Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to pursue your dream of becoming an interior designer?

In this episode, you’ll meet Alison Geise, a former dietitian and law school grad who took the scenic route to interior design and built a thriving business doing what she loves. If you’re thinking about switching careers, Alison’s story will show you it’s possible.

Alison shares how her love for decorating turned into a full-time career, even after years in completely different fields. She talks about the steps she took to learn design, how she filled the gap in business knowledge, and why her unique life experience now sets her apart in the industry.

Whether you’re just starting or thinking of a fresh start, this episode is packed with helpful tips for making your move into design the smart way.

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Tune in now, take notes, and explore how second chances can lead to stunning design careers.

Featured Guest:

⁠Alison Giese⁠ is the visionary founder and principal designer of ⁠Alison Giese Interiors⁠, an esteemed, boutique interior design firm based in San Antonio, Texas.

She has cultivated a reputation for seamlessly blending sophisticated elements with unparalleled finishes, resulting in homes that are visually stunning and deeply reflective of her client's distinct stories.

Alison's journey into interior design is as unique as her creations. After a diverse career as a registered dietitian and law school graduate, a transformative move overseas ignited her passion for design, prompting her to pursue a certificate in interior decorating. Drawing inspiration from her travels and rich experiences, she creates interiors that embody a refined sense of place and character.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Learn actionable tips on how to start your design career without a design degree
• Discover business and creative tips for designers so you can work smarter and stay creative
• Get inspired by a real career change and pursue your passion for design

Check out the show notes >>> Expert’s Insights on Transitioning to Interior Design Career With Alison Giese

NEXT STEPS:

• Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spot
• Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Grab your freebies:

• Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
• 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Connect With Me:

• Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
• Instagram: @rwarddesign
• Website at rwarddesign.com

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(01:45) Alison's Journey into Interior Design

(05:26) Balancing Law School and Design Passion

(07:22) Design Education and Business Learning Gaps

(09:34) The Interior Design Business Launch Pad

(11:11) Alison's Design Philosophy

(14:25) Diversifying Revenue Streams

(16:39) On Starting Her Design Career Solo

(19:28) Favorite Project: The Unicorn

(21:34) Balancing Creativity and Business

(25:49) Tools and Software for Business Efficiency

(27:04) Advice to Aspiring Designers

Wondering how some designers turn their passion for history into a thriving business?

In this episode, I sit down with Anika Schachtler, who has carved out an exciting niche restoring and redesigning historical homes from the 1800s and early 1900s in Quebec.

Anika shares her journey from design school graduate to successful business owner, revealing how she built a network of skilled craftspeople who understand historical restoration. She explains the delicate balance between preserving original features and creating functional spaces for modern living, showing how she combines antique pieces with contemporary comforts.

If you've been considering historical home design as your niche, this episode offers practical insights to help you get started. Anika discusses the importance of finding the right support network, working smart rather than hard, and managing the business side of design. She highlights how restoration work involves much more than furniture selection—from working with old electrical systems and stone foundations to planning thoughtful extensions.

Ready to explore historical home restoration as your design specialty? This episode will help you understand what it takes to succeed in this rewarding niche. Tune in now!

Featured Guest:

⁠Anika⁠, an interior designer from Quebec, started ⁠Anika Schachtler Design⁠ to help homeowners breathe new life into their century-old homes while keeping their souls intact.

She specializes in renovating and restoring farmhouses and cottages from the 1800s and early 1900s, creating spaces that feel timeless, welcoming, and built to last. Her approach is thoughtful and hands-on, blending the best of the past with the comforts of today.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Discover a profitable design niche - the historical home restoration
• Understand the unique approach required for historical homes
• Get practical business insights about working smart, managing challenges, and growing a business

Check out the show notes >>> Turning Your Love for Historical Homes into a Thriving Design Business

NEXT STEPS:

• Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Grab your freebies:

• Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
• 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Connect With Me:

• Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
• Instagram: @rwarddesign
• Website at rwarddesign.com

• 
  

• Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

  Timestamps:

  (0:00) Introduction

  (01:39) Anika's Journey into Interior Design

  (03:29) Renovating Historical Home

  (05:25) Choosing to Run Her Design Firm

  (08:49) Advice for Designers

  (10:45) Common Misconceptions About Interior Design

  (11:48) Anika's Design Approach

  (14:06) Inspiration, Motivation, and Future Plans