Épisodes

  • 162 | LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business With Jonathan Feniak

    162 | LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business With Jonathan Feniak
    Oct 27 2025
    Starting an interior design business is exciting—but if you’re like most designers, the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. Should you stay a sole proprietor, form an LLC, or register as an S Corp? What does any of that even mean for your taxes, liability, or peace of mind?In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Feniak, attorney and co-founder of LLCAttorney.com, to talk about how to choose and form the right business entity for your interior design business. Jonathan breaks down the legal side of starting and running a design firm, explaining how to protect yourself with the proper business structure and why liability protection and insurance are essential for every designer. He also walks us through the natural progression many creatives take, from sole proprietorship to forming an LLC or S Corp, and how to know when it’s time to make that shift.Whether you’re just starting your design journey and ready to set up your business the right way, or you’re an established designer questioning whether your current setup still fits, this episode will help you get clear and confident. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to protect your assets, stay legally compliant, and make smarter financial decisions for your interior design business.Featured GuestJonathan Feniak is the lead attorney behind LLCAttorney.com, a company dedicated to making quality legal guidance accessible to small business owners. Specializing in LLC formation, business compliance, and asset protection, Jonathan helps entrepreneurs create strong legal foundations that empower their businesses to thrive. With decades of experience across finance, operations, and law, he combines real-world business insight with expert legal advice to simplify complex legal decisions for creatives and entrepreneurs.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ The difference between a sole proprietorship, LLC, and S Corp—and how each affects your taxes and liability✳️ Why insurance often matters more than your business entity when you’re just starting out✳️ How to know when it’s time to switch from a sole proprietor to an LLC or S Corp✳️ Why forming an LLC can make your design business look more professional and credible✳️ The most common mistakes designers make when setting up their businesses legally✳️ Simple steps to stay compliant and protect your personal assets✳️ How to avoid piercing the corporate veil and losing your liability protectionRead the Blog >>> >>> LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design BusinessNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business BootcampCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Feniak and His Background06:35 The Typical Path of Interior Designers: From Hobby to Sole Proprietor07:40 How to Evaluate Your Risk Before Forming a Business Entity10:45 When Insurance Is More Important Than an LLC12:50 What an LLC Really Is and How It Protects You16:56 Understanding S Corp Tax Classification and When It Makes Sense21:00 Why Most Designers Should Start With an LLC Instead of a Corporation24:00 Using DBAs (Doing Business As) For Multiple Design Brands25:20 How to Sign Contracts Properly to Protect Yourself Legally26:00 The Importance of Separating Business and Personal Finances28:30 Keeping Records and Exercising Business Judgment to Stay Compliant30:00 Why Having a Lawyer-Drafted Contract Is Essential as You Grow
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    37 min
  • 161 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #2: How to Write Clear Messaging That Attracts Your Dream Clients

    161 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #2: How to Write Clear Messaging That Attracts Your Dream Clients
    Oct 20 2025

    Have you ever felt like your website or Instagram bio just isn’t landing with your dream clients? Here’s the hard truth: your message isn’t clear!


    Confused messaging is the #1 reason your dream clients scroll right past your site.


    You might have a stunning portfolio, a well-defined niche, and years of experience—but if your words don’t communicate your value simply and clearly, potential clients won’t stay long enough to notice.


    Your message needs to be clear and concise so people feel confident investing in you. It should build trust by showing you understand them, build confidence by highlighting the benefits of hiring you, and build action by inspiring them to reach out, book a call, or start a project.


    In this episode, I’m sharing the secret to clear, benefit-focused messaging that makes your dream clients stop scrolling and say, “That’s exactly who I need.” You’ll learn my simple three-part messaging framework that helps you speak directly to who you serve, how you help, and the results they can expect.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    ✔️ Why confusing messaging repels potential clients—and how to fix it

    ✔️ My 3-part client-centered messaging framework

    ✔️ The difference between generic vs. benefit-focused messaging (with examples)

    ✔️ How to write bios, website copy, and Instagram captions that attract your dream clients

    ✔️ Tips for keeping your messaging consistent across all platforms

    ✔️ How to evolve and refine your message as your business grows

    ✔️ Practical ways to get feedback on your messaging (even if you don’t have clients yet)


    Read the Blog >>> >>> How to Write Clear Messaging That Attracts Your Dream Clients


    NEXT STEPS:

    🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp


    Check out our Designer's Playlist!

    *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey

    *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer

    *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design


    Grab your freebies:

    📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design

    🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career


    Connect With Me:

    📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com

    🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign

    🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com


    Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...


    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

    01:13 Why Clear Messaging Matters

    02:36 Examples of Generic vs. Client-Centered Messaging

    03:18 The Three-Part Messaging Framework: Who, How, and Results

    05:48 Refining Your Messaging With AI Tools & Feedback

    08:28 Messaging Makeovers and Consistency

    09:19 Where to Use Your New Messaging: Website, Bio, Social Media, Business Cards

    11:52 This Week’s Challenge (Rewrite Your Instagram or Website Bio)
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    15 min
  • 160 | Balancing Form and Function in Interior Design With Whitney English

    160 | Balancing Form and Function in Interior Design With Whitney English
    Oct 13 2025
    Every interior designer faces this challenge: how do you create a home that looks stunning but also functions seamlessly for daily life? Too often, projects lean too heavily on aesthetics, leaving clients frustrated with inefficient layouts and cluttered spaces. The truth is, beauty without function doesn’t last.In this episode, I sit down with Whitney English, designer, entrepreneur, and author of Organize First, Decorate Second. Whitney explains why organizing before decorating is the secret to balancing form and function in your client projects. She shares practical decluttering tips, efficient layout strategies, and creative problem-solving tools that will transform how you approach your design process.If you want to design spaces that are not only beautiful but also livable, this conversation will give you fresh insights to apply right away. 🎧 Tune in now!Featured GuestWhitney English is an interior designer, entrepreneur, and author of Organize First, Decorate Second. She has bootstrapped two businesses to seven figures, earned a degree in interior design, and studied management at Parsons in New York City. Her work has been featured in O Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and on The Today Show. Beyond her professional achievements, Whitney is passionate about helping others live beautifully through gratitude, creativity, and intentional design.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why organizing first sets the foundation for decorating success✳️ How clutter tells the “story” of a home and impacts your design process✳️ Practical decluttering strategies that save time and reduce client stress✳️ How to balance creativity and function in client projects✳️ Why efficient layouts make homes easier to maintain long-term✳️ The role of storytelling in both design and organization✳️ Lessons from Whitney’s journey as a creative entrepreneur and designerRead the Blog >>> Balancing Form and Function in Interior DesignNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business BootcampCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey List*️ From Newbie to Confident Designer List*️ Switching Gears to Interior Design ListGrab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Bio02:17 Whitney’s Early Passion for Design and Her First Floor Plan08:33 From Architecture Dreams to a Career in Design and Business11:57 Building a Wholesale Business16:16 The Concept of "Organize First, Decorate Second"20:28 Why Organizing First Leads to More Functional Spaces24:27 A Behind-The-Scenes Story of Efficiency and Creativity in Action28:05 Whitney’s Advice for Aspiring Design Professionals
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    32 min
  • 159 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #1: How to Identify Your Design Niche

    159 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #1: How to Identify Your Design Niche
    Oct 6 2025

    Wondering why your message isn’t reaching anyone? It is because you’re trying to appeal to everyone. Many interior designers run into this problem when they haven’t defined their niche.


    With so many designers out there, those who specialize tend to stand out, get more referrals, and often earn higher fees than generalists.


    In this episode, I show you how to find or refine your niche so you can stand out, connect with your ideal clients, and feel confident as an expert. Whether you’re new to interior design or thinking about focusing on a specialty, you’ll find clarity and direction here. If you’ve been struggling to attract the right clients or charge what you’re worth, this episode is for you.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    ✔️ Why niching down doesn’t limit your opportunities

    ✔️ The three-part process to uncover your niche (passion, strengths, and market demand)

    ✔️ How niching makes you stand out in a saturated market

    ✔️ Why specialists can charge more than generalists

    ✔️ Real examples of niche statements you can model

    ✔️ How to use your background, skills, or life experiences to shape your niche

    ✔️ A simple formula to write your own “I Help” statement


    Read the Blog >>> How to Identify Your Design Niche


    NEXT STEPS:

    🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp


    Check out our Designer's Playlist!

    *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey List

    *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer List

    *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design List


    Grab your freebies:

    📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design

    🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career


    Connect With Me:

    📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com

    🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign

    🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com


    Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...


    Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction: From Dreaming to Designing Series

    01:20 Why Defining Your Niche Is the First Step to Standing Out

    02:12 Common Myth About Niching

    04:46 Generalist vs. Specialist

    05:15 Define Your Niche Step 1: What Lights You up as a Designer

    07:02 Define Your Niche Step 2: Strengths and Unique Background

    08:38 Define Your Niche Step 3: Identifying Gaps and Opportunities in the Market

    10:15 Crafting Your Niche Statement: The “I Help” Statement Formula

    10:52 Examples of Niche Statements
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    16 min
  • 158 | The Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design With Marcy Sagel

    158 | The Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design With Marcy Sagel
    Sep 29 2025
    “Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”Many interior designers find themselves stuck in residential work—not because it’s their passion, but because it was the most accessible way to start. Yet making the leap into commercial interior design can feel overwhelming when you’re unsure about business operations, contracts, or the technology skills needed to compete.In this episode, Marcy Sagel shares her journey from residential to commercial design, emphasizing the importance of understanding business operations and leveraging new technologies like Revit to stay ahead. She breaks down the realities of running a design firm, the challenges of transitioning into commercial projects, and the strategies that helped her thrive in a constantly evolving industry. You’ll also hear how she builds strong client relationships, fosters collaboration, and creates her training program, Designer Bank, to help designers sharpen their technical skills.🎧 Tune in now and learn how to build the commercial design career you’ve been dreaming about.Featured GuestMarcy Sagel is the founder and principal of MSA Interiors, a nationally recognized commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, affordable housing, and other complex projects. With over 25 years of experience, she has not only led large-scale design projects but also advised manufacturers in developing product lines to meet evolving market demands. A thought leader and speaker, Marcy blends creativity with business acumen and continues to shape the future of commercial interiors.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why the residential to commercial transition is challenging and how to make it smoother✔️ The importance of understanding business operations, contracts, and financials as a design entrepreneur✔️ How to adapt quickly to new technologies like Revit and Enscape to stay relevant✔️ The differences between working with residential clients and large-scale developer teams✔️ How commercial materials and finishes have evolved to allow for high-end, residential-inspired looks✔️ Strategies to diversify your revenue streams so your firm can withstand economic downturns✔️ How mentorship, peer groups, and continuous learning fuel long-term business growthRead the Blog >>> >>> Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial DesignNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction2:32 Marcy’s Journey From Residential to Commercial Design6:41 Starting Her Own Design Firm and the Lessons Learned in Business Operations9:07 Why Every Designer Must Know Their Numbers and Margins12:27 The Power of Mentorship and Entrepreneurial Peer Groups13:50 Transitioning From Cad to Revit and Why Designers Must Adapt16:46 Designer Bank: Online Training Modules for Designers22:59 How to Navigate Commercial Design Projects30:20 How to Future-Proof Your Design Business
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    33 min
  • 157 | Sneak Peek Inside Sacramento Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers

    157 | Sneak Peek Inside Sacramento Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers
    Sep 22 2025
    Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want? Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead. The result? Burnout, scattered focus, missed opportunities for real business breakthroughs, and a business that feels more like a burden than a passion.In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach Sierra Collins and designer and entrepreneur Cathy Tonks to share what’s in store for the upcoming Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers (SDBC Thrive Retreat). We talk about how Thrive Retreat can help you step away from the grind, increase productivity, step into 2026 with clarity and confidence, and create a balanced life where your business supports your dreams instead of competing with them.If you’ve been craving clarity, accountability, and a community of designers who truly understand your challenges, this episode will show you why the Thrive Retreat could be the one thing you need.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why stepping away from your business is essential for growth and productivity✔️ The power of DISC and Working Genius assessments in communication and teamwork✔️ The power of designing a business model that aligns with your life goals✔️ How procedures, automation, and team building simplify business complexity✔️ Mindset shifts every designer needs to scale from scarcity thinking to CEO thinking✔️ The importance of accountability and building supportive design community connections✔️ How to craft your ideal day and create a 2026 roadmap with intentionRead the Blog >>> >>> Sneak Peek Inside the 2-Day Sacramento Thrive RetreatNEXT STEPS:🎯 Sign up for the Sacramento Thrive Retreat! Spots are limited to just 20 designers, and registration closes October 24th at midnight. Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps 0:00 Introduction02:30 Why Personal and Business Growth Is Non-Negotiable06:50 How Much Time Designers Lose to Distractions (And How Retreats Reclaim It)09:40 The Struggle to Honor Personal Time and Why Non-Negotiables Matter14:15 Day 1 Preview: DISC, Working Genius, the Language for Success19:40 What Breakout Sessions and Roundtable Discussions Look Like22:00 Day 2 Preview: Goal Setting, Productivity Hacks, and Preparing for 202628:50 Retreat Details: Limited Spots, Payment Plans, and Why This Investment Pays Off
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    33 min
  • 156 | The Impact of Custom Furniture in Your Interior Design Projects With Michael Brinkley

    156 | The Impact of Custom Furniture in Your Interior Design Projects With Michael Brinkley
    Sep 15 2025
    Are you tired of sourcing the same mass-produced furniture pieces your clients can find anywhere?Imagine offering them something truly unique—a custom furniture solution that not only fits their space perfectly but also reflects their personality and lifestyle.In this episode, I explore how interior designers can elevate their projects through custom furniture with builder Michael Brinkley. Michael shares how designers can turn client frustrations, like the wrong size, finish, or style in mass-produced pieces, into opportunities by collaborating with a custom furniture maker. He walks us through his creative process, from sketching and 3D modeling to building functional, heirloom-quality pieces that solve real design challenges. Through stories of unique projects, like a dining table made from wine crates and a barn door with a built-in TV, Michael highlights how custom furniture isn’t just a design upgrade; it’s a powerful way for interior designers to stand out in a competitive market.If you’re an interior designer looking to deliver distinctive, tailor-made solutions for your clients while elevating your business, this conversation will give you the insider’s perspective you need.Featured Guest:Michael Brinkley is the owner and master craftsman of Brinkley Furniture, a nationally recognized custom furniture studio in Redding, California. With over 30 years of experience in cabinetry and furniture design, he specializes in creating heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that blend timeless design with modern functionality. His work is celebrated nationwide for its craftsmanship, innovation, and ability to bring designers’ and clients’ visions to life.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ How partnering with a custom furniture builder can help you deliver one-of-a-kind solutions for your clients.✔️ The process of transforming client ideas into functional, beautifully engineered custom pieces.✔️ Why communication and collaboration between designers and builders are key to a successful project.✔️ Real examples of standout custom furniture projects.✔️ Tips on sourcing materials locally and navigating budget-conscious options without sacrificing style.✔️ How custom furniture can help you differentiate your design business in a competitive market.✔️ Why investing in custom furniture is a long-term value for clients, offering heirloom-quality pieces.Read the Blog >>> ⁠The Impact of Custom Furniture in Your Interior Design Projects ⁠NEXT STEPS:🎯 Connect with Michael Brinkley and start offering custom furniture solutions that set you apart.🎯 Join The Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat to surround yourself with like-minded designers and learn strategies for growing your interior design business.Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction2:19 How Michael Discovered His Passion for Woodworking3:47 Transitioning From Cabinetry to Custom Furniture6:15 Designing and Prototyping Unique Furniture Pieces8:56 Working With Interior Designers vs. Direct Clients10:01 The Process of Creating a Custom Furniture Piece for Designers12:16 The Story Behind the Wine Crate Dining Table17:52 Building a Barn Door With a Built-in TV for a Smart Home20:56 How to Connect With Brinkley Furniture21:28 Why Custom Furniture Is an Investment, Not an Expense
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    27 min
  • 155 | 3 Proven Keys to Your Designer Business Breakthrough

    155 | 3 Proven Keys to Your Designer Business Breakthrough
    Sep 8 2025

    Is your interior design business stuck in the weeds or stagnant? You're not alone! Many interior designers get caught up in client work and admin tasks, leaving little time to grow or dream bigger.


    Breakthroughs don’t usually happen when you’re stuck in your to-do list or working late at the office. They come when you intentionally step back, shift your perspective, and surround yourself with the right people who can inspire and challenge you.


    In this episode, I’m sharing how designers can find clarity, creativity, and confidence to grow their business without sacrificing their health or burning out.


    If you want more freedom, profit, and joy in your design career, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tips to help you get there.


    What You’ll Learn in This Episode

    ✔️ Why stepping away from your daily routine is essential for a designer's business breakthrough

    ✔️ The science behind how travel and new environments boost creativity by up to 50%

    ✔️ The power of proximity: how surrounding yourself with the right peers elevates your results

    ✔️ Why networking and mastermind groups are critical for business growth

    ✔️ How to work on your interior design business, not just in it

    ✔️ Why the most successful design firms don’t work more hours—they work smarter

    ✔️ How attending an interior design business retreat like The Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat can spark lasting change


    Read the Blog >>> 3 Proven Keys to Your Designer Business Breakthrough


    Related Episodes:

    ✨ Episode 147: Mindset Shift Series: Design a Career That Supports Your Life

    ✨Episode 153: Mindset Shift Series #4: Normalizing Imposter Syndrome in Interior Design


    NEXT STEPS:

    🎯 Join The Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat to unlock your next designer business breakthrough


    Grab your freebies:

    📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design

    🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career


    Connect With Me:

    📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com

    🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign

    🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com


    Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...


    Timestamps

    01:25 Why You Need to Step Out of Your Daily Routine for Breakthroughs

    03:38 The Power of New Environments and Nature

    07:49 The Power of Proximity and Who You Spend Time With

    08:50 Networking and Building Connections

    11:43 The Value of Retreats and Working on Your Business

    16:55 How the Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat Can Help You Grow Your Design Business
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    21 min