Every entrepreneur dreams of building a business that feels like a fairytale success story. But to design your own happily ever after in your interior design business, it takes more than just creativity and passion. It requires a plan, strategy, guidance, and a little accountability along the way.
That’s exactly what Cassie, the lead designer at Made with Grace and Grit in Sioux Falls, SD, discovered when she hit a roadblock in her growing business. Cassie had a solid start helping busy families create fun, family-friendly spaces that worked for them and made their lives easier. But after a few years, she started running into problems.
This is how she turned things around and created a business she loves. 
Cassie wasn’t making enough money from her design work or from the furniture she sold. She was frustrated and overwhelmed, struggling to source items that were profitable, attract her ideal clients regularly, balance her work and personal life, and figure out her pricing so she could actually make a good profit.
Many of the projects she took on were small and took up a lot of time, but they didn’t match the type of work she really loved. She was burning out and losing sight of why she started her business in the first place–her love for creating beautiful, functional spaces.
Cassie didn’t just need advice. She needed a clear action plan and someone to hold her accountable. She had been following my Associate Coach, Lesley Myrick, on Instagram for a while, and there she learned about my group coaching program. Cassie reached out to learn more about the program and we set up a call.
I made it a point to listen closely to her goals, challenges, and overall vision for her business. Every designer is different, and there’s no cookie-cutter solution. Cassie had a great vision for her future, but she needed help figuring out how to make her business profitable. She needed to align her passion with her brand and build the confidence to set better boundaries with clients.
Cassie was amazing at design, but she struggled with overdelivering, undercharging, and organizing her client onboarding process. She also needed to feel comfortable telling potential clients when her firm wasn’t the right fit. Together, we developed a plan.
I advised her to update her portfolio to better showcase her work and highlight her passion. Then, we created a marketing strategy to help her attract the right clients by focusing on the platforms and networks her ideal clients used. We also talked about setting boundaries, saying “no” when necessary, and using time management techniques to stay on track and focus on the projects she was excited about.
Once Cassie learned to clearly communicate her value and expertise to clients who appreciated her unique style and commitment to excellence, she started getting projects that fit her niche perfectly without having to lower her rates. Her clients were happy to pay her higher fees because they saw the value she brought to their projects. One of the best moments in Cassie’s journey was when she called me, thrilled about landing her first big project. The client loved her portfolio and her passion, and they didn’t question her rates for a second.
This kind of success was the result of Cassie’s hard work and confidence, and it was incredible to watch. Seeing Cassie’s confidence grow, and her business thrive has been extremely rewarding. Her story is just one example of what is possible when you have the right support. I hope it inspires you.
No matter where you are in your design career, there’s always room to grow. Even the best of us needs guidance sometimes. Whether you’re feeling stuck or want to level up, coaching can help. As an interior design business coach, I’m here to help designers like Cassie (and you!) find clarity, set achievable goals, and stay accountable.
Ready to design your own happily ever after? Apply for the group coaching program that helped Cassie transform her business—Profit Insiders Academy. With it, you can reach your full potential, earn your highest profits, and build the successful design business you’ve always dreamed of!
*Blog originally written by Nancy for Interior Design Society members. You can check out Cassie’s page here!
Feeling stuck often stems from taking on projects that don’t align with your passion or ideal client. Start by clarifying your vision, setting boundaries with clients, and ensuring your portfolio reflects the type of work you want to attract. Having a plan, like Cassie did, and working with a coach can provide the clarity and accountability you need to move forward.
Showcase your expertise and unique style through a polished portfolio and targeted marketing strategy. Focus on platforms and networks your ideal clients use. Communicate your value confidently and set clear boundaries to ensure you’re working with clients who respect your process and pricing.
A streamlined client onboarding process sets clear expectations and creates a professional first impression. It helps you qualify potential clients, ensuring you’re working on projects that align with your expertise and passion. This was a game-changer for Cassie as it allowed her to focus on projects that fit her niche.
First, evaluate your pricing structure to ensure it reflects the value of your time, expertise, and the services you provide. Focus on attracting clients who understand and appreciate your worth, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to projects that don’t meet your standards. Confidence in your pricing comes from knowing your value and consistently communicating it.
A coach provides personalized guidance, helps you identify areas of improvement, and holds you accountable to your goals. They offer strategies tailored to your unique challenges, like refining your marketing, setting boundaries, or restructuring your services. Cassie’s success story highlights how the right support can make a significant difference.
Profit Insiders Academy provides results-driven group coaching designed specifically for interior designers. It offers personalized guidance, actionable strategies, and a supportive community to help you overcome challenges, maximize profits, and build a business you love. Whether you’re feeling stuck or ready to scale, this program can help you design your own success story.
The first step is to get clear on your goals and challenges. Apply for Profit Insiders Academy to gain access to expert coaching and a proven roadmap to transform your business. With guidance, support, and accountability, you’ll be equipped to reach your full potential.
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