Damn Good Interior Designer

Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan
Damn Good Interior Designer

Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, and encouraging you to embrace your own authentic designer self. There is not much they will not say “out loud”. In this podcast, you'll find no room for conformity as they shatter the mold of one-size-fits-all business practices. Cheryl's fearless attitude showcases a refusal to follow the conventional wisdom, ask “why” repeatedly and reject what no longer makes sense in today’s world. If you're seeking a dose of inspiration, a splash of unconventional wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on the entrepreneurial world, the Damn Good Designer is your go-to podcast. Tune in and let Cheryl and Liz, along with their expert guests in the fields of designers, architects, landscapers, and other creative professionals, guide you toward building a remarkable business that defies norms and sets you on a path to unparalleled success."Get ready to challenge the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary! About the hosts: Cheryl Kees Clendenon- 2021 KBB Person of the year 2022 Design Studio winner Dallas Arts Awards 2021 Changemaker Design Hounds 200 or so years ago a child came roaring into the world feet first ready to show up and argue a cause. Just because. Her mother still maintains the story is- she was screaming-“why”- from the minute she landed wrong side up and slapped the doctor for disturbing her afternoon nap And to this day does not give “it” a rest except when she is sleeping. Which is where you will find her only between the hours of 2am and 7:30am. A belligerent non-smoker (in case you were wondering) and a frequent challenger of anything that resembles “normal” or desired by the masses, Cheryl is a natural born contrarian who talks faster than 2x speed on a podcast She gravitates towards wanting to help clients and designers who are the square pegs in a world of round holes, lose earrings impossibly frequently, fall off of platform shoes and are unapologetically saucy. Relaxing is not in the skill set. Life begins and ends with family. Her sacred words are: Why, Percipient, Whizbang and Profit. But please do not say the words: Package, Blocks, Red Flag, Overwhelm or Picked. Hives break out and it gets ugly. Liz Lapan VP of Everything, Interior Designer, Work Wife, Team Cook, Unicorns People ask, when did you KNOW you had found your ideal work wife- Cheryl will reply ” When she drew me 8 different cacti on her 3rd day because I said -find me a damn cactus” The woman who has never been through an airport without being extended an invitation to stop and play show and tell with the contents of her backpack, can single handedly plow snow with a rake and rescue her boss in a snowstorm in Arizona.–yes, I said Arizona–after sleeping all night in a tuna can of a rental car. An accomplished designer in her own right with an amazing sense of color and pattern, Liz can wear the designer hat in the morning, the project manager hat at noon and return to the office being the ultimate manager of all the things. Client’s love her, Subs respect her and the team adores the woman who gets “it” done-whatever “it” may be. RESOURCES: www.damngooddesigner.com https://www.theinteriordesignparadigm.com/ Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://forms.clickup.com/8404193/f/80f71-613517/PFK3QDSALZ30VONMTP

  1. Ep 37: The Icing on the Cake

    4 DAYS AGO

    Ep 37: The Icing on the Cake

    Who doesn't love an install day!? Sure, it can be hectic and exhausting but this is where you get to see the fruit of your labor come together. Cheryl went solo this week talking about In Detail's top tips for a successful install day! Having a team in place for installation that understands the logistics and are able to convey it to your movers AND your client is one of the keys to success. A strong install day is the icing on the cake for clients, so it's important to plan ahead and communicate clearly with your team and the movers. Did we miss any top tips? Share one of your faves and we will feature it in our newsletter! NOW ENROLLING FOR THE DESIGN PARADIGM and THE PARADIGM SHIFTA Business Model Based on Projecting Profit, Marketing to Your People, Stellar Sales Skills and Proper Positioning of your firm.  The Design Paradigm is meant to give you one on one guidance to Strengthen your business model Set firm boundaries Remind yourself of the value you offer and then some! This will be focused 1 on 1 individual strategy sessions centered around milestones we set together to increase your bottom line as well as live group Q & As! Because when you lead with confidence, you attract clients who respect your work, trust your pricing, and will gladly refer you to others. ENROLL NOWRESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    18 min
  2. Ep 36: The Truth about Project Management

    19 NOV

    Ep 36: The Truth about Project Management

    How important is project management in interior design? Bottom line: Very. Because it saves your client money in the long run! This starts with having a clear and cogent scope of work to be able to refer back to when issues arise within the project. Project management, how it is handled and why you do it can make or break a project. This means being able to handle a client's question without running for the hills and not only reminding them but also affirming their decision in why they hired you. This will allow you to ensure a smooth and successful project with a client that trusts you and understands the value of project management. Have a question--click here to ask us. NOW ENROLLING FOR THE DESIGN PARADIGM and THE PARADIGM SHIFTA Business Model Based on Projecting Profit, Marketing to Your People, Stellar Sales Skills and Proper Positioning of your firm.  The Design Paradigm is meant to give you one on one guidance to Strengthen your business model Set firm boundaries Remind yourself of the value you offer and then some! This will be focused 1 on 1 individual strategy sessions centered around milestones we set together to increase your bottom line as well as live group Q & As! Because when you lead with confidence, you attract clients who respect your work, trust your pricing, and will gladly refer you to others. ENROLL NOWRESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    33 min
  3. Ep 35: Are You Sabotaging Yourself?

    5 NOV

    Ep 35: Are You Sabotaging Yourself?

    Have you ever stopped to think where your time is spent vs your energy output? The truth is we could be sabotaging ourselves and our capacity to work if we are not managing our energy. We all have relentless demands and unexpected challenges we deal with on the daily and we all tend to slip into negative emotions—the fight-or-flight mode—often multiple times in a day. We must take little and simple steps to recharge to recognize the costs of energy-depleting behavior and actions and then take responsibility for changing them, regardless of the circumstances or excuses. Our energy is what propels us forward to utilize time in the best possible manner. NOW ENROLLING FOR THE DESIGN PARADIGM and THE PARADIGM SHIFTA Business Model Based on Projecting Profit, Marketing to Your People, Stellar Sales Skills and Proper Positioning of your firm.  The Design Paradigm is meant to give you one on one guidance to Strengthen your business model Set firm boundaries Remind yourself of the value you offer and then some! This will be focused 1 on 1 individual strategy sessions centered around milestones we set together to increase your bottom line as well as live group Q & As! Because when you lead with confidence, you attract clients who respect your work, trust your pricing, and will gladly refer you to others. ENROLL NOWRESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    54 min
  4. Ep 34: How to Create Your Brand Identity with a Competitive Edge

    29 OCT

    Ep 34: How to Create Your Brand Identity with a Competitive Edge

    This week was a bit of a whirlwind coming home from High Point! We had the pleasure of having Jude Charles as a guest and we got to meet in person while we were attending Market. Jude Charles is a filmmaker and for over 18 years and has been producing documentaries for entrepreneurs. He has produced stories for Google, Steve Harvey, LuAnn Nigara, Rick Campos, and dozens of visionary CEOs. He is also the author of Dramatic Demonstration. This book is a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no one else knows, and then leverage those stories to grow your business. Jude’s mission is to lead and empower entrepreneurs to have relentless, unwavering courage. We had a great discussion with Jude about the power of storytelling and pulling back the veil of your brand identity and how this can help designers connect with their audience in a more authentic way. We also discussed the importance of being vulnerable and showing the real person behind the brand. Chery and Liz emphasizes the importance of showing behind the scenes and the unique process and challenges that each designer brings. We also discuss and emphasize the importance of building relationships with clients, rather than viewing them as simply a source of income while sharing practical ways designers can identify and showcase their core values to attract aligned clients and opportunities. To get your free resource from Jude - click here NOW ENROLLING FOR THE DESIGN PARADIGM A Business Model Based on Projecting Profit, Marketing to Your People, Stellar Sales Skills and Proper Positioning of your firm.  The Design Paradigm is meant to give you one on one guidance to Strengthen your business model Set firm boundaries Remind yourself of the value you offer and then some! This will be focused 1 on 1 individual strategy sessions centered around milestones we set together to increase your bottom line as well as live group Q & As! Because when you lead with confidence, you attract clients who respect your work, trust your pricing, and will gladly refer you to others. ENROLL NOWRESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy...

    51 min
  5. Ep 33: How to be a Good Partner to your Vendors

    22 OCT

    Ep 33: How to be a Good Partner to your Vendors

    How good of a partner are you to your vendors? Strong vendor relationships are a secret to success! Many designers do not think about their vendors until there is a problem. This approach does not allow to maximize the partnership. Getting to know your reps, your customer service people, and marketing team can enhance your bottom line and the customer experience you provide to your own clients. Learn Liz and Cheryl's eight best tips for getting the information you need from your vendors and not getting just want you need but how to make it a win win for the both of you. NOW ENROLLING FOR THE DESIGN PARADIGM A Business Model Based on Projecting Profit, Marketing to Your People, Stellar Sales Skills and Proper Positioning of your firm.  The Design Paradigm is meant to give you one on one guidance to Strengthen your business model Set firm boundaries Remind yourself of the value you offer and then some! This will be focused 1 on 1 individual strategy sessions centered around milestones we set together to increase your bottom line as well as live group Q & As! Because when you lead with confidence, you attract clients who respect your work, trust your pricing, and will gladly refer you to others. ENROLL NOWRESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    40 min
  6. Ep 32: Roadblocks to Closing the Sale

    15 OCT

    Ep 32: Roadblocks to Closing the Sale

    Cheryl and Liz are exploring five key roadblocks to bringing a new client on board and signing that contract. By showing your expertise to the client earlier than later, you remove many difficulties from the sale itself and you set yourself up for being able to deliver your best work. You cannot rely on the lead to peruse every detail of your website. Take the time to understand your leads, who you are selling to and put yourself in their shoes in how you would want to be treated. NOW ENROLLING FOR THE DESIGN PARADIGM A Business Model Based on Projecting Profit, Marketing to Your People, Stellar Sales Skills and Proper Positioning of your firm.  The Design Paradigm is meant to give you one on one guidance to Strengthen your business model Set firm boundaries Remind yourself of the value you offer and then some! This will be focused 1 on 1 individual strategy sessions centered around milestones we set together to increase your bottom line as well as live group Q & As! Because when you lead with confidence, you attract clients who respect your work, trust your pricing, and will gladly refer you to others. ENROLL NOWRESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    55 min
  7. Ep 31: The Power of Positioning

    1 OCT

    Ep 31: The Power of Positioning

    Are your clients receiving and perceiving what you say to them properly? What you say, how you say it, and why you say it is vital to communicate the value and professionalism your firm offers through strategic and consistent positioning. This means understanding and committing to your target audience, being aware of how you position your firm, and not trying to appeal to everyone. Why? Positioning is incredibly important for attracting and retaining clients who truly appreciate your work--the key to successful client relationships! Learn how Cheryl uses strategic positioning in her every aspect of her business and how you can start doing this also! Looking to unlock your firm's potential? Join us in 3 Days of Business Savvy with "Positioning for Profitability" guiding you through the THREE strategies to feel confident in your business model, take the action you need to implement, and project the income you could (and can!) make.Learn more now! RESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business ONE ON ONE coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    17 min
  8. Ep 30: Retail is NOT for sissies! with Christina Van Blake

    10 SEPT

    Ep 30: Retail is NOT for sissies! with Christina Van Blake

    If you have known me for a while you may have heard my "Top 12 Truths for Being a Shopkeep" and one of my faves that I stand by is "Retail is not for sissies!" And I know that our special guest, Christina Van Blake of Home Design Dover feels the exact same way. Christina, or as some call her Christi, is the own and prominent designer serving the Maine and NH Seacoast area for over 22 years. Her specialties in color, pattern and texture come from 3 generations of designing women which you will learn from listening. Christina truly enjoys her work, her clients and design of all kinds and her enthusiasm for the art of this business ensures each client fully understands the options and choices, why they work, and how they reflect their personal taste with the end result being a carefully curated space that feels uniquely personal and beautifully functional. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs, with a good sense of humor, of owning a retail showroom and how to mix and integrate with a full service design firm. There are so many moving parts that are dealt with on a daily basis of owning a retail showroom and you must hone your knowledge on selling and understanding the vendors that you choose to get into bed with (so to speak, see what I did there)! This will not be the only time Christina joins us on the podcast--retail is one large beast and we want you to join us in the journey! RESOURCE LINKS:The Design Paradigm is a 12 month comprehensive and powerful business coaching program for creative entrepreneurs who are serious about running a profitable business and being the expert in the room.  It is the only coaching program to combine individual attention & accountability with live group workshops, honest video presentations and customized attention to your needs. The Interior Design Paradigm - Website Damn Good Designer - Website Business coaching for interior designers with honest, real-deal guidance from Cheryl. Small Business - Think Big - Facebook Led by interior Design Business coach, Cheryl Clendenon, please join the free Facebook group Small Business Think Big --for designers who need honest talk and a place to work on the business, marketing and promotion small business owners need. Mentioned in this episode: The Design Paradigm - One on One Business Strategy Program The Design Paradigm

    51 min

Trailer

About

Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer. Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, and encouraging you to embrace your own authentic designer self. There is not much they will not say “out loud”. In this podcast, you'll find no room for conformity as they shatter the mold of one-size-fits-all business practices. Cheryl's fearless attitude showcases a refusal to follow the conventional wisdom, ask “why” repeatedly and reject what no longer makes sense in today’s world. If you're seeking a dose of inspiration, a splash of unconventional wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on the entrepreneurial world, the Damn Good Designer is your go-to podcast. Tune in and let Cheryl and Liz, along with their expert guests in the fields of designers, architects, landscapers, and other creative professionals, guide you toward building a remarkable business that defies norms and sets you on a path to unparalleled success."Get ready to challenge the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary! About the hosts: Cheryl Kees Clendenon- 2021 KBB Person of the year 2022 Design Studio winner Dallas Arts Awards 2021 Changemaker Design Hounds 200 or so years ago a child came roaring into the world feet first ready to show up and argue a cause. Just because. Her mother still maintains the story is- she was screaming-“why”- from the minute she landed wrong side up and slapped the doctor for disturbing her afternoon nap And to this day does not give “it” a rest except when she is sleeping. Which is where you will find her only between the hours of 2am and 7:30am. A belligerent non-smoker (in case you were wondering) and a frequent challenger of anything that resembles “normal” or desired by the masses, Cheryl is a natural born contrarian who talks faster than 2x speed on a podcast She gravitates towards wanting to help clients and designers who are the square pegs in a world of round holes, lose earrings impossibly frequently, fall off of platform shoes and are unapologetically saucy. Relaxing is not in the skill set. Life begins and ends with family. Her sacred words are: Why, Percipient, Whizbang and Profit. But please do not say the words: Package, Blocks, Red Flag, Overwhelm or Picked. Hives break out and it gets ugly. Liz Lapan VP of Everything, Interior Designer, Work Wife, Team Cook, Unicorns People ask, when did you KNOW you had found your ideal work wife- Cheryl will reply ” When she drew me 8 different cacti on her 3rd day because I said -find me a damn cactus” The woman who has never been through an airport without being extended an invitation to stop and play show and tell with the contents of her backpack, can single handedly plow snow with a rake and rescue her boss in a snowstorm in Arizona.–yes, I said Arizona–after sleeping all night in a tuna can of a rental car. An accomplished designer in her own right with an amazing sense of color and pattern, Liz can wear the designer hat in the morning, the project manager hat at noon and return to the office being the ultimate manager of all the things. Client’s love her, Subs respect her and the team adores the woman who gets “it” done-whatever “it” may be. RESOURCES: www.damngooddesigner.com https://www.theinteriordesignparadigm.com/ Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://forms.clickup.com/8404193/f/80f71-613517/PFK3QDSALZ30VONMTP

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada