Are your vendor spreadsheets quietly killing your profits and sanity? Fragmented sourcing isn’t just an inconvenience; it drains time, eats into margins, and creates chaos you can’t afford. Host Darla Powell talks with Lee Anne Blake, CEO of The Expert, about why many designers are frustrated with juggling numerous vendors and outdated processes. They discuss how client expectations have changed, with buyers wanting smoother, faster, more transparent experiences, and what it really takes to keep...
Jul 02, 2025•36 min•Ep. 473
You’re not imagining it—your projects might actually be running you. If you’ve ever felt like your design clients are unclear, unsure, or unexpectedly intense mid-project, it’s likely not a personality issue. It’s a systems issue. In this episode, designer Shila Griffith of SG23 Design reveals the exact processes and boundaries that keep her projects running smooth, her team aligned, and her clients confident from start to finish. From her strategic intake forms to her “you paid for that three m...
Jun 25, 2025•55 min•Ep. 472
What if the one thing keeping your designs from truly resonating isn’t visible at all? If your client’s space checks all the boxes but still feels… off, there might be something deeper at play, and today’s episode unpacks exactly that. While talking with Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui, we get into the overlooked forces that shape how a space feels, and how interior designers can shift energy, not just aesthetics. She makes the ancient practice of feng shui unexpectedly approachable, surprisi...
Jun 18, 2025•39 min•Ep. 471
Ever feel like clients just don’t “see” your vision, literally? This episode dives into the often-overlooked tool that can increase client trust, raise your perceived value, and unlock high-end opportunities: 3D renderings. Whether you’re a solopreneur winging it with mood boards or you’re flirting with luxury clients, renderings might just be your biggest untapped asset. You’ll learn: ✅ Why presenting renderings isn’t just a visual tool, it’s a trust accelerator ✅ How to price, position, and pr...
Jun 11, 2025•35 min•Ep. 470
What if the most ignored room in your project is quietly dragging down the whole design? Today, I’m with Jennifer Q. Williams of St. Louis Closet Company to reveal why closets, yes, closets, are one of the most underestimated elements in all of residential design. So if you’re creating a luxury home or updating a modest space, your clients’ daily routines and resale values are being shaped by what’s behind those closet doors. If you’ve been sleepwalking past the wire racks and sliding doors, thi...
Jun 04, 2025•36 min•Ep. 469
Is your contractor ghosting you, or are you just not speaking their language? Most interior designers know they need reliable contractors to grow their business, but few realize contractors are also sizing them up. In this episode, Elizabeth Scruggs shares what makes contractors roll their eyes... and what makes them want to call you back. Whether you're a designer dreaming of launching a design-build firm or just tired of construction projects going sideways, this episode lays out the path forw...
May 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 468
You’ve invested in professional photography. Your portfolio looks incredible. Your social media presence is growing. And yet… those high-end clients you’ve been aiming for? They’re still not booking. Something isn’t lining up, and the culprit might be hiding in plain sight: your website. Many interior designers assume that a visually attractive website is enough to convert browsers into buyers. But what if your site’s design choices are actually sending subtle signals that work against the luxur...
May 21, 2025•34 min•Ep. 467
What if being overlooked was the best thing that ever happened to your business? When Wandra Cain walked into showrooms and got ignored, she didn’t flinch—she made a mental note. That “Pretty Woman” moment stuck with her, not as a grievance, but as fuel. She’d always had a sharp eye and a natural gift for pulling beauty out of limitation, but that experience sharpened her resolve to create a design business that didn’t ask for permission to be taken seriously. She built WCA Interiors from the gr...
May 14, 2025•44 min•Ep. 466
What if listening more—not designing more—is what actually makes you great at this job? Emily Tucker says her best work hasn’t come from executing her own vision—it’s come from learning how to filter her clients’ visions through her design lens. She’s not here to imprint her style on every project. Instead, she’s gotten really good at making someone else’s taste look like something she’d proudly add to her portfolio. And it’s that mindset—meeting the client where they are, without losing yoursel...
May 07, 2025•42 min•Ep. 465
Feeling burned out and creatively stuck? This could be why. What if the real reason you’re feeling drained in your business—uninspired, overwhelmed, and a little disconnected—has nothing to do with your workload, your clients, or your schedule? What if the missing piece is something far less obvious, but far more powerful: joy? In this energizing and eye-opening episode, keynote speaker and author Lisa Even joins the conversation to challenge the hustle-at-all-costs mindset that so many creative...
Apr 30, 2025•27 min•Ep. 464
Are your go-to vendors quietly tanking your margins—and you don’t even know it? Behind the scenes of your interior design business, a silent upheaval is happening. Tariffs are surging, especially on furnishings imported from China, with rates leaping from 40% to over 140%. What used to be a reliable supply chain is now a minefield of unpredictability. If you’re sourcing products the same way you did six months ago, you could be putting your profit (and client trust) at risk without realizing it....
Apr 23, 2025•27 min•Ep. 463
What if “great work” isn’t enough to attract the clients you really want? Luxury clients aren’t just buying your taste or talent—they’re investing in an experience that speaks their language. In this episode, photographer and author Jeffrey Shaw pulls back the velvet curtain on how affluent buyers actually make decisions. Whether you’re aiming for high-net-worth homeowners or just want to elevate your design game, this conversation will shift the way you think about value, messaging, and what “l...
Apr 16, 2025•37 min•Ep. 462
What can interior designers learn from the world of luxury hospitality? In this episode, Darla sits down with designer and entrepreneur Harry Myers to explore how his background in hospitality and banking shaped his approach to high-end interiors. Harry shares his journey from the service industry to running a thriving design business, unpacking the key lessons that helped him navigate a career pivot during COVID-19 and develop a hybrid business model that blends service and design. He dives int...
Apr 02, 2025•38 min•Ep. 461
Marketing isn’t just about showing your work—it’s about telling your story. In this episode of Designed by Wingnut, video marketing expert Jude Charles joins Darla to reveal how interior designers can use storytelling and docu-series to connect with clients, build trust, and grow their business. Jude shares why authentic video content is a game-changer, how to overcome the fear of being on camera, and the secret to making potential clients feel like they already know you before you ever meet. Wh...
Mar 26, 2025•47 min•Ep. 460
In this episode of Designed by Wingnut Social, Jason Yarusi introduces the Live 100 Mindset, a strategy focused on making small, consistent improvements to achieve long-term success. Drawing from his experience running 100 miles, Jason shares insights on overcoming fear, building self-awareness, and developing habits that drive business growth. This mindset can be a game-changer for interior designers, architects, and creative entrepreneurs. Instead of getting overwhelmed by big goals, learn how...
Mar 19, 2025•31 min•Ep. 459
Darla discusses essential financial strategies for interior design businesses with guest Michelle Cooper. The conversation covers topics such as determining a healthy profit margin, managing business scaling, and maintaining profitability. Michelle shares insights on pricing strategies, time tracking, and the importance of understanding financial statements for business success. Michelle Cooper guides entrepreneurs through their financial mazes, enabling them to embrace their numbers with confid...
Mar 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 458
This week, Darla and Mischa Zvegintzov discuss the importance of podcast guesting for service providers, particularly in the interior design industry. Mischa emphasizes the value of reaching target audiences through podcasts, building thought leadership, and leveraging SEO benefits. The discussion also covers practical tips for finding relevant podcasts, crafting effective pitches, and maximizing the impact of podcast appearances. Mischa shares insights on how to effectively pitch for podcast gu...
Mar 05, 2025•34 min•Ep. 457
In this episode, Darla and guest Brad Farris dive into the intricacies of preparing to sell your interior design business. They discuss the importance of growth, sustainable operations, and strategic planning—whether you’re considering a sale or simply optimizing your business for retirement. Brad shares his insights on transitioning from daily service delivery, on strategies to enhance business value through increased revenue, profitability, and recurring revenue streams, and on the critical ro...
Feb 26, 2025•35 min•Ep. 456
Are you thinking about starting your own company, or have you already started one but are struggling to stay afloat? Today's guest, Lindsie Davis of Blueberry Jones Design, has lots of tips on how to develop reliable systems to take control of your business. We discuss time blocking, how to avoid scope creep, and how to price out your services. Stay tuned! Blueberry Jones Design is a Texas-based interiors firm founded by Principal Designer Lindsie Davis, specializing in high-end full-service res...
Feb 19, 2025•30 min•Ep. 455
Darla sits down with Sarah Bronstein to explore the fascinating world of tiny homes, discussing personal experiences, real estate insights, and the unique challenges of designing for small spaces. They delve into the appeal of tiny living, the potential for investment in tiny house communities, and the differences between commercial and residential tiny home design. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding client needs and the evolving landscape of tiny home living, particularly...
Feb 12, 2025•46 min•Ep. 454
Melanie Zaelich shares her journey starting from a career in advertising to becoming a successful interior designer. She discusses her business model focused on consultations, the importance of work-life balance, and how she caters to her target demographic. Melanie emphasizes the simplicity of her consultation services and the personal motivation behind her career shift, highlighting the fulfillment she finds in helping clients love their homes. Melanie Zaelich is an award-winning interior desi...
Feb 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 453
Julianne Hendrickson returns to discuss her significant growth in the interior design industry and the launch of her mentoring group for aspiring designers. She shares insights on the importance of collaboration, community building, and the value of mentorship in fostering professional development. Julianne also outlines her future goals for expanding her mentoring efforts online and emphasizes the importance of being authentic in business. The discussion highlights the journey of growth, the ch...
Jan 29, 2025•30 min•Ep. 452
Darla and Danielle Hayden dive into one of the most important (and tricky) parts of running a business: paying yourself. They discuss the challenges business owners face when it comes to managing money, shifting their mindset around finances, and figuring out how to move money from the business to their personal accounts. They also break down IRS rules (don’t be scared!) and explain why understanding your financial health is a game-changer. From S-Corps and LLCs to consistent paychecks and smart...
Jan 22, 2025•41 min•Ep. 451
Calling all Wingnuts! To kick off the new year, we’re revisiting key episodes that will help you get your business organized and ready for a strong start to 2025. Tune in for expert tips on building a solid foundation, streamlining your systems, and other ways to set yourself up for success in the new year. Do your goals for your design business feel unattainable, or are you afraid to even set those goals for fear of getting uncomfortable? Business and life coach Andrea Liebross has lots of grea...
Jan 15, 2025•45 min•Ep. 450
Calling all Wingnuts! To kick off the new year, we’re revisiting key episodes that will help you get your business organized and ready for a strong start to 2025. Tune in for expert tips on building a solid foundation, streamlining your systems, and other ways to set yourself up for success in the new year. If you’re a small business owner offering specialized services, you may be wondering how to price your services. How do you know if you’re charging too much? Well, according to today’s guest,...
Jan 08, 2025•43 min•Ep. 449
Calling all Wingnuts! This holiday season, we’re revisiting key episodes that will help you get your business organized and ready for a strong start to 2025. Tune in for expert tips on building a solid foundation, streamlining your systems, and other ways to set yourself up for success in the new year. *** In this episode, Darla is joined by Katie McDonald to discuss the importance of self-care for business owners. Katie shares her personal journey from corporate burnout to wellness advocate and...
Jan 01, 2025•39 min•Ep. 448
Calling all Wingnuts! This holiday season, we’re revisiting key episodes that will help you get your business organized and ready for a strong start to 2025. Tune in for expert tips on building a solid foundation, streamlining your systems, and other ways to set yourself up for success in the new year. *** Today’s guest, Liz Potarazu, tells us about her journey to creating an almost million-dollar interior design business in just 3 years. Liz also shares her health and wellness routine that keep...
Dec 25, 2024•34 min•Ep. 447
Calling all Wingnuts! This holiday season, we’re revisiting key episodes that will help you get your business organized and ready for a strong start to 2025. Tune in for expert tips on building a solid foundation, streamlining your systems, and other ways to set yourself up for success in the new year. *** Are you giving away all the financial keys to your interior design kingdom to just one person? Do you have a bookkeeper, a CFO, or an accountant, but not all three? Today’s guest, Kathy Svetin...
Dec 18, 2024•35 min•Ep. 446
Darla is joined by Stephanie Mahaney, an accomplished interior designer, to discuss the challenges and triumphs associated with relocating her business from Florida to Maine. Stephanie shares her journey, including rebranding efforts, digital and PR strategies, and the differences in design and client expectations between the two regions. The conversation also delves into Maine’s project-based dynamics, sustainable design, and local networking efforts. Stephanie also offers valuable advice for d...
Dec 11, 2024•29 min•Ep. 445
This week, Darla sits down with renowned interior design coach Gail Doby. They discuss the current state of the interior design industry and talk about the challenges faced by designers due to economic pressures like interest rates and inflation. Gail offers valuable advice on maintaining profitability, the importance of marketing and networking, and the impact of mindset on business success. Gail Doby is co-founder of Pearl Collective, an interior design business consultancy that has helped des...
Dec 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 444
