Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

In this episode we discuss why having a recruiting process in place will help you get past hiring hurdles. The Hiring & Recruiting Guide will guide you through the whole recruiting process so you can better grow your team and grow your business. In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:The two main positions that business owners hire for in the industryGetting the right information during interviewsOffering the position to the candidate What you need for new hire onboardingGetting to know your new employeesMentioned:Hiring & Recruiting GuideOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Today’s episode is all about reflecting, reviewing, and accessing the year 2022. We chat about the things we need to stop doing, some of our fondest memories, business and personal wins, and what is to come in 2023. Have a Happy New Year, Hotties!In this episode, we talk about:Planning too much versus not planning enoughNeeding a monthly newsletter and delegating more tasksThe growing community of Hotties and the motivation it bringsHow having an office is a great reason to keep pushing forwardWhat type of book keeper is the bestFiguring out the best website platform to useOur specific goals for 2023Adapting to feedback from our loyal podcast listenersExciting plans for the podcast in 2023Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Are you struggling with delegating responsibilities to your assistants, how to accept certain clients, and handling the finances of owning a design firm? We talk about all this with Joy Williams of Joyful Designs Studio.In this episode, we talk about:Wearing many hats but still delegating to othersHiring a Design Assistant versus a General AssistantOwning where you live and owning where you workWhy designing show houses is great for creativity but difficult on the walletJoy’s process of bringing on new clientsHaving the right people in place to help with finances and contractsWhy designers need to educate their clientsMentioned:Joy’s Website Joy’s InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Do you struggle when it comes to developing the presentations you show your clients? Lucky for you, you can stop struggling, because we have already done the work for you! With our Client Presentation Template, you will have an easy to follow, process that you and your clients will understand.In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:Guiding you quickly and easily before and during the presentationHelpful advice on how to present to your clientsAvoiding a hot mess situationAn email template to send to the client before the presentationUnderstanding how the template works with an example The benefits a template can bring to you and your teamMentioned:Client Presentation Template - Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

We all have experienced exhaustion as designers in the last few years. With that said, we are grateful for some things that have come out of the challenging time we all have faced. There is nothing like adversity to bring people together. In this episode, we talk about:The improvements vendors have made in the last few yearsMaking choices based on the ease of orderingLoving 3D walkthrough showrooms on vendor websitesThe immersion of life and workGrateful to have more deep connections in personWhy a room unphotographed, is a room failedSetting terrible expectations for the clientsProblems in shippingGoing to Las Vegas for KBISMentioned:KBISOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

You need to stop comparing yourself to other designers out there. You don’t have to be published with all the accolades, in order to be considered a good designer. In this episode, we talk about:The Full Service Approach - You need to experience it to understand itComparing yourself to other designersTaking on a client is like a dating gameKnowing who you are as a designer makes it easier to find the right clientFiguring out your unique selling point and leaning into it Finding your own motivation and intentionComparing a designers portfolio page versus the magazine they designed forOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

In this episode we discuss why having a specific time to review your year is vital to you and your business. Your Year In Review Workbook will guide you in creating a business retreat. The workbook also offers an easy-to-use, revenue planning calculator to help you figure out realistic numbers for your business.In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about the Self-Guided Business Retreat workbookTaking a day to retreat from your normal routines and location Giving yourself space to think, access, plan and celebrate Effectively reviewing a year of your business Figuring out revenue, expenses, and business goalsOur links:Download the Self-Guided Business Retreat workbook in our shopSubscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

Wouldn’t it be great to live down the street from your showroom, have a collaborative team environment with multiple designers working for you, and take summers off to focus on family time? Sounds like a fantasy for us designers, but it is reality for Susan Wintersteen of Savvy Interiors. In this episode, we talk about:Which financial numbers are the most important to focus on in your businessWhat the Savvy Interiors design process looks like and why it’s beneficialOutsourcing the tasks that don’t give you joyPreparing for recessions and how to act quickly in response to a bad economyWhy she avoids doing design projects outside of her local areaBeing innovative and trying new thingsSusan’s nonprofit that designs healthy and functional rooms for children with cancerPartnering with Make A Wish Foundation so designers can give backMentioned:Savvy Interiors WebsiteSavvy Interiors InstagramSavvy Giving By DesignCool Tile Mirror TrickOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

Have your creative juices run dry? Are you feeling utterly exhausted? You may be burning out. This happens to everyone at one point or another, so just know that you are not alone.In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:Absorbing the energy of everyone around youHelping others get it together when you don’t even have it all togetherNot forgetting our own mental healthRecalibrating and reaccessing your work volumeChanging up your routineTaking personal time for yourself - day outings and longer vacationsBeing the designer of your own lifeMentioned:Hottie Shoutout - Meagan BlauCheck out Megan's WebsiteCheck out Megan’s InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

In this episode, we discuss our process of client discovery. The Client Discovery Workflow will guide you from initial inquiry all the way to consultation.In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:The push and pull between designer and prospect - you need to play a little “hard to get”The difference in approach they take during the initial inquiryPolitely grilling the prospect during the discovery callWhat to do before, during, and after the callDebrief questions and why they will help you learn and growGuiding you through consultations with an intentional questionnaireMentioned:Client Discovery Workflow - Get it hereOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

There is a science to upholstery construction and today’s guest, Richelle Plett, talks all about it. Unlike the sometimes boring science classes in school, this lesson is not only interesting but it can help improve your design business.In this episode, we talk about:Trading price for quality and why longevity should be the deciding factorInvesting in pieces that are going to be used over and over againTop three things designers should learn about upholstery How many vendor lines a designer should haveTips for finding and restoring vintage piecesHaving a strong working relationship with an upholstery workroomBottom-line pricing versus ItemizingWhy interior designers need to get into the world of upholsteryMentioned:Richelle's Upholstery Uncovered CourseRichelle's Course with Luann UniversityOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Any business owner must come to the realization that problems are going to arise at some point. While it may not be what we desire, we can more readily handle these situations if we are prepared in advance. Today, we discuss how to handle client dissatisfaction.In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:Feeling like the client’s punching bag and the stressful emotions that come with itDealing with damaged and defective productsAcknowledging concerns so the client feels understood and heardOffering to resolve issues with the time and resources available to youMaking client aware of what you cannot do - Reference terms of the contractNot taking responsibility for problems you did not causeObtaining the client’s written agreement How markup revenue can protect you when solving problems Mentioned:Hottie Shoutout - Katy Jaeger, Surf Perch InteriorsCheck out Katy’s WebsiteCheck out Katy’s IGOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

You have been deceived to think you only have certain options when it comes to window treatments. We are here to let you know that you do have options to choose from. It is possible to have both a functional and attractive window treatment.In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:The accessibility to quality window treatments, in decades pastUnderstanding the difference between professional vs store boughtMain components to professional window treatments Why designers need to skip the middleman and go straight to a workroomThe benefits to having a relationship with a professional workroomRebecca’s strategy to find a mid-range option for clientsBeing transparent with clients so they understand what their options areWhy designers should not install window treatments for their clientsMentioned:Hottie Shoutout - Sarah FischerCheck out Sarah’s WebsiteCheck out Sarah’s IGEtsy Seller - ADREAMhomedecor  We found a window treatment workroom through WCAA - https://www.wcaa.org/ Download FREE Window Treatment Worksheet Download #1 Budget Calculator Instructions on How To Leave a Review on Apple PodcastsOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon 

It is a desert out there and publications are thirsty for your designer content! The Pitching for Press Workbook is full of Shaun and Rebecca’s best tips to get you seen by publications and quench their thirst with your content! In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:How they obtained these helpful publishing tipsThe stress-free template you can use to create your pitch for Editors and media partnersA one-page media kit that helps elevate you as an industry professionalMany more hints and industry standard are included in the Pitching for Press WorkbookOur links:Download the Pitching For Press Workbook - HYDC ResourcesSubscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member - Support us on Patreon

Are you still running your interior design business out of your home? Constant distractions, lack of resources, and limited space may be keeping your business from growing. Think of your business like a goldfish living in a fish bowl…it can grow if you give it space to grow!In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun talk about:Being disconnected from important work tasks, because of distractions in the homeMaking more productive use of energy due to having an actual office spaceClients are more excited for presentations in an office verses at a homeHaving boundaries with the design team is possible with an actual officeBeing more efficient with a library of many samples to choose fromGetting a broker to locate, strategize and negotiate an office spaceConsidering different factors - lease terms, utilities, maintenance, commute time, neighborhood, etc.Breaking things down into smaller pieces, compared to giant decisionsResources MentionedSubscribe and leave a review: Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow: Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s Instagram Shaun’s InstagramFor more information: Check out the websiteBecome a “Hottie” member: Support us on Patreon

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:Today we ask the age old question: Is the juice worth the squeeze? Our a la carte Budget CalculatorGreedy Peasant for a laugh

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:Rick Campos is a professional interior designer with over a decade of experience in the design industry. A graduate of Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach CA, Rick worked his way through the ranks by working at a design trade showroom and then as a design assistant for a notable interior design firm before launching his own design business and retail boutique in 2007. Most recently Director of Business Development for a leading OC design firm, his daily interactions with architects, builders, vendors and clients contributes to a broad perspective of the design industry.Listen to Design Biz Survivors GuideDesign Biz Retreat 2022 (Tell him you heard about it on our episode!)Follow him on Instagram

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:1 DON'T Don’t ever make your social posts look like you did the work if you didn't.DO Give credit where its due. If you are sharing photography, CREDIT DESIGNER AND PHOTOGRAPHER up front. Not buried in post or tags. If you are overlapping on a project with another industry professional, share credit and celebrate their work too. Value of collaboration and crediting eachother is better juju.2 DON'T pop into DMs and expect other professionals to give you their design sources or vendors.DO remember that their clients paid for them to do the work and if they don't know you they don't owe you. Build your own connections and relationships and if you have trust, you may get somewhere.3 DON'T expect professionals to give you their time so you can "pick their brain".DO Ask to pay for a consultation hour or even peer-to-peer mentorship when it makes sense. This is all about intent and respect for time. Recognize that we all have limited bandwidth and if you need mentorship its not a two-way street.4 DON'T Be afraid to make friends with other designers.DO This is comparison to #4. So say hi when you see someone/recognize a person IRL. Start conversations at Market. Don't just lurk, do the Crha Slide into DM's and make friends. Once you've made relationships then there is equity and helping each other is a win-win.reframe the idea of "competitors." We all have different strengths and there is work for everyone. 5 DON'T Copy other designers work. Beware of the Pinterest trap.DO feel confident that your POV is unique and important. Your audience will find you and you should feel like you can push yourself creatively. There are some aesthetics that have taken over our industry. Although beautiful, it seems like a boring place to be pigeon-holed forever.

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted Interiors

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Sign up now and be the first to get next month's download. (Hint: its all about Procurement).Shaun's Millenial lifestyle articleDownload the HYDC Procurment Guide Canva Template from our Resources page starting July 1, 2022. It’s the perfect client-ready tool to explain the entire Procurement process from start to finish. Episode 66 How Designers Make Money episode 56 Secrets of Styling

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Sign up and get access to the Budget Guide we go on aboutOR you can get it a la carte hereEmily Henderson on Business of HomeShout out to our friend Eneia White (Episode 38)

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted Interiors

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Support us and we'll love you forever!Kelli's book Home with Rue: Style for Everyone is available May 31! The summer issue of Rue hits newstands end of June.For home tour submissions email: [email protected] Kelli and her work at:Rue's InstagramRue's PinterestKelli's Instagram

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! New tiers will officially launch June 1!

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Support us and we'll love you forever!Hotel Indigo Winston-SalemKimpton Cardinal Hotel Winston-SalemHighpoint Market AppRebecca's shoesSpotted:Jane SeymourMax HumphreyJean StofferRobert NovogratzLord Spencer for Theodore AlexanderDalia E 53Richelle Plett, Upholstery Uncovered

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Support us and we'll love you forever!Shaun's rebranding with Quixotic Design Co.A "horse designed by committee."

Become an official Hottie on Patreon!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + Studio PlumbFollow Shaun: Instagram + Wrensted InteriorsStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Support us and we'll love you forever!Highpoint Designer Influencers TourDesign Influencers ConferenceAll of our past Process PartiesMt Vernon. George flexed with some COLOR

Overwhelmed and can't dig yourself out? We're talking about getting help for our businesses. What it takes, what the pain points are, and what took so long.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + WebsiteFollow Shaun: Instagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Support us and we'll love you forever!Eneia White (Episode 38)Lauren Studio La Loc (Episode 29)Ashley Ausland (Ausland Interiors)Upwork and Thumbtack to find and outsource to experts

We know we left you hanging, but we're back with some major updates, and ways for you to help us sustain HYDC!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Rebecca Instagram + WebsiteFollow Shaun: Instagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:HYDC Patreon! Support us and we'll love you forever!Rebecca's new showroom: Happy Hour Design CollectiveSign up to our newsletter

This week we have a big announcement about the future of Hot Young Designers Club.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Rebecca's. new showroom: Happy Hour Design CollectiveSign up to our newsletter

This week we're talking about setting our projects up right. Yes, a big part of our job is creative. But we spend a lot of time setting client expectations, so we break down some ideas through automation, emails, forms, and templates. Since so much is out of our hands, we can at least take these steps to help prepare our clients!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Sub-agreements in DubsadoHow to send an email later in GmailRebecca uses Airmail for her email

On today's show we're sharing some secrets of styling and talking about the art of selling accessories. And we have some exciting past guests to share their own process. We get into profitability, efficiency, and how to retain the joy of design. If you've been wondering how everyone else does it, this is the show for youQuestions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:We talk about the benefits of hiring a stylist for photographs and editorial instead of styling for client installations.How to help clients understand the value of creating fully styled spacesUsing fully accessorized and styled rooms to help advertise for the next ideal client and projectMost designers are investing their own time and energy to bring in accessories and styling items for clientsWe realized that many are not confident that their process is the ideal way they want to handle things long termWe explore a little about why running a retail store isn’t ideal for everyoneWe wanted to leave more confident in our own process and feeling comfortable with experimenting on new styling processesEneia shares her own process for purchasing accessories and how she bills it to clientsWe talked about creating a single lump line item on proposals for accessories. Rebecca is trying the Sortly app for inventory managementLauren from Studio Laloc has a little bit of a different process she shares with usKravet accessoriesThe journey of buying vintage and antique items and maintaining an inventory may not be for everyoneConsider the space needs, temperature control, insurance, and the need to sell merchandise to build profit into your business modelWe weigh some of the pros and cons of new wholesale accessories vs. purchasing vintage and how to make money off it Ginny Episode 6Eneia Episode 38Lauren Episode 29

In Part 8 of our Process Party series we're breaking down how we set budget expectations with our clients. Whether it's furnishing our remodeling projects, we have to set proper expectations early. Because money isn't just part of the conversation - it is the conversation! Head to our show notes for details on how to download our free HYDC Client Budgeting Guide.  Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:We're continuing our Summer Skip Schedule to publish new episodes every other weekWe would love to take a Summer sourcing trip to France or MoroccoRebecca is worried about everything she needs to accomplish before her Hawaiian vacationShaun's vacation plans for Provincetown, MA didn't come together, stay tuned for other vacation plans.Shaun's loving Carolina Irving's Almaty Velvet fabricWe want to be good stewards of our clients' money and where it makes sense for their budgets to be spentListen back to Episode 44 Process Party: Furniture Education when we started these budget conversationsIn our interview with Jacob Medina in Episode 26, he talked about using a Good/Better/Best model with clients to establish budget expectations.We need to move past our own money stories and emotional hangups to be the best advocates for our clientsShaun has found it helpful to use the National Home Remodeling Guide to help clients understand costs of remodeling or construction projectsThese honest conversations help establish our credibility as trusted advisors for our clientsShaun also implemented a minimum furnishing and accessory budget along with construction projects as a way to create a more sustainable business.Head to our Resources Page to download the free PDF of our Client Budgeting Guide.

On this week's episode we're excited to sit down with Asha Chaudhary, the CEO of Jaipur Living. Jaipur Living is one of our favorite rug and textile vendors to work with. Asha shares what it's like to run a business with her family and how they like to collaborate with textile artisans globally.  Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:This episode is sponsored by Jaipur Living. Visit JaipurLiving.com/HYD to set up your account today.We appreciate the family-owned attention Jaipur Living gives to their products and their customer experience. Asha and her sisters are all helping their company build on their father's vision that started in India. It was fascinating to hear about how the relationships with the artisans helps create a unique and beautiful textile and we love sharing that story with our clients. Asha is on the steering committee for the Nest organization, a non-profit supporting the responsible growth of the artisan and maker economy.The Jaipur Rugs Foundation is helping to uplift the artisan communities throughout India. We talk about Jaipur's partnership with designers at Verde Home to create a unique collection based on what designer's are looking for.And you know we enjoyed hearing about the supply chain impacts on their business so we can help our clients understand what's happening globally and build the right expectations into our business.Asha also shares with us how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their families, artisans, and their business. It was a good reminder for us to consider the impact that individual people are having on the goods we bring into our clients' homes.There are lots of great customization options in the work with Jaipur Living which is exciting as a designer to think about how we can create our own bespoke pieces for clients.Asha shared how she has been investing in her own professional development recently through the StrengthsFinder book and online StrengthsFinder assessment.

This is the first episode of our new Vendor Bender series where we'll welcoming industry experts onto the show. We want to help designers run their businesses better, and we're starting of with Dalia Soles of Design Assisted. Dalia's company helps designers increase their efficiency through outsourced project management, design assistance, and procurement.  Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Dalia's background in both commercial and residential projects in Palm Beach, CA helped her identify a gap in the design industry that lead to the launch of her company, Design Assisted. Find Dalia online, on Instagram, and on FacebookDalia cut her teeth in the design industry working for Kemble Design in FloridaWe love her spirit of figuring things out and being courageous to jump into a new career path and industry.Dalia talks about thriving in environments where she can lift others up, and how her role as a Design Assistant can sometimes involve being a therapist for her designers.We talked more about outsourcing in Episode 40Dalia shares how she uses Trello and Asana to help her clients projects move smoothlyBringing on a design assistant can help increase revenue through time billing and increase the designer's productivityDalia shares her love of Google Slides to help organize information and acts as brain dump for our full mindsWe also talk about our various experiences with Enneagram and how our types effect our work and personal lives.Dalia has recommended Willow & Jax to some of her clients as a resource to help define their processes.She also talked about her mental health journey working with adult ADHD after discovering Chalene Johnson on Tik TokShe's currently inspired by the dynamic work of Cameron Ruppert Interiors

This week we're boldly going where no Hottie has gone before. It's time for the 5th installment of our most popular series Just Stop. And do we have some good ones for you. We're talking about fighting the algorithm, getting paid in full, and hunting for unicorns. Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Shaun had fallen off Instagram posting so he got back into it by starting Reels. One of Shaun's reels has gone viral.If you fell off the wagon too, try using an auto-posting app like Planoly or Later.Rebecca is having a Mom Summer but has a vacation coming upAnd if you're looking for the perfect bag to carry everything around, Rebecca is loving her Hulken bags.The Hulken bag also holds her IKEA KUGGIS presentation traysWe're back for part 4 of the popular Just Stop series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)Just Stop asking for magic unicorn solutions to problems during projects, put in the work and learn from your mistakes.Just Stop asking what to do with 90s developer niches, just close them up.Just Stop selling goods and products to clients without marking them up.Just Stop worrying about what other designers are doing.Just Stop complaining about the Instagram algorithm.Just Stop complaining about how the internet and online shopping have changed our industry.Just Stop acting like a bank for clients - they should be paying for 100% of goods before you order so you're not at risk.

This week we've got some bad news for you, you're being audited! Well...it's a brand audit. And we've got checklists and to do lists for you to get your business in order. It's the middle of the year, so it's time to revisit the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Shaun got a new piece of original art from Meghan Spielman He used some money principles from Episode 48 with Michele Williams to reward himself.Rebecca has been enjoying her Miracle Mornings practices to start her days rightWe're both reading Profit FirstRebecca's mornings when she fell off the Miracle Mornings was like OK, Go's music video on a treadmillThanks to Lauren at Studio Laloc (Episode 29) who recommended using Google Slides for presentationsWe're building off of ideas we discussed during Episode 3 Does Your Brand Suck?It's time to audit your brand and see if you're putting out the right messaging to your potential clients on all your platformsWe were definitely motivated by Kim Kuhteubl (Episode 49) addressing branding and visibilityYou need to be on Creator or Business profile for IG.That way you can leverage the insights and analytics to help plan your content strategy.It also let's you use the Book Now button to be accessible to clients and create more enhanced profile data.Rebecca started using Quick Replies in Instagram to help respond to DMs faster.How to create and use quick replies guideIf you want to use autoposting features in apps like Planoly and Later you need to use a business profile, not a creator accountGet your IG bio right to grab attention:Include your namepreferred pronounslocation/market you servedevelop a geotagging strategy (like Anastasia Casey discussed in Episode 9)share your ideal client, ideal projects, ideal style in your bio toocross promote your business profile in your personal accountif there's a hashtag that closely resembles your style or desired aesthetic consider having that in your bio tooUpdate your press or media kit periodically too, be sure the data is accurateReview your website's About page tooAdd new project photos to your marketing materials or websiteIt's time to get your portrait photos out there too and post them to your grid often to introduce yourself to potential clientsConsider cross promoting yourself through platforms like Facebook and groups that appeal to your potential client, like parent, school, or community groups.

Boring content alert! We're tired of romanticizing busy culture. We don't want to keep talking about how busy we all are so we're taking back the narrative and organizing our priorities. This week's episode focuses on taking our live's back, and designing our business around healthier and more sustainable practices for ourselves.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Rebecca is trying a new way to name her project files.She was inspired by some examples she saw from Sandra FunkIf you're into an Australian drama, you might like Offspring on NetflixShaun's feeling good about his Botox journeyWe walk about the dangers of a busy and stressful lifestyleWhy are we culturally promoted to be part of a busy culture?Let's stop romanticizing being stressed, and let's stop talking about it. Talking about how busy we all are is boring content. Step away from the social media comparisonsLet's commit to doing better for physical and emotional well-beingLet's leave space in our lives to find new and different things other than our businesses and design.Say no to the things you don't want to do to make room for the things you do want to doDon't exchange your gratitude for what's happening to be stressed about itIt all linked back to mastering our time like we learned about when we read The Big LeapTry new tactics like not scheduling meetings on Mondays or Fridays

On today's show we're connecting with Kim Kuhteubl, the author of Branding + Interior Design. But when we say connect, we mean our minds were blown! We went deeper than just branding; we talked about developing our self-worth and defining our value for our clients. If we don't show up as our true selves, we won't attract our dream clients.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Kim talks about leading with creativity in our workHow she believes that creatives are poised to change the way the world operatesHow our spreadsheets won't save usWe should design our businesses to be a true reflection of who we areWe both left with reminders that we want to be creatives first. We sometimes feel so compelled to sell ourselves as organized business professionals that we lose the magic of design.We have to stop measuring ourselves against what someone else's success looks like in our industryKim encouraged designers to be authentically themselves.She also loves attending conferences that aren't immediately related to your industry, she was inspired by the California Women's Conference.She has become obsessed with Ruggable.She couldn't decide between living on the set of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or the set of Friends.Find Kim on mebydesign.com or on InstagramHer new program Designer Smart Cuts starts May 26, 2021

On this week's episode we welcome business strategist and coach Michelle Williams. Michele helps business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control so they can reclaim their time and to be passionate about their work. Don't miss her thought provoking ideas on money management and business mindset.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Fake birkencrocksRebecca and Shaun's minds were blown during Michele's interviewShaun's obsessed with the Merge Dragons! appRebecca recommended the Bardot Brushes for Procreate so Shaun could sketch more without pen and paperWe need less screen time and more reading like Brian's Paquette and DISC Interiors' new booksWhat designers have spaces that live in your head rent free?Are friends and family experiencing quarantine postpartum? Rebecca talks about how hard it's been to meet with friends spontaneously.Rebecca is loving her Birkenstock knock-offs she's calling- birkencrocksOur guest today is Michele Williams, you can check out her website here, follow her on Instagram, or check out her podcast Profit Is A Choice.Michele talks about how she turned her negative profit business into a sustainable living early into her business ownership journeyShe shared how she felt like everyone in the design industry were hiding something from her, but they were just as lost as she was.It's not just enough to be getting paid and have clients who love your work - we've got to develop smart money management strategies.Are you going to be in hobby or are you going to be in business?Try introducing yourself as an owner of a design firm instead of a designerBuild barriers and protections between yourself and your businessChallenge yourself to write down your business mission, vision, values, and policies to identify what your company stands forTake "I" and "me" out of the equation to make things less personalMichele compared strategic plans to tactical plans for business - sometimes you can make plans in advance as part of your business strategy, but in the moment with your clients and projects you may have to do something different as a tactical strategy.Remember that our role is not to be an adversary with our clients or to go against their goals. Sometimes we need to ask ourselves what the clients ideal solution is to a problem and compare it to our own ideal solution and work towards both of them together.We start talking about the book, Profit First, and how to build a business model around itThe first thing we need to do is develop a framework and mindset around money managementMichele offered great ways to manage our money by separating the cost of goods from our operating incomeWe also talk about applying the profit first philosophy to our time, because time is also a currency.Profit is about providing sustainability for our businesses, it's not just about having money.We discuss selling the right product or service to the right person at the right price and managing the heck out of it.The emotional aspect of money can get in the way of making it wisely

This week episode is all about the never ending battle between design influencers and designers. Just kidding! But the Hotties are talking about how the two business models differ and their experiences on both sides. It take a lot to do them successfully and running two businesses isn't as glamorous as it sounds.Follow RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Is Rebecca going to do the ORC again?She might be getting to use a bold wallpaper by Milton & King and designer Tiff ManuellIf you hadn't heard, there's a huge lumber shortage and it's increasing the cost of projects exponentially.Shaun got to go to his first dinner party since February 2020 pre-covid.He shares more about how LGBT people create safe spaces to be authentically themselves.This episode was recorded when we were together during Las Vegas Market in April 2021.The blurred line between design influencers and designers can make it challenging for someone outside of the design industry to understand why they're each differentFeedback from our 2021 Listener Feedback Survey suggested a number of designer influencers for potential interviewWe talk about what we're looking for in a guest episode and interviewWe focus on the value a designer can offer to all of our listeners when we consider them for an episode The main difference in the business model of design influencers is selling product - either through wholesale designer-exclusive vendors or via retail goods.It's possible to be a design tastemaker without monetizing it to become an influencerAmber Interiors and Studio McGee have been examples for many designers.Amber Lewis recently partnered with Portola Paints on work for her own home, and launched her own line with AnthropologieGinny MacDonald talked about her partnership with Lulu & Georgia when we interviewed her for Episode 6We talk about developing a strategy to build a following and understanding the "why" a follower base can help you depending on your business growth goalsNot all designers want a boutique or a shopDesigner led e-commerce platforms like Kathy Kuo Home or Burke Decor sell a lot of products from wholesale designer sourcesYour own home can be a great place to experiment with your design style and push your creative limitsConsider using blogging as a method to build trust with potential clients and build your audienceMore content on Pinterest and increasing your SEO performance can increase traffic to help clients find youThere aren't as many influencers who are actively working interior designersWe can learn a lot from influencers about marketing strategies, how they build their audiences, and how they present themselves authenticallyAs designers we need to get out of our own heads and put ourselves out there on social media to develop relationships with our future clientsWe are our own most powerful marketing tool How to connect ideas and be a storytellerConsider using the STAR interview method when you're interacting on social media: Situation, Task, Action, Result.Do followers appreciate the clarity of influencers since they don't often get that from designers?Get permission from your clients to share projects on social media by putting it in your contract Rebecca started asking clients if they wanted to be tagged in her social media.We've definitely learned from influencers that we need to level up our photography game as designersBrand consistency has helped influencers create a professional appearance that designers can adopt to increase credibility

On this week's episode we're taking you on a journey to Las Vegas Market with our favorite showrooms, trends, and tips. We even got to catch up with a few guest Hotties to share their thoughts from Spring 2021's Market. Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:The food and coffee situation at Las Vegas Market was roughRebecca is stoked that her website got fixed, she uses the Elementor plug-in for WordpressThey're both stoked that Handmaid's Tale is back for Season 4Shaun's potential client is really disappointed at the design options her home builder is offeringWe caught up with Alexis Garrett of Alexis Garrett Design. Alexis liked seeing caning, rope, and rattanShe loved Kim Salmela's collection for Norwalk Furniture, linens from Pom Pom At Home, and unique offerings from Kiss That FrogShaun picked up on a Golden Girls aesthetic that he didn't necessarily loveWe spent some quality time with Maegan Blau of Blue Copper DesignMaegan highlighted rope furniture, modern lighting, and relaxed upholsteryWe all visited the Sunset West outdoor furniture showroom and want to up our gameRebecca loved seeing new ideas for leather detailsShaun is calling it - boucle is doneThey both noticed traditional finishes like alabaster and crystal in lightingRebecca is all here for 70s lighting trendsFinally we got a cameo appearance from Ashley Ausland from Ausland Interior to hear her thoughtsAshley loved seeing curved upholstery, fluting details, and tambour.Seeing rounded shapes may be a reaction to the harshness of the last few years.It reminded Rebecca of Ingrid Lee's book, JoyfulWe both drew inspiration from the details inside the Vegas hotelsAnd we both enjoyed our stay at The Hotel NomadThere was a bit of a roaring 20's influence in materials and shapesThe Hudson Valley Lighting showroom never disappointsShaun talks about how he wants to level up his outdoor furnishing gameThey both shared how they're making plans to bring more accessory purchasing into their businessRebecca's market pick was MercanaShaun's market pick was Classic Home

This week Shaun and Rebecca are sharing their dream projects in another installment of You Wish, Bitch! They're manifesting their crazy big ideas and some more realistic dream projects to niche their businesses. Turns out that they both have globetrotting design fantasies! If you don't put it out there, how will someone know you want it? Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Shaun's been trying to snag a tile by Paul Bommer and keeps missing his Etsy sales.Heidi Caillier Design used Paul Bommer's tiles for this kitchen projectShaun's been using the IKEA Symfonisk speaker outside to pair with his existing Sonos indoor systemRebecca's Camp Goldenbear project is getting so coolDon't ever get stuck in the Suez Canal, because it'll cost you $1 BILLION DOLLARS!Listen back to our first You Wish, Bitch episode #27 about dream kitchensWe recorded this episode while staying at The Hotel Nomad for Las Vegas MarketShaun talks about niching his business into Spanish Revival style homesRebecca chats about the type of clientele and project she really wants to work withShaun's dream big is working on a Riad in Marrakech, Morocco after his trip in 2019The El Fenn and L'Hotel Marrakech are both beautiful and inspiring resorts Rebecca wants to pretend to recreate Stay Here in her design businessSet your dream big goals: Who do you want to call you for their next project? What's the project? What does it look like? How does it reward you? What's the look and feel?

It's time for our next Process Party, Hotties! We've talked about how important furniture sales are to generating revenue, and the first thing you need to do is learn the differences in quality and value. This week we help you get an introductory course. Because you've got to educate yourself before you can educate your clients!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Rebecca's been frustrated by reinventing her remodeling proposals in DubsadoShaun apparently undersold Poldark to Rebecca and now she's hookedCheck out Rebecca's Instagram highlights for her Lake Tahoe projectIs Poldark better than Downton Abbey?Shaun wasn't a fan of the Stranger Things Drive Into ExperienceIf you're looking for a great Summery or brunch vibe, listen to the Spotify playlist by PalihouseCheck out Palisociety online for design inspiration tooAvoiding throwing around words like high-end and low-end until we've developed a spectrum of products we're referencingNoir is a trade vendor who discloses a lot of material variation and embraces imperfectionFind out how the products you're specifying are madeA textile design course can really help you learn a lot about fabricsShaun learned a lot during his internship from Kathryn Ireland and her textile lineUnderstanding how wood is cut to understand pricing and qualityLearning the difference between partial overlay, full overlay, and inset cabinetryCabinetry can be value engineeredRebecca and Shaun debate talking to a cabinet maker or a cabinet showroom to learn moreWe talk about different upholstery qualities like fillers, pattern matches, and solid wood framesShade alert: Restoration Hardware sofas aren't always worth their priceExpensive doesn't always mean qualityYour job is to educate clients on what quality furnishings look like and how they're madeEneia White talked about matching your client's inspiration with their budget in her Episode 38Homeowners go into sticker shock on window treatmentsDon't try to come for us saying your store bought window treatments are just as good as custom treatmentsAs designers we need to remove our money mindset from our client's money mindsetPrice is only a factor in the absence of value, sell your clients on value that sets your proposed products apartDon't be afraid to be humble and admit what you don't know

This week Rebecca + Shaun are diving into mentor relationships. They dish on what makes a good mentor, and most importantly what makes a good mentee. And it's not just asking "Can I pick your brain?" Guiding others can be a great way to invest in the design community.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Rebecca started watching Poldark on Amazon PrimeWe're psyched to be announcing the winners of 3 HYDC t-shirts after the 2021 Listener Survey over on our Instagram storiesSupport our diverse community of past guests and show them some loveWe've loved helping from you Hotties during our new Coaching SessionsAre you going to see us at Las Vegas Market? April 10-14, 2021Shaun got to hit some LA showrooms like Nickey Kehoe's Shop , Harbinger, and ClaremontRebecca's still growing and learning from Episode 40: OutsourcingWe discussed informal and formal mentorship relationshipsProper etiquette for starting and maintaining mentor relationships

It's the 1st birthday of the HYDC! This week Rebecca and Shaun are celebrating by taking you back to their beginnings and how they started their businesses. They share their education paths, what they invested to launch, and how they got their first projects. Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Rebecca's project was shared on Bobby Berk's Instagram Hear more of our origin stories in past episodes likeEpisode 1: Meet The Hot Young Designers Episode 14: Hot Old Husbands ClubShaun interned with Kathryn M Ireland in Santa Monica Which business model is right for you? Check out Episode 35: Unf*ck Your Biz with Braden DrakeWe learned a lot from Luann Nigara's A Well Designed Business Podcast and Kimberly Seldon's Business of Design PodcastCompleting the One Room Challenge helped us create great spaces to share with clients in our portfolioVeronica Solomon's Facebook GroupRebecca's school reference book Professional Practice For Interior Designers

This week we're taking your real life questions on topics like how to handle contractors and what to do when clients take credit for your work. There's even a not-so-hot kitchen counter dilemma. We opened the hotlines for all of your design agonies in this WWHYDD? episode.Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Rebecca's reading The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah Book your Private Coaching Session with us!

This week the Hot Young Designers are sharing how they outsource tasks in their business and home life. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, it's probably time to delegate tasks. And growing your business doesn't just mean hiring permanent employees - it's time to stop that "I can do it all myself" life!Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:House of Hipsters Open Letter To PinterestDesign Influencers ConferenceShaun's Le Labo Santal 33 cologne is a highlight of his dayRebecca's reading It Didn't Start With You about inherited family traumaShaun recommended the My Favorite Murder podcast Cecily's favorite ferret TikTokThey both use meal kits like Sun Basket, Blue Apron, Marley Spoon, Hello Fresh to save time and simplify their home livesWe loved Eneia White Interior's episode when she talked about hiring

This week the Hot Young Designers roll through their list of red flags for projects and clients. Chances are that you've heard some of them before: "I just need a few pieces", "I really have an eye for design", or "I have a few edits for your contract". You might have been fooled once, but now that you've learned the signs you can learn how to educate, inform, and recognize the right clients and projects. Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] RebeccaInstagram + Website Follow ShaunInstagram + WebsiteStuff they mentioned:Is Rebecca getting a lay-down laptop stand?Don't be distracted by project budgets or how cool clients seemRely on your instincts and learn to listen to themAvoid clients who want to live their designer fantasy and not give control over to youBeware of litigation happy attorneysDoes anyone really just need a few pieces?Don't change your contract to benefit clients unless there's something in it for you tooWatch out for unrealistic timelines even after educating clientsWhy didn't things work out with their last designer?How do your clients make decisions?