Profit Is A Choice

307: Scaling Your Design Business: Benefits of Outsourced Help With me today is Danae Branson, founder of Elite Design Assistants, a virtual assistant agency providing professional virtual design support to interior designers. She is also the owner of Niche Mavin, a freelance gig-based platform serving professionals in interior design, architecture, construction, and real estate. In today's conversation, we're focusing on the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant—whether as ongoing team support or as a flexible, fill-in resource during busy seasons. You'll learn how to assess your needs, determine when it's time to bring in support, and how partnering with a virtual design assistant can help you deliver exceptional design services to your clients. Topics Mentioned: Benefits of Hiring Contractors Fractional Support Cost vs Efficiency Key Thoughts: Working with experienced professionals when subcontracting makes a difference in continuing service levels. There can be a trade-off between cost and efficiency based on the person you hire. Contractors can be beneficial, especially for short-term surges in work or when a business owner needs temporary relief from overwhelming tasks. Virtual Design Assistants (VDAs) can fill in gaps due to maternity leave, medical leave or hiring delays. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Danae: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @elitedesignassistants, @nichemavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danae-branson-a98b31163/ Website: elitedesignassistants.com Website: nichemavin.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

306: Monday Minute: Gross Profit and Net Profit Have a Job Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele. One of the new things we're adding to the podcast is a series of short, bite-sized episodes designed to give you quick insights you can put into action right away. Each Monday Minute is meant to be a fast listen—something you can absorb quickly and then apply to your business in a meaningful way. I hope these small moments of learning help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Enjoy this new offering! Topics Covered: Gross Profit Defined Net Profit Defined

305: Designing Beauty in Multi-Family Housing: Creating Spaces People Love to Live In Joining me today is Marcy Sagel, founder and principal of MSA Interiors, a leading commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, affordable housing, and other complex commercial projects. With over 30 years of experience, Marcy brings a deep understanding of how thoughtful design shapes the way people live every day. In this episode, we're diving into the world of multifamily living—what it really means, the unique considerations behind designing these spaces, and why everyone deserves beautiful, functional design, from affordable housing to high-end market-rate communities. I hope you'll find insight and inspiration in this conversation. Topics Mentioned: Affordable Housing Accessible Multifamily Housing Collective Decision Making Key Thoughts: Multifamily design differs from residential in terms of stakeholder management and the need to balance aesthetics with durability and longevity across different price points. Everyone deserves great design, regardless of budget. The ability to balance and manage collective decision-making is imperative. Affordable housing require durable materials and can still incorporate thoughtful design. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Marcy: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcysagel/ Website: msainteriors.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

304: Declutter Your Digital Chaos: Organizing Files for Productivity On the podcast today is Tracy Hoth, a life coach and professional organizer with over 16 years of experience. Tracy helps coaches and business owners transform their busy, cluttered operations into organized, CEO-level businesses—so they can calmly make more money while working fewer hours. Her specialty is stepping in to organize digital files, systems, and workflows so you can finally focus on the work that matters most. I'm excited for you to hear this conversation and learn how organization can create both clarity and profitability in your business. Topics Mentioned: Digital Organization Structured Systems for Executive Function Overcoming Resistance to Change Key Thoughts: Personal identity and past experiences can influence one's ability to stay organized. Structured systems support individuals with executive function challenges. Consistent systems build organizational skills. Simple file structures and organization of bookmarks streamlines operations. Understanding the root of resistance, such as lack of time or energy, is crucial for change. Sort and purge before making decisions. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Tracy: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @tracyhoth LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracyhoth/ Website: simplysquaredaway.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

303: Creating a Legacy: A Designer Like Me With me on the podcast today is Kymberlyn Lacy of Kymberlyn Lacy Interiors, and I am so excited for this conversation. Kymberlyn is an incredibly talented designer who has built strategic partnerships with vendors across the country and is truly someone to watch in the interiors industry. She's innovative, forward-thinking, and always leading the way. But what makes today's episode especially meaningful is her newest project—her children's book, A Designer Like Me, developed alongside the STEM coalition. It's a beautiful story designed to help kids see themselves in creative careers and recognize that there's a place for them in the world of interiors and design. We'll talk about the book's development, the inspiration behind the main character, Fawn, and how Kymberlyn is thinking about legacy, representation, and opening doors for the next generation. It's a heartfelt, inspiring conversation you're going to love. Topics Mentioned: Legacy building STEM Creativity Key Thoughts: Life altering events and health challenges can lead to significant shifts in not only perspectives, but in careers. Legacy becomes more important as we age and as we face these challenges. Design is closely tied to STEM, even if we think of it more as creative in nature. Having a diverse representation of an industry is powerful. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Kymberlyn: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @kymberlynlacyinteriors LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kymberlynlacy/ Website: kymberlynlacyinteriors.com Website: adesignerlikeme.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

302: The Sales Secret: Building Trust that Converts Joining me on the podcast today is Kathy Pace. Kathy is a dynamic, high-energy coach who teaches sales through a lens of trust—trust in ourselves, trust in the process, and trust in the client's ability to clearly share what they want and need. In this episode, we're reframing the sales conversation and exploring how trust transforms the entire experience, making it more authentic, effective, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Get ready for an energizing, insightful, and fun conversation about sales that just might change how you think about it. Topics Mentioned: Trust in Pricing and Process Confidence in execution Human to human sales connection Key Thoughts: Trust in pricing and processes provides confidence for execution of the sales process. Aggressive sales tactics can erode trust. Human to human approach transforms client's lives rather than just closing a transaction. ReCEPT (Relaxed, Connected, Engaging, Personalized, Transformational). Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Kathy: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @chattykathypace LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kathycraggpace/ Website: kathypace.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

301: Why Aligning Your Resources is the Key to Executing Your Strategy On the podcast today, I'm joined by Courtney Bramlett, owner of The Good Sower, and the powerhouse behind marketing and operations at Scarlet Thread. In this episode, we're talking about the alignment of resources—how you're investing your time, energy, and effort into the areas of your business that truly matter and will move you to the next level. Together, we are bringing a practical, grounded perspective on focusing your resources with intention so your business can grow without unnecessary overwhelm. Get ready for a fun, insightful, and energizing conversation. Topics Mentioned: Alignment of Resources to Strategy Prioritization of Goals based on company vision Focus resources and reduce unnecessary tasks Key Thoughts: Understand business fundamentals before implementing solutions. Budget for what is important. All resources should be aligned with the company strategy. Small steps in the right direction are better than none. Business investments need to be balance with owner's compensation. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Courtney: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @Courtneybramlett_ Website: The Good Sower References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

300: Upcycling with Purpose: How Sustainable Design Brings Peace to Your Space Joining us on the podcast today is Sarah Trop, owner of Fun Cycled in upstate New York. By day, Sarah transforms spaces and furniture through thoughtful, sustainable design, and by night, she shares her creative life as a lifestyle blogger—she's truly fun to follow and watch. In this episode, we're talking about upcycling—what Sarah lovingly calls Fun Cycling—and how intentional, sustainable design can bring a sense of peace into the spaces we live and work in. We'll also explore what it means to be good stewards of what we've been entrusted with, especially throughout the design process. This conversation is creative, meaningful, and uplifting—and I know you're going to enjoy it. Topics Mentioned: Repurposing Well-being Balancing home and health Key Thoughts: There is value in merging old and new items in design. It is important to balance home-making with hospitality and stewardship. Design can promote emotional and physical well-being. New challenges keep us learning. We were created to create. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Sarah: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @funcycled Facebook: Funcycled Website: Funcycled.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

299: Year-End Wrap Up: Creating Margin in Life and Business Joining me today on the podcast is Ceil DiGuglielmo, host of the Sew Much More podcast and owner of the Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library. Every year, Ceil and I sit down for an end-of-year business catch-up to talk honestly about what worked, what didn't, and what we've learned. We ask each other thoughtful, leading questions to get a real glimpse into work, life, balance, and how all of those pieces fit together. Our hope is that as you listen, you'll reflect on your own year and maybe ask yourself some of the same questions. This year, we spent a lot of time discussing what it means to create space and margin in our lives—and the importance of checking in with ourselves rather than looking to a book, a podcast, AI, or anything else for the answers. It's about learning to hear ourselves think again. Topics Mentioned: Margin in our calendar and business Client Expectations Retirement and Work-Life Balance Embracing Wisdom Key Thoughts: Family changes impact life and work. Client expectations are changing - wanting more for less. Clearing physical and digital clutter allows better focus. What are we building towards - what does retirement mean? Intentional time management is crucial to balance. Goal for 2026 is more time (margin) to think and process information. With the rise of AI we need to be careful not to outsource all of our thinking. Striving to be a cheerleader for everyone. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Ceil: Email: [email protected] The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library Podcast: Sew Much More Learn to Choose Window Coverings

298: How to Scale Your Business Without Diluting Your Brand Today we're diving into one of the biggest challenges for growing businesses — scaling without losing control of your brand. Growth is exciting, but it can also expose every weakness in your systems, your messaging, and your client experience. So in this episode, we're talking about how to protect your brand's integrity as you bring on more clients, more team members, and more opportunities. Because scaling should amplify your brand — not dilute it. Topics Mentioned: Brand Control and Defense Brand Alignment Brand Guardrails Consistency Builds Trust Key Thoughts: Clarity Becomes More Critical As You Scale Weaknesses in brand clarity become louder and more obvious as you scale. Create a documented, teachable brand identity. Your offer, audience, client experience, and brand promise should be crystal clear and written. Systems Are Your Brand's Best Defense Systems replicate your standards when you are not in the room. Use SOPs and checklists to stay consistent. Systems create freedom. Delegate the Work, Not the Brand Identity Team members and outsourced partners need guardrails. Define what is flexible and what is non-negotiable. Consistency Builds Trust Faster Than Marketing Every touchpoint communicates something about your brand. Consistency creates trust, referrals and brand recognition. Inconsistency kills scaling efforts. Your Team Must Become Brand Stewards Team training should include philosophy. Teams should connect the dots to the "why". Teams that understand the "why" will protect the brand without micromanagement. Protect the Vision As You Grow Many businesses forget to scale vision leading to scattered offers and brand drift. Scaling requires strategic "no's". Avoid expanding so wide that you lose focus. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Strategy2Go Metrique Solutions

Joining me today on the podcast is Stacey Brown Randall—a returning guest and someone you're going to love hearing from again. Stacey has been on the show twice before, and today she's back to share insights from her brand-new book, The Referable Client Experience. You may also know her as the author of the multiple award-winning book Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, and as the host of the hugely popular podcast Roadmap to Referrals. Beyond her work as a consultant and coach, she's also a wife and mom of three, bringing a grounded, real-world perspective to everything she teaches. In this episode, we're diving into what it truly takes to create a client experience that naturally generates referrals—without the awkward asks or uncomfortable scripts. You won't want to miss this conversation. Topics Mentioned: Emotional Connection Client Experience Consistency in Connection Referral Strategies Key Thoughts: The Referable Client Experience Book Overview This book explores how businesses can create a client experience that generates referrals. The focus is on being a referrable business to begin. Enhancing Client Referral Experiences It is important to create a referable client experience beyond just delivering results. Understanding how people feel when referring others, not just the results, highlights the need for a repeatable process to ensure consistent positive results . Focusing on client feelings is crucial for generating referrals. Client Experience Emotional Design Intentionally craft a client experience to align with desired outcomes. "Ideal Client Reaction Script" involves identifying 3-5 key emotions or reactions clients should experience and ensuring your process is crafted to achieve these outcomes. Enhancing Client Experience with Consistency Having a repeatable process allows for consistency in approach and delivery. Clear SOPs that are documented encourages the client experience to be analyzed from start to finish. AI and Human Connection AI has a place in client experience models, but it cannot replace human connection. Identify which touch points can be automated, and which should be done by a human. Contact Michele: Email: [email protected] Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Stacey: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @staceybrownrandall Facebook: Stacey Brown Randall YouTube: Referrals Without Asking LinkedIn: Stacey B Randall Website: Stacey Brown Randall References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions The Referable Client Experience by Stacey Brown Randall

296: How Insurance Builds Wealth: Key Benefits for Financial Growth Today I'm joined by Susan Glass and Caitlin Raad of The Glass Group, experts in helping individuals, families, and business owners build financial security and confidence through smart insurance strategies. Susan and Caitlin specialize in showing how different types of insurance can be layered to protect not just a person—but their family, employees, and business as a whole. I've had the pleasure of meeting with both of them several times, and every conversation has uncovered new insights into how insurance can be used as a tool for stability and growth. So even if the word "insurance" makes you think of that class you wanted to sleep through in college, trust me—this episode is one you won't want to miss. Topics Mentioned: Insurance Future protection Wealth Employee retention