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

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to pursue your dream of becoming an interior designer?

In this episode, you’ll meet Alison Geise, a former dietitian and law school grad who took the scenic route to interior design and built a thriving business doing what she loves. If you’re thinking about switching careers, Alison’s story will show you it’s possible.

Alison shares how her love for decorating turned into a full-time career, even after years in completely different fields. She talks about the steps she took to learn design, how she filled the gap in business knowledge, and why her unique life experience now sets her apart in the industry.

Whether you’re just starting or thinking of a fresh start, this episode is packed with helpful tips for making your move into design the smart way.

Ready to turn your passion into a profession? Tune in now, take notes, and explore how second chances can lead to stunning design careers.

Featured Guest:

⁠Alison Giese⁠ is the visionary founder and principal designer of ⁠Alison Giese Interiors⁠, an esteemed, boutique interior design firm based in San Antonio, Texas.

She has cultivated a reputation for seamlessly blending sophisticated elements with unparalleled finishes, resulting in homes that are visually stunning and deeply reflective of her client's distinct stories.

Alison's journey into interior design is as unique as her creations. After a diverse career as a registered dietitian and law school graduate, a transformative move overseas ignited her passion for design, prompting her to pursue a certificate in interior decorating. Drawing inspiration from her travels and rich experiences, she creates interiors that embody a refined sense of place and character.

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

• Learn actionable tips on how to start your design career without a design degree
• Discover business and creative tips for designers so you can work smarter and stay creative
• Get inspired by a real career change and pursue your passion for design

Check out the show notes >>> Expert’s Insights on Transitioning to Interior Design Career With Alison Giese

NEXT STEPS:

• Get on the waitlist Launch Your Business Bootcamp to secure your spot
• 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

(01:45) Alison's Journey into Interior Design

(05:26) Balancing Law School and Design Passion

(07:22) Design Education and Business Learning Gaps

(09:34) The Interior Design Business Launch Pad

(11:11) Alison's Design Philosophy

(14:25) Diversifying Revenue Streams

(16:39) On Starting Her Design Career Solo

(19:28) Favorite Project: The Unicorn

(21:34) Balancing Creativity and Business

(25:49) Tools and Software for Business Efficiency

(27:04) Advice to Aspiring Designers

Wondering how some designers turn their passion for history into a thriving business?

In this episode, I sit down with Anika Schachtler, who has carved out an exciting niche restoring and redesigning historical homes from the 1800s and early 1900s in Quebec.

Anika shares her journey from design school graduate to successful business owner, revealing how she built a network of skilled craftspeople who understand historical restoration. She explains the delicate balance between preserving original features and creating functional spaces for modern living, showing how she combines antique pieces with contemporary comforts.

If you've been considering historical home design as your niche, this episode offers practical insights to help you get started. Anika discusses the importance of finding the right support network, working smart rather than hard, and managing the business side of design. She highlights how restoration work involves much more than furniture selection—from working with old electrical systems and stone foundations to planning thoughtful extensions.

Ready to explore historical home restoration as your design specialty? This episode will help you understand what it takes to succeed in this rewarding niche. Tune in now!

Featured Guest:

⁠Anika⁠, an interior designer from Quebec, started ⁠Anika Schachtler Design⁠ to help homeowners breathe new life into their century-old homes while keeping their souls intact.

She specializes in renovating and restoring farmhouses and cottages from the 1800s and early 1900s, creating spaces that feel timeless, welcoming, and built to last. Her approach is thoughtful and hands-on, blending the best of the past with the comforts of today.

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

• Discover a profitable design niche - the historical home restoration
• Understand the unique approach required for historical homes
• Get practical business insights about working smart, managing challenges, and growing a business

Check out the show notes >>> Turning Your Love for Historical Homes into a Thriving Design Business

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

  (01:39) Anika's Journey into Interior Design

  (03:29) Renovating Historical Home

  (05:25) Choosing to Run Her Design Firm

  (08:49) Advice for Designers

  (10:45) Common Misconceptions About Interior Design

  (11:48) Anika's Design Approach

  (14:06) Inspiration, Motivation, and Future Plans

What makes turnkey interior design services unique, and how do they differ from full-service design?

In this episode, I break down turnkey styling—the extra layer of service that transforms an empty house into a completely livable home. Learn the difference between standard full-service design (which includes mood boards, floor plans, and furnishings) and turnkey services that add those final touches clients need to simply "turn the key" and move in.

I walk you through exactly what turnkey items to include in each room—from luxurious sheets and towels to kitchen essentials, decorative accessories, and organizational solutions.

I also share practical advice on sourcing these items, asking clients the right questions about their lifestyle needs, and even including a personal story about learning the importance of offering sheet selection to clients. You'll discover how offering these additional services not only delights your clients but can also become a valuable addition to your design business.

If you are looking for a roadmap for implementing turnkey styling in your design business, this episode is a must-listen. By the end, you'll understand how to anticipate your clients' every need and create a home that's truly ready for living from day one.

Tune in now!

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

• Discover how to expand your design services beyond traditional full-service interior design with turnkey styling
• Learn specific room-by-room turnkey recommendations - a complete checklist for implementing turnkey styling service in your design business
• Gain insights on how to build a reputation for exceptional, comprehensive interior design services that clients will love and recommend

Check out the show notes >>> Turnkey Styling Services Your Clients Will Love

Links Mentioned:

• Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DESIGNCURIOUS for 40% off

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

(02:01) Full-Service Interior Design vs. Turnkey Service

(05:13) Turnkey Items for Kitchen

(06:48) Turnkey Items for Bathroom

(08:04) Turnkey Items for Bedroom

(11:16) Turnkey Items for Living Room & Common Areas

(13:49) Enhancing Client Experience with Turnkey Services