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  • 138 | Expert’s Insights on Transitioning to Interior Design Career With Alison Giese

    138 | Expert’s Insights on Transitioning to Interior Design Career With Alison Giese
    2025/05/12

    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
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    30 分
  • 137 | Strategies to Become Profitable in Your First Two Years as an Interior Designer

    137 | Strategies to Become Profitable in Your First Two Years as an Interior Designer
    2025/05/05
    Are you worried about getting through those tough first two years of your interior design business? Most new businesses fail in this critical period, but yours doesn't have to!In this episode, I share practical strategies to help you become profitable more quickly. I walk you through actionable steps for building a strong network, creating an impressive portfolio even with no prior experience, creating service packages that attract first-time customers, and leveraging your connections to find your initial projects. I explain exactly how to make yourself visible in the market. Plus, I share my journey of gradually building my business while working full-time before transitioning to independence.Profitability typically takes about two years, but with the right approach, patience, and consistent effort, you can overcome the challenges of your first two years and build a successful design career.Whether you're just starting or struggling to gain traction, this episode will help you build momentum. Also, join the waitlist for my upcoming Launch Your Business Bootcamp, where I'll personally guide you through setting up your design business - your ticket to turning your creative dreams into a profitable reality.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Get a step-by-step guide to generate your first clients with zero experienceGain the motivation and practical knowledge to overcome common startup challengesEvaluate your profitability and create a plan to potentially speed up the two-year timelineCheck out the show notes >>> Strategies to Become Profitable in Your First Two Years as an Interior DesignerLinks Mentioned:Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DesignCurious for 40% offNEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist ⁠Launch Your Business Bootcamp⁠ to secure your spotJoin the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(01:36) Profitability as a New Interior Designer(04:04) Building Your Network(09:34) Creating a Portfolio Without Clients(11:43) Business Development Strategies(14:14) Financial Considerations(14:56) The Launch Your Business Bootcamp(15:53) Mindset for Success
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    19 分
  • 136 | Turning Your Love for Historical Homes into a Thriving Design Business With Anika Schachtler

    136 | Turning Your Love for Historical Homes into a Thriving Design Business With Anika Schachtler
    2025/04/28

    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
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    18 分
  • 135 | Turnkey Styling Services Your Clients Will Love

    135 | Turnkey Styling Services Your Clients Will Love
    2025/04/21

    What makes turnkey interior design services unique, and how do they differ from full-service design?

    In this episode, I break down turnkey styling—the extra layer of service that transforms an empty house into a completely livable home. Learn the difference between standard full-service design (which includes mood boards, floor plans, and furnishings) and turnkey services that add those final touches clients need to simply "turn the key" and move in.

    I walk you through exactly what turnkey items to include in each room—from luxurious sheets and towels to kitchen essentials, decorative accessories, and organizational solutions.

    I also share practical advice on sourcing these items, asking clients the right questions about their lifestyle needs, and even including a personal story about learning the importance of offering sheet selection to clients. You'll discover how offering these additional services not only delights your clients but can also become a valuable addition to your design business.

    If you are looking for a roadmap for implementing turnkey styling in your design business, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you'll understand how to anticipate your clients' every need and create a home that's truly ready for living from day one.

    Tune in now!

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

    • Discover how to expand your design services beyond traditional full-service interior design with turnkey styling
    • Learn specific room-by-room turnkey recommendations - a complete checklist for implementing turnkey styling service in your design business
    • Gain insights on how to build a reputation for exceptional, comprehensive interior design services that clients will love and recommend

    Check out the show notes >>> Turnkey Styling Services Your Clients Will Love

    Links Mentioned:

    • Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DESIGNCURIOUS for 40% off

    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

    (02:01) Full-Service Interior Design vs. Turnkey Service

    (05:13) Turnkey Items for Kitchen

    (06:48) Turnkey Items for Bathroom

    (08:04) Turnkey Items for Bedroom

    (11:16) Turnkey Items for Living Room & Common Areas

    (13:49) Enhancing Client Experience with Turnkey Services
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    17 分
  • 134 | How to Make Your Interior Design Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market with Nicole Lashae Ben

    134 | How to Make Your Interior Design Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market with Nicole Lashae Ben
    2025/04/14
    Struggling to make your interior design business stand out in a crowded market?In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Lashae Ben, a design strategy expert who reveals how interior designers and product manufacturers can boost their brand awareness and revenue. Nicole shares her journey from watching HGTV as a middle schooler to creating Thrive in Design, a company that helps creative professionals develop powerful marketing strategies.Nicole offers practical advice for designers looking to elevate their brand, including the importance of finding a specific niche and creating partnerships with complementary brands. She explains how design thinking and strategic storytelling can help you connect with clients emotionally, using examples from successful companies like Nike.Ready to elevate your interior design brand and increase your client base? Tune in now and start your journey to a more successful, distinctive design brand!Featured Guest:⁠Nicole Lashae Ben⁠, MA, CEO and Founder of ⁠Thrive In Design⁠, is a seasoned expert in the interior design industry with over 17 years of experience. A graduate of Syracuse University and the Savannah College of Art and Design, she founded Thrive In Design to help interior product companies boost brand awareness and revenue through a human-centered approach. Nicole has successfully implemented strategies that have generated over $15 million in sales and won over two dozen sales awards for top international brands. Her proprietary method, A.C.E. The Journey, enhances customer experiences and equips sales teams to secure more specifications. Nicole is passionate about the intersection of design and strategy, striving to ensure that both thrive in the industry.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Learn how to collaborate with complementary brands to scale your design businessUnderstand how finding your specific niche and telling your authentic brand story across all platforms can transform your businessGet practical advice on avoiding burnout while building a successful design businessCheck out the show notes >>> How to Make Your Interior Design Brand Stand Out in a Crowded Market NEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spotJoin the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(02:37) Nicole's Journey into Interior Design(07:15) The Birth of Thrive in Design(13:03) Services and Approach(19:05) Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Commitments(22:51) Courses and Services Offered(24:34) Advice for Designers
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    27 分
  • 133 | Boost Your Design Career With Aging in Place Design & Certification

    133 | Boost Your Design Career With Aging in Place Design & Certification
    2025/04/07

    Are your designs ready for the future?

    As people age, their homes should remain safe, comfortable, and stylish. But designing for aging in place requires more than just grab bars and wider doorways—it’s about creating a home that supports independence and well-being.

    In this episode, I talk about how you can integrate aging-in-place principles into your interior design projects and introduce a program that allows you to become a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). This certification can set you apart in the design world and help you tap into a growing market of clients seeking innovative and thoughtful home design.

    I also share practical tips for designing homes that can adapt to changing physical needs while maintaining a stylish appearance and avoiding the feel of a hospital environment.

    Ready to transform spaces and help people live comfortably at every stage of life? Tune in now and start creating spaces that truly stand the test of time!

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

    • Discover the essential design features that keep homes functional, stylish, and comfortable for years to come
    • Learn actional tips to make homes safer and more comfortable for aging clients while keeping them stylish and functional
    • Get certified as an Aging in Place Specialist to boost your career as an interior designer

    Check out the show notes >>> Boost Your Design Career With Aging in Place Design & Certification

    Links Mentioned:

    • Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DESIGNCURIOUS for 40% off

    • 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...
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    18 分
  • 132 | Stress-Free Framework to Attract Clients to Your Design Business With Ben Rutledge

    132 | Stress-Free Framework to Attract Clients to Your Design Business With Ben Rutledge
    2025/03/31
    "I don't know where to start!" Marketing overwhelms you, with so many platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, SEO, email, ads). You struggle to create a clear strategy and wonder which efforts will bring results."I hate self-promotion—I don’t want to sound salesy!" You love creating beautiful spaces but dislike talking about yourself. You worry about coming across as pushy instead of naturally attracting clients."Technology stresses me out!" CRMs, email marketing, and automation tools sound helpful, but learning them feels overwhelming. You want simple, done-for-you solutions that don’t require becoming a tech expert.I hear you! Many interior designers struggle with scattered tools, complicated strategies, and the challenge of standing out.So in this episode, I chat with marketing expert, Ben Rutledge from Sidemark, who shares simple ways to take the stress out of marketing. He explains how to build systems that work, attract your ideal clients, and use automation to stay organized—so you can focus on designing, not just selling.Ben also reveals the biggest mistakes designers make in marketing and how to avoid them.Don't let marketing be your constant struggle. Tune in now and learn how to streamline your design business with the right marketing strategies and systems. Plus, don’t forget to grab Ben’s free 2025 Interior Designers Marketing Checklist.Featured Guest:⁠Ben Rutledge⁠ is co-founder of ⁠Sidemark⁠, a marketing solution for interior designers.With 15-plus years in small business marketing, Ben now helps interior designers simplify and succeed in marketing. He enjoys demystifying the process, building strong brands, and driving growth.Ben lives in Colorado with his wife, Nicole, and loves getting outside every chance he gets.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:Learn how to attract your ideal clients without feeling scattered or stressedSet up systems that make your business look more professional even if you’re just starting outDevelop a plan on how to nurture leads without feeling salesyCheck out the show notes >>> Stress-Free Framework to Attract Clients to Your Design Business Links Mentioned:The 2025 Interior Designers Marketing ChecklistNEXT STEPS:Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spotGrab your freebies:Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:Email: podcast@rwarddesign.comInstagram: @rwarddesign Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(2:34) Ben’s Journey into Interior Design Marketing(4:07) Addressing Overwhelm in Marketing(6:09) What Sidemark Offers(10:54) Who Sidemark Helps(12:02) 2025 Marketing Strategies for Interior Designers(13:44) Key Marketing Questions for Designers(14:24) The “Pie Shop” Analogy for Marketing(15:41) Nurturing Leads and Closing Sales(18:38) Importance of Systems in Business(20:55) The Value of Setting Up Systems Early(25:32) The Role of Email Marketing in Interior Design(29:48) Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion(34:03) How Often to Send Emails
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    38 分
  • 131 | How to Stop Burnout and Protect Your Creative Energy

    131 | How to Stop Burnout and Protect Your Creative Energy
    2025/03/24

    Are you exhausted from juggling client demands, endless decisions, and late-night work sessions? You're not alone.

    Burnout is a common struggle for solopreneurs and interior designers, but it doesn’t have to be your reality.

    I completely understand how burnout feels; I experienced it myself early in my career. Thankfully, I've learned effective strategies to manage it. I’m happy to say I’m no longer an overwhelmed and burned-out designer. This shift has made a big difference. It improved my ability to be the best designer for my clients.

    In this episode, I explore the common causes of burnout and share my personal experiences in overcoming it. I also provide practical tips for maintaining inspiration and avoiding burnout, which can help you in your own design career.

    If you are looking for ways to reclaim your creativity, reduce stress, and enjoy the career you love, this episode is for you.

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

    • Discover practical tips for setting boundaries and saying no to projects that aren’t a good fit.
    • Learn productivity & time management tools to streamline your business and maintain a healthy work-life balance
    • Create a work schedule that supports your well-being while staying on top of your projects

    Check out the show notes >>> How to Stop Burnout and Protect Your Creative Energy

    NEXT STEPS:

    • Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spot
    • Use Full Focus Planner to set and track your 2025 goals

    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

    (02:46) The Reality of Burnout in Interior Design

    (05:20) The Impact of Burnout

    (07:45) Setting Boundaries to Prevent Burnout

    (10:30) The Role of Self-Care in Avoiding Burnout

    (16:22) Productivity & Time Management Tools

    (20:07) Strategies to Avoid Overwhelm in Business
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    24 分