How do you go from flipping builder-grade homes to designing multi-million-dollar projects that align with your true creative vision?

In this episode, Darla chats with Bre Hance, the powerhouse Founder of InHance Design Build, about the real mindset and strategic pivots that helped her level up her business and attract high-end interior design clients.

From her early days taking on “anything that came in the door” to now leading a luxury design-build firm in Los Angeles, Bre shares what it takes to grow with intention, and without losing your soul in the process.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why Bre stopped saying yes to every project (and what she did instead).

✅ How to mentally prepare to work with high-end clientele.

✅ What strategic branding decisions helped Bre level up.

✅ The role of vulnerability, storytelling, and authenticity in attracting luxury clients.

✅ How mindset work and coaching helped her own her worth.

You’ll hear about the fears she had to overcome, the branding moves that changed everything, and how she crafted client experiences that made her irresistible to luxury buyers. This one’s not just inspiring, it’s a blueprint.

Listen now and learn how to upgrade your clients and your confidence.

(00:00) Bre’s small-town roots and big-city mindset.

(04:20) From hustle to high-end: redefining the client journey.

(08:15) The branding shift that unlocked a higher-level audience.

(13:30) How mindset coaching changed her business.

(18:40) Why storytelling and social proof win premium clients.

(22:55) Letting go of fear and stepping into your future self.

Bre Hance is the Owner and Principal Designer at InHance, a Los Angeles-based high-end residential design/build firm. Over the past ten years, InHance has designed over 200 single-family and multi-family residences throughout the country. Bre’s emphasis on bold colors, eclectic yet luxurious design, and her philosophy of elevated everyday living has made her one of LA’s most sought-after designers and design experts.

Website

Instagram

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE

Getting Things Done by David Allen.

Business of Design by Kimberley Seldon

Work with Wingnut

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube

Are your vendor spreadsheets quietly killing your profits and sanity?

Fragmented sourcing isn’t just an inconvenience; it drains time, eats into margins, and creates chaos you can’t afford. Host Darla Powell talks with Lee Anne Blake, CEO of The Expert, about why many designers are frustrated with juggling numerous vendors and outdated processes.

They discuss how client expectations have changed, with buyers wanting smoother, faster, more transparent experiences, and what it really takes to keep up without losing your personal touch or design integrity.

You’ll hear about the real challenges designers face when trying to manage a thousand-row spreadsheet of suppliers, the benefits of consolidating orders without sacrificing variety, and how emerging generations of designers are rejecting slow, clunky systems in favor of something easier.

It’s an honest look at the tradeoffs of stocking-dealer pricing, the risks of vendor instability, and what access to new brands can do for your creative vision and business growth.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why multi-vendor chaos is hurting your margins and your time.

✅ How shifting client expectations demands a more seamless buying experience.

✅ Ways designers can gain leverage with trade programs and consolidated checkout.

✅ What the future holds for sourcing, from better vendor access to stronger client trust.

If you’re an interior designer looking to grow your business while staying sane and profitable, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start taking control of your sourcing process before it controls you.

(00:00) Intro and setting up the pain of fragmented sourcing.

(02:42) What The Expert is and how it evolved from consultations to marketplace.

(05:04) How designers can qualify for the consult roster and trade program details.

(09:25) Addressing pricing, discounts, and competitive trade concerns.

(13:19) Client transparency, design fees, and evolving expectations.

(17:03) Generational shifts in buying behavior and the push for streamlined online shopping.

(21:12) Future plans for expanding vendor access and improving designer tools.

Lee Anne Blake is the CEO of The Expert, a leading online marketplace transforming how interior designers source and purchase high-end furnishings. With a career rooted in technology, marketplace growth, and media, she brings deep expertise in building user-friendly, scalable solutions that meet real-world needs.

Prior to The Expert, Lee Anne led growth at Babylist, helping modernize the way new parents shop and plan. She’s also held leadership roles at companies like Google, ShopStyle, PopSugar, and AOL, where she honed her ability to marry technology with seamless customer experiences.

At The Expert, Lee Anne is focused on streamlining the often chaotic sourcing process for designers by offering a curated platform with over 180 brands and tens of thousands of products, all in one place with trade pricing and consolidated checkout.

She’s passionate about empowering small businesses, independent designers, and artisan makers alike, ensuring they have the tools and exposure they need to thrive in a changing, tech-driven world.

Outside of work, Lee Anne is a dedicated mom who’s no stranger to early mornings and the balancing act of career and family, making her deeply empathetic to the time pressures her customers face daily.

Website

Instagram

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck

Work with Wingnut

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube

You’re not imagining it—your projects might actually be running you. If you’ve ever felt like your design clients are unclear, unsure, or unexpectedly intense mid-project, it’s likely not a personality issue. It’s a systems issue. In this episode, designer Shila Griffith of SG23 Design reveals the exact processes and boundaries that keep her projects running smooth, her team aligned, and her clients confident from start to finish.

From her strategic intake forms to her “you paid for that three months ago” moment of bliss, Shila walks through the real-world fixes newer designers need to confidently lead their projects. This isn’t about being cold or corporate—it’s about clarity, structure, and trust.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why upfront pricing (yes, even 50%) calms client anxiety

✅ How to spot red flags in new client inquiries

✅ The conversation that prevents renovation freakouts before they happen

✅ What to say when clients want to buy their own stuff, and why boundaries boost your quality of life

If you’re an interior designer looking to finally feel in control of your client process (instead of constantly catching up), this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start running projects with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

(0:00) Upfront billing makes design projects smoother

(2:00) Shila’s origin story and early credibility hurdles

(6:00) Vetting clients through forms and paid consults

(10:00) Setting expectations for reno stress and timelines

(15:00) Switching from hourly to flat fee structure

(21:00) Client boundaries, policies, and communication norms

(35:00) Billing, procurement, and protecting product margins

Shila Scarlet Griffith is the founder and principal designer behind SG23 Design, a boutique interior design studio serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York areas. With over a decade of hands-on experience—including more than five years at a prestigious architecture firm—Shila brings a rare blend of aesthetic finesse and construction-focused expertise to every project. She is NCIDQ Certified and LEED AP accredited, and her philosophy—“Stay Inspired, Not Overwhelmed”—reflects her deep belief that smart systems and empathetic communication create transformative, yet stress-free environments. Shila holds dual degrees in interior design and sustainable design from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson), and she seamlessly integrates modern finishes with vintage elements to elevate both aesthetic and functional value.

At SG23 Design, Shila leads clients through a six-phase process—from consultation and space planning all the way through procurement and construction management. Her ideal clients are busy professionals who value their time and want a smooth, thoughtfully curated renovation without the usual headaches. Whether it’s a residential kitchen refresh or a commercial workspace overhaul, Shila’s meticulous documentation, proactive communication, and emphasis on long-term value ensure that each project is delivered on time, within budget, and with uncompromised integrity—resulting in spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance daily life.

Website

Instagram

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE

Tim Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek

Work with Wingnut

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube

What if the one thing keeping your designs from truly resonating isn’t visible at all? If your client’s space checks all the boxes but still feels… off, there might be something deeper at play, and today’s episode unpacks exactly that.

While talking with Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui, we get into the overlooked forces that shape how a space feels, and how interior designers can shift energy, not just aesthetics.

She makes the ancient practice of feng shui unexpectedly approachable, surprisingly intuitive, and refreshingly modern. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, her practical take might just flip how you see the role of your work.

You’ll learn:

✅ The hidden impact of “command position”

✅ Why flow matters more than form.

✅ What stagnant energy really looks like.

✅ Small tweaks that change how clients feel at home.

If you’re an interior designer looking to elevate your work from beautiful to deeply aligned and energetically impactful, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start designing spaces that feel as good as they look.

(00:00) Defining feng shui and its deeper meaning.

(02:10) Amanda’s backstory and unexpected path to feng shui.

(06:10) The concept of “command position” and practical office tweaks.

(09:15) Feng shui’s origins and the philosophy behind it.

(17:05) Signs of stagnant energy and how to shift it.

(24:15) Feng shui tips for bedrooms and what they reveal.

(30:05) How interior designers can apply feng shui without going all in.

Amanda Gibby Peters is the founder of Simple Shui, where she brings a fresh, modern approach to the centuries-old wisdom of feng shui. With a master’s degree in professional communication and over 20 years of experience, Amanda blends intuitive insight with practical guidance to help people create spaces that truly support their well-being, goals, and growth.

Her work is rooted in the idea that your environment speaks to your energy, and when your space feels aligned, everything else can fall into place. As a writer, teacher, and sought-after expert, Amanda has built a global following of clients, students, and fans who appreciate her no-fluff, down-to-earth perspective on energetic design.

Through her courses, podcast, and online platform, she demystifies feng shui and empowers others to create homes that feel just as good as they look.

Website

Instagram

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

https://wingnutsocial.com/social-media-agency-for-interior-designers/

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube

Ever feel like clients just don’t “see” your vision, literally? This episode dives into the often-overlooked tool that can increase client trust, raise your perceived value, and unlock high-end opportunities: 3D renderings. Whether you’re a solopreneur winging it with mood boards or you’re flirting with luxury clients, renderings might just be your biggest untapped asset.

You’ll learn: ✅ Why presenting renderings isn’t just a visual tool, it’s a trust accelerator ✅ How to price, position, and profit from offering renderings ✅ When to line-item them and when to bake them into your services ✅ How AI is changing the rendering game, and what still sets pros apart

If you’re an interior designer looking to start attracting clients who say “yes” faster and with fewer revisions, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and learn how to make renderings work harder for your business.

(00:00) Why designers undervalue renderings, and what’s changing.

(04:50) Overcoming client objections and selling the value.

(07:00) Outsourcing renderings: mindset, timing, and delegation.

(11:10) Pricing renderings: line items, baked-in fees, and markups.

(16:00) Renderings as marketing assets and portfolio builders.

(22:40) AI vs. human touch: future-proofing your rendering strategy.

Mina Duque is the Head of Client Success at Duke Renders, a premier 3D rendering studio serving interior designers and design firms around the world. With a formal background in interior design and years of hands-on experience in the field, Mina understands exactly what it takes to translate a designer’s vision into visuals that win client trust, fast-track approvals, and elevate the perception of any design business. What started as her husband Fernando’s solution for her own design needs quickly evolved into a fast-growing, service-driven company.

At Duke Renders, Mina plays a pivotal role in ensuring every rendering is not only technically precise but emotionally resonant, helping designers communicate with clarity, save time, and look like absolute pros. She’s particularly passionate about supporting solopreneurs and small teams who want to grow into the luxury space without burning out. Her unique combination of design chops and client-centric strategy makes her a powerful resource for anyone ready to uplevel their presentation game.

Website

Instagram: @dukerenders

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman - https://amzn.to/4dOkkPm

https://wingnutsocial.com/social-media-agency-for-interior-designers/

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

What if the most ignored room in your project is quietly dragging down the whole design?

Today, I’m with Jennifer Q. Williams of St. Louis Closet Company to reveal why closets, yes, closets, are one of the most underestimated elements in all of residential design. So if you’re creating a luxury home or updating a modest space, your clients’ daily routines and resale values are being shaped by what’s behind those closet doors. If you’ve been sleepwalking past the wire racks and sliding doors, this episode will wake you up fast.

Jennifer breaks down the functional and emotional impact of a well-designed closet, how it can save time, reduce stress, and even increase a home’s market value. We dig into the common oversights made by designers and architects alike, from door swings to ceiling height, and how getting these wrong can silently sabotage the client experience. You’ll also hear why collaborating with a custom closet pro early in the design process isn’t just nice to have, it’s a smart, brand-elevating move.

You’ll learn: ✅ Why poor closet design quietly adds stress to your client’s daily life ✅ What interior designers and architects regularly overlook (and regret) ✅ How to collaborate with closet experts to elevate your designs ✅ The surprising ROI of a custom closet, and why it matters at resale

If you’re an interior designer looking to create truly high-end homes with functional beauty in every corner, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start designing with every square inch in mind.

(00:00) Why closets are always the afterthought in design.

(02:24) Jennifer’s journey into the custom closet industry.

(06:12) How an organized closet impacts your day and mindset.

(09:22) What interior designers and architects usually overlook.

(17:48) Why custom closets are more accessible and valuable than clients think.

(25:01) How to vet and collaborate with a local closet company.

Jennifer Q. Williams is the founder and owner of St. Louis Closet Company, the region’s first locally owned, floor-based custom closet business. With over three decades in the industry, Jennifer has built a reputation for blending high-end organization with practical everyday use, transforming even the most neglected storage spaces into stunning, functional showpieces. A proud St. Louis native and entrepreneur, she’s as passionate about her community as she is about organization, supporting numerous local charities and small business initiatives. Her signature? Turning chaotic closets into calm, curated spaces that improve daily life and property value.

Website Instagram: @stlouisclosetco

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/ Styles of Joy by C. Perot - https://amzn.to/3HnhW6g

https://wingnutsocial.com/social-media-agency-for-interior-designers/

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Is your contractor ghosting you, or are you just not speaking their language?

Most interior designers know they need reliable contractors to grow their business, but few realize contractors are also sizing them up.

In this episode, Elizabeth Scruggs shares what makes contractors roll their eyes... and what makes them want to call you back. Whether you're a designer dreaming of launching a design-build firm or just tired of construction projects going sideways, this episode lays out the path forward with practical steps, stories, and no-fluff advice.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why finding contractors at the pro desk may be smarter than scouring Instagram.

✅ What builders are really evaluating when deciding to partner with a designer.

✅ The biggest mistake new design-build firms make, and how to avoid it.

✅ How to protect your business legally before the demo starts.

If you’re an interior designer looking to get more control, more confidence, and more respect from contractors, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start building the partnerships that elevate your entire business.

(00:00) Learning construction by doing: Elizabeth’s origin story.

(05:28) How designers can find and vet great contractors.

(12:19) The importance of setting expectations with trades.

(17:32) Legal and liability considerations for design-build firms.

(24:43) What contractors actually want from interior designers.

(30:33) Should you become your own general contractor?

Elizabeth Scruggs is a licensed general contractor and the principal designer behind Superior Construction and Design, LLC, one of the only female-led design-build firms in Middle Tennessee. With over 30 years of hands-on experience and a national reputation as a speaker, author, and High Point Market Insider Tour co-host, Elizabeth brings unmatched insight into bridging the gap between construction and design. Her passion? Helping interior designers confidently step into the design-build space and build businesses they love, without sacrificing quality or control.

Website

Instagram: @superiorconstructionanddesign

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE

“Profit First” by Mike Michalowicz

Work with Wingnut

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube