
If you’re an interior designer trying to grow a business that actually supports your life, I can almost guarantee you’ve asked yourself at least one of these questions:
Why am I so overwhelmed?
Do I need to hire… or am I just exhausted?
Why does my pipeline feel unpredictable?
I have goals — so why don’t my numbers line up with them?
These aren’t rare questions. They’re the ones I hear every single week — in coaching calls, inbox messages, office hours, and even in casual conversations at industry events. And while the questions sound simple, the answers are where most designers get stuck.
In this episode of Success by Design, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most common growth questions designers ask — and more importantly, the strategic mistakes I see happening behind them.
We talk about why overwhelm usually isn’t a staffing issue (and what it actually signals instead), how hiring without financial clarity can quietly sabotage your business, and why relying on referrals alone leaves even successful designers vulnerable in changing markets. I also break down why goals without financial scaffolding are just wishful thinking — and how understanding your numbers can instantly reduce stress and bring clarity to your decisions.
This episode isn’t about hustling harder, adding more, or chasing the next shiny strategy. It’s about stepping into your role as CEO and making grounded, informed decisions that align with the life you want — not just the business you think you’re supposed to build.
If you’ve been feeling stuck between ambition and exhaustion, clarity and chaos, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
Listen to the full episode to hear the real answers — and start making decisions from strategy instead of stress.

I’m an interior designer with an MBA and nearly 20 years in the industry. When I’m not leading my coast-to-coast, multi-million dollar firm, I love sharing real talk on the business of design, blending insights from 20 years as a business professor. I keep it honest—balancing work and chasing my two girls around.

If you’re an interior designer trying to grow a business that actually supports your life, I can almost guarantee you’ve asked yourself at least one of these questions:
Why am I so overwhelmed?
Do I need to hire… or am I just exhausted?
Why does my pipeline feel unpredictable?
I have goals — so why don’t my numbers line up with them?
These aren’t rare questions. They’re the ones I hear every single week — in coaching calls, inbox messages, office hours, and even in casual conversations at industry events. And while the questions sound simple, the answers are where most designers get stuck.
In this episode of Success by Design, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most common growth questions designers ask — and more importantly, the strategic mistakes I see happening behind them.
We talk about why overwhelm usually isn’t a staffing issue (and what it actually signals instead), how hiring without financial clarity can quietly sabotage your business, and why relying on referrals alone leaves even successful designers vulnerable in changing markets. I also break down why goals without financial scaffolding are just wishful thinking — and how understanding your numbers can instantly reduce stress and bring clarity to your decisions.
This episode isn’t about hustling harder, adding more, or chasing the next shiny strategy. It’s about stepping into your role as CEO and making grounded, informed decisions that align with the life you want — not just the business you think you’re supposed to build.
If you’ve been feeling stuck between ambition and exhaustion, clarity and chaos, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
Listen to the full episode to hear the real answers — and start making decisions from strategy instead of stress.

If you’re an interior designer trying to grow a business that actually supports your life, I can almost guarantee you’ve asked yourself at least one of these questions:
Why am I so overwhelmed?
Do I need to hire… or am I just exhausted?
Why does my pipeline feel unpredictable?
I have goals — so why don’t my numbers line up with them?
These aren’t rare questions. They’re the ones I hear every single week — in coaching calls, inbox messages, office hours, and even in casual conversations at industry events. And while the questions sound simple, the answers are where most designers get stuck.
In this episode of Success by Design, I’m pulling back the curtain on the most common growth questions designers ask — and more importantly, the strategic mistakes I see happening behind them.
We talk about why overwhelm usually isn’t a staffing issue (and what it actually signals instead), how hiring without financial clarity can quietly sabotage your business, and why relying on referrals alone leaves even successful designers vulnerable in changing markets. I also break down why goals without financial scaffolding are just wishful thinking — and how understanding your numbers can instantly reduce stress and bring clarity to your decisions.
This episode isn’t about hustling harder, adding more, or chasing the next shiny strategy. It’s about stepping into your role as CEO and making grounded, informed decisions that align with the life you want — not just the business you think you’re supposed to build.
If you’ve been feeling stuck between ambition and exhaustion, clarity and chaos, this conversation will meet you right where you are.
Listen to the full episode to hear the real answers — and start making decisions from strategy instead of stress.

insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!
Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.
Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!
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Here's What listeners Are saying...
insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!
Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.
Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!
Why Don't you leave us a Review too?
Already running a high 6- or 7-figure design firm? Learn how Katie’s executive coaching helps top interior designers refine their operations, elevate their brand, and scale sustainably.

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