In this insightful episode, Melissa Gault takes you deep into the often-overlooked question of "why" in your interior design business. She challenges the assumption that bigger is always better, highlighting the hidden costs and emotional toll that can come with growing a large team or expanding operations. Through personal stories, coaching examples, and real-life experiences, Melissa helps you explore whether what you really need is more, or simply different—and more aligned with what truly matters to you.

You’ll hear how letting go of the hustle and embracing a leaner, more intentional business model can actually lead to higher profits, more creativity, and greater personal satisfaction. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your design journey, this episode invites you to pause, reflect, and make sure your business is built to serve your goals—not someone else’s idea of success.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:23) Why one Scottsdale designer let go of her entire team and became more profitable and fulfilled
• (04:13) The truth about million-dollar revenue firms that don’t deliver six-figure personal incomes
• (07:01) The hidden costs of large teams and how overhead can eat away at your profit
• (13:32) How digital tools and remote contractors can help you scale smartly without growing payroll
• (24:18) The hard truths Melissa learned running her own retail store—and why a pop-up may be the smarter move
• (33:33) Why knowing what you want to do with your income will help you achieve it faster

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

Book a call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this episode of Design Business Freedom, you’ll discover how to authentically attract luxury-level clients without losing your voice, your sanity, or your sense of purpose. Melissa Gault dives deep into what high-end clients truly value—not just lavish finishes and designer names, but the refined, discreet experience you provide and the confidence you bring to your process.

Melissa redefines luxury from a mindset perspective, explaining how to position your interior design brand to stand out in the exclusive world of high net worth and ultra high net worth clients. From messaging to client management, you'll learn what it takes to be referred within tight circles and the surprising compromises you may need to make. This episode is a reality check and roadmap for designers who are ready to elevate and lead with authenticity.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:09) Why luxury is more about experience and clarity than high-end materials
• (02:24) The importance of discretion and low visibility for many ultra-high net worth clients
• (04:35) Lessons from Inventing Anna on navigating elite circles (without the fraud!)
• (07:25) What affluent clients actually want: tested processes, boundaries, and trust
• (08:12) The photography and testimonial restrictions you may face—and how to navigate them
• (18:22) Key red flags to avoid when working with high-end clients (like apologizing for your rates)

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• MarketingLuxuryDesign.com

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Marketing in the interior design industry has undergone a massive transformation, and in this powerful episode, Melissa dives into exactly what’s working in 2025 and how you can implement these strategies to attract high-quality, ready-to-invest clients. From shifting buyer behaviors and updated marketing platforms to creating a consistent and personal digital presence, you’ll learn the current must-dos and must-avoids to market your design business with confidence.

Melissa walks you through the core marketing channels making the biggest impact today—SEO, Pinterest, email, and strategic partnerships—and shares actionable insights on how to optimize your marketing with minimal overwhelm. Whether you're a seasoned designer or scaling your studio, this episode delivers a clear, strategic roadmap to help you get found by your dream clients, nurture them through your pipeline, and build a sustainable business you love.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:25) Why today's design clients care more about your process and values than just your portfolio
• (03:00) The importance of Google My Business and how to use it without breaking the bank
• (05:21) Why Pinterest has long-term marketing value—and how Melissa is doubling her traffic with minimal time
• (16:24) Using Instagram strategically through stories and DMs to show your vibe and attract ideal clients
• (19:00) A simple monthly email newsletter strategy that keeps leads warm without taking days to create
• (25:48) How one designer transformed her entire business through a builder partnership—and what you can learn from it

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Shawn Joshi for Google My Business Optimization: shawnjoshi.com

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Building an unforgettable client journey is one of the most powerful ways to boost your design firm's reputation and success. In this episode, you’ll learn how to create an experience that feels as luxurious and thoughtful as the spaces you design. Melissa walks you through the entire client journey, from the first website click to the final reveal, and shares how to transform your leads into loyal, raving fans.

You’ll discover how to attract your ideal clients, onboard them with intention, and keep them delighted every step of the way. Plus, Melissa offers real-world tips for clear communication, milestone celebrations, and gathering feedback that can skyrocket your brand’s buzz. If you’re ready to turn every project into a lasting relationship (and a referral engine), this episode is packed with the strategies you need!

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (00:55) Why your client journey is your brand in action — not just your workflow
• (04:08) How to ensure your website attracts (and qualifies) your ideal clients
• (09:45) Why setting expectations early prevents client frustrations later
• (19:02) The magic of a tangible welcome packet and why digital alone isn’t enough
• (23:45) How regular client updates slash random calls and build massive trust
• (28:03) Creating WOW moments along the project timeline to counteract "whoa" moments

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Join the Design Business Freedom Facebook Group

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this must-listen episode of Design Business Freedom, you’ll dive deep into one of the trickiest topics in your design business—pricing. Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been in the industry for years and still feel uneasy when talking numbers, this episode will help you shift your mindset, clean up your pricing structure, and finally charge what you’re worth with confidence. Melissa shares real-world examples, outlines the costly mistakes many designers make, and shows you how to approach pricing conversations with the ease of passing the salt at dinner.

You’ll also discover why using flat fees can change your business, how to package your services for greater profit, and when (and how) you should raise your rates. Plus, you’ll learn why specializing can fast-track your success and how letting go of the wrong clients opens the door to building a business that truly lights you up.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:23) Why pricing by the square foot can set you up for failure—and how you can avoid it
• (06:00) How to treat money conversations like “pass the salt” moments so you stay confident and unattached
• (14:34) The three pricing models you need to know (and why hourly is the one you should ditch)
• (21:20) Why knowing your profit margins empowers you and helps you grow faster
• (27:49) How specializing in a niche can help you attract more of your dream clients
• (41:49) Why you need to raise your rates every single year—and how to do it without fear

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Join the Design Business Freedom Facebook Group: Design Business Freedom Facebook Group
• Book a Call: book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Feeling like you've veered off your design path? This episode is your lifeline back to clarity, purpose, and unstoppable success. Melissa Galt shares five transformative steps that successful designers use to create intentional, profitable, and fulfilling businesses. These are not just ideas—they're actionable practices that will shift your mindset and business trajectory starting today.

From setting a powerful daily intention to surrounding yourself with the right people, you'll discover how simple shifts can unlock massive results. Melissa brings inspiring stories of real designers who’ve walked these steps and achieved major wins. Whether you’re in a slow season or simply craving more alignment and flow, this episode is packed with the insights you need to move forward with purpose.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:16) Why setting a daily intention changes everything—even on your busiest days
• (05:50) How to release doubt and anticipate good results to manifest what you want
• (09:42) The power of patience and persistence: real stories of designers landing dream clients
• (13:46) How leading with daily gratitude fuels both happiness and profitability
• (19:27) Why every challenge comes with a lesson—and how the pandemic reshaped the design world
• (22:29) The impact of your inner circle on your business success and emotional wellbeing

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• The Secret Daily Teachings App
• Power vs. Force by David R. Hawkins

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

If you're struggling with a lack of new leads or clients, you're not alone. Economic uncertainty and industry shifts can make client acquisition feel like an uphill battle. But the good news? You have the power to take control and create your own economy. In this episode, Melissa shares seven actionable, cost-effective strategies to attract new clients and keep your pipeline full—without breaking the bank.

From leveraging past clients and using local networking apps to tapping into everyday activities and forming strategic partnerships, these tactics are designed to be implemented immediately. Plus, Melissa reveals long-term strategies that, while requiring patience and consistency, can yield significant results over time. If you’re ready to get proactive and see real results in your design business, this episode is for you!

• (03:23) Back to the Future: Mining the gold in past clients—why staying in touch matters
• (12:46) In Your Own Backyard: Leveraging Nextdoor and similar apps to attract local clients
• (15:30) Ordinary Delivers Clients: How hobbies like Pilates, tennis, or lunch outings can bring in new business
• (18:32) Fortune Follows Fun: Turning social events like tailgates and supper clubs into client opportunities
• (27:35) Where Clients Gather: Should you explore platforms like Houzz, Bark, and Thumbtack?
• (35:30) Profit Partners: Unconventional referral partners who can connect you with high-end clients
• (40:09) Long-Term Strategies: SEO, social media, and business networking—what really works

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Uncertain times can make you feel like business is out of your control, but the truth is, you have the power to create your own economy. In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate economic uncertainty with confidence, stay profitable, and continue growing your interior design business. Whether it’s a shift in consumer spending, changes in regulations, or industry slowdowns, you’ll discover proven strategies to keep your business thriving.

We walk through ten powerful strategies (plus a few bonus tips!) to help you take control of your mindset, manage your expenses, assess your team, and uncover new revenue streams. You’ll also explore ways to stay proactive and take advantage of unexpected opportunities, so you can move forward with clarity and success—no matter what’s happening in the market.

• (03:24) – How to shift your mindset and take control of uncertainty
• (07:450 – The impact of the company you keep and why it matters for your success
• (10:02) – Why now is the perfect time to evaluate your overhead and expenses
• (16:09) – How to assess your team and make necessary changes for efficiency
• (20:03) – The importance of building an emergency fund (and how to start today)
• (26:34) – Smart ways to seek growth opportunities even in uncertain times

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book a call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.