Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Rebecca Hay
  • 4.9 (55)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

I'm Rebecca Hay and I have built a successful interior design business by trial and error, podcasts, online courses and books. Over the last decade I have grown from an insecure student to having career false starts and now I've finally landed where I want to be. Throughout my journey I've become deeply passionate about business and helping other entrepreneurs and career minded women. Each week I'll share tangible takeaways from my own experience and the experiences of other badass women to help you build your confidence and change your business.

  1. 320. The 4 Systems Every Design Business Needs

    4D AGO

    320. The 4 Systems Every Design Business Needs

    If your design business feels harder than it should, you're not alone. In this episode, Rebecca shares the three essential systems every successful interior design business needs: process, profitability, marketing, and leadership. You'll hear real stories from her own journey, including what happened when she was booked out but losing money, why hiring didn't work at first, and how building structure created confidence and ease. Talent isn't enough. Instagram isn't enough. Referrals aren't enough. Sustainable success comes from strengthening the right systems. Which one have you been avoiding?   Episode Resources: Save your spot in my new free workshop: The Predictability Framework: https://pop.rebeccahay.com/free-workshop/  Episode 49: An Interview with my clients: Why having a process made them choose me with Kelly & Glen Patchet Join the Waitlist for my new Program!

    22 min
  2. 319. What I Learned Designing a $12 Million Home (and Working for a Luxury Designer)

    FEB 10

    319. What I Learned Designing a $12 Million Home (and Working for a Luxury Designer)

    Luxury isn't louder. It's calmer, quieter, and more confident. In this episode, Rebecca shares what she learned designing a home that sold for over $12 million and working for luxury designer Steven Taylor for five years. This isn't about expensive finishes. It's about premium service, trust, leadership, and building a process that makes clients feel taken care of. Rebecca also reflects on Steven's passing in late 2025 and the lasting business lessons he left behind. Episode Highlights: Why luxury is really about service How premium clients think (and what they don't care about) Why "trust is the currency" in high-end design What to stop over-explaining in presentations How a team makes you look more professional The mindset shift that helps you level up your clientele   What's one small change you could make to level up your service this month? A better process, a part-time hire, clearer boundaries, or simply going the extra mile in how cared for your clients feel?   Resources: Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen.

    29 min
  3. 318. Owning your niche. How this HGTV winner turned her love for up-cycling into a thriving luxury design firm

    FEB 3

    318. Owning your niche. How this HGTV winner turned her love for up-cycling into a thriving luxury design firm

    HGTV Flea Market Flip winner and luxury designer Sarah Trop joins Rebecca for a candid conversation about owning your niche and building a design business that doesn't follow the rules. Sarah shares how she turned her love of upcycling and storytelling into a thriving luxury design firm, why taking risks changed everything for her career, and how biophilic design helps create calmer, more meaningful homes. In this episode, they discuss risk vs. reward, working with different client personalities, designing with intention instead of trends, and why curated, sustainable spaces are becoming the new definition of luxury. This episode is a must-listen for designers who want to stand out, trust their instincts, and build a business rooted in purpose, creativity, and community.   Episode Resources Learn more about Sarah Trop on her website and follow her on social media. Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen.

    40 min
  4. Scaling your business and growing your team with Regan Baker [Rebroadcast]

    JAN 27

    Scaling your business and growing your team with Regan Baker [Rebroadcast]

    Scaling a design firm eventually forces a decision: keep controlling everything, or build a team that can run without you in every detail. In this rebroadcast, Rebecca Hay talks with Regan Baker about the mindset shift and the operational structure that helped Regan step into the CEO role. They cover role clarity, team structure, meeting rhythms, documentation standards, and why record-keeping is one of the most underrated tools for client service and project momentum. In this episode: The 9–10 person "tipping point" and learning to let go How Regan structures teams and leadership inside her firm Why design managers protect the client experience Standards, site notes, and documentation that prevent chaos Hiring lessons and onboarding systems that scale If you're ready to stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that can grow, this one's for you.

    1h 6m
  5. 317. The Hidden Truth About Premium Clients

    JAN 20

    317. The Hidden Truth About Premium Clients

    Premium clients aren't attracted by bigger portfolios, more followers, or higher prices. They're attracted by leadership. In this episode, Rebecca breaks down why good designers often get stuck working with budget-conscious clients and how a clear, structured process is the real driver behind attracting premium ones. You'll learn the key differences between budget and premium clients, why money isn't the deciding factor, and how your intake, boundaries, and communication shape the clients you attract. If you're ready to build a design business that feels aligned, confident, and sustainable, this episode will help you rethink how you lead clients from the very first interaction.   Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen. New episodes air every Tuesday.

    23 min
  6. 316. A new chapter begins - Welcome to Season 7

    JAN 13

    316. A new chapter begins - Welcome to Season 7

    Season 7 of Resilient by Design opens with an honest conversation about what it really looks like to grow an interior design business beyond the early hustle years. If you're busy, booked, and still exhausted, this episode is for you. Rebecca Hay shares why burnout is not a business model and why so many designers at the 2–5+ year mark feel successful on paper but overwhelmed behind the scenes. This episode sets the tone for the season ahead, focused on deeper support, real implementation, and building a business that supports your life, not consumes it. You'll hear Rebecca reflect on the shift from collecting information to actually applying it, what it means to step into the CEO role of your design business, and what's changing in Season 7. In this episode, we cover: Why burnout is so common in the interior design industry What changes after the 2–5 year mark in business CEO mindset, pricing confidence, and boundaries Building sustainable systems for long-term growth What to expect this season on Resilient by Design Looking for a place to start? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen. New episodes air every Tuesday.

    13 min

  7. 12/25/2025

    315. Closing Out 2025: A Heartfelt Message for Designers Ready for Their Next Season

    As we close out 2025, this episode is a pause. A moment to step back from the deadlines, the launches, the site visits, and the constant push to do more—and instead reflect on how far you've come. In this special holiday episode, Rebecca shares a heartfelt message for designers who showed up again and again this year. The ones who raised their rates, made hard decisions, took real rest, or simply kept going when things felt heavy. This isn't about setting new goals or pushing harder. It's about recognizing the growth that doesn't always show up on paper and giving yourself permission to rest, reflect, and trust what's next. In this episode: Why resilience isn't about hustle, but consistency and heart The quiet wins that matter more than big milestones What it means to close out a year with intention A look ahead to the next season of Resilient by Design Thank you for being part of this community. We'll see you in January for a brand new season.   Episode Resource: Download our list of Top Episodes that will help you on your business journey   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

    6 min

  8. 12/18/2025

    314. How Successful Designers Plan Their Year: My Proven Step-by-Step Goal Setting System

    If you want 2026 to feel more intentional and less reactive, this episode is your reset. In this guided Year in Review + Goal Setting workshop, I walk interior designers through my proven system to reflect on the year, review key numbers without overwhelm, and set clear goals you can actually execute. Grab a notebook, pull up your calendar, and follow along.   Episode Highlights: The year-end reflection questions that reveal wins, challenges, and money makers The "Repeat vs. Never Repeat" exercise to guide next year's decisions What to review financially (even if you've avoided it) and why gross revenue matters How to calculate your consultation conversion rate How to plan your year backwards based on project size and goals Time blocking basics (free days, buffer days, focus days) The mindset shift: act like the future version of you today   Episode Resource: 10x is Easier than 2x   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

I'm Rebecca Hay and I have built a successful interior design business by trial and error, podcasts, online courses and books. Over the last decade I have grown from an insecure student to having career false starts and now I've finally landed where I want to be. Throughout my journey I've become deeply passionate about business and helping other entrepreneurs and career minded women. Each week I'll share tangible takeaways from my own experience and the experiences of other badass women to help you build your confidence and change your business.

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