Founders & Friends

Ronniesha Rivera
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Founders & Friends is where interior designers and creative entrepreneurs come for real conversations about building a business—and a life—that feels good. Hosted by a designer-turned-founder, each episode dives into honest, behind-the-scenes stories from industry leaders, creative thinkers, and bold business owners who are shaping the design world on their own terms. We talk about the big wins, the hard lessons, the financial truths, and the messy middle of entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or scaling something big, this podcast is your reminder that you're not doing it alone—and that success can look a lot of different ways. Come for the insights, stay for the community. This is Founders & Friends—where business gets personal, and conversations get real.

  1. 36. Behind the Drawings: The Missing Piece in Interior Design with Jessica Marchant

    2D AGO

    36. Behind the Drawings: The Missing Piece in Interior Design with Jessica Marchant

    In this episode we chat with Jessica Marchant, founder of Blue Sky Creative, joins Ronniesha Rivera to share how she built a thriving B2B technical design business from the ground up—starting in the uncertainty of COVID-19. With a background in corporate technical design, Jessica leaned into her strengths in AutoCAD and 3D rendering to create a “back-of-house” partner for interior designers. She opens up about her experience with burnout in corporate life, and how entrepreneurship has given her the flexibility and control to build a more sustainable career. The conversation dives into the often-overlooked power of technical documentation, why clear drawings can make or break a project, and how designers can effectively outsource without losing creative control. Jessica also breaks down her business model—from hourly design drawings to flat-fee construction documents—and why transparency in pricing has been a game changer. They also explore the importance of collaboration between designers and architects, and Jessica shares candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: before starting your own business, spend time working for someone else to truly learn the industry. You can find Jessica at: https://blue-skycreative.com/ https://www.instagram.com/blue_skycreative/ This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    1h 6m
  2. 35. How Kaitlyn Wolfe Built A Multi-Dimensional Brand

    APR 3

    35. How Kaitlyn Wolfe Built A Multi-Dimensional Brand

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with multidisciplinary designer and founder Kaitlyn Wolfe to unpack the evolution of her growing design empire. What began in 2016 as Iconic Design and Build has transformed into a multifaceted brand encompassing luxury interiors, product design, and retail. Kaitlyn shares how rebranding under her own name created clarity, allowing her business to expand into distinct yet connected divisions—including a luxury interiors studio focused on ground-up construction and boutique hospitality projects. The conversation dives into the launch of her product lines—Ground Floor, a made-to-order furniture and lighting collection, and Substrate, a boutique tile line developed in partnership with a distributor—as well as the unexpected rise of Shop My Warehouse, which evolved from a staging inventory solution into a thriving e-commerce business. Kaitlyn also opens up about the realities of managing multiple business identities, the importance of travel as both inspiration and reset, and the operational lessons that come with scaling. Her approach to entrepreneurship is grounded in action: launch quickly, iterate often, and ensure the right people are in the right roles as the business grows. This episode is a masterclass in building a layered, design-driven brand—without waiting for perfection. You can find Kaitlyn Wolfe at: https://kaitlynwolfe.com/ This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    50 min
  3. 34. How to Price, Package, and Protect Your Interior Design Business with Georgia Economakis

    MAR 27

    34. How to Price, Package, and Protect Your Interior Design Business with Georgia Economakis

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with returning guest Georgia Economakis of Designs by Georgia for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation on process, pricing, and packages in today’s interior design business. Georgia shares how she runs her boutique “one-woman show” studio while collaborating with trusted experts to deliver full-scale renovations—evolving beyond cabinetry into comprehensive project execution. Together, Ronniesha and Georgia tackle one of the most polarizing topics in the industry: product pricing. They break down why designers should stop underselling, how to confidently charge retail (or close to it), and why requiring full upfront payment for products is critical for protecting your business. They also dive into:  How to qualify clients early (and filter out price shoppers)  Why charging a consultation fee protects your intellectual property The importance of clear contracts, wet signatures, and legal protection Georgia’s three-tiered service packages and how they create flexibility for clients  Setting boundaries so you don’t over-deliver and undercharge This episode is packed with practical insights for designers who want to run a more profitable, sustainable business—without compromising their value. You can find Georgia at: https://www.designsbygeorgia.com/ https://www.instagram.com/georgiaeconomakis?igsh=YmRxYmd2aTF3c2c%3D This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    1h 14m
  4. 33. Everything You Need to Know About Finding Your Niche With Rebecca West

    MAR 20

    33. Everything You Need to Know About Finding Your Niche With Rebecca West

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Rebecca West, founder of Seriously Happy Coaching & Consulting, to unpack her 17-year journey from interior designer to business coach. Rebecca shares how she built her design business out of necessity and navigating early financial pressure, imposter syndrome, and pricing uncertainty before evolving into a sought-after coach for designers ready to scale with clarity and confidence. The conversation dives into the power of niching down, building repeatable processes, and creating consistent branding that actually builds trust. Rebecca also introduces her upcoming book, The Decide Method, designed to help designers guide clients through decision fatigue—one of the most overlooked skills in the industry. They also explore the shift from hourly to flat-fee pricing, the realities of running a micro business, and why clear service definitions and financial discipline (yes, taxes included) are non-negotiable for long-term success. Whether you’re in your first two years or refining your business after a decade, this episode is a masterclass in building a design business that works for you—not the other way around. You can connect with Rebecca at: https://seriouslyhappy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beseriouslyhappy/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1XxAQqL0w6NwAolyEipba8?si=afcb5848ae19457f This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    1h 15m
  5. 32. From Graduation to Founder: Abbey's Barbays Journey Through Entrepreneurship

    MAR 13

    32. From Graduation to Founder: Abbey's Barbays Journey Through Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Abbey Barbay, founder of Abbey’s Creative Designs and a Vetted by Design pro specializing in 3D renderings for interior designers.  Abbey shares how she launched her business just weeks after graduating from Louisiana State University, following an unexpected discovery during design school: a deep passion for the technical and problem-solving side of 3D modeling and rendering. While many designers gravitate toward selections and styling, Abbey found her excitement in building detailed digital spaces that allow clients to visualize a project before construction begins.  Ronniesha and Abbey dive into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into realistic renderings, from perfecting lighting and materials to mastering programs like Chief Architect, SketchUp, and D5 Render. They also discuss why renderings have become a powerful communication and marketing tool for designers—helping clients better understand design concepts and giving contractors a clearer visual reference.  Abbey opens up about the less glamorous side of entrepreneurship, including navigating pricing, contracts, invoicing, and the business systems required to run a creative company. She shares how she structures her rendering services, her process for working with designers, and how outsourcing renderings can help designers save time while elevating their presentations.  Looking ahead, Abbey shares her long-term vision of launching a nonprofit that builds homes for families in need, blending her passion for design, construction, and community impact.  This episode is packed with insight for designers curious about renderings, outsourcing, and building a niche business in the design industry.  You can connect with abbey: https://abbeyscreativedesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/abbeyscreativedesigns This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    57 min
  6. 31. Niche Is Rich: Scaling a Marketing Agency in the Home Industry

    FEB 27

    31. Niche Is Rich: Scaling a Marketing Agency in the Home Industry

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Amelia Horton-Eynon, founder of Serene Marketing, a full-service marketing agency serving interior designers and the home industry.  Amelia shares her journey from working in corporate construction marketing to launching her own agency—and leaving her 9–5 just four months after starting. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a team of eight, with Serene Marketing on track to nearly triple revenue year over year.  Together, Ronniesha and Amelia dive into:  Why niching down is the fastest path to growth (“niche is rich, broad is broke”)The difference between marketing and sales—and why most designers confuse the twoThe three essential marketing platforms every interior designer needs (hint: it’s not just Instagram)Why your website and email list are your most valuable assetsWhat it really takes to scale, delegate, and step out of the day-to-dayPreparing for maternity leave as a solo entrepreneurHow a deep brand strategy transforms your marketing results Amelia also pulls back the curtain on Serene’s onboarding process, pricing structure, and how they build highly tailored strategies that help designers stand out—without chasing virality.   If you’re an interior designer looking to grow strategically, or a founder navigating the messy middle of scaling, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest founder wisdom.   How you can connect with Amelia: https://www.serenemktg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/serenemktg/   This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

    59 min
  7. 30. From Corporate E-Commerce to Web Strategist for Interior Designers

    FEB 20

    30. From Corporate E-Commerce to Web Strategist for Interior Designers

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Cathleen Hall, founder of Cathleen Hall Creative, to unpack her 13-year journey from corporate e-commerce leader to full-time web strategist for interior designers. Cathleen shares how she originally launched her business in 2019 as a consulting firm, stepped away during the intensity of the pandemic, and later reignited her entrepreneurial spark after rediscovering Jenna Kutcher’s work. What started as digital products on Etsy evolved into custom website design after a single interior designer client asked for template customization — and that pivot changed everything. Now fully niched into serving interior designers, Cathleen breaks down: The financial and mindset shifts required to leave corporateWhy website strategy matters more than aestheticsThe most common mistakes designers make on their websitesHow vague messaging and weak calls-to-action cost you leadsWhy she recommends Wix for service providers and Shopify for e-commerce brandsHer unique data-driven strategy process using tools like HotjarThe “300 million dollar button” story and what it teaches about conversionsWhat actually goes into a $6,000–$20,000 custom websiteHow her VIP Days and custom instruction manuals empower clients post-launchCathleen also walks through her structured 2–4 week project timeline, her user-journey mapping process, and how every button, headline, and page flow must intentionally guide ideal clients toward conversion. This episode is a masterclass in treating your website like a strategic business asset — not just a digital brochure. Cathleen leaves us with powerful entrepreneurial advice: do excellent work, give yourself grace, and don’t put pressure on your business to become massive overnight. Growth is built step by step. If you're an interior designer thinking about rebranding, rebuilding, or refining your website — this conversation is required listening. You can find Cathleen at: https://www.cathleenhallcreative.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cathleenhallcreative This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/ Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    1h 7m
  8. 29. Starting Young, Thinking Big: Lessons from Building a Photography Brand

    FEB 13

    29. Starting Young, Thinking Big: Lessons from Building a Photography Brand

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Candice of Mark Brooke Photography to unpack what it really looks like to build a creative business from the ground up — and evolve it with intention. Candice shares how she and her husband launched their photography business at just 21 years old, armed with little more than wedding gift money, ambition, and a willingness to figure it out as they went. What began as a wedding photography hustle quickly grew through referrals, networking, and relentless learning. Over time, their work expanded into product, real estate, and ultimately interior design photography. After relocating from Orange County to Charleston, they made a bold decision: shut down every branch of the business and relaunch with a singular focus on interior design photography. That strategic pivot allowed them to align their work with their strengths, their joy, and their season of life. Together, Ronniesha and Candice discuss: The advantages of starting a business young — and why having “less to lose” can be powerfulWhat it’s really like building a business with your spouseHow face-to-face networking still outperforms most digital marketingWhen to bootstrap — and when to strategically investThe importance of building a “power team” that complements your weaknessesWhy mistakes are essential for growthCandice’s biggest advice for new entrepreneurs?  “Just literally do it.” Start before you feel ready. Make mistakes. Stay curious. Be a life learner. This episode is a masterclass in reinvention, relationship-driven growth, and building a business that evolves with you. You can find Candice at: https://www.markbrooke.com/ https://www.instagram.com/markbrookephotography This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business. www.vetted-bydesign.com https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/ Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    53 min
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About

Founders & Friends is where interior designers and creative entrepreneurs come for real conversations about building a business—and a life—that feels good. Hosted by a designer-turned-founder, each episode dives into honest, behind-the-scenes stories from industry leaders, creative thinkers, and bold business owners who are shaping the design world on their own terms. We talk about the big wins, the hard lessons, the financial truths, and the messy middle of entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or scaling something big, this podcast is your reminder that you're not doing it alone—and that success can look a lot of different ways. Come for the insights, stay for the community. This is Founders & Friends—where business gets personal, and conversations get real.

Information

  • Creator
    Ronniesha Rivera
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founders & Friends
  • Show Website
    Founders & Friends

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