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Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

Friends discuss how a new generation of interior designers run their business.

Hot Young Designers Club

191 episodesEN

Show overview

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 191 episodes, alongside 17 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 200 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 5th season.

Episodes typically run an hour to ninety minutes — most land between 54 min and 1h 13m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. Roughly 51% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.

The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 6 days ago, with 14 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Hot Young Designers Club.

Episodes
191
Running
2020–2026 · 6y
Median length
1h 3m
Cadence
Fortnightly

From the publisher

They're not that hot, or that young - but hosts Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) spill the tea every week on how a new generation of interior designers run their business. Join a community exploring the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design business.

Latest Episodes

View all 191 episodes

175 REHEATED: Caroline Turner Confesses Why She Doesn't Like Referrals

May 8, 20261h 23m

174: My steak is too juicy, and my lobster is too buttery

May 1, 20261h 9m

173: Who pooped at the dinner party & other floor plan adventures

Apr 24, 20261h 14m

172: Why Kate Lester Swears by Hourly Fees

Apr 17, 20261h 17m

171: Trusting your instincts during times of growth and change with Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors

Apr 10, 20261h 12m

S5 Ep 170170: What got you here, won't get you there with Brooke Stoll

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca are joined by Brooke Stoll, an operations and profitability strategist who helps interior designers build stronger, more profitable firms through better systems, clearer processes, and more confident leadership. What starts as a cozy robe-clad conversation quickly turns into a deep and practical discussion about the real skills designers need as their businesses grow.Brooke shares why the scrappy mindset that helps you start a design business is not always the same mindset that helps you lead a team, manage profit, or scale sustainably. Together, they unpack everything from project management tools and onboarding workflows to gross profit benchmarks, ideal clients, confidence, leadership, and building a business that actually supports your life.In this episode they discuss:Why confidence is one of the biggest differentiators between designers who stay stuck and those who growWhat Brooke means by “people, processes, and profitability” and how those three areas shape a successful design firmWhy what got you here in business may not be enough to get you to the next levelHow designers can stop running their firms on vibes and start understanding key numbers like gross profit, net profit, and operating costsThe difference between managing a business and truly leading a growing teamWhy simplifying your systems and choosing tools that actually fit your brain can make a huge differenceHow getting clearer on your ideal client makes discovery calls, proposals, and decision-making so much easierWhy community, support, and honest conversations with industry peers can help designers build confidence fasterMentioned:Brooke StollThe Design Field RetreatOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Apr 3, 20261h 17m

S5 Ep 169169: Fix the Drawer, Fix the Marriage

Shaun and Rebecca catch up on the real-life highs and lows of running an interior design business, from factory tours and studio refreshes to client communication stress and the emotional weight of construction-phase hiccups. They also get candid about creative experimentation, shifting business priorities, and the ways designers quietly improve their clients’ daily lives.This episode moves between funny, personal, and deeply relatable conversations about what it means to build a design business that actually supports your life. From limewash mishaps and freight increases to career transitions at home and the power of saying no to the wrong projects, this one is full of honest insight for interior designers navigating growth, boundaries, and ambition.In this episode they discuss:Shaun’s upcoming Norwalk Furniture factory tour in Ohio and what designers can learn from seeing large-scale upholstery production up closeRebecca’s idea to turn fabric remnants into studio-made pillows and possibly host an open house sale at her officeHow stressful client messages can feel during construction, especially when something like a specialty paint finish goes wrong onsiteThe difference between handling client feedback during the design phase versus when money has already been spent and installs are underwayA creative brainstorm around transforming a discontinued leather chair into an art piece with tattoo-inspired work from local artistsWhy global events, fuel costs, and freight increases continue to affect furniture pricing, lead times, and client expectationsRebecca’s reflections on her husband’s upcoming retirement and how that may shift the balance of home life and career prioritiesThe importance of protecting your business model, qualifying better-fit clients, and leaving room for the projects that are truly alignedMentioned:Norwalk FurnitureColor AtelierMarket and NestOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Mar 27, 20261h 9m

S5 Ep 168168: Our Seniors Are the Gateway Drug to Accessibility with Maegan Blau of Blue Copper Design

Rebecca and Shaun are joined by Maegan Blau, owner of Blue Copper Design in the Phoenix area, for a conversation about accessibility, aging in place, and why thoughtful design should support people through every stage of life. Maegan shares how her lived experience as a wheelchair user shaped her design perspective and why accessibility has become such a central part of her business.They dig into the misconceptions that keep homeowners and designers from planning ahead, from the belief that accessibility is only needed “later” to the idea that it has to look clinical or cost dramatically more. Along the way, they also talk about designing for seniors, the future of accessible interiors, social media hot takes, and a few delightfully chaotic sidebars only this club could deliver.In this episode they discuss:Why Maegan believes seniors are often the best entry point for conversations about accessibility and aging in placeCommon misconceptions around accessible design, including the idea that it is ugly, overly expensive, or only necessary after a crisisHow designers can make homes more flexible with features like curbless showers, wider doorways, blocking for future grab bars, and hybrid cabinetryThe difference between accessible design, ADA guidelines, universal design, and aging-in-place planning in residential interiorsWhy waiting until an injury, illness, or mobility change happens is usually too late for smart and seamless home updatesHow Maegan is using social media to educate both designers and homeowners about accessibility in a more practical and relatable wayThe challenge of building a design business that serves an underserved population while still sustaining a luxury service modelA mix of industry chatter on portfolios, newsletters, design process tools, celebrity house features, and the realities of sharing opinions onlineMentioned:Blue Copper DesignBlue Copper Design on FacebookBlue Copper Design on InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Mar 20, 20261h 21m

S5 Ep 167167: Birdhouse for the Soul

Rebecca and Shaun meander their way through beauty routines, personal style, creativity, books, and the importance of staying curious as creative people. What starts as a conversation about video backgrounds and ChatGPT turns into a thoughtful reflection on how curiosity shapes not just personal style, but design work, aging, and creative fulfillment.In this episode, they talk about using AI as a practical life tool, from building skincare routines to experimenting with fashion and body-type analysis. They also explore how inspiration often arrives when you have the space to receive it, leading into a fascinating discussion about spirit houses, cultural research, and why staying open to new ideas is essential for designers and humans alike.In this episode they discuss:Rebecca’s recent ChatGPT experiments, including using it to organize her skincare routine and help define her personal styleColor analysis, Kibbe body types, and the evolving relationship between fashion, self-expression, and “flattery”Preparing for new brand headshots and how styling, clothing, and environment all shape visual identityThe tension between buying statement pieces versus building a lived-in wardrobe with quality staplesCreative inspiration through books, music, and storytelling, including a moving conversation about the novel Theo of GoldenHow curiosity, rest, and mental bandwidth help creatives reconnect with ideas and inspirationShaun’s deep dive into Cambodian spirit houses and how one small design question can open an entirely new creative rabbit holeWhy staying curious as you age matters, both for your design work and for staying connected to culture and peopleOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Mar 13, 20261h 1m

S5 Ep 166166: Life is a Highway and I’m Gonna Ride It All Night Long

Rebecca and Shaun are back with a classic HYDC catch-up episode—covering everything from creative ruts and tile inspiration to mattress upgrades and the strange ways we all unwind after long design days. If you’ve ever found yourself doom-scrolling design materials, obsessing over the perfect bed, or wondering why your brain suddenly works differently after 40… this one’s for you.The hosts dive into tile sourcing adventures, experimenting with creative practices outside of work, and the surprising ways designers recharge. From Japanese-inspired tile showrooms to the economics of custom beds and the eternal quest for better sleep, this episode wanders delightfully through the real-life thoughts and distractions of running a design business while staying creatively inspired.In this episode they discuss:Shaun’s hunt for Japanese-inspired tile and the unique glazes, textures, and shapes showing up in specialty tile linesHow experimenting with low-pressure creative practices (like sketching or figure drawing) can help reignite inspirationThe challenges of specifying custom furniture and understanding manufacturer pricing structuresWhy designers should deeply learn the product lines they specify to avoid costly mistakesThe surprising role beds, sleep setups, and nighttime routines play in maintaining creative energyHow trends like tobacco browns and layered neutrals are showing up in current design palettesThe hosts’ evolving perspectives on aging, creativity, and the shifting priorities that come with experienceShaun’s mission to finally get new headshots that better reflect his brand and personalityOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Mar 6, 20261h 2m

S5 Ep 165165: We're not in the business of decorating assholes with Heather KW Styles & Studio Laloc

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca are joined by returning favorites Heather of Heather KW Styles and Lauren of Studio Laloc for an unfiltered designer roundtable. What starts as a chat about Danish hardware and custom furniture quickly spirals into tariffs, turning down nightmare projects, presentation strategies, ideal clients, and—yes—an unforgettable handyman story.From navigating red flags on discovery calls to debating whether we’d decorate a Miami Vice mansion for the right price, this episode is equal parts business strategy and design therapy. If you’ve ever questioned a client fit, struggled with pricing under tariffs, or wondered how other designers hold their boundaries, this one’s for you.In this episode they discuss:Why presenting one strong design concept can lead to fewer revisions and stronger client trustHow tariffs are impacting pricing, sourcing, and designer-client conversations in real timeWhen it’s smart (and necessary) to turn down a high-paying projectThe red flags that show up during discovery calls—and how to handle them professionallyWhy ideal clients often have collections, strong opinions, and shared valuesFlat fee vs. hourly structures and how that affects presentation strategyThe power of designer friendships and creative accountability groupsA truly unhinged handyman story that proves vetting referrals mattersMentioned:Studio Laloc (https://www.studiolaloc.com/)Heather KW Styles (https://www.heatherkwstyles.com/)Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Feb 27, 20261h 36m

S5 Ep 164164: Not every piece can be the Beyoncé (but you need at least one)

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun cover everything from skunk-induced wake-up calls to the realities of private equity in the design industry—before diving deep into the creative growing pains that come with leveling up your interiors. If you’ve ever felt burnt out on tile, uninspired by beige beds, or frustrated that nothing “off the rack” feels special enough, this one’s for you.The big takeaway? Not every piece in a room can be the Beyoncé—but you do need at least one showstopper. Rebecca shares her current tile spiral, Shaun vents about the sea of neutral beds, and together they unpack why customization (even in small ways) is often the difference between basic and brilliant.In this episode they discuss:The recent acquisition of The Expert by Havenly—and what it signals about private equity’s growing influence in the interior design worldFeeling creatively boxed in by your own standards (aka: when you’ve trained clients to expect “cool tile” every time)The struggle to source interesting, textured, and affordable tile that doesn’t feel overdone or Instagram-familiarWhy most beds on the market feel painfully beige—and how to push upholstery vendors toward better, more customized solutionsSmart ways to customize without going fully bespoke (split finishes, special applications, COM, trim details, and reupholstering standard pieces)The value of handling complex details—like hardware specifications and mixed finishes—to prove your worth as a designerRebecca’s evolving brand pillars: cool, collected, layered, lived-in, and delightfully different—and how they function as a creative filterThe core philosophy: not every piece can be the Beyoncé, but every piece deserves intention—and at least one moment in the room must steal the showMentioned:The Expert – https://www.theexpert.comHavenly – https://havenly.comNorwalk Furniture – https://www.norwalkfurniture.comFireclay Tile – https://www.fireclaytile.comZia Tile – https://www.ziatile.comDovetail – https://www.dovetailfurniture.comPhilip Jeffries – https://www.phillipjeffries.comOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Feb 20, 20261h 4m

S5 Ep 163163: Write It in Your Diary, Not on Facebook | Claire Jones, Etch & Ivy Design

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun welcome back their friend Claire Jones, founder of Etch & Ivy Design in Sacramento. From quarter-life crisis to full-time interior designer, Claire shares how community, boundaries, and a recent business retreat reshaped the way she approaches her design firm.The trio dives deep into mastermind dynamics, defining your ideal client (hint: it’s not based on Diet Coke preferences), setting minimums, managing anxiety in your workflow, and the power of surrounding yourself with designers who challenge and inspire you. It’s honest, hilarious, and full of real talk about leveling up without losing yourself.In this episode they discuss:How one brave lunch invitation led to a thriving design community and the creation of Happy Hour Design CollectiveThe evolution of Etch & Ivy Design and what it looks like to grow a business around your life (not the other way around)Why defining your ideal client is about boundaries, not beveragesSetting design fee and purchasing minimums—and actually sticking to themTime blocking, capacity limits, and how anxiety shows up differently for every designerThe value of retreats, masterminds, and getting outside your bubble to avoid stagnationWhy you don’t have to do business like everyone else (goodbye, unnecessary automations)A spicy Facebook rant about $100K kitchens—and why some thoughts belong in your diaryMentioned:Happy Hour Design Collective - InstagramEtch & Ivy Design - InstagramAnything But Vanilla Podcast - InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Feb 13, 20261h 32m

S5 Ep 162162: Getting out of our own way and other business goals

In this kickoff episode for 2026, Shaun and Rebecca get real about what’s holding them back in their design businesses—and what they’re doing about it. From car accidents to calendar overhauls, they unpack how they’re using systems and mindset shifts to create smoother, more profitable operations. This solo episode is filled with behind-the-scenes insights into the messy middle of implementing new processes and prepping for growth.After a transformative retreat with business coach Renee Bush and other design peers, they share what they’re focusing on to get out of their own way this year. It’s part therapy, part strategy session, and fully relatable for anyone building a creative business while juggling life’s curveballs.In this episode they discuss:Rebecca’s recent car accident and the unexpected upside of letting go of an old vehicleWhy Rebecca is ditching instant discovery call booking for a more thoughtful intake processHow Shaun is proactively blocking time off and reorganizing his weekly calendarThe emotional load of proposals and how better forecasting is changing everythingBuilding systems to hire help and delegate without micromanagingSetting and communicating clear project minimums without sounding like a jerkVetting clients with automation tools like DubsadoMaking space for life and business to coexist with better boundaries and clarityMentioned:Tandem | Business coaching with Renee BushBasecampDubsadoStudio DesignerAsanaDesign Biz RetreatOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Feb 6, 20261h 13m

S5 Ep 161161: 2025 Reflection, it wasn't as bad as we thought

Shaun and Rebecca are back to wrap up 2025 with their annual year-in-review tradition—and it turns out, it wasn’t all bad! In this episode, they share a candid look at the highs, lows, and the messy middle of running their interior design businesses this year. From surviving slowdowns and personal challenges to celebrating wins like tightened brand messaging and more aligned client projects, they prove that progress isn’t always loud, flashy, or Instagram-worthy.They revisit the goals they set at the beginning of the year (in Episode 138) and dig into what worked, what didn’t, and why sometimes just holding steady is a success worth celebrating. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or new to the business, this episode offers inspiration and validation that your growth is happening—even if it’s slower than you expected.In this episode they discuss:Why looking back—even when you don’t feel like it—is essential to growthHow Shaun’s business remained resilient during a personally challenging yearRebecca’s experience finally finding the right bookkeeper and getting her finances dialedTheir evolving relationships with designer on-call services and how to better qualify leadsWhy having fresh portfolio photography changed Rebecca’s marketing gameHow Shaun refined his brand voice and simplified his services for more aligned clientsThe value of investing in professional development through retreats and workshopsThe systems and automations they put in place to support bigger goals in 2026Mentioned:Episode 138: What's out for 2025 - 6 goals for our businessesOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Dec 19, 20251h 29m

S5 Ep 160160: Renee Biery, “The Only Girl on the Job Site”

Shaun and Rebecca sit down with guest Renée Biery of deVignier Design and host of the podcast Only Girl on the Jobsite. With a career spanning over 30 years, Renée has worked on complex construction‑heavy design projects (in New York, then now from Delaware) and now teaches interior designers how to confidently navigate construction, scope, budgets, and roles on site. She and the hosts dive into how designers can claim their role on job sites, manage relationships with contractors, and build business models that protect their value and their peace of mind.In this conversation they discuss:What it’s like being “the only girl on the job site” and how gender dynamics still shape design + construction relationships.How Renée built her career—from design school at New York School of Interior Design to AD 100 firms, then launching her own firm—and how that experience informs her teaching today.Why integrating large‑scale construction projects (not just decorating) gives designers business resilience, and how she targets ~70 % construction/30 % decorating in her annual mix.Entry‑points for designers who want to add more construction management to their services (but feel intimidated)—Renée shares practical advice on framing your first job, setting expectations, and charging appropriately.How designers can take control of the budget on construction projects—especially by scrutinizing “allowances”, managing procurement, and protecting the furniture/decor budget.The “pretty proposal” trap: Why verbose, beautifully‑designed decks might cost you jobs (and profits), and how clarity and scope define professionalism.How to manage scope creep, addenda, and contract clarity—so you don’t end up working for free or losing value because someone assumed something was included.How to position your business model for sustainability—flat fees versus hourly, discovering what parts of your business you enjoy (and which parts you don’t), and building systems so you don’t carry all the friction yourself.Mentioned:deVignier DesignThe Designers EdgeOnly Girl on the Jobsite PodcastOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Dec 5, 20251h 38m

S5 Ep 159159: The Beef and the Bear — are you incorporating luxury hospitality practices into your design business?

Shaun and Rebecca explore how interior designers can borrow luxury‑hospitality practices (think boutique hotels, high‑end resorts) and apply them to their own design businesses. They dig into the idea that service isn’t just about furniture or finishes–it’s about how you make your clients feel, and how you structure your process, your purchasing, your hiring, and your client‑experience to reflect that elevated standard. Along the way they share candid business talk about shifting models, hiring help, market tiers, and positioning.In this conversation they discuss:The recent Facebook designer‑group debate about trade discounts vs deep pricing and what that means for profitability.How going up‑market and leveraging stocking dealer accounts can open room for margin (and why that old‑school model still has relevance).The concept of hospitality—drawn from the book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara—and how it applies to interior‑design business beyond restaurants. (Unreasonable Hospitality)Practical low‑starts for elevating client experience (handwritten notes, snack trays at presentations, anticipating needs) and the hard part: sustaining it over a full project.Shaun’s and Rebecca’s personal experiences: one signing a new project at a ‘lowest point,’ website copy finally working for leads, and the bravery of hiring operations/ procurement help.The shift from being “just a furniture order‑taker” to being a concierge, experience architect, and partner—and how that reframes your value proposition.The emotional and operational reality of hiring: knowing when you’re doing too much, needing to delegate, whether you’re ready to manage people (or handlers), and the fear of burning out or falling behind.Mentioned:Design Biz Survival Guide RetreatHouse of Savoy Instagram post exampleUnreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will GuidaraOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Nov 21, 20251h 7m

S5 Ep 158158: Why You Shouldn't Photograph Every Project with Jessica Burke

In this episode of the Hot Young Designers Club, Rebecca and Shaun welcome interior‑photographer turned editor and marketing strategist Jessica Burke to unpack when and why designers should not photograph—or publish—every single project. Jessica shares her transition from the wedding industry into shooting editorial interiors, how to evaluate when a project is worth photography, how to structure the relationship between designer and photographer (especially contracts/licensing), and how to strategically use imagery to attract your ideal clients and press.In this friendly, candid conversation you’ll hear stories of photo‑shoot challenges, licensing headaches, and practical business strategies that interior designers can apply right now.In this episode they discuss:How Jessica moved from wedding photography into interior design marketing and then interior‑shoot work — and the lessons she brought with her.Why shooting every project is not only expensive but may hurt your brand if the work doesn’t align with your vision.How to decide which spaces to shoot (and publish) and which to leave out or hold for later.Why building a trusted long‑term photographer‑designer relationship matters (and how it benefits both sides).Key contract and licensing issues designers should ask photographers before a shoot — e.g., copyright, vendor use, third‑party licensing.Growing a photography business and the parallel to growing a design firm: scaling, handing off work, outsourcing editing/licensing.How social media, PR, and vendor/product‑licensing have changed the interior‑photography landscape—what designers should watch out for.Jessica’s favorite (and least‑favorite) rooms to shoot, how to manage shoot stress and logistics, and her advice on working with a stylist and assistants.Mentioned:Jessica Burke’s website: https://www.jessicaburke.com/Jessica’s Instagram: @jessicaburkeThe Haven List feature on Jessica Burke Photography: HavenOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Nov 7, 20251h 1m

S5 Ep 157157: Las Vegas Market, Logistics for Designers

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun dive into everything designers need to know about attending Las Vegas Market — from travel logistics to strategy, networking, sourcing and setting up your post‑market follow‑up. Whether you're a veteran or preparing for your first market, they share hands‑on tips on planning, navigating the show, maximizing your time, and turning the experience into content and business wins.In the discussion they cover how to approach the show grounds, how to be intentional rather than overwhelmed, how to balance work + enjoyment on the trip, and how to make sure your investment (time, money, travel) pays off once you’re back at your studio.In this episode they discuss:How Rebecca and Shaun view Las Vegas Market as a “work trip that doesn’t feel messy” — accessible, fun, efficient.Pre‑registration, badge scanning, hotel & shuttle logistics so you’re not wasting time checking in.Apparel, shoes, bags, and what to bring (or leave behind) so you’re functional while sourcing.Planning your showroom visits: when to make appointments (and when not to), how to use the show app and preview guide.How to use the show as both business sourcing and content creation (photos, videos, trend‑spotting).Tips for managing time, energy, and collaboration if you bring a team or assistant.Post‑market hustle: organizing your photos/videos, documenting expenses, leveraging new vendor contacts, and keeping the momentum alive.Networking and social aspects: dinner reservations, meeting designer friends, and making the most of the “fun” side of market.Trend‑watching tactics: walking the floors with a mindset, capturing patterns, using the market as a source of inspiration for both client work and social content.Mentioned:Las Vegas Market official siteOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Oct 24, 202549 min

S5 Ep 156156: Melissa Oholendt, Oho Interiors — Using your signature style to attract your dream clients

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors to dig into how she built a high‑end residential design firm rooted in her signature “cottage‑traditional with a European/English influence” aesthetic — and how that clarity has helped her attract the clients she wants. Melissa shares what it took to scale from one person to a team across two states, how she shifted her pricing model, and why strong processes and trust are cornerstones of her business.They also explore the emotional side of design work: how homes affect mental wellness, the tension of leading a team vs. being the face of the brand, and what growth looks like when you lean into your style instead of trying to adapt to external trends.In this episode they discuss:Melissa’s journey from finance/PR/photography into interior design and why she finally said yes to doing what she loves.How she made the decision to be in two states (Minnesota and Colorado), the trade‑offs, and how that changed her business structure.Why she moved from flat‑fee pricing to hourly billing, and the importance of having historical data to price confidently.How Melissa builds trust with prospective clients before they even hire her — via Instagram, transparency around cost, and showcasing results.Her team structure, leadership style, and how she’s learning to delegate, let go, and empower senior and associate designers.How rising build costs and other recent industry shifts have forced process changes and ways to ensure feasibility earlier (so design work isn’t discarded due to budget surprises).What she feels most confident about (processes! systems!) and what’s still evolving for Oho Interiors.Melissa’s future goals: expanding influence, exploring product partnerships or retail, and building what she calls a modest “empire.”Mentioned:Oho Interiors website — ohointeriors.comOho Interiors on Instagram — @oho_interiorsOho Interiors Pinterest — /oho_interiorsOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

Oct 10, 20251h 9m
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