Founders & Friends

Ronniesha Rivera
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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. 28. From Fiver to Full Service Branding With Julia Stanton

    JAN 30

    28. From Fiver to Full Service Branding With Julia Stanton

    On this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera welcomes Julia Stanton, the creative force behind Design by JRS—a full-service branding studio known for its bold, colorful, magnetic design style. Julia shares how she skipped the traditional career path and launched her business immediately after college, then grew it during the pandemic by leaning into education, strategy, and serving a wave of new entrepreneurs who needed branding support.  Julia breaks down her belief that branding is visual storytelling, and explains why every brand should start with strategy before design. She also shares the difference between a “pretty brand” built on trends and a strategic brand built for longevity, plus her step-by-step process—from questionnaires and competitor analysis to stylescapes, archetypes, and refinement rounds.  If you’re a creative entrepreneur looking to build a brand with intention (and a business that supports your life), you’ll love this conversation.  You can find Julia at: https://www.designbyjrs.com/ https://www.instagram.com/designbyjrs/   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

    49 min
  2. 27. OBM vs. VA vs. Consultant: What Interior Designers Really Need

    JAN 23

    27. OBM vs. VA vs. Consultant: What Interior Designers Really Need

    In this episode, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Kat Oldershaw, founder of Kat & Co., to unpack what actually makes operations work for interior designers—and why more tools don’t always mean better systems. Kat shares their unconventional path from studying psychology at UC Berkeley, through biotech and creative studio leadership, and into entrepreneurship as an Online Business Manager (OBM) supporting interior designers behind the scenes. Drawing from both their psychology background and real-world operations experience, Kat explains why designers often struggle with comparison mindset and “shiny object syndrome,” and how simple, consistent systems are usually far more effective than complex software stacks. Together, Ronniesha and Kat break down the differences between OBMs, business consultants, and virtual assistants, helping designers understand who they actually need—and when. Kat also offers nuanced insight into software choices like Asana and Studio Designer, emphasizing that there’s no “unicorn” platform that solves everything, only systems that work for you. This conversation goes beyond tools and tactics, touching on vulnerability in entrepreneurship, the importance of trust and communication in long-term partnerships, and how honoring your working style (digital or analog) can lead to more sustainable growth. If you’re a designer craving clarity, calm, and support that actually sticks, this episode is for you. You can find kat at  https://www.katandco.org/ Good Ideas + Bad decisions Podcast  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

    48 min

  3. JAN 20

    26. How I Secured $33k in design fees going into 2026

    What happens when you actually track your marketing—and tell the truth about what worked and what didn’t? In this episode of Founders and Friends, host Ronniesha Rivera pulls back the curtain on a four-month experiment she calls the “Six Marketing Shifts.” Born out of a slow season in early 2025, the experiment generated nine leads and $33,000 in secured design fees and product revenue—but the real value came from the insights behind the numbers. Ronniesha breaks down each of the six shifts she tested, including Instagram, email marketing, blogging, cold pitching, in-person networking, and Google paid ads. She shares which channels actually moved the needle, which ones fell flat, and why lead tracking completely changed how she evaluates her marketing efforts. You’ll hear how cold pitching produced her highest-value project to date, why a long-ignored platform delivered a surprise $15K opportunity, and what she’s choosing to double down on heading into 2026. The conversation also dives deep into pricing lessons, including a major misbid on a multimillion-dollar new build that forced Ronniesha to rethink how she prices full-service design. She shares how implementing a pricing matrix (with support from Seriously Happy Consulting) helped her set clearer boundaries, establish a $5,000 minimum design fee, and bid projects more intentionally—without burnout or undercutting her expertise. Finally, Ronniesha outlines her bigger vision: transitioning fully into a CEO role by outsourcing across all areas of her work—from Alder and Stone Design Studio, to Vetted by Design, to the podcast itself (and even childcare). This episode is an honest, practical look at growth, margins, and what it really takes to build a sustainable design business. Whether you’re experimenting with marketing, struggling with pricing, or preparing to step out of the day-to-day and lead at a higher level, this episode is packed with real numbers, real lessons, and real encouragement. 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

    49 min
  4. 25. Process, Pricing, and Packages: Designing a Business That Actually Protects You with Georgia Economakis

    JAN 3

    25. Process, Pricing, and Packages: Designing a Business That Actually Protects You with Georgia Economakis

    Returning guest Georgia Economus of Designs by Georgia joins Ronniesha Rivera for a candid continuation of their earlier conversation — this time diving deep into the realities of process, pricing, and packages in an interior design business. Georgia shares how running a “one-woman show” boutique studio has allowed her to expand beyond cabinetry into full renovations while still protecting her time, expertise, and financial stability. Together, Ronniesha and Georgia tackle some of the most polarizing topics in the design industry — including product pricing, charging consultation fees, requiring full payment upfront, and why designers should never be expected to discount products below retail. This episode breaks down Georgia’s client discovery and qualification process, how she uses renderings and recorded walk-throughs to present designs, and why charging for time is essential to protecting intellectual property. The conversation also explores letters of agreement, wet signatures, payment draws, scope clarity, and how three-tiered service packages help designers serve different clients without overdelivering. Ronniesha and Georgia share hard-earned lessons on risk mitigation, setting boundaries, managing expectations, and building consistency — along with practical advice for newer designers on securing legal and financial support early. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing confidence, scope creep, or protecting your business while still delivering great design, this episode is a must-listen. 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/ Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram Founders & Friends Instagram Founders & Friends FB group *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    1h 12m
  5. 24. What Designers Get Wrong When They Go Out on Their Own with Georgia Economakis

    12/19/2025

    24. What Designers Get Wrong When They Go Out on Their Own with Georgia Economakis

    After nearly 30 years in the interior design industry, Georgia — founder of Designs by Georgia — reached a pivotal moment: stay comfortable, or take the leap into business ownership. In this episode, Georgia and host Ronniesha Rivera have an honest, no-fluff conversation about what it actually takes to start and run a sustainable design firm — especially at the construction and kitchen & bath level, where liability, budgets, and boundaries matter more than aesthetics. Georgia shares why hiring an accountant first (before your first job!) is non-negotiable, why designers must bring in a lawyer early to draft contracts that protect them, and how blurry roles with contractors can quickly become a legal nightmare. Together, they break down how to set firm boundaries, qualify clients during discovery calls, identify red flags within minutes, and confidently walk away when a project isn’t the right fit. The conversation also dives deep into the realities of kitchen and bath design — from why it’s a highly specialized discipline, to how Georgia sets realistic remodel budgets starting at $100K+, manages client expectations, and communicates costs without fear or apology. If you’re a designer thinking about going out on your own, transitioning into kitchen and bath, or tightening up your business systems to protect your time, energy, and liability — this episode is a must-listen. 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/ Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram Founders & Friends Instagram Founders & Friends FB group *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    52 min
  6. 23. A Deep Dive On Design Process With Candace Plotz

    12/05/2025

    23. A Deep Dive On Design Process With Candace Plotz

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Candace Plotz, founder of Candace Plotz Design, for a candid conversation about building a design business rooted in intention, clarity, and real-life balance. Candace shares her unlikely path into interior design — a leap from a secure career in healthcare and pharmacy into a creative life sparked by renovating her own wartime home. What started as a personal project quickly became the catalyst for a full-time studio, even before she had a formal business plan. (Spoiler: she signed seven clients in her first week.) Together, Ronniesha and Candace unpack what it really takes to grow a firm: building a portfolio from scratch, trusting transferable people skills, and learning the behind-the-scenes processes no one teaches you. Candace also opens up about a major recent shift — downsizing her team and closing her beloved, profitable Homeful storefront so she could return to the creative work she missed most. They dive deep into Candace’s structured intake and design process, her move from hourly to flat-fee pricing (and why she’s considering a hybrid model), and her philosophy of “intentional layering” — designing homes that feel comfortable, effortless, and deeply personal instead of staged. If you’re a designer navigating growth, team structure, pricing, or just trying to build a studio that supports your life and your creativity, this one is for you. Topics we cover: Transitioning careers into interior design (without a safety net)Building a portfolio and landing early projectsThe transferable skills that matter most in designDownsizing your firm on purpose — and why that can be powerfulCreating a repeatable, clear client intake processSwitching to flat-fee pricing + designing a hybrid modelPresenting budgets without letting clients spiral into line itemsDesigning for comfort through scale, proportion, and layeringProtecting work-life balance as a business growsYou can find Candace at https://www.candaceplotzdesign.com/ https://www.instagram.com/candaceplotzdesign/ 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 Founders & Friends Instagram Founders & Friends FB group *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    53 min
  7. 22. Top Money Mistakes Interior Designers Make (and How to Fix Them) with Carleen Lamay

    11/21/2025

    22. Top Money Mistakes Interior Designers Make (and How to Fix Them) with Carleen Lamay

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Carleen Lamay, founder of C2 Accounting — a financial powerhouse serving over 60 clients, nearly half of them interior designers. Carleen shares the real story behind C2 Accounting’s growth from a part-time solo venture into a multi-member firm with a strong niche in the interior design industry. She breaks down why so many designers struggle with bookkeeping, the risks of DIY finances, and how to avoid costly mistakes with sales tax, software syncing, and categorizing expenses. Together, Ronniesha and Carleen explore: Why designers must hire financial support earlier than they thinkThe difference between bookkeepers, accountants, and CFOsHow niching down helped C2 Accounting become a trusted go-to for designersThe power of effective delegation and team leadershipC2 Accounting’s new “Monthly Foundations Review” tier for newer or smaller firmsThe financial habits that set profitable design businesses apartCarleen also shares tactical insights on multi-state sales tax, software like Design Files and MyDoma, and how designers can build confidence by understanding the numbers behind their business. This episode is a must-listen for designers ready to grow, get organized, and stop operating in the financial dark. You can find Carleen at: https://www.c2-acctg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/c2accounting/ Economic Nexus Map 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 Founders & Friends Instagram Founders & Friends FB group *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    59 min
  8. 21. From Junior Designer to Rendering Powerhouse: Cassidy Martin’s Journey

    11/14/2025

    21. From Junior Designer to Rendering Powerhouse: Cassidy Martin’s Journey

    utsourcing, boundaries, and the journey to finding your niche — this episode has it all. In this episode of Founders and Friends, host Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Cassidy Martin, founder of CM Interiors, to unpack her evolution from junior designer to sought-after rendering artist and business owner. Cassidy shares how she discovered renderings as a powerful niche, what it took to step into entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that shaped her approach to contracts, communication, and client boundaries. Ronniesha and Cassidy dive into the real value of outsourcing renderings — from saving designers 30+ hours per project to elevating presentations with CM Interiors’ signature realistic style. They address common fears around outsourcing (cost, timelines, deliverables), break down what designers actually need to provide to make the process smooth, and talk about the role a strong welcome guide and clear expectations play in great collaborations. Cassidy also opens up about early challenges, including a major payment dispute that ultimately reinforced why terms, conditions, and boundaries are non-negotiable for new business owners. She shares her vision for CM Interiors’ future, her love of collaborating with designers and builders, and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: have drive, communicate clearly, and find the niche that sets you apart. If you’re a designer considering outsourcing—or an entrepreneur navigating your own early growth—this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss. You can find Cassidy at: https://www.cminteriors3drendering.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cminteriors_3drendering/ 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 Founders & Friends Instagram Founders & Friends FB group *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    46 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
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founders & Friends
  • Show Website
    Founders & Friends