• 118 - Let's Talk About Booked on Autopilot: Elle Kwan’s Email Strategy for Interior Designers
    2025/05/12

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    Elle is an avid reader, ocean lover and Brit-girl born to travel.

    She's also obsessed with helping interior designers stand out and get paid. Elle spent 10 years writing for luxury magazines, and today she blends rich storytelling and editorial design into results-driven websites for interior designers. She lives in Hong Kong and has two kids and a very naughty chihuahua. Follow Elle on Instagram at @imellekwan or contact her through her website at https://ellekwan.com/services

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    37 分
  • 119 -Let’s Talk About Working Smarter: Using VAs to Reclaim Your Time
    2025/05/05

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    In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that so many interior designers and decorators wrestle with—how to get help without the pressure of hiring full-time staff. I’m joined by the incredible Ronniesha Rivera, founder of Vetted by Design, who specializes in helping creatives streamline their businesses with the support of skilled virtual assistants.

    We’ll explore how VAs can become a powerful extension of your team—allowing you to delegate with confidence, reclaim your time, and finally loosen the grip on those tasks you just don’t need to do yourself. Whether you’re overwhelmed by admin, struggling with social media, or simply looking to grow without burnout, Ronniesha shares practical tips and real talk on how to make virtual support work for your business. You don’t want to miss this one!

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    38 分
  • 117 - Let's Talk! You're Not Alone. Real Talk on the State of the Design Industry with Carly Nemtean
    2025/04/28

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    In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, Laura sits down with Carly Nemtean — Principal Designer of Carriage Lane Design Build and Co-Founder of The Collective Workspace — for a real conversation about what many designers are feeling behind the scenes. From navigating the post-COVID slowdown to dealing with tariff challenges and shifting client expectations, Carly and Laura talk candidly about the emotional and financial realities of running a design business right now. This episode is a reminder that if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and there’s power in sharing the journey.

    website: https://www.thecollectiveto.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectiveworkspace/


    🎉 You’re Invited: Designer Day at Decor-Rest!
    📅 Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    📍 511 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 8N6

    Join us for a fabulous morning at the Decor-Rest showroom and factory in Woodbridge! This exclusive in-person event kicks off with a delicious continental breakfast and the chance to connect with fellow designers. I’ll be there as a special guest speaker, sharing real-world strategies for building a profitable interior design business—no fluff, just what works.

    You’ll also get a sneak peek at the latest trends from the Milan and High Point Furniture Markets, an exclusive plant and showroom tour, and we’ll wrap up with prizes, photos, and fun! This is your opportunity to learn, laugh, and network with some of the best in the biz.

    💥 Space is limited and the Marzilli family at Decor-Rest goes all out—so if you sign up, please show up! Can’t wait to see you there

    RSVP: grace@decor-rest.com

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    1 時間 4 分
  • 115 - Let's Talk About Streamlining Success: Designers and Vendors Working Together with Idilia Lucente from Decor Rest Furniture
    2025/04/21

    Send us a text

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the powerful partnership between interior designers and trusted vendors—and how that collaboration can elevate not just your design vision, but your bottom line. Joining us is Idilia Lucente, Sales Manager at Decor-Rest, a family-run Canadian furniture company known for their commitment to quality, customization, and the kind of customer care that makes doing business feel more like working with family.

    With over four decades of experience and deep Italian roots, Decor-Rest has earned a reputation for award-winning, bench-made upholstered furniture that blends timeless craftsmanship with the latest trends. From sourcing exclusive fabrics across the globe to tailoring each piece with precision, Decor-Rest offers designers a one-stop solution for custom luxury that’s both stylish and smart. Idilia brings her passion for building relationships and supporting designers in creating beautiful, profitable spaces—with the added bonus of saving time, avoiding competitive shopping, and delivering peace of mind with Canadian-made quality and warranties that practically sell themselves.

    Whether you're an established designer or just starting out, this conversation will give you valuable insights into how partnering with a vendor like Decor-Rest can help you streamline your process, impress your clients, and build a more profitable business. Let’s dive in!


    Website: https://www.decor-rest.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decorrest/

    🎉 You’re Invited: Designer Day at Decor-Rest!
    📅 Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
    📍 511 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 8N6

    Join us for a fabulous morning at the Decor-Rest showroom and factory in Woodbridge! This exclusive in-person event kicks off with a delicious continental breakfast and the chance to connect with fellow designers. I’ll be there as a special guest speaker, sharing real-world strategies for building a profitable interior design business—no fluff, just what works.

    You’ll also get a sneak peek at the latest trends from the Milan and High Point Furniture Markets, an exclusive plant and showroom tour, and we’ll wrap up with prizes, photos, and fun! This is your opportunity to learn, laugh, and network with some of the best in the biz.

    💥 Space is limited and the Marzilli family at Decor-Rest goes all out—so if you sign up, please show up! Can’t wait to see you there.

    RSVP for Designer Day Event: Grace@decor-rest.com

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    40 分
  • 116 -Let’s Talk About Delegating for Growth: When and How to Hire Help in Your Design Business
    2025/04/14

    Send us a text

    In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, I sit down with Ronniesha Armstead, founder and CEO of Vetted By Design, to tackle one of the most common questions in the design industry: How do you know when it’s time to hire help? If you’re feeling overwhelmed with admin work, spending more time managing orders than designing, or simply questioning if you need support—this episode is for you. We discuss how outsourcing tasks like accounting, renderings, AutoCAD drawings, and procurement can free up your time and boost profitability. Ronniesha shares how Vetted By Design simplifies the hiring process by connecting interior designers with pre-vetted professionals, making it easier than ever to get the help you need. Tune in to learn how a virtual design assistant could be the first step in scaling your business!

    Website: https://vetted-bydesign.com/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    36 分
  • 114- Let's Talk About Setting Key Boundaries every Entrepreneur Should Set to Stay Aligned with their Vision
    2025/04/07

    Send us a text

    As the visionary founder of Brenda Brix Consulting and AMR Design, Brenda leads an exceptional team, collaborating with ideal clients to transform her long-standing dreams into reality. Despite facing health challenges and experiencing burnout early on, Brenda's transformative journey led her to create a streamlined and repeatable business structure that allows her the time and mental space to pursue her passions. Brenda has launched a furniture line, has projects across western Canada, and is thrilled to work with other interior designers to create a business supporting the life they want. As an award-winning entrepreneur, Brenda offers invaluable insights and strategies, promoting collaboration over competition and an abundance mindset that fosters growth and unity. Committed to lifelong learning and giving back, Brenda seeks to pave the way for aspiring women in business by sharing her knowledge and expertise.


    Website: https://www.brendabrix.com/

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    35 分
  • 112 -Let's Talk About Elevating Beyond the Holidays: How to Use Gifting to Enhance Your Client Experience
    2025/03/31

    Send us a text

    I’m excited to introduce you to Porsche Williams, the founder of The Prototype, a concierge service that helps interior designers streamline their businesses and elevate their client experience. Porsche specializes in providing unique, done-for-you gifting solutions that seamlessly integrate into a designer’s process—going beyond the expected holiday season to create meaningful touchpoints throughout the client journey.

    In today’s episode, we’re diving into elevated gifting strategies for interior design firms—how and when to use gifting to strengthen relationships, reinforce your brand, and add a personal touch that sets your business apart. Porsche will share insights on selecting thoughtful, high-impact gifts that align with your firm’s identity and client experience, as well as how The Prototype can handle the execution on your behalf. If you’ve ever wanted to incorporate gifting into your process but weren’t sure where to start, this conversation will provide the clarity and strategy you need.


    https://www.theprototype.net/about

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    35 分
  • 111 - Let's Talk About the Purchasing Power of Community and How it can Help your Profits with Cathy Tonks
    2025/03/24

    Send us a text

    In this episode, I sit down with Cathy Tonks, a seasoned interior designer who is transforming the industry with her innovative designer co-op. This collaborative workspace provides designers with shared office space, meeting rooms, and a full showroom featuring access to over 200 vendors. With the collective buying power of over 21 designers and growing, members gain exclusive discounts and vendor relationships that would be difficult to secure independently. Beyond the resources, Cathy has fostered a true design community where professionals can collaborate, learn, and grow through vendor presentations, idea-sharing, and ongoing support. We discuss how creating a strong design network can elevate your business, why community over competition is the future of the industry, and how this one-stop-shop concept is making waves. If you’re ready to explore new ways to grow and connect as a designer, this episode is a must-listen!


    https://www.designswithyouinmind.net/about


    https://www.instagram.com/designswithyouinmind/

    Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

    Laura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition.

    The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
    Thornton Design I @thorntondesign





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    38 分