Interior designers often get confused about whether to hire an employee or an independent contractor because the decision involves several complex factors—legal, financial, and practical—that aren't always clear at first glance.

In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of both options, including cost, commitment, legal rules, and how much control you have. I also share my real-life experience of hiring interns and contractors to full-time employees, and explain why shifting your mindset from fear to strategy is key to sustainable growth.

I also talk about setting up your business as an S-Corp, protecting your work with contracts, and why thinking like a CEO is key to building a business that lasts.

Tune in now and start building a business that supports your growth.

And if you need help getting your business off the ground and running, join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp. Classes start in July.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Get a clear comparison of hiring options to make the right decision for your interior design business
• Learn how setting up your business structure (like switching to an S-Corp) can make hiring easier and more legit
• Set up your design business for long-term success and potential future succession planning

NEXT STEPS:

• Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and launch your design business this summer

• Grab your freebies:

  • Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
  • 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

• 
  

  Connect With Me:

  • Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
  • Instagram: @rwarddesign
  • Website at rwarddesign.com
• 
  

• Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

  
  

  Timestamps:

  (0:00) Introduction: Why Hiring Help Becomes Necessary

  (02:48) Fears and Misconceptions About Hiring Employees

  (04:16) Low-Risk/Low-Reward of Contractors vs. High-Risk/High-Reward of Employees

  (04:54) Rebecca's Journey into Hiring

  (08:23) Benefits of Becoming an S-Corp

  (13:15) Advantages of Hiring Employees Over an Independent Contractor

  (16:47) Legal Considerations (Especially in California)

  (18:58) Mindset Shift and Strategic Hiring

  (20:37) Practical Tips for Hiring and Managing Employees

  (22:10) Final Thoughts

Interior designers have the ability to shape experiences through their work. Whether it's helping a family feel more connected at home, creating a more uplifting environment in a senior living space, or reducing stress in a healthcare setting, their contributions go beyond merely making spaces look beautiful. They play a vital role in improving people's lives.

In this inspiring episode, I chat with Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, who shares how interior design becomes meaningful when driven by purpose. From calming urgent care centers to uplifting senior living communities, Blima shows how thoughtful design can help people feel safe, supported, and inspired.

You’ll discover how designing with empathy and intention can transform everyday spaces into places of healing, comfort, and connection. Blima also shares how she grew her firm across North America, the lessons she’s learned from real-life mistakes like how to handle mistakes and lead a team, and how she now mentors others to do purposeful work through her TDG Insider program.

If you want your work to feel more fulfilling and make a real impact, this episode is for you. Tune in now and discover how to bring purpose into your projects and create spaces that change lives.

Featured Guest:

⁠Blima Ehrentreu⁠, founder and CEO of ⁠The Designers Group⁠, is a creative visionary and industry trailblazer. Committed to empowering women and driving philanthropy, Blima's impact goes beyond traditional design boundaries. Her passion and leadership showcase the transformative power of purpose-driven design in creating a better world.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

• Learn how to design with purpose and impact
• Get real-world business and leadership insights
• Discover mentorship and giving-back opportunities

Check out the show notes >>> The Power of Purpose-Driven Design in Changing Lives and Spaces

Links Mentioned:

• Apply for the TDG Insider program to shadow the team in the New York office
• TDG Furniture Exchange if you have furniture to donate; giving furniture new life rather than disposal

NEXT STEPS:

• Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Grab your freebies:

• Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
• 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Connect With Me:

• Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
• Instagram: @rwarddesign
• Website at rwarddesign.com

• 
  

• Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

  Timestamps:

  (0:00) Introduction

  (02:00) Blima's Early Interest in Interior Design

  (03:11) Education and Foundational Experience

  (04:41) The Importance of Design Implementation

  (06:04) Influence of Cross-Industry Design Experience

  (08:44) The Growth of The Designers Group

  (09:48) Mentorship and Scaling the Business

  (12:14) Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes

  (16:11) Dream Projects and Purpose-Driven Design

  (19:20) Advice to Aspiring Interior Designers

  (20:54) How to Join the TDG Insider Mentorship Program

  (21:59) Charitable Initiatives of The Designers Group