Designed for the Creative Mind™

Furniture sourcing and procurement can be one of the most time-consuming parts of running an interior design firm. From tracking orders and coordinating freight to chasing down vendors and filing damage claims, the administrative work can quickly take over your week.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with Sara Carroll of Sara Carroll Home to talk about the realities of furniture procurement and why interior designers don't have to manage every detail themselves.

With a background spanning residential interior design, furniture manufacturing, sales representation, and showroom ownership, Sara has seen the industry from just about every angle. She shares why she created her trade program to help designers streamline sourcing, simplify purchasing, and get the support they need after an order is placed.

Michelle also shares her own experience using Sara's program at ML Interiors Group and why having a trusted procurement partner has made such a difference for her team.

In this episode, you'll discover:

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Why furniture procurement is so much more complicated than simply finding beautiful pieces and placing orders.

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The hidden administrative work that happens after a furniture order is submitted.

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How outsourcing procurement can save you from tracking shipments, coordinating freight, and fighting damage claims.

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Why opening direct vendor accounts isn't always the advantage you think it is.

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What to look for in a furniture trade program and how to evaluate the service behind the pricing.

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Why vendor relationships and industry experience matter when sourcing high-end custom furnishings.

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How to delegate procurement without losing control of your projects.

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Which interior design firms can benefit most from outsourcing their procurement.

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Why your time is better spent designing, developing client relationships, and growing your business instead of chasing furniture orders.

The big takeaway: You didn't get into interior design to spend your days tracking shipments, organizing freight, and filing damage claims. Delegating procurement isn't a weakness. It's a smart business decision that allows you to focus on the work that actually moves your firm forward.

Connect with Sara Carroll

Interested in learning more about Sara Carroll Home's trade program?

Visit https://saracarrollhome.com/ and explore the Designer Trade section to learn more about the program and apply.

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Website: https://saracarrollhome.com/

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Instagram: @saracarrollhome

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Email: contact@saracarrollhome.com

Sara works with interior designers nationwide, not just those in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Connect with Michelle Lynne

Learn more about coaching, resources, and support for growing your interior design business.

https://thedesignbakehouse.com/

Remember, your business is your own masterpiece. Work on it!

An inquiry comes in. You're in the middle of an installation, juggling procurement, answering client questions, and managing a dozen other things. You tell yourself you'll respond when you have a minute to give that potential client the attention they deserve.

And suddenly, a day or two has passed.

Sound familiar?

In this episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, Michelle Lynne continues The Walkthrough, a series that takes interior designers through their businesses just as they would walk through a client's home. This time, she's looking at what happens after a potential client knocks on your door.

Michelle shares why getting from inquiry to first appointment seems to be taking longer in today's market, why a slow response can cost you a client, and how a thoughtful sales process can help you turn more inquiries into actual projects.

Because here's the thing: your clients shouldn't have to figure out how to hire you. It's your job to lead them through the process.

Michelle walks through the importance of responding promptly, assigning clear ownership of incoming inquiries, following up consistently, and using a CRM and email automation to keep potential clients engaged. She also explains how email marketing can nurture relationships with people who aren't quite ready to hire you yet.

Whether you're a solo designer wearing every hat or leading a growing team, this episode will help you identify where potential clients might be slipping through the cracks—and how to create a process that works even when you're busy.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

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Why potential clients may need more reassurance and connection before booking their first appointment.

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How a slow response to an inquiry can influence a client's perception of your firm.

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Why a prompt, thoughtful reply is better than waiting for the perfect response.

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How assigning clear ownership of inquiries prevents potential clients from falling through the cracks.

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Why having someone screen inquiries can protect your time and help you avoid taking on projects that aren't the right fit.

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How to follow up without feeling pushy or salesy.

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Why a CRM is essential for tracking conversations and managing your sales pipeline.

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How email automation can help you stay connected with prospects when they're not ready to hire you.

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Why a consistent sales process is a service to both your clients and your business.

Key Takeaway

Follow-up is a service. When someone reaches out to your firm, they're expressing interest in working with you. It's your job to make the next step clear, easy, and welcoming.

A well-designed sales process doesn't pressure clients into making decisions. It helps them feel supported while ensuring that good opportunities don't disappear simply because you're busy.

Ready to Walk Through Your Business?

Are potential clients getting lost between their first inquiry and their first appointment? Or are you spending too much time trying to keep your sales process organized?

Michelle offers Sidemark Business Walkthroughs to help interior design firm owners identify gaps in their sales, marketing, operations, and processes. Together, you'll look at what's working, where things are getting stuck, and where you could use additional support.

Schedule your Sidemark Business Walkthrough using this link: https://api.mysidemark.com/widget/bookings/sidemark-business-walkthrough

Coming Up Next

In the next episode of The Walkthrough, Michelle takes a closer look at the interior design sales process, including the qualifying call, meet and greet, initial visit, scope of work presentation, and contract signature.

Enjoying Designed for the Creative Mind? Follow or subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss the next episode.

Your interior design business might be doing beautiful work, but are the right clients finding their way to you?

In this episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, Michelle Lynne kicks off The Walkthrough, a series that takes you through every room of your interior design business, from marketing and sales to operations, procurement, installation, and project closeout.

First up is the front door: marketing.

Michelle shares why referrals alone aren't a marketing strategy, how the busy-season blackout can leave your pipeline empty, and why consistent marketing doesn't have to mean posting every single day. She also explores how to make your marketing sound like you, why handing marketing off isn't always as simple as hiring someone, and how marketing connects to every other part of your business.

If you've ever let marketing slide because client projects took over, only to find yourself scrambling for new leads a few months later, this episode is for you.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

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Why referrals aren't the whole story. Clients often discover you through a referral but research your website, portfolio, and social media before deciding to reach out.

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How to break the busy-season blackout cycle. Marketing takes time to produce results, so stopping when you're busy can create a pipeline problem months later.

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What consistent marketing really looks like. A current website, a monthly blog, regular email communication, and a manageable social media presence can go a long way.

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Why your marketing needs to sound like you. Clients are hiring your perspective, expertise, and approach to design—not just your portfolio photos.

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How to delegate marketing without losing your voice. A good content partner needs to learn how you think and communicate, not just follow a list of instructions.

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Who should own marketing in your firm. If marketing is everyone's secondary responsibility, it can quickly become nobody's responsibility.

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How marketing connects to the rest of your business. Your marketing efforts influence sales, capacity planning, client experience, reviews, and referrals.

Your Action Steps

Before you overhaul your marketing, take a closer look at what's already working.

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Review your last 10 signed clients and trace how each one actually found you.

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Ask past clients what led them to your business and which channels they explored before reaching out.

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Look at your website and social media through the eyes of a potential client. Does your content feel current, relevant, and reflective of your firm?

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Identify who owns marketing in your business—and who is accountable for keeping it consistent.

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Choose a manageable marketing rhythm you can maintain even when your project calendar is full.

Remember: Marketing isn't something you do when you have time. It's an essential part of running your business.

Ready to Walk Through Your Own Business?

Wondering where your business is working well and where things might be held together by you?

Schedule a free Business Walkthrough with Michelle and the Sidemark team. Together, you'll look at how clients find you, what happens when they inquire, and where your systems may need attention. Depending on your needs, the walkthrough can extend into sales, operations, design development, sourcing, procurement, installation, and project closeout.

You'll leave with a clearer picture of your business and actionable next steps.

Schedule your Business Walkthrough:

https://api.mysidemark.com/widget/bookings/sidemark-business-walkthrough

Coming Up Next

In the next episode of The Walkthrough, Michelle heads into the sales room. A potential client has found your firm and filled out your contact form—but what happens next? Follow the inquiry from the first message to the signed agreement and discover where good marketing can quietly go to waste.

Thanks for listening to Designed for the Creative Mind with Michelle Lynne!

Hiring people is supposed to create capacity. But what happens when bringing someone onto your team actually makes your business feel more complicated?

In this episode, Michelle Lynne gets honest about one of the parts of business ownership nobody warned her about: hiring people would force her to confront how much of her business was living inside her own head.

When you've built a business around your own instincts, experience, and standards, it's easy to assume that what feels obvious to you will be obvious to everyone else. But your team can't read your mind—and they shouldn't have to.

Michelle shares the lessons she learned as her design firm grew, including why hiring initially created more work instead of less, how recurring team problems can reveal weaknesses in the business itself, and why delegation requires more than simply handing someone a list of responsibilities.

She also explores the uncomfortable reality that sometimes the problem really is the employee—but you can't fairly determine that until you've looked at the role, the process, your leadership, and the support you've provided.

In this episode, Michelle talks about:

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Why hiring often begins with addition before it creates subtraction

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How a team exposes the parts of your business that have been running on your memory, instinct, and unwritten standards

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The difference between describing a task and actually defining what "good" looks like

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Why "be more proactive," "use your judgment," and "take care of the client" aren't actually clear standards

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The principle: "Every project is different, but the process should be the same."

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How undocumented processes turn the owner into the answer to every routine question

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Why capable owners can accidentally create dependent employees by solving problems too quickly

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The difference between giving someone responsibility and giving them the authority to actually own it

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Why offering your perspective is different from taking the work back

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How delayed feedback can turn a simple conversation into a much bigger problem

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Why caring about your team can sometimes become an excuse for avoiding difficult conversations

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How to determine whether you're dealing with a people problem, a role problem, or a leadership/process problem

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When you have to accept that someone simply isn't the right fit for the role

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Why examining your own leadership doesn't mean taking responsibility for every failed hire

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What Michelle does differently today as she leads her design firm

A question to ask yourself

If you're frustrated with someone on your team right now, don't start with:

"Is she a good employee or a bad employee?"

Instead, look at the role.

Ask yourself:

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What has actually been made clear?

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What authority does she have?

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What feedback has she received?

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What support has been provided?

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Does the process actually support the work?

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Have I communicated what needs to be communicated?

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Have I given her enough room to make decisions?

If you've done those things and the same problem continues, you may finally have the information you need to address the person or the fit with confidence.

Because sometimes the answer is better direction.

Sometimes it's a better role.

And sometimes, uncomfortable as it may be, it's a different person.

The bigger lesson

Hiring isn't simply a way to purchase more capacity.

Hiring is a commitment to lead.

When someone joins your company, they're stepping into your clients, your history, your standards, your processes—and all of the assumptions you may not even realize you've made.

Your job as the owner is to make as much of that invisible information visible as you reasonably can.

Standards need to be stated. Responsibilities need to be clear. Processes need to be documented. Feedback needs to happen while it can still be useful. And authority needs to accompany responsibility.

Because the goal isn't to create a team that thinks exactly like you.

It's to create a business where talented people can make good decisions without needing the owner to be the answer to everything.

Work With Michelle

If you're in the middle of a team situation and you're too close to it to tell whether you have a people problem, a role problem, or a leadership problem, private coaching can help you step back, separate the facts from the frustration, and determine what needs to change.

Learn more about working with Michelle here: https://thedesignbakehouse.com/private-coaching

Keep Listening

This episode is part of Michelle's series about the parts of business ownership nobody warned us about—the messy, uncomfortable, and surprisingly valuable lessons that come with growing a company.

Because sometimes you don't need another business strategy.

You need to be willing to look at what your business is showing you.

You started your interior design business because you love design. You wanted to create beautiful spaces, work with clients, and build something of your own.

But somewhere along the way, the business grew… and your job changed.

Suddenly, you're spending less time designing and more time managing people, making financial decisions, building processes, and carrying the responsibility for everything happening inside your firm.

And nobody really warned you that this was part of the deal.

In this first episode of my new series, Nobody Warned Me About This Part, I'm getting honest about what happens when the business you built around your talent starts requiring something entirely different from you.

I'll share my own evolution from doing everything myself at by Michelle Lynn to leading ML Interiors Group, why stepping away from design was both liberating and surprisingly emotional, and what it really means to transition from being the designer to being the business owner.

Because here's the thing: Growth isn't just more clients, bigger projects, or a larger team. It's a transfer of responsibility. And the work doesn't disappear just because someone else is doing the designing.

We'll talk about:

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Why the role of the owner changes as an interior design firm grows.

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The emotional challenge of stepping away from the creative work that built your reputation.

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Why leadership, pricing, processes, and capacity planning are not overhead. They're the work.

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The uncomfortable middle stage where you have a team but still feel responsible for every decision.

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How staying involved in every detail can unintentionally turn you into the bottleneck.

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The difference between having high standards and communicating those standards effectively.

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Why hiring more people doesn't automatically create freedom.

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How to determine whether you actually want to lead a larger firm or prefer a business that keeps you closer to the design work.

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The questions every interior design business owner should ask before pursuing the next level of growth.

The question to consider: If your business doubled over the next two years, how would your daily job change? And would you actually want the life that comes with it?

Because there is no one-size-fits-all definition of success. You get to decide what kind of business you want to build.

Ready for Support?

If you're navigating the transition from designer to business owner and need help figuring out your role, your team, or what comes next for your firm, private coaching with Michelle Lynne can help you get clarity and create a business that supports the life you actually want.

Explore Private Coaching with Michelle Lynne at https://thedesignbakehouse.com/private-coaching.

Connect with Michelle

Follow Michelle Lynne here at the Designed for the Creative Mind podcast for more honest conversations about the business behind the beautiful designs.

This is the part nobody warned us about. And it's worth talking about.

Being an interior designer and being an interior design business owner are two very different jobs. Have you actually decided which one you want?

We talk a lot about the dream of owning an interior design firm: creative freedom, choosing your clients, setting your own schedule, and building something that is completely yours.

And those things can absolutely be part of business ownership.

But there's another side of the equation that doesn't always make it into the Instagram caption.

Because when you own the business, you're not just the designer. You're also the salesperson, financial manager, problem solver, technology department, decision-maker, and the person who ultimately has to deal with whatever goes sideways.

In this episode, Michelle Lynne gets very honest about what it actually means to own an interior design business—and asks a question that more designers should be asking:

Do you actually want to own a business, or do you want to be an interior designer?

Neither answer is wrong.

Working for an established design firm can offer the opportunity to focus on the creative work without carrying the full weight of sales, finances, operations, and business risk. And for some designers, that may genuinely be the career they want.

For others, the autonomy and opportunity that comes with ownership are worth the responsibility and uncertainty.

The important thing is knowing which one you're actually choosing—and making that decision based on the life and work you want, rather than what sounds more ambitious or impressive.

In this episode, Michelle talks about:

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The difference between being an interior designer and being an interior design business owner

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Why design is only one part of the job when you own the firm

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The reality of being responsible for sales, finances, technology, and problem-solving

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Why impressive revenue numbers don't necessarily mean a business is profitable

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The personal development that comes with putting yourself—and your work—out there

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Rejection, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and vulnerability as a business owner

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The financial risk and uncertainty that come with starting a firm

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Why working for another design firm is not a fallback or a failure

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What you can learn by working inside an established design business

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How to think about ownership versus employment based on the actual life you want

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Why you're allowed to change your mind about the path you've chosen

The question to sit with:

What do you want your actual days to look like?

If you want to spend most of your time sourcing, designing, presenting, and installing, working inside an established firm may be exactly what you're looking for.

If you want to build something that's yours, make the decisions, take the risk, and reap the rewards—and you're willing to engage with the unglamorous parts of running a business—ownership may be the path for you.

There's no prize for choosing the harder option.

There's no shame in changing your mind.

And there's certainly no reason to build a business simply because everyone around you says that's what successful designers are supposed to do.

Choose the career that actually fits the life you want to live.

Want to work with Michelle?

If you're wrestling with whether to start, grow, change, or rethink your interior design business, private coaching gives you the opportunity to look at your specific situation—including your goals, numbers, circumstances, and what you actually want your work and life to look like.

Learn more about private coaching with Michelle Lynne by visiting https://thedesignbakehouse.com/private-coaching

Share this episode

Know an interior designer who's trying to figure out whether they actually want to own a business?

Send this episode their way. Sometimes the most useful thing we can give someone isn't permission to make a particular choice—it's a clearer picture of the choice they're actually making.

What if the real measure of a successful design firm isn't how much the principal can personally accomplish—but how well the business operates when they're not there?

In this episode of The Art of Being Principal, Michelle Lynne and Katie Decker-Erickson have one of their trademark conversations: part business strategy, part leadership lesson, and part "how did we get on this subject?"

They dive into why strong operations are so important for design firms, especially as a business grows beyond the principal doing everything herself. From documenting processes and empowering your team to conducting project postmortems and creating space to step away, they explore what it actually takes to build a firm that can function without you.

And yes, they talk about Fiji.

Michelle shares her "Fiji Factor"—the idea that if she and her lead designer could disappear to Fiji tomorrow, the business should still be able to operate. Katie adds her own twist: processes should be consistent, but not so rigid that there's no room for the unique needs of a luxury client or the lessons you learn along the way.

The conversation also gets into one of the biggest leadership shifts a principal can make: stopping yourself from being the person who solves every problem.

Because when your team has responsibility and the authority to make decisions, something important happens. You get your time back. Your team gets stronger. And the business becomes less dependent on you.

In this episode, Michelle and Katie talk about:

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Why documented processes are essential—even for small and solo design firms

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The "Fiji Factor" and why your business should be able to function without you

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Why 90% of your process should stay consistent while leaving room for the other 10%

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Charging appropriately for high-maintenance or high-touch clients

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How to stop being the person who has to know and solve everything

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The difference between responsibility and authority when managing a team

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Why hiring for "care" and character can matter more than hiring for every skill on the job description

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How to trust your team while still having checks and balances

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Why project postmortems should capture what went RIGHT—not just what went wrong

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How to recognize when an old process no longer serves your clients or your firm

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The importance of auditing your processes, subscriptions, tools, and systems

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Why the right tools can save you from working harder just to get the same result

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How creating white space in your business gives you room to think, create, and breathe

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Why principals need to take real time away from the business

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The connection between good operations, sustainability, and actually enjoying your business again

One of the biggest takeaways from the conversation is simple:

Operations may not sound sexy, but they're what give you the freedom to build the business—and the life—you actually want.

Whether you want to grow a seven-figure firm, take six clients a year, spend more time designing, or simply be able to take a vacation without your phone exploding, the goal is the same: build a business that doesn't require you to hold every piece in your head.

And sometimes, the best leadership move you can make is to step back and let your people figure it out.

Because you don't have to know everything.

You don't have to solve everything.

And your business shouldn't need you to do everything.

Connect with Us

You can learn more about Michelle by visiting https://thedesignbakehouse.com/ or following her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/by_michelle_lynne/ You can learn more about Katie by visiting https://successbydesign.coach/ or following her on IG: https://www.instagram.com/successbydesign_coach_podcast/ Want to get on the waitlist for Sidemark 2.0? This software will be THE software to run your entire interior design business. A true all-in-one. https://api.mysidemark.com/widget/form/4Ug6Rgg2uqCX0MydoJ2v?notrack=true

Have you ever looked around at other interior designers and thought, What do they know that I don't?

They're booked out. Their projects look incredible. Their social media is polished. They seem confident, successful, and completely on top of their business.

Meanwhile, you're staring at a quiet pipeline, difficult clients, late shipments, team issues, or a slow month and wondering if you're doing something terribly wrong.

In this final episode of Tended, Michelle Lynne gets unusually honest about a season when her own business looked successful from the outside—but felt anything but successful on the inside.

After unexpectedly losing two key team members in 2023, navigating the launch of Studio Works and Sidemark, and then experiencing a prolonged slowdown in leads through 2024 and 2025, Michelle found herself questioning everything—including whether she should walk away from her design firm altogether.

And yet, if you had followed ML Interiors Group on social media during that time, you probably would have had no idea.

The projects were still being photographed. The posts were still going out. The business was still moving.

That's the point.

You are comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel.

And that comparison can lead you to make decisions based on information you don't actually have.

In this episode, Michelle talks about:

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What it feels like to go through a genuinely difficult season while your business still looks successful from the outside

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Why social media gives you an incomplete picture of another designer's business

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The danger of assuming that a designer who is "swamped" is necessarily profitable or successful

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Why busyness and business success are not the same thing

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How industry events and conversations at market can fuel comparison

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Why year-end highlight reels can make a slow season feel even worse

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How Michelle pulled herself out of the comparison spiral by returning to her own numbers, pipeline, margins, clients, marketing, and team

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The difference between learning from another designer and reshaping your business because of what you see them doing

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Why slow seasons don't necessarily mean you're falling behind

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The reminder that you are not uniquely behind and probably aren't missing some magical secret everyone else has figured out

The big takeaway

The version of someone else's business that you can see is always edited.

You don't know their margins. You don't know their client relationships. You don't know whether they're profitable. You don't know what is happening behind the beautiful project photos or the confident conversation at market.

So before you change your positioning, blow up your brand, restructure your services, or decide that everyone else has figured something out that you haven't, come back to your own business.

Look at your actual numbers. Your pipeline. Your margins. Your clients. Your marketing. Your team. Your goals.

Your business needs a North Star—not a comparison.

And perhaps most importantly, remember:

You are not separate from your business.

Tending to yourself isn't the soft work or the extra work. It's part of the work.

Running an interior design firm is hard. You don't have to pretend otherwise.

Ready for support?

If this episode—and the entire Tended series—hit a little too close to home, private coaching may be the right next step.

Michelle works with interior designers who want experienced guidance from someone who understands the realities of building and running a design firm.

Learn more about Private Coaching at Design Bakehouse.

Join Michelle at the Northeast Design Conference

Michelle will be speaking at the Northeastern Design Conference during the first week of October.

Use code MICHELLE10 for 10% off your registration.

Check the show notes for conference details and registration information.

Saying no doesn't come naturally to most people—and it certainly didn't come naturally to Michelle.

In this episode of Tended, Michelle makes the business case for one of the hardest words for interior designers to say: no.

Because every yes has a cost.

Whether it's taking on a client you knew wasn't the right fit, quietly absorbing scope creep, accepting projects you've outgrown, or saying yes to every personal request outside of work, the easy yes often creates a much bigger problem down the road.

Michelle breaks down why designers struggle to say no, what's really underneath those yeses, and how creating stronger structures and boundaries can protect your time, energy, and business.

She also gets personal about the guilt that can come with saying no at home—and why honoring your capacity isn't selfish or neglectful. It can actually be one of the most intentional things you do for yourself, your family, and your business.

In this episode, Michelle talks about:

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Why saying no is a skill, not a personality trait

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The hidden cost of taking on a client you knew wasn't the right fit

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How "small" yeses turn into scope creep and unpaid work

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Why scope creep is often a communication and structure problem—not a client problem

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What happens when your firm outgrows the kinds of projects you used to accept

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How scarcity fear can cause you to make today's decisions based on an old version of your business

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Why saying no creates space for better-fit clients and projects

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The connection between business boundaries and personal boundaries

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Why "no" doesn't require an apology or a lengthy explanation

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How to practice saying no in low-stakes situations before you need the skill in a high-stakes one

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Why the way you feel after a well-held no is valuable data

The big takeaway

The yes you give to avoid discomfort today may be creating a much bigger problem for yourself tomorrow.

A well-held no creates space—for the right clients, the right projects, the right pace of growth, and a business you actually want to stay in for the long run.

And remember: "No" is a complete sentence.

Work with Michelle

Visit our website at https://thedesignbakehouse.com/private-coaching to learn more about how you can work with Michelle 1-1.

You've probably heard all the advice: get more sleep, exercise, drink more water, take a vacation, take better care of yourself.

But what if you're doing some of those things and you're still exhausted?

In this episode of Design for the Creative Mind, Michelle Lynne takes a deeper look at the difference between being tired from working hard and being depleted by the way your business is operating.

Because sometimes the problem isn't that you need more rest. It's that your energy is being spent in places that aren't serving you.

Michelle walks through the hidden energy drains she sees in interior design business owners—from difficult or misaligned clients to social media comparison, overfunctioning as an owner, and the expectation that you should always be available.

She also talks about an important distinction between recovery and restoration. Recovery stops the drain. Restoration actually puts something back in the tank. And as a business owner, you need both.

Most importantly, Michelle gives you a simple exercise you can use this week: an energy audit. Pay attention to what takes your energy and what gives it back. Then use that information the same way you would use any other business data—to make better decisions about where your time, attention, and energy belong.

In this episode, we talk about:

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The difference between normal tiredness and deeper depletion

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Why misalignment can leave you exhausted even when you're getting enough rest

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How the wrong clients can drain more than your time—they can drain your confidence and creativity

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The comparison spiral created by social media

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Why overfunctioning as a business owner keeps you stuck in the day-to-day

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The hidden cost of being constantly available to clients and vendors

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How setting communication boundaries can actually strengthen client relationships

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The difference between recovery and restoration

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What Michelle has discovered actually restores her energy

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Why unstructured time and "white space" matter for business owners

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How to conduct your own one-week energy audit

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Why your energy is a business metric worth paying attention to

Your takeaway: You are a business asset. Your energy is one of the most important inputs in your business—and you deserve to know where it's going.

If this conversation hit close to home and you're ready to build a business you can actually sustain, visit thedesignbakehouse.com and click the Coaching tab to learn more about working with Michelle.

Design for the Creative Mind is hosted by Michelle Lynne, founder of The Interior Design Business Bakery.

What happens when four professionals in the design industry meet by chance, become fast friends, and decide to use their collective talents to give back?

Meet the Design Besties: Nikki Watson, Lori Johnson, Robin DelaCruz, and Whitney Atkinson.

What started with a chance meeting at the Vacation Rental Design Summit quickly turned into a daily group text, a genuine friendship, and eventually a nonprofit with a big mission: transforming teachers' lounges into beautiful, restorative spaces that give educators a place to recharge.

In this episode, Michelle sits down with the four creatives behind the Design Besties to talk about how their friendship came together, what makes their collaboration work so well, and why they believe there is always room at the table.

They share the story behind their first teachers' lounge makeover, the emotional response from the teachers, and how that experience turned a passion project into a national mission. The Design Besties are now working toward bringing their work to all 50 states.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

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How four professionals from different areas of the design industry became the Design Besties

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The unexpected project that inspired them to create their nonprofit

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Why teachers' lounges became the focus of their service work

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How each Bestie brings a different strength to the team

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What makes their collaboration work without ego or competition

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The importance of creating welcoming spaces and making sure there's always room at the table

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How they're working to scale the Design Besties nationally

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The power of using your professional skills to serve others

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Why adult friendship and genuine community can be such a gift

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How designers and brands can get involved through donations, sponsorships, volunteering, and spreading the word

Meet the Design Besties (full bios below)

Rhobin DelaCruz

Interior designer. Creative instigator. Vibe curator. Rhobin has designed for names like GQ, TED, and MTV - but his real flex is helping clients create bold, joy-filled spaces that feel like them (just with better lighting and cuter pillows). Born in SoCal, thriving in NYC, Rhobin mixes West Coast chill with East Coast edge, all wrapped in global inspiration and a love for real estate, storytelling, and saying what everyone else is thinking.

Business name-- Rhobin DelaCruz Designs Email rhobin@rhobindelacruz.comInsta: @rhobindelacruzdesigns Website: www.rhobindelacruz.com

Lori Johnson

Lori Johnson is a Dallas-based fine artist whose abstract work blends soft layers of color and texture to explore beauty, transformation, and connection. Featured on Bargain Mansions (HGTV, Magnolia Network, A&E) and sold nationally at HomeGoods and HomeSense, her art invites reflection and emotional connection. Represented at Dallas Market Center through McStudios and Ethan & Associates, Lori collaborates with designers, retailers, and lifestyle brands. She recently partnered with Denim Manor and Wexel Art to launch a line of textile fabrics for interiors, fashion, and home décor.

Business name- Lori Johnson Artist, Collaborator and Creative Email Info@lorijohnsonart.com Insta: @lorijohnsonfineart Website: www.lorijohnsonfineart.com

Nikki Watson

Nikki Watson is the founder of The Design Quad, Dallas's leading home staging and design firm. What began with $10 borrowed from her mother has grown into the nation's largest-volume staging company, with more than 300 homes staged at once across Dallas–Fort Worth. Her work has been featured on HGTV, A&E, Max, and international outlets. Known for her motto "Create, Inspire, and Serve," Nikki has built service into her brand's DNA, supporting community charities while redefining home staging, design, flooring, and remodeling.

Business name-- The Design Quad Email nikki@nikkiwatson.netInsta: @iamnikkiwatson Website: www.nikkiwatson.net

Whitney Atkinson

Whitney Atkinson, founder and inventor of WUGS Weighted Rugs and WILLOWS Weighted Outdoor Pillows, is a Gulf Coast native blending function with style. With a background in interior and commercial design, she created the first weighted rug to solve slipping, curling, and outdoor durability. Her weighted pillows also withstand harsh weather while staying beautifully in place. Whitney's innovative products reimagine everyday living by offering solutions that are both practical and design-forward.

Business name- - Founder & Inventor of WUGS & WILLOWS Email whit@wugsweightedrugs.com Insta: @whitney_atkinson Website: http://www.wugsweightedrugs.com

Want to Get Involved?

The Design Besties are looking for schools, brands, designers, donors, and supporters who want to help them bring beautiful, wellness-focused teachers' lounges to communities across the country.

Visit their website to learn more, apply for a school makeover, explore sponsorship opportunities, donate, and follow their work.

Email: besties@thedesignbesties.org Website: http://thedesignbesties.orgFacebook: The Design Besties Instagram: @the_designbesties

Check out our latest campaign: Grizzlies Prep Teachers' Lounge Movement

And remember: there's always room at the table.

As business owners, we're really good at taking care of everything else.

We protect our clients, our teams, our projects, our cash flow, our systems, and our businesses—but somehow, we put ourselves at the bottom of the list.

In this episode of Tended, Michelle Lynne gets personal about what happens when the person running the business is running on empty. From skipping appointments and sacrificing sleep to giving up movement and carrying the mental load of both business and family, Michelle shares her own struggles with putting self-care into practice.

Because for a business owner, burnout doesn't always look like collapsing. Sometimes it looks like shorter patience, harder decisions, less creativity, resentment toward the business you built, or simply sitting at your desk for hours without actually accomplishing much.

And when you're a sole proprietor or small firm owner, you're often the single point of failure. If you go down, the business goes down with you.

This episode is a reminder that taking care of yourself isn't a distraction from your responsibilities. It's what makes you capable of meeting them.

In this episode, Michelle talks about:

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Why business owners are often the first to protect everything except themselves

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The "oxygen mask" analogy and why it applies so directly to entrepreneurship

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What running on empty actually looks like before you reach full-blown burnout

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How exhaustion can affect your patience, creativity, decision-making, and relationships

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Why sleep isn't a luxury or a badge of honor—and what you're losing when you consistently sacrifice it

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Michelle's experience of stopping exercise and realizing that movement was about far more than aesthetics

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Why regular movement can be a form of business maintenance

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The difference between being busy and actually contributing

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How the "first one in, last one out" mentality from corporate life can follow you into entrepreneurship

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Why the work will never truly be finished—and why waiting until everything is handled before resting doesn't work

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The impact of your relationship with work on your team and your family

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Why ambition and health don't have to be opposites

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How being rested, fed, and physically cared for can make you a better leader and business owner

A question to take with you

If your business systems went down tomorrow, you'd do whatever it took to fix them. When was the last time you applied that same logic to yourself?

You are not a distraction from your business.

You are the person who makes the business possible.

Want support beyond the strategy?

Michelle's private coaching works with interior designers on more than just the numbers and business strategy. It's about the owner behind the business, too—creating a business that works within the reality of your life and learning how to lead well while carrying a heavy load.

Learn more about private coaching at The Design Bakehouse.

And if you're sitting at your desk right now staring at your computer but not actually getting anything done, take Michelle's advice: get up. Stretch. Move.

You don't have to earn rest.

You have to tend to yourself.

In this episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, Michelle welcomes back website strategist Robyn White of RDW Design Studio to talk about one of the biggest questions interior designers ask:

"Why aren't I attracting more affluent clients?"

Spoiler alert: it probably isn't your pricing.

Robyn specializes in helping interior designers position themselves to attract premium clientele, and she shares the five biggest reasons your website may be sending the wrong message—even if your work is exceptional.

Together, Michelle and Robyn discuss why affluent clients buy differently, how trust matters more than luxury buzzwords, and why your website should communicate confidence, ease, and expertise long before a consultation ever happens.

If you're ready to elevate your brand, attract better-fit clients, and create an online presence that reflects the level of work you truly do, this episode is packed with practical insights you can implement immediately.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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Why your website—not your pricing—may be costing you affluent clients.

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What "perception misalignment" is and how it quietly drives away premium prospects.

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How luxury clients evaluate trust before they ever contact a designer.

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Why your messaging should shape perception instead of simply explaining your services.

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The importance of speaking to your ideal client instead of trying to appeal to everyone.

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How your portfolio can either elevate or dilute your positioning.

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The subtle design elements that create a truly premium online experience.

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When it's time to invest in a website refresh—and when DIY is perfectly acceptable.

Key Takeaways

Affluent clients aren't looking for the cheapest designer—they're looking for the one they trust most.

Your website should communicate:

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Confidence

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Expertise

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Simplicity

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Exclusivity

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A seamless client experience

The goal isn't to convince people to hire you. It's to create an online presence that makes the right clients feel like you're the obvious choice.

Resources Mentioned

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Luxury Client Website Appraisal (complimentary personalized website review): https://rdwdesignstudio.com/luxury-client-website-appraisal/

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Connect with Robyn on Instagram: @rdwdesignstudio

Connect with Michelle

If today's conversation made you rethink your own website, remember that attracting great clients starts long before the consultation. Building the right systems, messaging, and client experience will help you create a business that's not only profitable—but enjoyable to run. Visit our website at https://thedesignbakehouse.com/.

Everywhere you look, someone has a new opinion about AI and the future of interior design. One expert says AI will replace designers. Another says it never could. The constant stream of predictions, hot takes, and fear-based headlines can leave even experienced designers questioning their business.

But what if AI isn't actually the problem?

In this episode, Michelle Lynne explores why the biggest threat to your business isn't artificial intelligence—it's allowing industry noise to distract you from strengthening the fundamentals of your own firm. She breaks down what AI has actually changed for clients, what it means for design businesses, and why clarity around your positioning, pricing, and process matters now more than ever.

If you've been feeling anxious about where the industry is headed, this conversation will help you separate fear from fact and refocus on what truly moves your business forward.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

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Why AI isn't replacing established interior designers—but it is exposing weaknesses in some business models.

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How AI is changing client expectations before they ever contact a designer.

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Why education has become an even more valuable part of your sales process.

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The biggest pricing mistake designers make when using AI tools.

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How to differentiate yourself when AI can generate beautiful concepts in seconds.

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The difference between reacting to industry noise and making strategic business decisions.

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The questions every designer should ask to evaluate the health of their business.

Key Takeaways AI has changed the client journey.

Today's clients often arrive with AI-generated inspiration, stronger opinions, and more visual references than ever before. That doesn't replace your expertise—it simply changes where education happens in the relationship.

Faster work shouldn't mean lower profits.

If AI allows you to complete design work more efficiently while you're still charging hourly, you're actually reducing your earning potential. Efficiency increases value—it shouldn't decrease revenue.

Your real competitive advantage isn't your deliverables.

AI can generate beautiful presentations, but it can't replace experience, judgment, project management, vendor relationships, or the trust clients place in an expert to guide a complex renovation from beginning to end.

Don't let fear drive your business decisions.

Instead of obsessing over industry headlines, evaluate your own business. Strong positioning, profitable pricing, and clear processes will always matter more than the latest AI prediction.

Memorable Quote

"Stop letting the industry conversation set your emotional temperature. You're not the thermometer—you should be the thermostat."

Connect with Michelle Lynne

If today's episode made you realize your challenge isn't AI—it's gaining clarity around your pricing, positioning, or business model—Michelle's private coaching is designed to help you build a stronger, more profitable design firm. Learn more at The Design Bakehouse.

Enjoyed the Episode?

If this conversation resonated with you:

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Leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Share this episode with another interior designer who's feeling overwhelmed by all the AI conversation.

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Subscribe so you don't miss next week's episode on why hourly pricing has become even more problematic in the age of AI.

AI can generate a beautiful mood board in seconds.

But that's not what clients are actually hiring you for.

In this episode, Michelle Lynne kicks off a brand-new series exploring what artificial intelligence really means for interior designers. Spoiler alert: this isn't another conversation about the latest AI tools or which software you should be using.

Instead, Michelle dives into a much bigger question:

What are clients actually paying you for?

If you've been feeling uneasy watching AI create room concepts, layouts, and design inspiration at lightning speed, this episode will help you shift your perspective. Because while technology can generate images, it can't replace your judgment, experience, relationships, project management, or ability to navigate the countless decisions that make a project successful.

This conversation is about moving beyond deliverables and learning to communicate the real value you bring to every project.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

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Why AI isn't replacing interior designers—it's exposing weak positioning.

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The difference between selling deliverables and selling expertise.

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The "Deliverable Trap" many designers unknowingly fall into.

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What luxury clients are actually paying for when they hire a designer.

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Why procurement is one of the most undervalued services in the industry.

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How better messaging leads to stronger pricing.

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Questions every designer should ask to clarify their true value.

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Why this moment is an opportunity—not a threat—for established firms.

Key Takeaway

Your clients aren't paying for mood boards.

They're paying for confidence, leadership, problem-solving, experience, and the ability to guide a complex project from start to finish without costly mistakes.

The clearer you become about that value, the less threatened you'll feel by AI—and the easier it becomes to confidently communicate your worth.

Mentioned in This Episode

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The Art of Being the Principal: Be In the Room — An immersive one-day event for established interior design firm owners focused on operations, sales, marketing, profitability, and leadership.

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Private Coaching with Michelle Lynne — Personalized coaching designed to help interior designers strengthen their positioning, pricing, and business strategy.

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Sidemark — Marketing, sales, and operations software built specifically for interior designers.

Connect with Michelle

If you're ready to build a business that's as strong as the spaces you design, explore Michelle's coaching, resources, and software through the links in the show notes.

If You Enjoyed This Episode

If this episode challenged the way you think about your business, share it with another interior designer who needs to hear it.

And if you haven't already, follow the podcast and leave a review. It helps more designers discover the conversations that move our industry forward.

Many interior designers wear "referral-only" like a badge of honor—but what happens when the referrals stop?

In this episode of The Art of Being Principal Series, Michelle Lynne and Katie Decker-Erickson unpack one of the biggest misconceptions in the design industry: that referrals alone are enough to build a sustainable business.

The truth? Referrals are wonderful—but they're not a strategy.

If you want consistent revenue, predictable growth, healthy profit, and the ability to actually step into the role of Principal Designer, your business needs a marketing engine that works even when you're busy serving clients.

Michelle and Katie share candid stories from their own firms, discuss why consistency always beats bursts of activity, and explain how sales, marketing, operations, and financial systems all work together to create a business that supports the life you actually want.

Whether you're trying to grow your firm, build a stronger pipeline, or simply stop wondering where your next project will come from, this episode will help you think differently about marketing—and your role as the leader of your business.

In this episode, we discuss:

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Why "referral-only" isn't a long-term growth strategy

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The real reason marketing should never be the first thing you cut

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Building a consistent pipeline instead of riding the referral roller coaster

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How blogs, email marketing, Pinterest, SEO, and social media work together

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Why repurposing content is smarter than constantly creating new content

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The importance of owning your audience through email marketing

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Creating systems that support sales instead of relying on memory

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How strong operations and financial planning support sustainable growth

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Defining success on your own terms—not someone else's Instagram feed

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Why the ultimate luxury isn't more money—it's having the freedom to design your life

Memorable Quote

"Luxury is having the time to think, read, wander, and romanticize your life."

Resources Mentioned

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Sidemark CRM & Marketing Platform

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Claude AI

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ChatGPT

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The Other Side of Change: Who We Become When Life Makes Other Plans by Marian Ryan

Join Us in Dallas

If this conversation resonates with you, we'd love to see you at Be In The Room: The Art of Being Principal, a one-day immersive experience for established interior design firm owners.

Together, we'll dive deeper into the three pillars every successful firm needs:

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Sales & Marketing

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Operations

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Financials

This isn't another conference filled with theory. It's an intimate day of practical strategy, honest conversations, and real business building alongside other established firm owners.

Learn more HERE.

Procurement can either elevate the client experience or become the biggest bottleneck in your business. In this candid roundtable discussion, Michelle Lynne sits down with Alicia Taylor of Alicia Taylor Interiors, Ryann Swan of Ryan Swan Design, and Blair Ryan of The Dove Agency to talk about the realities of procurement in interior design firms.

From in-house teams to outsourced solutions, these powerhouse women share how they manage procurement, communicate with clients, charge for their services, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're a solo designer or leading a growing team, this conversation will help you create a procurement process that supports both profitability and exceptional client experiences.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

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The different procurement models designers are using today

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The pros and cons of keeping procurement in-house vs. outsourcing

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How firm size and market influence procurement decisions

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Why clear processes and communication are critical to success

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The importance of creating seamless client experiences during procurement

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How regular client updates reduce stress and build trust

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Common areas where procurement processes break down

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The connection between procurement and bookkeeping—and why it matters

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Why every designer should be charging a procurement fee

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Various ways firms structure procurement and installation fees

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How to communicate procurement fees to clients without pushback

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Mistakes designers make when scaling procurement operations

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The systems and software that keep procurement organized and profitable

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Why specialization within your team can reduce costly errors

Key Takeaways:

✨ There is no one-size-fits-all procurement model. The right process depends on your market, team structure, and business goals.

✨ Procurement isn't just "placing orders"—it's an ongoing service that requires communication, problem-solving, and project management.

✨ Consistent client communication is one of the most important elements of a luxury client experience.

✨ If your procurement team and bookkeeping team aren't communicating, you're likely losing money.

✨ Designers should be compensated for procurement work. Failing to charge for procurement means leaving money on the table.

✨ Systems, processes, and clearly defined roles are essential as your business grows.

Memorable Quotes:

"It's death by a thousand cuts if procurement and bookkeeping aren't talking." – Blair Ryan

"Designers design. That's where the money is made." – Michelle Lynne

"No one really wants to see how the sausage is made." – Alicia Taylor

Connect with Our Guests:

Alicia Taylor Interiors Instagram: @aliciataylorinteriors Website: aliciataylor.com

Ryann Swan Design Instagram: @ryannswan Website: ryannswandesign.com

The Dove Agency Instagram: @thedoveagency Website: thedoveagency.com

Learn more about an upcoming in-person event:

The Art of Being the Principal: Be In The Room Event

If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow designer and leave a review. There are plenty of ugly houses for all of us!

Are your prospective clients taking longer to sign contracts? Are projects stretching across years instead of months? Are clients questioning purchases, breaking projects into phases, or running your designs through AI before making decisions?

In this episode of Business Behind the Design, Michelle Lynne is joined by Ruth Ann Jansen, Melissa Lee, and Erika Bonnell for an honest conversation about the realities interior designers are facing right now.

The panel discusses how shifting client behavior, economic uncertainty, AI, and increased competition are changing the design industry—and the strategies successful firms are using to protect their time, maintain profitability, and continue delivering exceptional client experiences.

From contract clauses and project pause fees to vendor relationships, luxury client experiences, and the growing importance of human connection in an AI-driven world, this conversation offers practical insights for designers looking to navigate today's market with confidence.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

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Why clients are taking longer to make decisions than ever before

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The impact of AI on the interior design industry

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How designers are protecting themselves from stalled projects

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Contract clauses every firm should consider

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Why your design fee must stand on its own—even if furnishings never happen

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The risks of relying on furniture margins to make a project profitable

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How to structure fees for long-term custom home projects

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The growing appeal of procurement support and outsourcing

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Why relationships still matter more than technology

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How luxury firms are elevating the client experience

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Building stronger relationships with vendors, builders, and trades

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Why some firms are becoming more selective about the projects they accept

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The future of AI and interior design

Key Takeaways Clients Are More Analytical Than Ever

Designers across the industry are seeing clients spend more time researching, comparing options, and evaluating investments before committing. Economic uncertainty, increased competition, and access to AI tools are all contributing factors.

Protect Your Time with Clear Boundaries

Several panelists share how they're implementing project pause clauses, restart fees, contract expiration dates, and payment milestones to prevent projects from lingering indefinitely.

Design Fees Should Be Profitable on Their Own

One of the biggest mistakes newer designers make is reducing design fees in anticipation of earning profit through furnishings. The panel emphasizes the importance of pricing every service as a standalone offering.

AI Can't Replace Relationships

While AI may influence how clients research designers and products, the group agrees that successful projects still depend on expertise, experience, vendor relationships, and human connection.

The Client Experience Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Whether it's personalized gifts, thoughtful touchpoints, or simply understanding what matters most to clients, creating memorable experiences continues to set premium firms apart.

Go Deep, Not Wide

When it comes to vendors and product partners, building stronger relationships with fewer, carefully selected partners often creates better outcomes than constantly chasing new sources. Connect with Michelle You can check out our designer resources on The Design Bakehouse website or follow her over on IG @byMichelleLynne

Meet the Guests Ruth Ann Jansen

President of The Dove Agency, helping interior designers streamline operations and scale successfully. IG: @thedoveagency

Melissa Lee

Founder of New South Home, known for creating elevated, highly personalized client experiences while delivering beautifully designed homes. IG: @newsouthhome

Erika Bonnell

Founder of Erika Bonnell Interiors, specializing in luxury residential interiors and operational systems that keep projects moving efficiently. IG: erikabonnellinteriors

What if the experience you think makes you an outsider in the design industry is actually your greatest advantage?

In this episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, Michelle Lynne sits down with interior designer Katie Rainey to discuss her journey from Doctor of Physical Therapy to owner of a thriving interior design firm specializing in waterfront and lifestyle-driven homes.

Katies design philosophy is that beauty and function are necessities, not luxuries. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a background in human movement, she crafts spaces that are both beautiful and intuitively designed for real life.

She partners with busy families and professionals seeking solace in nature - whether by the water in Annapolis or in the mountains of New Hampshire - guiding them through the intricacies of a renovation or a new build. With deep construction knowledge, she collaborates closely with builders and architects to ensure seamless execution from concept to completion.

As part of a military family, Katie has lived across the U.S. and in Europe. She draws inspiration for her designs from this global design perspective, having lived in diverse landscapes.

Katie shares how she initially hid her medical background, believing it had little relevance to design, only to discover that her expertise in movement, ergonomics, and human behavior became one of her strongest differentiators. From designing custom solutions that improve clients' daily lives to building a business rooted in confidence, process, and professionalism, Katie offers valuable lessons for designers at every stage of business.

The conversation also explores networking, pricing, client communication, boundaries, and the mindset shifts that helped Katie transition from treating design as a passion to running it as a profitable business.

Whether you're transitioning from another career, struggling to communicate your value, or looking for encouragement to own your unique story, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and inspiration.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

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Katie's transition from physical therapy to interior design

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Why your previous career can become your biggest business advantage

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Using ergonomics and human movement to create more functional homes

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How Katie found her unique positioning in the design industry

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The mindset shift from hobbyist to business owner

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Learning to separate emotion from sales conversations

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The "Pass the Salt" approach to discussing money with clients

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Why clear processes create better client experiences

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Educating clients through deliverables and expectations

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The importance of boundaries and scope management

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Networking strategies that helped Katie build a business in a brand-new market

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How confidence and consistency lead to stronger business growth

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Balancing motherhood, business ownership, and personal fulfillment

Key Takeaways Your Past Experience Is Part of Your Expertise

Katie spent years downplaying her background as a physical therapist before realizing it gave her a unique perspective that directly benefits her clients. The skills, knowledge, and experiences from previous careers often become the very thing that sets designers apart.

Design Is More Than Making Things Beautiful

A successful design must function for the people who live in it. Katie's understanding of ergonomics and movement helps her create spaces that support her clients' lifestyles while remaining beautiful.

Confidence Comes from Process

One of Katie's biggest business breakthroughs came from developing a clear process and communicating it effectively. When clients understand what to expect, they feel more confident moving forward.

Networking Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

From introducing herself to architects to striking up conversations at the gym and ice rink, Katie demonstrates that meaningful business relationships often start with a simple conversation.

Business Growth Requires Personal Growth

Success isn't just about improving your design skills. It's about developing confidence, setting boundaries, understanding your value, and learning how to lead clients through decisions.

Memorable Quotes

"Own your background. Whatever you did before design, there's something there that makes you a better designer."

"If it looks beautiful but doesn't function for you, what's the point?"

"You're not trying to convince clients to hire you. You're guiding them as the expert."

"We are a for-profit company, not a non-profit."

"We're most memorable in person, not behind our computer."

"Whoever is going to hire me isn't going to hire you because I'm not you and you're not me."

Connect with Katie Rainey

Website: katieraineydesign.com

Instagram: @katieraineydesign

Facebook: Katie Rainey Design

Connect with Michelle Lynne

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow interior designer who could benefit from today's conversation.

For coaching, mentorship, and business resources for interior designers, visit our website at http://thedesignbakehouse.com.

Loved This Episode?

Leave a review and share this episode with another designer who needs the reminder that their unique background isn't something to hide—it's something to build on.