From Overwhelmed to Scaled: How My Client Shannon Grew Her Interior Design Business:Transcript

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:00:00]:
Hey Shannon, I'm so excited to have you on the show. Welcome. I’m so glad. I want to have the conversation with you because it's been so fun to share in your journey, not only as your coach, but also how you got into interior design. Tell our audience, who is Shannon? How did you get here?

Shannon [00:01:00]:
Love that.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:01:10]:
Yeah, you never get that time back again. Every part of that is so important.

Shannon [00:02:00]:
Yep.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:02:05]:
I always love when people say they chose the Great Recession or COVID—it’s funny because they do well when they follow what they are meant to do.

Shannon [00:03:00]:
Mm.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:03:05]:
Admitting we have a problem is the first step in fixing it. How did you reach that tipping point of admitting, “This isn’t working anymore”?

Shannon [00:04:00]:
Mm.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:04:05]:
I have this all in my head. What do you mean, “you can't read my mind?” It takes immense courage to say, “This isn’t working. We need help.” I was just talking to someone today, and I literally said, “I need 30 minutes of your time. I’m happy to pay. I need help.” That’s the sign of a true leader—knowing when to reach out.

How did you decide to work with me and find me?

Shannon [00:06:00]:
Agreed. I love Lou.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:06:10]:
I’m humbled and honored to help you through that. I always say I do the easy part—you implement. What was the hardest part of implementation, and what kept you going?

Shannon [00:07:00]:
Yep.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:07:05]:
Getting the backend working for you is so important—you shouldn’t feel like you’re doing it every time.

Shannon [00:08:00]:
Yeah.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:08:05]:
Not giving away consultations either—saying, “I’m happy to come out and take a look, but it’s not free.” You are giving your expertise, your intellectual property, and that matters.

Shannon [00:09:00]:
Absolutely.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:09:05]:
People pleasers sometimes teach clients bad habits. That hurts the industry. You can still be lovely and billable, and it helps the whole industry.

Shannon [00:10:00]:
Agreed.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:10:05]:
Celebrating success is huge. So often we miss it, and then we miss learning what made that success possible. Pulling back to go forward faster is sometimes necessary. That’s leadership—investing in people who take care of you.

Shannon [00:11:00]:
Yes.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:11:05]:
Starting over is hard, losing time, continuity, and resources. But investing in the people who will stay with you through thick and thin makes a difference.

Shannon [00:12:00]:
Yes.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:12:05]:
Forward-looking—what’s the next thing you want to tackle in your business?

Shannon [00:13:00]:
Hmm.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:13:05]:
It starts pumping the creative juices again. Spaces are not just designed—they design us back. Biophilia, ontological design—these are important. Shannon, this has been such a good conversation. Thank you for trusting me.

Shannon [00:14:00]:
Thank you so much, Katie. I’m excited to be here.

Shannon [00:28:00]:
I started out in education, working with children with special needs, but my heart has always been in design. Even back then, I would help friends or family with decorating. Once I got out of education and started having children, I tested the waters with friends and family. I needed a creative outlet, something for me.

I got my certification in 2004 to have credibility and dove into interior design. We moved a few times, so it was always “let’s start again,” until I finally established myself in Charlotte. I started Hanley Home Interiors around the time of COVID.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:30:00]:
Starting out in decorating back then, we still used photo albums for portfolios and handshakes for trust. Systems and processes weren’t in place.

Shannon [00:31:00]:
Exactly. I had to implement SOPs when I had my first hire so my design manager could follow the process. I was almost at a breaking point: either quit or scale. I needed help to get to the next level.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:33:00]:
The universe throws things at us at the right time. You found me through a podcast, and it resonated with you—you knew I could help you get past your hurdles.

Shannon [00:34:00]:
Yes. The IT part was difficult. I used a system that wasn’t working, and with SOPs condensed into a detailed process, we could rinse and repeat. We’re running six to ten projects at a time, and I needed a system so we don’t reinvent the wheel.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:36:00]:
Resistance is normal, but to scale, you needed to change.

Shannon [00:36:30]:
Yes. I realized I couldn’t quit. I also listened to Martha Stewart on Masterclass and realized it’s never too late. You connected me with Plumtree—it’s helping get everything set up for a rinse and repeat process. With a team of three, everyone knows their responsibilities and deadlines.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:38:00]:
Setting boundaries and contracts was crucial. People pleasing leads to burnout, but setting clear expectations protects you and the client.

Shannon [00:40:00]:
Yes. Knowing the scope and budget upfront is huge. Creative advice is part of my intellectual property and shouldn’t be free.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:44:00]:
Absolutely. Setting boundaries early shows value and prevents clients from taking advantage.

Shannon [00:46:00]:
I was surprised by the positive reinforcement during our sessions. It showed me that I’m doing things right and can grow.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:47:00]:
We often focus on negatives, but celebrating success is essential.

Shannon [00:48:00]:
Yes. We had a team celebratory day by the pool—no work, just bonding. It helped our team feel valued.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:50:00]:
Absolutely. Valuing your team keeps them with you.

Shannon [00:51:00]:
Listening to your podcasts inspired me. I’m tapping into biophilia and neuroaesthetics to differentiate my work. I plan to get certification in the science of design and attend a full-day teaching at High Point. It reignited my passion as a designer.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:54:00]:
This was fabulous. Thank you for sharing your journey, Shannon, and for letting me help you elevate your business.

Shannon [00:54:30]:
Thank you, Katie.