped her improve her sales process
• Using investment guide to set client expectations
• Jennifer's approach to setting client expectations for minimum purchasing, especially for furniture
• The importance of identifying client pain points during the initial conversation to build trust and tailor her services to meet their specific needs
• Using permission statements like “If at any point I’m not a good fit for you, or you’re not a good fit for me, is it okay if we say that to each other?” to establish trust and an open dialogue
• Handling client's budget fatigue during a project
• Setting expectations with clients around furniture and window treatments 
• How using Buildertrend allows contractors to be more organized and also facilitates better coordination with designers
• The power of using phrases like, "I don't do unfinished work” to indicate that all phases of the design, including the purchasing part, are scheduled and integrated into the overall project plan
• Posting about her furnished spaces on social media and attracting new clients from it

Mentioned:

Jennifer Ramsey Interiors’ Website: https://jenniferramseyinteriors.com/ 

Follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferramseyinteriors 

Episode 105 A Conversation with Tankersley Construction: https://podcasts.captivate.fm/media/d137f52d-bc81-4f53-b0d2-6c19512c73f7/EP105-Hot-Young-Designers.mp3 

Client Purchasing Guide: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide 

Investment Guide: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/interior-design-investment-guide 

Coach Matt Saia: matt.saia@sandler.com 

Sandler Sales System

https://www.salesleadership.sandler.com/?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8Ot3xDKiu9dPb6yoZ_eLVnRDMSNkyq3E3DARAaMUNaKXLW_cao4YD5nlWPhm2v1LfGFoHzzPQvzj7P69kVQjSCLuC2oVaMUaFBmQpYfMtIsSdlRKY&_hsmi=310988710&utm_content=310988710&utm_source=hs_email 

Furnishing Budget Calculator: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/furnishing-budget-calculator 

Buildertrend for construction management: https://buildertrend.com/ 

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, they discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca’s plans for the upcoming High Point Market
• The best marketing strategies for interior designers starting out — social media, SEO, networking, consistency, etc
• How did Shaun and Rebecca start and grow their interior design businesses without a coach or mentor
• Tips for transitioning from buying retail for projects to developing vendor relationships and shopping wholesale
• Favorite vendors with a variety of products at different price points for interior designers
• How much to invest in your first photo shoot for your website and portfolio, especially when working with a limited client budget
• Is working with someone on website strategy a good investment for services like configuring Google Analytics, conducting an audit, and providing reports
• Is joining a Chamber of Commerce beneficial for business expansion
• Tips and strategies for building a sample library and keeping it fresh and stocked
• Using tools like Harvest and Studio Designer to track time and invoice clients
• What to do or say when a client wants to be super involved or compromises the design
• Taking business loans to grow your business

Mentioned:

Ep 83 Acquiring Clients without Instagram

E121 Evan Larkin, SEO for Interior Designers

May Hottie Hangout

https://www.patreon.com/posts/may-hottie-104017706?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

RP Rue Feature

https://ruemag.com/home-tour-2/grandmas-house-gets-a-refresh-how-studio-plumb-updated-a-cherished-family-home-in-east-sacramento

E111 For The Newbies - Things we wish we knew when we started

E001 Meet the Hot Young Designers

Patreon Episode: You’re not making money unless you’re buying wholesale

https://www.patreon.com/posts/youre-not-making-97208553?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Client Purchasing Guide

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide

Join design community groups like:

NKBA

https://nkba.org/

NARI

https://www.nari.org/

IDS

https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Material Bank is great for samples

https://www.materialbank.com/

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection. Create an accout at https://moeshomecollection.com/hydc

In this episode, they discuss:

• SEO audit of Shaun’s website: https://wrenstedinteriors.com/ 
• Best platforms for website creation for designers
• The importance of website accessibility and ADA compliance for SEO
• Mistakes that hurt your SEO
• Important on-site SEO elements like meta titles, descriptions, and headers
• Importance of image optimization for SEO and the best practices that should be followed
• What should be the word count and keyword usage in the website content 
• How to utilize Pinterest to rank up your website
• Do designers need blogs and alternatives to blogs
• SEO techniques for small businesses — website optimization, link building, using search console, etc
• The importance of optimizing your profiles and reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc
• Ways to optimize a website and service pages for SEO and the user experience
• Using location-specific details in content to improve SEO and connect with local audiences
• The value of local traffic versus national traffic for small businesses
• How much SEO work can designers do themselves versus needing help from an agency
• The process for doing an SEO audit with North County Digital

Mentioned:

HYDC Pinterest Masterclass

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/pinterest-for-interior-designers-masterclass

Listen back to our Pinterest episode with Leah Reinert

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000637166871

Google Search Console

https://search.google.com/search-console/about

Google Business Profile

https://www.google.com/business/

North County Digital Website: https://www.northcountydigital.com/

Follow North County Digital on Ig: https://www.instagram.com/northcountydigitalmarketing/

Follow Evan on Ig: https://www.instagram.com/evanslarkin/

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection. Create an accout at https://moeshomecollection.com/hydc

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• The challenges of switching careers in interior design
• Tips and strategies for someone transitioning from another career into interior design 
• Transferable skills someone can bring from another career that offers value in interior design
• Challenges entrepreneurs face when switching industries
• The need for entrepreneurs to set aside their ego to have a successful learning experience when switching industries
• Challenges designers face in taking on inexperienced interns or employees
• How can career changers demonstrate value beyond just design skills when pursuing opportunities in interior design
• The challenges of transitioning from DIY home projects to working professionally in the design industry
• What designers look for when it comes to hiring and training new employees
• What does it take to find the right fit when switching to a new industry like interior design

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Ashley Ausland to discuss:

• Ashley’s journey of starting her business from her garage with no employees to now having a team of 4
• Ashley’s struggles and healing process of going through divorce and cancer and learning the importance of boundaries, self-care, and forgiveness
• Growing her design projects from small remodels to ground-up constructions
• Vetting clients carefully by looking for red flags like clients who want to change contracts
• How Ashley balances her business with caring for her four kids as a single mom
• Ashley’s struggles with delegating design work and maintaining creative control over projects
• Incorporating vintage elements and old designs into new homes
• Preserving historical details in home renovations
• Focusing on durability and value over trends
• Ashley’s billing model and the challenges she faces while time tracking
• The challenges designers face with sharing their work and receiving feedback

Mentioned:

Ausland Interiors Website: https://www.auslandinteriors.com/ 

Ashley Ausland on Ig: https://www.instagram.com/auslandinteriors/ 

Ausland Interiors on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/auslandinteriors/  

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection. Create an accout at https://moeshomecollection.com/hydc

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• How designers are often overlooked for bringing food and maintaining morale on job sites while photographers profit off photos without the designer’s consent
• The unauthorized brand use of photos of a designer’s work
• The Natalie Meyer situation where a company used her photos without permission
• Photographer-designer relationships 
• The complexity of photo licensing contracts and how the system favors photographers over designers
• The lack of control designers have over photos of their own work
• How designers can have more control over their work
• Finding a fair way for photographers and designers to share rights and payments
• Photographers can share licensing rights and revenue with designers when companies use photos of their designs

Mentioned:

Episode 107: Just Stop Vi: Judgement Day

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000637922368

Natalie Meyer's IG Post

https://www.instagram.com/p/C32pAPzrOzF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ethnik Living's Apology

https://www.instagram.com/p/C34kSOztN2I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The movie 'The Congress' with Robin Wright has some parallels to what we're talking about: The Congress - Prime Video

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection. Create an accout at https://moeshomecollection.com/hydc

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Will Brown to discuss:

• Will’s career transition from corporate graphic design to interior design
• Will’s experience working at Hallmark and how it influenced his career
• How Will got introduced and certified in Feng Shui principles 
• How Will’s clients receive the idea of Feng Shui 
• Will’s process for integrating Feng Shui into his interior design process and consultations
• Some examples of Feng Shui practices that Will suggests for clients 
• Recommendation of Mindful Homes by Anjie Cho as a guide for enhancing the main areas of a home
• How Will tailors his Feng Shui solutions based on a client’s individual needs, interests, and comfort level
• Will’s way of helping clients understand and optimize the flow of energy in their homes through Feng Shui
• Clearing misconceptions about Feng Shui 
• Bringing in an ad hoc team based on project needs and how it helps him stay focused on his role as the creative director
• About the Midwest Design & Furniture Fair — Date, venue, competitions that are going to happen there, and more!

Mentioned:

The Mindful Design Feng Shui School New York: Mindful Design Feng Shui School

Will’s website: Will Brown Interiors

Will’s Instagram: @willbrowninteriors on Instagram 

Using a Bagua Map for your home: How to Use a Bagua Map: Simple Steps for Powerful Change | LoveToKnow

Mindful Homes by Anjie Cho: https://amzn.to/3vMEeIN 

Midwest Design & Furniture Fair: Midwest Design and Furniture Fair

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection. Create an accout at https://moeshomecollection.com/hydc

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• Challenges and benefits of working within the limitations of kitchen and bathroom spaces
• Difficulty in finding a contractor who only does bathroom or kitchen
• The crucial role contractors play in referrals
• Ways to make kitchen and bathrooms more profitable and enjoyable
• Doing minimum expenditures on kitchen and bathroom to guarantee more revenue
• Not adding things that you don’t have any markup on
• How can designers guarantee more revenue through minimum purchasing requirements
• How some contractors undermine design decisions by suggesting cheaper alternatives
• Importance of bringing up material purchases early in the project 
• Challenges of photographing home renovation projects that include NDAs
• Cobbled together approach for making money in kitchen design
• The risks and rewards of custom cabinetry
• Buying products directly from manufacturers and selling them without a third-party
• Value of offering design-only services for self-managed clients

Mentioned:

Client Purchasing Guide

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide

Check out Episode 82 with Linda Hayslett

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000595637345

Patreon Episode - Can kitchens and bathrooms be profitable?

https://www.patreon.com/posts/design-to-go-how-99023498?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

Garrison discusses his processes — from the structure of his design team to qualifying clients, delegating tasks, establishing design pillars and vision statements for each project, and more. He shows how creativity and profits can thrive with the right planning structures in place.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Garrison Hullinger to discuss:

• Garrison’s career path and how he got into interior design
• How Garrison started his business without technical design skills
• How neighborhood requests turned into his first design projects
• The structure of Garrison’s design team and how the roles are organized
• How Garrison communicates vision and guidance to his design team
• Working during an economic downturn and seeing it as an opportunity for growth
• The importance of delivering outcomes and ROI
• How Garrison and his team balance creative ideas with practical constraints
• Garrison’s process of qualifying prospects
• Garrison’s experience breaking into multifamily projects
• Garrison’s process for client meetings and project reviews
• The importance of finding collaborators for successful projects

Mentioned:

Design Biz Retreat: Design Biz Retreat

Garrison on Instagram: Studio Garrison (@studiogarrisoninc) on Instagram

Garrison’s website: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca’s experience launching a new e-commerce shop
• Shaun and Rebecca’s experience on Payhip and why they are moving to Shopify
• Shaun’s experience transitioning his email newsletter to Klaviyo
• The challenges they faced moving to Shopify – rebranding their website, redesigning products, etc
• Investing in quality product photography to showcase your brand aesthetic
• Product descriptions and the importance of effective writing in conveying product features like texture, color, size, etc
• Factors to consider like pricing, content, and inventory management from the beginning
• Some design sales and marketing strategies
• How working with coach Ashton from The Awakening helped them with their e-commerce business
• Alternatives to a full e-commerce site like using affiliate links

Mentioned:

shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

The Awakening Website: https://myawakening.co/

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at: shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• Tools and apps that can help with time tracking – Harvest app, GoodNotes 
• Tips for using technology effectively during meetings
• Value of iPads for work
• Using Canvas to take measurements during home consultations
• How to determine if a remodel makes financial sense
• Useful tools for site visits and consultations
• Strategies for note-taking, file sharing, and collaborating on projects remotely
• When should a contractor be brought in – during initial consultations or after the design process
• Getting early cost estimates and feasibility studies from contractors before fully developing design plans
• How to work with clients to establish a realistic budget and avoid cost overruns

Mentioned:

Amazon Salad Bar: https://amzn.to/3SnWeAO

Harvest App: Time Tracking Software With Invoicing | Harvest

Good Notes app: Goodnotes | Notes Reimagined | Note-Taking App

Canvas app for home measurements: The easiest way to get as-builts | Canvas

Tankersley Construction Episode: ‎Hot Young Designers Club 105: A Conversation with Tankersley Construction

Cost vs. value remodeling guide: Cost vs. Value 2023 | National

Rebecca’s Upwork Freelancer for Chief Architect: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012a205720d9c6bb42

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Stacy Garcia to discuss:

• Stacy’s career journey from textile design to residential design
• How Stacy started her business with limited resources
• Forecasting trends through groups like Color Marketing Group, Patti Carpenter, Nancy Fire and knowing what will work in the mass market
• The role of High Point Market in product development, seeing trends emerge before they hit retail
• How design trends, colors and consumer tastes have changed over the years
• The way trends, creativity, and different designers/creatives influence each other
• The importance of industry connections, education and collaboration with other creatives
• How different designers influence each other’s work 
• Encouragement to attend conferences and panels at High Point Market to learn from experts

Mentioned:

Register for High Point Market: Register - High Point Furniture Market

Stacy's Textile Company: LebaTex

Stacy's Website: Stacy Garcia

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

In this episode, we discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca are hosting the KBIS Panel 
• Shaun and Rebecca’s early days in business and the journey they’ve been on since
• Their toolbox when they launched and how they got their first clients
• Projects from their first year taking on clients — their charges, the very basic tools and processes they used 
• Mistakes they made – no business structure, setting unrealistic rates, unclear project scopes, etc
• Lessons on bookkeeping software options, choosing the right accounting partner and proper business banking/accounts
• Tips for newbies just starting out, as well as those looking to take their business to the next level
• Designers often delete old projects and content from their websites as their style and clientele evolve — use Wayback Machine to track changes
• Things to do if you have no portfolio — create mood boards, design plans, or spec sheets to show your design skills

Mentioned:

KBIS Panel

https://kbis.com/nextstage/#lighten-up-the-humorous-side-of-design

Join our Patreon for more community

https://www.patreon.com/hydc

Wayback Machine website time capsule

https://web.archive.org/

Heidi Caillier on the Business of Home Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-of-home-podcast/id1340460508?i=1000637795675

Furnishing Budget Calculator

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/tmhwI

Investment Guide

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/t8nJL

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Dan Mazzarini to discuss:

• Dan’s background and how he got into interior design
• Dan’s experience launching brands like Michael Kors 
• Dan’s narrative approach to design — asking clients the story they want to tell with the house
• How Dan and his team approach residential vs hospitality clients 
• Three things he considers when looking at potential projects — Paid, Promote, Pride
• Dan’s way of structuring his billing and the models that work best for him
• Dan’s team structure and how he runs a geographically dispersed team
• Bringing on a dedicated procurement person to the team and how it has impacted the roles and engagement of his design team
• The importance of designers understanding how products are made
• Establishing a vision for projects through visual boards and narratives
• Challenges of forecasting workload and balancing talent
• Networking and finding new clients through social media and in-person events

Mentioned:

BHDM Design Website

Dan Mazzarini (@danmazzarini) on Instagram

BHDM Design (@bhdmdesign) on Instagram

ARCHIVE (@archivebydanmazzarini) on Instagram

For more on networking with a purpose, check out Episode 99 with Ali Faulker:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000626439906

Getting new leads through Pinterest: Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at: shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

In this episode, we discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca are hosting a panel on The Humorous Side of Design in Las Vegas
• Rebecca is going to be more discretionary about full-service clients
• Shaun wants to be more selective about half-baked decorating projects
• Shaun's experience with clients who wanted decorating help but not full design
• The challenges of managing client expectations 
• The importance of having clear and defined goals in projects
• Rebecca's struggle with monthly planning and tracking
• The fear of projects never feeling complete in consulting-only work
• Rebecca's goal to put more effort into her design business, Happy Hour
• Shaun's will pay closer attention to initial client meetings
• Rebecca is no longer going to be afraid of selling her services and getting beyond her fear of self-promotion
• The importance of paying attention to warning signs during discovery calls
• Shaun wants to get back to regularly posting content on Instagram and Pinterest

Mentioned:

Rebecca will be spending more time on Happy Hour

https://www.itshappyhour.co/

Shaun’s demotivated to spend time in Instagram and Pinterest

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/W8rXP

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at: shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

In this episode, we discuss:

• Reflections on wins and positives in 2023 instead of just frustrations
• The Hot Young Designers Club Patreon community and the exclusive episodes 
• Personal and professional accomplishments of Shaun and Rebecca in 2023
• Business of Home featured Hot Young Designers Club in an article on their website
• Hitting 100 episodes of the podcast and over 100k total listens
• Opportunities to contribute opinions on AI and design
• Rebecca’s experience being in HGTV magazine 
• Finding a reliable contractor partner and the importance of a strong working relationship
• Shaun’s experience in managing a studio space and business overhead
• Rebecca started renting clothes through Nuuly to be more experimental with her style
• The goals Shaun and Rebecca set for the podcast in 2020
• Shaun and Rebecca’s experience running a podcast
• Working with clients who allow for creative exploration and experimentation 
• Financial side of consultations and scheduling milestone meetings in advance
• Completion of Shaun’s South Pasadena project
• Encouragement for listeners to do their year-end reflections 

Mentioned:

Try the HYDC Business Retreat for your reflections

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/ceYUJ

Rebecca has liked Nuuly for renting new cloths

https://fbuy.io/nuuly/rebecca438

Check out our feature in Business of Home

https://businessofhome.com/articles/inside-the-designer-podcasting-boom

Shaun’s South Pasadena project

https://wrenstedinteriors.com/project/south-pasadena/

Our links:

Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts

Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

Rebecca’s Instagram 

Shaun’s Instagram

For more information - Check out the website

Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at: shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

In this episode, we discuss:

• Importance of Pinterest for businesses
• Avoid using "just" when clients request tasks, like "can you help with a few items"
• Relying too much on trade discounts and not building relationships with manufacturers
• Frustration with national retailers' slow shipping and poor customer service
• Finding quality customer service representatives in the retail industry
• Reminder to stop neglecting your homes – treat your place like the showroom it is 
• Testing out products in your own home before recommending to clients
• How private equity is involved in the interior design industry
• Impact of private equity ownership on companies like Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
• Debt loads and profitability pressures from private equity
• Employee-owned companies vs private equity-owned companies 
• Making authentic connections vs. just trying to get new work
• Providing food for photographers during all-day shoots
• Representing your business name professionally in emails – no more Gmail or Yahoo emails

Mentioned:

Read more about the closing of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams on Business of Home

https://businessofhome.com/articles/mitchell-gold-bob-williams-shutters-abruptly

Here's how Private Equity is involved in the interior design industry

https://businessofhome.com/articles/mitchell-gold-bob-williams-collapse-private-equity-ownership

Explore the Las Vegas Market exhibitors

https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/exhibitor/exhibitor-directory

Explore the High Point Market exhibitors

https://www.highpointmarket.org/ExhibitorDirectory