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When business gets slow, do you feel like the scarcity mindset kicks in, and you start freaking out about how you are going to generate more money? Feeling anxious and helpless about finances won’t solve your problems. It’s time to stop sulking in bed, take back the power, and make some changes to generate new forms of revenue.  In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:  Not letting fear or ego get in the way when pivoting Getting certain work out of the way so you can bill for it Bootstrapping new opportunities if you are in a pinch Making energetic changes in your environment and in yourself Creating newsletters that are interesting and simple Why you need to call past clients, contractors, and vendors Mentioned: We Should All Be Millionaires Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon

How do you overcome FOMO when you have to say “no” to new opportunities that come your way? How do you develop your self-concept, when you were accustomed to working in a strict, corporate environment before becoming a designer? What should you expect when going to trade show events, like High Point Market? In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Rachel Moriarty of Rachel Moriarty Interiors, to discuss: The difficulties in saying “no” to cool opportunities that present themselves Being like a diamond and performing well under pressure A.I. renderings and how crazy realistic they look Rachel’s unique job history before becoming an interior designer Feeling exhausted after presentations and speeches Creating and fostering relationships with others in the industry Our experiences with the One Room Challenge Appreciating the perspectives of designers with different cultural and regional backgrounds High Point Market - It is huge and intimidating, but so worth it Mentioned: Rachel’s Instagram Rachel’s Website Rachel’s collection of mirrors Design Hounds One Room Challenge High Point Market Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

AI is here and it’s here to stay. If you’ve been ignoring everything artificial intelligence can do, we think you really need to start paying attention. Today, we chat about ways AI is changing the design industry and how your work may be affected. In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:  A recent article from Business of Home Why E-designers and illustrators should be worried Exploring an image-based AI system called Midjourney People selling design prompts to use with AI  The impressive copyrighting and research capabilities of ChatGPT The integration of AI plugins with various apps Using Canva’s newest AI features to change photos in unique ways How designers can compete with AI advancements and keep their jobs Mentioned: 7 ways AI will change the design industry for good Midjourney Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon 

Are you confusing clients by offering too many options and services? What do you do when the design is twice the original budget? How many projects can you realistically manage without employees? Today, we will be answering these questions along with some others.  In this episode, we talk about: Shifting your mindset when it comes to positioning your services Making the proposal specific to the client - tell them what they need Interior Define - should you trust their products Having a great relationship with your general contractor The best ways to receive payments from your clients Dealing with the complications of cabinetry Outsourcing tasks to nonemployees when needed The things you have to be willing to sacrifice when starting your business Why you need a contract  Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

How do you stand out in a sea of other designers that do similar work? How do you get more comfortable having money conversations with clients? How do you get better at selling and pricing your projects? We chat about this and more, with professional trainer and coach, Shannyn Lee. In this episode, we talk about: The things holding many designers back  How you can be meaningfully different from others in the industry Shifting your mindset and behavior when it come to sales Bringing vulnerability to the sales process The Jedi mantra Shannyn teaches to her clients Why selling is not gross - it is noble Owning and verbalizing fears in conversations with clients How to deal with pricing and discounting. Mentioned: Win Without Pitching Win Without Pitching Books Win Without Pitching Instagram E82 A Conversation With Linda Hayslett E81 How to talk to clients about money How we use our Procurement Guide Establishing A Decorating Budget Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Today we offer our thoughts on the emotional rollercoaster clients go through during renovations. As designers, we can’t control the rollercoaster, but we can definitely help keep the ride from going completely off track.  In this episode, we talk about: How podcasting is like having a whole other business Advising clients on the approximate timeline of the entire project Why we want to invest in port-a-potties and parking lots The point at which its easy to start imagining the actual design Having “oh crap” moments Doing our best to avoid mistakes and remedy the mistakes that arise Understanding that clients feel emotionally displaced during a home restoration Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

Have you taken into consideration the commitment you are making when signing a lease for a shop? How would you react to losing a vital member of your design team? Have you thought about offering different types of services and products in order to attract a variety of clients? We chat about this and more, with Katie Monkhouse of Katie Monkhouse Interior Design. In this episode, we talk about: Katie’s journey: From a career in fashion to then becoming an interior designer Underestimating the amount of work and commitment level required to have a shop Planning ahead of time versus just getting something done Losing a junior designer and a large project in the same day What Katie’s team looks like now, after re-assessing everything That happy dance feeling when someone makes a purchase on the website Diversifying revenue so you don't have to rely on client work all the time Not constantly giving away free advice Talking about how the current economy is affecting the design industry When to charge a flat fee versus when to charge hourly Mentioned: Katie’s Instagram Katie’s website Westpark Home Instagram Westpark Home website Millroad website Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

How do you manage hustling for design opportunities while also maintaining work-life balance? How do you overcome discriminatory work experiences at design firms who don’t value you? When do you know when it’s the right time to stop working as an employee and create your own business? We chat about this and more, with Abigail Marcelo Horace of Casa Marcelo. In this episode, we talk about: Seeking a more inclusive and less redundant, interior design environment Growing up in an artistic family and deciding to pursue interior design Meeting others who resonate with the discriminatory work experiences she had Changes that need to be made in the industry The rude, weird, and interesting experiences at past jobs we had before starting our businesses Offering a supportive work environment to our employees The benefits to owning your own business compared to working for a firm Mentioned: Casa Marcelo Website Abigail’s Instagram Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

In today’s episode, we share our experience at the recent 2023 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas. We talk about it all, the good, the bad, and the hangry!  In this episode, we talk about: The crazy amount of people at the convention center Our ideas on how KBIS can improve their customer experience Day 1 versus Day 2 of the show The things we enjoyed about our time at the show Interesting workstation sinks we saw The big disconnect between what brands are making and what the market wants Discussing whether we would go back to KBIS next year Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

In this episode, we discuss how having a Client Welcome Guide will not only offer clarity to your new clients, but it will also elevate your professionalism. Our Client Welcome Guide will help you onboard new clients in a productive and positive way! In this episode, we talk about: Avoiding messy communication with your new clients How having redundancies and over-communicating can help avoid confusion Offering a general roadmap of project phases and milestones  Giving the client a proper list of who to contact and how Why this is a great place for rules and reminders about finances Having a high touch experience with your new clients Mentioned: Client Welcome Guide Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

You’ve been told you can grow your business with Instagram and other social media platforms, but it feels like a drag. You spend time and energy on your posts, yet you don’t see results. We feel your pain! Today, we share other strategies you can use to get more eyes on your business! In this episode, we talk about: Feeling frustrated by the lack of engagement on social media  Why it’s normal to have a slowdown at the beginning of the year Always talking to people about what you do  Being specific about the type of work you are looking for Getting out of the shell you are always in  Giving away time and energy but not expecting immediate results Why you need to give people multiple clear pathways to contact you Having a strong understanding of each of your services Our newsletter goals and strategies Mentioned: Flodesk Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

How do you handle problematic contractors? How long are you spending at the client's home during the initial meeting? How comfortable are you being firm and stern with contractors and clients? We chat about this and more, with Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs. In this episode, we talk about: Her past careers in marketing and sales Previous misconceptions about interior designers  Going to school for interior design and getting experience working with different designers Waiting to get the projects she really wants How she is able to keep her client meetings under 15 meetings Her process of deciding what jobs she will take Honing your instincts as a new designer Why people should hire a designer before hiring a contractor Mentioned: Linda’s IG LH.Designs website This Game Room Has a Hidden Bar and Doubles as a Library This Outdoor Space Featuring Swinging Chairs and AstroTurf is an Entertainer’s Dream Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

Today we talk about the elephant in the room that becomes huge and awkward, when no one acknowledges it. That elephant’s name is “money.” In this episode,we are sharing ways you can have honest and comfortable conversations with your clients when it’s time to talk about their budget. In this episode, we talk about: Our personal money stories from the past Showing lack of confidence in money conversations The types of budget related, questions you should bring up to clients Why price is only a factor in the absence of value Ripping off the bandaid in less personal interactions Having your own minimum standards for your business How to react when payments are late or when they bounce Mentioned: Hiring & Recruiting Guide Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

In this episode we discuss why having a recruiting process in place will help you get past hiring hurdles. The Hiring & Recruiting Guide will guide you through the whole recruiting process so you can better grow your team and grow your business.  In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about: The two main positions that business owners hire for in the industry Getting the right information during interviews Offering the position to the candidate  What you need for new hire onboarding Getting to know your new employees Mentioned: Hiring & Recruiting Guide Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Today’s episode is all about reflecting, reviewing, and accessing the year 2022. We chat about the things we need to stop doing, some of our fondest memories, business and personal wins, and what is to come in 2023. Have a Happy New Year, Hotties! In this episode, we talk about: Planning too much versus not planning enough Needing a monthly newsletter and delegating more tasks The growing community of Hotties and the motivation it brings How having an office is a great reason to keep pushing forward What type of book keeper is the best Figuring out the best website platform to use Our specific goals for 2023 Adapting to feedback from our loyal podcast listeners Exciting plans for the podcast in 2023 Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Are you struggling with delegating responsibilities to your assistants, how to accept certain clients, and handling the finances of owning a design firm? We talk about all this with Joy Williams of Joyful Designs Studio. In this episode, we talk about: Wearing many hats but still delegating to others Hiring a Design Assistant versus a General Assistant Owning where you live and owning where you work Why designing show houses is great for creativity but difficult on the wallet Joy’s process of bringing on new clients Having the right people in place to help with finances and contracts Why designers need to educate their clients Mentioned: Joy’s Website  Joy’s Instagram Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Do you struggle when it comes to developing the presentations you show your clients? Lucky for you, you can stop struggling, because we have already done the work for you! With our Client Presentation Template, you will have an easy to follow, process that you and your clients will understand. In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about: Guiding you quickly and easily before and during the presentation Helpful advice on how to present to your clients Avoiding a hot mess situation An email template to send to the client before the presentation Understanding how the template works with an example  The benefits a template can bring to you and your team Mentioned: Client Presentation Template -  Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

We all have experienced exhaustion as designers in the last few years. With that said, we are grateful for some things that have come out of the challenging time we all have faced. There is nothing like adversity to bring people together.  In this episode, we talk about: The improvements vendors have made in the last few years Making choices based on the ease of ordering Loving 3D walkthrough showrooms on vendor websites The immersion of life and work Grateful to have more deep connections in person Why a room unphotographed, is a room failed Setting terrible expectations for the clients Problems in shipping Going to Las Vegas for KBIS Mentioned: KBIS Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

You need to stop comparing yourself to other designers out there. You don’t have to be published with all the accolades, in order to be considered a good designer.  In this episode, we talk about: The Full Service Approach - You need to experience it to understand it Comparing yourself to other designers Taking on a client is like a dating game Knowing who you are as a designer makes it easier to find the right client Figuring out your unique selling point and leaning into it  Finding your own motivation and intention Comparing a designers portfolio page versus the magazine they designed for Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

In this episode we discuss why having a specific time to review your year is vital to you and your business. Your Year In Review Workbook will guide you in creating a business retreat. The workbook also offers an easy-to-use, revenue planning calculator to help you figure out realistic numbers for your business. In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about: Retreating from your normal routines and location  Giving yourself space to think, access, plan and celebrate  Effectively reviewing a year of your business  This month’s download - Your Year In Review Workbook Figuring out revenue, expenses, and business goals Taking a whole day to do this review Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s Instagram  Shaun’s Instagram For more information - Check out the website Become a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon