The DesignDash Podcast

Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove
  • 4.2 (5)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The DesignDash Podcast

The DesignDash Podcast is a guide to designing a life you love. Co-hosts Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove dive into what it takes for women to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally, to live their lives to the fullest and without compromise. Special guests will share their own journeys, their successes and their challenges, as they pursue life with curiosity and intention.

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 49: Behind the Scenes of High-End Interior Design with Shannon Smith

    What happens when you take an international business background, mix in a love for design, and layer it with over a decade of experience in luxury interiors? You get Shannon Smith — our rockstar Director of Interior Design at Laura U Design Collective. Melissa is off on vacation today, but I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Shannon to dive into the world of high-end interior design, from creating stunning spaces to managing client expectations and leading a powerhouse design team. What you’ll discover in this episode:- The secret sauce behind luxury interior design—what really makes a space feel elevated- The biggest misconceptions about working with a designer - How Shannon transitioned from a career in sales to becoming a sought-after interior designer- Why delegation and leadership in a creative firm are game changers- Client horror stories (ever seen a couple actually fight over furniture?)- The role of coaching and mentorship in the design world- The one industry event Shannon never misses & where she’s traveling next Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a homeowner dreaming of a curated space, or just someone who loves the behind-the-scenes of the design world, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    26 min

  2. MAR 6

    Episode 48: How to Prepare for High Point Market: Pro Tips to Maximize Your Trip

    Alright, let’s be real—High Point Market is A LOT. It’s exciting, it’s overwhelming, and if you’re not careful, it will chew you up and spit you out with sore feet, an overpacked schedule, and a camera roll full of blurry photos you don’t even remember taking. But guess what? We’ve been there. We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. And in this episode we're breaking down exactly how to do High Point the right way. Here’s what we’re diving into:- How to plan your market schedule so you don’t feel like you’re missing out - Why bringing your team (or at least a backup camera person) can be a game-changer- When to book showroom appointments—and when to just explore- The secret to making lasting connections (hint: it starts with networking + the right tours!)- Our can’t-miss events—including a brunch with the one and only Thom Filicia (yes, you read that right!)- High Point survival tips—from parking hacks to the real MVPs: comfortable shoes Whether it’s your first market or your fifteenth, this episode is packed with insights to help you hit the ground running and make the most of every minute. And if you’re coming to High Point, we want to meet you! Come hang out with us at Vanguard and join one of our guided showroom tours. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    23 min

  3. FEB 27

    Episode 47: Navigating High-End Home Projects: Expert Advice from Erin Stetzer

    In this episode, our guest is Erin Stetzer—an absolute force in high-end homebuilding.  As the founder of Stetzer Builders, Erin has built a rock-solid reputation by delivering luxury homes with integrity, transparency, and an obsession for details. If you’ve ever been involved in a home build or renovation, you know how quickly things can spiral. The process is slow, overwhelming, and full of unexpected challenges that can leave even the most seasoned professionals questioning their sanity. That’s exactly why we wanted Erin on the show—because she’s built her career on navigating the chaos and delivering homes that don’t just look beautiful, but actually stand the test of time. Erin is a Graduate Master Builder, a former D1 basketball player, and someone who understands that success in this industry isn’t just about talent—it’s about collaboration, communication, and making the right calls under pressure. She’s spent decades mastering the art of running high-level projects while keeping her team, clients, and partners aligned—which, let’s be honest, is a rare and underappreciated skill in this business. In this conversation, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really makes a project work. Tune in! Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    43 min

  4. FEB 20

    Episode 46: The Power of Intentional Branding with Kali Edwards

    Hey Design Dashers in this episode we are sitting down with Kali Edwards—branding genius, website magician, and the creative mind behind June Mango Design. And let me tell you… this conversation is a breath of fresh air for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by branding, stuck in analysis paralysis over their website, or convinced that “niching down” means leaving money on the table. Kali’s whole approach? Intentional, strategic, and refreshingly no-BS. She’s the type of person who can build an entire website in just five days—yes, you read that right—while most businesses drag it out for months (or worse, years!). She’s got a process that’s fast, focused, and, honestly, kinda mind-blowing. And, of course, we get into the real talk. Like… should you really trust your gut when making branding decisions? Are you holding yourself back because you're afraid to pivot? And—let’s be honest—are you constantly rebranding just because you’re bored of your own website? If you’ve ever questioned your brand, your website, or your entire business strategy, this episode is going to hit home. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    36 min

  5. FEB 13

    Episode 45: Client Freakouts, Budget Fatigue & The Designer’s Role in Keeping It Together w/ Megan Strasburg

    Designers, you know the drill. A new client walks in, excited but totally lost—Who do I hire first? Builder? Architect? Designer? All of the above? And then there’s the mid-reno meltdown: Why are my walls still open? Why did I do this to myself? Sound familiar? Yeah, we thought so. In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real challenges that come with renovations—and how we, as designers, can be the steady hand guiding our clients through the process. We’re sitting down with Megan Strasburg, our Director of Residential Design at Laura U Design Collective, to talk about: - The biggest fears clients have before starting a project (and how to put them at ease)- The moment every client panics during construction—and how we bring them back from the brink- When working with builders is a dream… and when it’s a total nightmare- The psychology of decision fatigue, budget freakouts, and Pinterest rabbit holes- Strategic splurges—where clients should invest and where they can save- And why living through a renovation is almost always a terrible idea Plus, Megan shares the wildest project she’s working on right now—a high-end condo where the client had some seriously bold ideas that pushed us to think outside the box. If you’ve ever had to talk a client off the ledge mid-project, navigate a tricky builder relationship, or just wish clients understood the realities of design, this episode is for you. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    34 min

  6. FEB 6

    Episode 44: How a Solid Design Agreement Can Make or Break Your Business

    Hey Design Dashers! It’s just US today and we're getting real about one of the most debated topics in the design world: design agreements. Look, we know contracts can feel like a necessary evil, but here’s our take: a solid design agreement is your BEST tool for protecting your business, your clients, and your sanity. And honestly? If you don’t have one yet… you need to fix that ASAP. In this episode, we’re sharing our unfiltered thoughts on what makes a design contract effective, why hourly billing has been a game-changer for us, and how we’ve refined our agreement over time to keep it as concise and bulletproof as possible. We also discuss:- Where designers often go wrong with contracts (and how to avoid common mistakes)- Why some clients try to fight the agreement (and the biggest red flags to watch for)- How to make your contract work for YOU (without scaring off potential clients)- The biggest lessons we’ve learned from our own contracts   If you’ve ever second-guessed your contract (or avoided making one in the first place), this episode is your sign. A well-written agreement doesn’t just protect you—it gives your clients peace of mind too. Tune in now to hear our honest take and get practical tips you can apply immediately. Oh, and we’re not done talking about this! Join us inside our Design Dash community and let’s keep the conversation going. What’s in YOUR contract? What’s missing? Let’s discuss. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    23 min

  7. JAN 31

    Episode 43: Building a Business & Brand – Secrets to Scaling a Design Firm with Kate O’Hara

    Alright, friends, this episode is a must-listen! Today, we are sitting down with the brilliant Kate O’Hara—CEO & Creative Director of O’Hara Interiors AND co-founder of Faye Belle Rugs. This woman does it all! She’s running multiple design studios across Austin, Dallas, and Minneapolis while keeping her brand’s integrity, scaling her business, and still finding time to sail and practice Krav Maga (seriously, is there anything she can’t do?!). We first met Kate back in the day, sharing the big stage at High Point—nervous as heck, not knowing what to expect. But one thing was clear right away: We were in this together. And guess what? That’s exactly the energy she brings to her business. In this episode, we’re diving deep into:- Scaling a design firm while staying true to your creative vision- Navigating the transition from a family-run business to a powerhouse brand- The real process behind curating a portfolio that reflects your brand identity- Balancing structured processes with creative freedom (spoiler: it's tricky, but totally doable)- The importance of intentionality in leadership, team culture, and even personal time management Kate also shares the behind-the-scenes of launching her first official rug collection (because obviously, when she couldn’t find what she needed… she just went and created it herself. No big deal. ). Plus, we get real about failure, team dynamics, and the eternal struggle of planning vs. just going for it. If you're an interior designer looking to grow your firm without losing your creative soul, this episode is packed with gold. Tune in, get inspired, and let us know: What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to scaling your business? Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    39 min

  8. JAN 24

    Episode 42: Mastering Smartphone Photography for Interior Designers with Linda Holt

    If you’ve ever thought, “Can my smartphone really take professional-level photos of my interiors?”—the answer is YES, and today’s episode is about to blow your mind.  We’re sitting down with the incredible Linda Holt, a photographer-turned-interior-designer-turned-smartphone-photography guru, to uncover how YOU can transform your design portfolio and social media presence using nothing but your smartphone. Here’s what we’re diving into:- Can smartphones really rival expensive DSLR cameras for interior photography? (Spoiler: Yes, and Linda will tell you how.)- The game-changing settings and features hidden in your phone that most people never use.- Tips for perfecting exposure, focus, and composition to make your photos stand out.- How to avoid costly copyright mistakes and take ownership of your photos.- The must-have tools (like tripods and editing apps) that will instantly elevate your photography game. Linda’s sharing ALL her insider secrets from decades in photography and design—and trust us, you’ll walk away ready to shoot like a pro. Oh, and Linda’s insights about editing apps like Snapseed and TouchRetouch? Pure gold. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting to build your portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you own your visual narrative—and avoid those pesky copyright headaches. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The DesignDash Podcast is a guide to designing a life you love. Co-hosts Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove dive into what it takes for women to feel fulfilled both personally and professionally, to live their lives to the fullest and without compromise. Special guests will share their own journeys, their successes and their challenges, as they pursue life with curiosity and intention.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The DesignDash Podcast

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