What if you had a business coach who was a creative just like you, and could ask them about how they built a successful business they love? That’s what we do each week on The Affluent Creative. Hosted by Melissa Galt –– award winning business coach, marketing consultant, and interior designer with over 3 decades of creative experience –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to create systems and processes, increase your confidence, and build a quality team to support you. The goal is to ...
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Welcome to The Business of Beautiful Spaces, the podcast where interior design matters! As Interior Designers, we understand the power of creating beautiful and functional spaces that not only look good, but also enhance our daily lives. Join us on this journey as we explore the ins and outs of the interior design industry and dive into the business side of things. From one interior designer to another, we'll share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned as we strive to create spaces ...
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Ep. 73 - Let's Talk about Strategy and Marketing for Interior Designers with Melissa Galt
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Melissa is a former successful residential interior designer with over 25 years of industry experience. Since becoming a business coach 15 years ago, Melissa has worked with thousands of clients to dramatically boost their revenue and deliver more time for creative work through smart systems and proven processes. Most importantly, Melissa believes …
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Ep.75 - Let's Talk about Paying Yourself with Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting
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Danielle Hayden is the Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. a bookkeeping and accounting firm that is on a mission to coach six figure (+ beyond) female entrepreneurs so they can better understand their numbers through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and support so they can grow profitable, sustainable and enjoyable businesses. With ov…
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In the fast-paced world of design, staying ahead of the curve is a must. One powerful way to achieve this is by implementing the use of AI, aka: “artificial intelligence.” Gone are the days when AI was seen only as a novelty, used for writing love poems. Today, it’s a powerful tool that can transform your business. From automating repetitive tasks …
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Ep. 74 - Let's Talk About Mastering the Business of Interior Design with Stacey Cohen
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In this exciting episode of "The Business of Beautiful Spaces," we are thrilled to welcome Stacey Cohen from Stacey Cohen Design and Design Your Business with Stacey Cohen Workshops. Stacey brings her wealth of experience from running a successful design firm for over 15 years and shares her journey in developing a comprehensive step-by-step guide …
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094: 10 Tips for an Efficient Design Business, Part 1
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Running a design business can be both rewarding and challenging. With tight deadlines, demanding clients, and the pressure to stay creative, efficiency sometimes takes a backseat. What if there were simple, actionable tips that could transform your workflow, boost your profits, and ultimately lead to more satisfying work and happier clients? In thi…
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As a designer, you might find yourself stuck in old patterns and beliefs that are preventing you from reaching your goals. You may think you aren’t good enough to be published. You may believe that you have to always say “yes” to every single prospect, regardless if it’s an ideal project or not. These types of patterns and beliefs don’t just affect…
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Ep.72 - Let's Talk about Designer's Questions
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This episode I am answering your questions! Last Monday of the month I will answer you questions, so send them in at info@thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com The Profit Academy for Interior Designers: https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.mykajabi.com/ Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay …
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Many business owners fall into the trap of "doing" too much and forget the simple joy of just "being." If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. We “do-ers” feel like we are being lazy if we aren’t constantly performing. Let me clue you in on a lesson I had to learn the hard way. If your switch is always set to “do” instead of set to “be,” your cr…
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Ep.71 - Let's Talk to The Productivity Specialist, Amber De La Garza
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Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist! Amber has more than a decade of experience helping small business owners maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most by improving their time management and elevating their productivity! Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Small Business Strai…
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091: Your Vision Board is Broken: How to Fix It
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I’m sure you’ve heard business and life coaches advise on the importance of creating a vision board. Essentially, a vision board is a tool for personal development and achievement. The purpose is to motivate and inspire you as you work towards accomplishing your dreams. While vision boards have been a traditional tool for goal-setting, they aren’t …
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Ep. 70 - Let's Talk About Creating Brand Obsession with Jeffrey Shaw
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From humble beginnings, Jeffrey Shaw became one of the most preeminent portrait photographers in the United States. His portraits have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and CBS News, in People and O Magazine, and in the halls of Harvard University and The Norman Vincent Peale Center, and countless beautiful homes across the U.S. Today, Jeffrey spe…
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In the world of interior design, design firm principals are constantly juggling a million and one tasks. From design discovery to client onboarding, floor plans to renderings, networking to social media, project management to client care, you do it all. Let’s face it, you’re wearing upwards of 36 hats at any one time, and it can leave you feeling o…
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Ep. 69 - Let's Talk About the Profit Academy for Interior Designers
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Introducing The Profit Academy for Interior Designers The ultimate blueprint to pricing expertise and elevating your profitability with this online course exclusively tailored for interior designers, decorators, stagers and any design enthusiast. In this program you learn by a step-by-step approach how to confidently price your interior design proj…
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Working in design, we know how important a living space can be for our clients’ well-being. We design entire rooms looking for ways to make our clients’ lives easier, more efficient, and more beautiful. But, how often do we do the same for ourselves? I’m not just talking about our curated office spaces. When was the last time you purged yourself of…
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Ep. 68 - Let's Talk About Introducing a Repricing Fee to Maintain Workflow in your Design Business
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In this episode, we will explore how to manage clients who delay the timeline after the design presentation, holding up your workflow. Whether clients are busy with life or struggle with decision-making, there are strategies to keep them on track. One effective approach is making project pricing valid only for a certain period and implementing a re…
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Feeling like you're constantly chasing your tail in your design practice? I know I've been there—drowning in emails, juggling multiple tasks, and never quite feeling like I'm on solid ground. However, the most important thing to remember about overwhelm is that it is just your perspective on a moment in time. It does not have to be your reality. I'…
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Ep. 67 - Let's Talk about Designing for Condo Projects
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This episode I focusing on the complexities of condo projects for interior designers, here's a structured way to discuss the critical aspects such as understanding condo board rules, logistical considerations, design limitation and solutions and regulatory compliance. The Profit Academy for Interior Designers: https://theprofitacademyforinteriordes…
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087: Are You Using the F– Word In Your Business?
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Free: what does it make you think of? A bargain? A steal? Now consider…are those concepts really the ideas you want your clients to associate with your brand? Whether we like it or not, words are loaded with associations and, starting now, this is one word I want you to avoid in your branding. Free does not encourage engagement or investment into y…
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Ep. 66 - Let's Talk About the Power of Mindset Coaching with Jami Sparling of Authentic Armour
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Speaking with Jami Sparling, mindset coach from Authentic Armour in this episode. Jami is a mindset coach and the founder of Authentic Armour, empowering entrepreneurs to unlock their potential through transformative mindset coaching. With a diverse background spanning paramedicine and interior design, Jami's transition from creative entrepreneur t…
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086: Your Clients Aren’t Qualified, Take the Lead
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Ever felt lost in the maze of design decisions, wondering if you're making the right choices for your clients? As a designer, it is important to embrace your role as a navigator, steering your clients towards the beautiful and functional spaces they dream of. This episode is brimming with insights on how to assert your expertise from the get-go, en…
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Ep. 65 -Let's Talk about Mastering AI in your Design Business with Stacy Thorwart from The Intelligent Designer.
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Leveraging her expertise in both residential and commercial design, Stacy has created an accessible online education platform that equips designers with the skills and knowledge to seamlessly integrate AI into their workflows. Since its launch in 2023, AI for Interior Designers has taught over 550 designers globally how to unlock AI’s potential. In…
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085: Mastering Client Testimonials, Referrals, and Photography to Propel Creative Business Success
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Did you know that there are three actionable ways to guarantee every project that you take on will grow your business? Leveraging client testimonials, referrals, and photography are the best ways to use your prior successes to propel your future ones. Today, I’m deep-diving into each so that you can be more successful with every project you take on…
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Ep. 64 - Let's Talk about Scaling your Business with Katie Decker - Erickson from Color Works
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Katie Decker-Erickson began Color Works in 2007 to combine her love of color and beautiful design with her business savvy and the experience she gained while earning her MBA and certification from the International Association of Color Consultants and Designers. The result is a process-driven design firm that emphasizes your ROI just as much as it …
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084: Build Your Business Around Travel & Thrive! Success Story with Megan Siason of M Studio Interior Design
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What if I told you that at this time next year, you could be taking a client Zoom call while in Thailand, with another trip to Italy planned for the following month, all without missing a beat–or a profit–in your creative business? My special guest today, Megan Siason of M Studio Interior Design is here to prove that such a claim isn’t a pipe dream…
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Ep. 63 - Let's Talk About the Importance of Accounting Reports with Nolan Bradbury
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Nolan Bradbury is a seasoned professional with a passion for helping business owners achieve their dreams through sound accounting and financial strategies. Nolan is on a mission to empower entrepreneurs to achieve their goals and unlock the full potential of their enterprises. He understands that a well-tuned and financially sound business is the …
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083: Uncover the Home’s Interior Potential (Design Discovery 3)
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As we round out our tour of the design discovery process, it’s time to explore the art of the home review report. In guiding you through the third installment of our design discovery series, I’ll explore the art of conducting a thorough home review to assess the style and comfort of your new clients. Though this is a straightforward process, you mu…
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Ep. 62 - Let's Talk about the Importance of having a Process with Kristen Thomas of Studio Thomas
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Inspired by the principles of quality over quantity and timeless, functional beauty, Kristen Thomas is a Colorado-based interior designer committed to designing spaces that elevate the everyday. She founded Studio Thomas in 2013 and under her passionate leadership, the studio has swiftly become Colorado's go-to bespoke design firm, gaining national…
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082: Design Discovery that Guarantees You Land the Project
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As creatives, we often fall into the temptation of leapfrogging the business aspect of a new project in order to dive right into the creative. However, if you want the most creatively satisfying projects, you need to take care of the business side of things with your client first. This means crafting rapport and a quality relationship with your cli…
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Ep. 61 - Repeat - Let's Talk about Prepping for High Point Market
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Let's talk about prepping for High Point Market! Tips and tricks in surviving High Point Market in October. From booking early, to shoes, appointments and more. High Point Market website: https://www.highpointmarket.org/ Freebie "Welcome Guide" Template: https://the-business-of-beautiful-spaces.ck.page/ The Profit Academy for Interior Designers: ht…
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081: The Four Steps to Landing Every Project
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Ever felt like you're running a marathon with business opportunities, only to end up with a hodgepodge of projects that leave you breathless and unfulfilled? I've been there, juggling clients and deadlines, until I realized the power of the Golden Door Qualifier. It's a game-changer: a four-step method that starts with an intricate website inquiry …
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Ep.60 - Let's Talk about Creating Community with Sun Ah Brock from Lux Decor + Lux Community
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37:37
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Sun Ah Brock, the founder of LUX decor, is a driven entrepreneur dedicated to fostering the most influential design community in North America. Owning her design firm since 2003, LUX decor has thrived under Sun Ah's leadership, garnering recognition for its exceptional service and design prowess, winning prestigious awards, and earning features in …
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080: Money Personalities for More Profit: Bethany Palmer of Interiors by Bethany in Colorado Springs, CO
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Embark on an enlightening journey with financial guru-turned-designer Bethany Palmer as she sits down with me to unravel her life-changing switch from working with an interior designer to being one. Bethany’s backstory of swapping stock markets for swatches illustrates how a keen understanding of a client's financial demeanor can transform the inte…
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Ep. 59 - Let's Talk about Creating Memorable Client Experience
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In this episode, we explore how interior designers can enhance the client experience throughout the design process. Thornton Design exemplifies this approach through personalized communication from the initial contact, offering detailed guides and consultations to foster collaboration. From handwritten thank-you notes to thoughtful gestures like re…
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If you’ve been feeling the burn-out of doing things the way you’ve always done them, you definitely want to tune in today. In today’s episode, I had the delightful opportunity to sit down with the remarkable Catherine Hersacher, president and interior design principal of Bespoke Fine Interiors in Aiken, South Carolina. When we met last year at my d…
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Ep. 58 - Let's Talk About Turning 50 Years Old + Being An Interior Designer for 27 of those 50 Years!
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Ahhhhh! This week I turn 50 freaking years old! How did that happen?!?!?! Where has the time gone, it really does fly by. Over half of that time I have been running an interior design business and I want to share on today's episode the confidence and the bravery that each of us designers have in us to branch out and start our own businesses! Let's …
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078: Your Library Card to Designer PR Opportunities Without the PR Firm Commitment with guest Molly Schoneveld Founder & CEO of The Storied Group
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Ever wondered how a design goes from a creative's mind to the glossy pages of your favorite magazine? My superstar guest, Molly Schoeneveld, CEO of The Storied Group, pulls back the curtain on the world of design PR for an enlightening discussion on public relations within the design world. A boon for designers during the pandemic and beyond, Molly…
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077: Getting Published To Get More Ideal Clients
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Ever wondered how the splash of recognition from a published piece can rain new clients into your creative business? Getting your work published can be a gratifying ego boost, but it’s also crucial for securing more clients by getting your name and work out there in the wild. Today, I’m revealing the blueprint for harnessing the power of print and …
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Ep. 57 - Let's Talk About your Content Planning for Attracting Clients Through your Social Media
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Planning and scheduling social media posts in advance using a social media planner offers several advantages, especially for busy interior designers looking to maintain a consistent online presence. Let's explore the advantages of pre-planning and additional marketing tips that I have learned through this podcast from the experts. Welcome Guide Fre…
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Ep.56 - Let's Talk Branding with Ericka Saurit from Saurit Creative.
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Ericka Saurit is a designer, brand strategist, and founder of both the Marketing School for Creatives and Saurit Creative, a boutique brand marketing agency with a mission to support and elevate brands across the entire home industry. She has overseen digital product development brand strategy at Airbnb in San Francisco, created immersive physical …
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076: How Being Cheap Is Killing Your Profits
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It may sound truly counterintuitive, but being cheap is killing your profits. We often look for ways to complete important tasks for our business by ourselves to save money. We think that this will maximize our profits because we aren’t spending the money to outsource the job. But taking on too many tasks that you don’t enjoy or aren’t skilled at i…
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Ep. 55 - Let's Talk about Reducing Project Costs without Compromising Quality.
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Cutting down costs on interior design projects requires a strategic approach to maximize efficiency and minimize unnecessary expenses. Today we discuss some ways to reduce project costs without compromising quality. The Profit Academy for Interior Designers: https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.mykajabi.com/ Be sure to follow along on Insta…
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075: Thriving in Economic Uncertainty: Growth and Stability Tactics for Design Businesses
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The past few years were a great time for design firms, with an extraordinarily high demand for our creative services. However, the times are beginning to change and we are seeing more and more economic uncertainty, which can be unsettling for many designers. Recessions are a normal part of economic cycles and we can't avoid them. But, we can be pre…
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Ep.54 - Let's Talk to Jackie Green from Behind the Design Co.
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In this episode we welcomes Jacqueline Green, founder of "Behind the Design," a groundbreaking platform providing interior designers with unparalleled education, marketing strategies, business courses, and coaching. Formerly the force behind GA Interior Solutions, Jacqueline evolved her business into a hub for design professionals seeking to elevat…
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Are you ready to redefine the landscape of your design career as well as your personal well-being? In chatting with the designers I coach, I’ve noticed that a fog of uncertainty has started to settle over many of us. I’m here as your beacon of hope through today’s pivotal and life-changing episode. Today, we're peeling back the layers of confusion …
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Ep. 53 - Let's Talk One Year Anniversary of the Podcast, what I've learned!
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Welcome back to another milestone episode of "The Business of Beautiful Spaces," where we celebrate the one-year anniversary of this podcast dedicated to empowering interior designers in their entrepreneurial journey. Today, I want to reflect on the incredible journey over the past year, sharing insights into how this podcast began, the lessons lea…
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073: Are Your Clients Allies or Obstacles?
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Sourdough toast with sour cherry jam might just be my secret ingredient to celebrating the wrap of a recording session, but it's the client-designer relationship that's the true bread and butter of our industry. Today, I peel back the curtain on the collaborative dance we engage in with clients, sharing candidly how a project's end can actually bec…
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Ep. 52- Let's Talk about Las Vegas Market
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Welcome back to another exciting episode of "The Business of Beautiful Spaces," your go-to podcast for interior designers managing their own businesses. Today, we delve into my recent adventure at the Las Vegas Market, drawing comparisons to the renowned High Point Market and exploring the latest design trends. The Business of Beautiful spaces Free…
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Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling completely unheard? It's a common plight, but in the design world, this can spell disaster for client relationships. In today’s episode, we’ll explore the transformative art of client communication and care that makes the difference between a one-time project and a lifelong partnership. From the…
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Ep. 51 - Let's Talk About Presenting your Interior Design Quotes To Clients
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n this episode, we delve into the art of presenting interior design quotes and contracts with precision and professionalism. From crafting a clean and concise quote with a professional header and project-specific details to addressing price transparency and guarantees, we guide you through essential elements like time frames, payment methods, and i…
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Have you ever felt the magnetic pull of a single, life-changing idea that could revolutionize your creative business? That's precisely what we're unwrapping in today's episode of The Affluent Creative. In today’s episode, I’d like to introduce you to the 'Power of One' strategy, a transformative approach that could be the compass to your success. I…
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