Designed for the Creative Mind™

Michelle Lynne
  • 4.7(51개의 평가)
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Your designs are beautiful, but you're struggling with the business of your interior design business. Join successful interior design business owner, Michelle Lynne, of ML Interiors Group each Monday morning as she shares the processes she has found useful in growing her own 7-figure design firm, interviews industry related guests, and brings her own team of designers on for lively conversations. If you aren't happy with the performance of your interior design business, are tired of trading your time for money, and know you were made for more, this show is for you.

  1. 1일 전

    Ep 228: The Art of Being Principal: Conversation with Katie Decker-Erickson

    What does it really mean to be the principal of an interior design firm? In this first episode of The Art of Being the Principal, Michelle Lynne and Katie Decker-Erickson join forces to have the candid conversations most design business owners need—but rarely hear. No fluff. No trendy buzzwords. Just honest discussion about what it takes to lead a profitable, sustainable interior design business. Together, they explore the transition from designer to CEO, why so many firm owners get stuck operating instead of leading, and how systems, processes, and strategic hiring create the freedom to focus on what you do best. Whether you're running a six-figure firm, building toward seven figures, or simply trying to create a business that works for you instead of the other way around, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about leadership, delegation, and your role as the principal. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why Michelle and Katie created The Art of Being the Principal The difference between being a business owner and actively "CEOing" Why most interior design firms are still very small businesses—and the unique challenges that creates The three pillars every successful firm must master: Marketing Operations Finance Creating dedicated CEO time in your weekly schedule How systems and processes protect your creativity Moving from business operator to business owner Why your first hires shouldn't necessarily be assistant designers The importance of buying back your time strategically Hiring people who are smarter than you in their area of expertise Building a culture where mistakes can be acknowledged and corrected How to know when someone is in the wrong seat on the bus The power of finding team members who consistently give "the extra 5%" Why leadership requires discomfort, self-awareness, and difficult conversations The connection between leadership, motherhood, and personal growth The importance of "winding the clock" and creating space to think strategically Key Takeaways CEOing Is a Verb Owning a business and leading a business are two different things. Successful principals intentionally set aside time to focus on leadership, marketing, finances, and growth—not just project execution. Systems Create Freedom When processes are documented and repeatable, your business becomes less dependent on you. That creates more room for creativity, strategic thinking, and growth. Protect Your Time Time is your most valuable asset. Every task you continue doing yourself should be evaluated through the lens of ROI and whether someone else could do it better. Hire for Expertise The goal isn't to be the smartest person in the room. Strong leaders surround themselves with specialists who challenge their thinking and elevate the business. Growth Requires Letting Go What helped you reach six figures won't necessarily get you to seven. Scaling requires delegation, trust, and a willingness to shift from doing the work to leading the people who do the work. Wind the Clock Leadership isn't just about doing more. Sometimes the most important work happens when you slow down, reflect, connect with peers, and intentionally decide where you're headed next. Mentioned in This Episode The upcoming Art of Being the Principal Live Event (August 24 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area) Connect With Us Michelle and Katie want to hear from you: What challenges are you facing as the principal of your firm? Which pillar do you struggle with most: marketing, operations, or finance? What topics would you like covered in future Art of Being the Principal episodes? And settle the debate: Should it be called a Summit or a Retreat? Leave a review, send a DM, or connect with us on social media. Katie: @successbydesign_coach_podcast Michelle: @by_michelle_lynne Remember: Your business should be working for you—not you working for it.

    39분
  2. Ep 227: Profit Isn't an Accident Series - You're Paying Someone to Do It Twice

    5월 25일

    Ep 227: Profit Isn't an Accident Series - You're Paying Someone to Do It Twice

    In this third episode of the Profit Isn't an Accident series, Michelle Lynne dives into the hidden operational cost that many interior designers don't realize is quietly draining their profits: double entry. From project management platforms to accounting software, Michelle breaks down how disconnected systems create unnecessary labor, reconciliation headaches, bookkeeping expenses, and unreliable financial visibility. She shares real examples from her own firm, ML Interiors Group, and explains why so many design businesses are operating with what she calls a "Frankenstack" of disconnected tools. This episode explores: Why double entry is costing your firm more than you think The operational risks of disconnected project and financial systems Why bookkeeping alone does not equal real-time profitability visibility How inaccurate or delayed financial data impacts decision-making The difference between project health and financial reporting What integrated systems actually look like in a design firm How better operational infrastructure leads to better business decisions Michelle also shares the story behind The Profit Mixer, the operational platform she uses and teaches through The Design Bakehouse, and how it was designed specifically to eliminate the double entry problem for interior designers. Key Takeaways Double entry creates hidden labor costs every single month Separate systems inevitably drift out of sync over time Reconciliation work is expensive and often avoidable Clean bookkeeping does not automatically mean clear project profitability Your accounting system should remain the source of truth for financial data Better systems produce better data, and better data produces better decisions Operational clarity reduces stress and improves confidence as a business owner Action Steps from This Episode Michelle encourages designers to: Audit every operational and financial tool in their business Identify where information is being manually duplicated Trace a purchase order from placement to accounting reconciliation Review bookkeeping invoices to uncover reconciliation-related labor costs Evaluate whether their current systems are actually supporting profitability visibility Resources Mentioned The Design Bakehouse Profit Mixer SideMark Dove Agency QuickBooks Quotes from the Episode "You're paying somebody to do it twice." "The labor that double entry creates produces no value." "Better information produces better decisions." "Profitability is not an accident. It's operational clarity." What's Coming Next In the next episode of Profit Isn't an Accident, Michelle tackles what happens when untracked procurement turns into a true cash flow crisis — the small leak that eventually becomes a financial flood.

    35분
  3. Ep 226: Messaging Secrets to Stand Out in a Saturated Market with Kamala Nair

    5월 18일

    Ep 226: Messaging Secrets to Stand Out in a Saturated Market with Kamala Nair

    In this episode of Designed for the Creative Mind, Michelle sits down with copywriter and brand voice expert Kamala Nair to talk about the missing piece in so many interior design businesses: messaging that actually connects. Kamala shares why stunning portfolios alone are no longer enough to stand out in a saturated market and explains how strategic storytelling can help designers attract the right clients, communicate their value, and create a brand that feels memorable and magnetic. From finding your "hook" to embracing authenticity in the age of AI-generated content, this conversation is packed with insights for designers who want their words to work just as hard as their visuals. In This Episode, We Cover: Why beautiful images alone don't convert clients The biggest messaging mistake interior designers make How generic copy creates distrust with potential clients What a strong brand "hook" really is Why authenticity matters more than polished perfection How to communicate transformation instead of just services Using storytelling to create emotional connection Why your website should speak to clients, not other designers How AI-generated copy can dilute your brand voice Ways to use your messaging across your website, social media, proposals, and discovery calls The importance of getting specific about your ideal client How Kamala built a niche copywriting business exclusively for interior designers Strategies for making time for business growth and strategic thinking The role discomfort and risk-taking play in entrepreneurship Key Takeaways Your portfolio gets attention. Your messaging builds connection. Clients may initially be drawn in by beautiful photos, but it's the story behind the work that creates emotional resonance and trust. Specificity is what makes brands memorable. Generic phrases like "timeless interiors" or "luxury living" aren't enough to differentiate you. Kamala explains how designers can uncover what truly makes them different and communicate it clearly. Authenticity converts better than perfection. In a world full of AI-generated content and copy that sounds the same, imperfect but genuine messaging often connects more deeply than polished generic language. Great marketing sells the feeling, not the product. Kamala shares the famous Rolls-Royce advertising example to illustrate how successful brands sell transformation and experience rather than just features. Favorite Quote "Your specificity and your authenticity are what sell you." Resources Mentioned An American Marriage by Tayari Jones The "Alice Audit" brand messaging intensive with Kamala Nair Connect with Kamala Nair Website: Kamala Nair Inc. Instagram: @kamalanair Connect with Michelle The Design Bakehouse Michelle Lynne Interiors Sidemark If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a fellow designer and leave a review to help more creatives discover the show.

    36분
  4. Ep 225: Profit Isn't An Accident Series - The Markup Myth

    5월 11일

    Ep 225: Profit Isn't An Accident Series - The Markup Myth

    Why Cost Plus 30% Is Quietly Killing Your Profit In this episode of Profit Isn't an Accident, Michelle Lynne tackles one of the most accepted pricing "standards" in the interior design industry: cost plus 30%. And here's the truth most designers never hear: A 30% markup is not the same thing as a 30% profit margin. Michelle breaks down the real math behind procurement, markup vs. margin, and why so many talented design firms are unintentionally underpricing themselves into burnout. If you've ever felt busy but not profitable, this episode explains why. You'll learn how to evaluate your procurement costs, rethink your pricing structure, and start building a business model that actually supports your firm long term. In This Episode, We Cover: Why "cost plus 30%" became the industry norm The difference between markup and profit margin Why a 30% markup only creates a 23% margin The hidden costs of procurement most designers ignore How time, freight, damages, storage, and admin eat into profit Why many design firms are unknowingly subsidizing procurement with design fees What "minimum viable markup" means Why Michelle recommends a minimum 75% markup How vendor relationships can improve your margins Why charging correctly improves the client experience The emotional side of raising prices How pricing acts as a filter for better-fit clients Why profitability creates freedom, flexibility, and sustainability Key Takeaways Procurement Is Not Free Every item you source requires labor, communication, coordination, tracking, problem-solving, and risk management. If your markup does not account for those operational costs, your firm absorbs them. Markup and Margin Are Not the Same A 30% markup does not equal a 30% profit margin. Example: Wholesale Cost: $1,000 Selling Price at 30% Markup: $1,300 Actual Margin: 23% That difference matters more than most designers realize. Design Firms Are Running Two Businesses You are both: A service business (design expertise) A retail business (product procurement and sales) If your product pricing is too low, your design fees end up subsidizing your retail operations. Your Pricing Impacts Your Client Experience Underpricing creates stress, overwhelm, and operational strain. Profitability allows you to: Hire support Improve systems Deliver a better client experience Protect your energy and creativity Michelle's Recommended Pricing Structure Michelle recommends designers move away from cost plus 30% and instead consider: Higher product markups (often 75% minimum) Procurement management fees Passing receiver/storage/delivery costs to clients Stronger vendor relationships to improve buying power Mentioned in This Episode Private coaching through The Design Bakehouse The Profit Mixer procurement and pricing tool Interior Design Business Bakery coaching program Connect with Michelle The Design Bakehouse Website Instagram @thedesignbakehouse Subscribe & Review If this episode helped shift the way you think about pricing and profitability, share it with another designer and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

    38분
  5. Ep 224: Intention Behind Design: Interview with Kate Vitale

    5월 4일

    Ep 224: Intention Behind Design: Interview with Kate Vitale

    In this episode, Michelle sits down with Kate Vitale, founder of Vitale Interiors, to explore the intersection of interior design, wellness, and intuition. With a background in corporate fashion and trend forecasting, Kate brings a unique perspective to creating spaces that feel grounded, calming, and deeply personal. They dive into what "interior wellness" actually looks like in practice, how designers can better listen to what clients aren't saying, and the realities of building a creative business—from confidence challenges to finding community. This conversation is equal parts design philosophy, business growth, and personal evolution. Kate Vitale is the founder of Vitale Interiors, a Long Island based interior design studio known for blending timeless style with a sense of calm and groundedness. Formerly a fashion executive, Kate brings an intuitive approach to design, carrying with her a refined instinct for what feels both current and enduring. Vitale Interiors is celebrated for its textural, nature-rooted approach to elevated living - layering natural materials, classic elements, and wellness-driven principles to create elevated spaces that feel like home. She helps clients tune into what they really want, beyond trends or expectations, and create spaces that reflect them on every level.   What You'll Learn in This Episode What "interior wellness" really means (beyond buzzwords and trends) How textures, color, and layout subtly impact how we feel in a space Why clients often communicate their needs indirectly—and how to listen for it The truth about trends in interior design (and why they're not as fleeting as you think) How Kate transitioned from corporate fashion to running her own design studio The role intuition plays in both design decisions and client relationships The confidence shifts required when stepping into leadership as a business owner Why community and support are essential when growing a creative business   Key Takeaways Design is more than visual—it's emotional. The way a space is layered, textured, and arranged directly affects how people feel, even if they can't articulate why. Clients don't always say what they need—but they show you. Pay attention to the underlying meaning behind comments like "we never use this room" or "something feels off." Trends aren't the enemy. Unlike fast fashion, interior design trends evolve slowly—often lasting 15–20 years when applied thoughtfully. Confidence is built through doing. Learning to trust your vision (and not over-deliver unnecessary options) is a key shift in becoming a strong designer. Building a business is personal growth work. Entrepreneurship will surface new challenges—and new levels of self-awareness.   Notable Moments Kate's perspective on balancing aesthetics with emotional impact The story behind her shift from fashion to interiors during COVID A candid conversation about confidence, client presentations, and over-delivering Michelle and Kate discussing how design decisions influence connection within a home The importance of intentionality—in both life and business   About Kate Vitale Kate Vitale is the founder of Vitale Interiors, a Long Island-based design studio known for creating timeless, grounded spaces rooted in nature and wellness. With a background in fashion and trend forecasting, she blends intuition with strategy to design homes that reflect her clients on a deeper level.   Resources & Mentions The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith   Connect with Kate Instagram (Personal): @katevitale_ Instagram (Business): @vitaleinteriors   Want to work with Michelle?  Email our team at hello@thedesignbakehouse.com to learn more about coaching opportunities like Kate experienced. Loved This Episode? If this episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow designer and leave a review. It helps more creatives discover the show and grow their businesses with intention.

    30분
  6. Ep 223: Profit Isn't An Accident Series - You're Billing. So Why Aren't You Profitable?

    4월 28일

    Ep 223: Profit Isn't An Accident Series - You're Billing. So Why Aren't You Profitable?

    Most interior designers think they have a revenue problem… when they actually have a tracking problem. In this kickoff episode of the Profit Isn't an Accident mini-series, Michelle Lynne pulls back the curtain on what's really happening inside your projects financially—and why "busy" doesn't always mean "profitable." If you've ever wrapped a project and hoped you made money (instead of knowing), this episode will hit home. Michelle shares a behind-the-scenes story from her own business that reveals how small, overlooked gaps in procurement tracking can quietly drain thousands from your bottom line. This isn't about working harder or booking more projects. It's about building systems that give you clarity, confidence, and control over your profit.   What You'll Learn Why revenue isn't the problem (and why more projects won't fix profitability) The critical difference between having your books done vs. actually knowing your numbers Where profit is really won or lost (hint: it's not at the project level) The biggest hidden profit leaks in interior design firms: Reselects and revisions that never get rebilled Freight and receiving costs that quietly get absorbed Vendor payment timing mistakes "Shadow items" that never make it into your financials Why spreadsheets eventually break down as your firm grows How fragmented systems create errors, double entry, and lost profit The power of real-time procurement tracking (vs. after-the-fact reconciliation) The mindset shift from "designer who runs a business" → "business owner who designs"   Key Takeaways Profit isn't something you feel—it's something you track. If your margins are leaking, more volume just creates a bigger leak. The real problem isn't mindset—it's systems and visibility. Item-level tracking is the only way to truly understand profitability. Clarity in your numbers creates confidence in your decisions—and more freedom in your creative work.   A Story You Won't Forget Michelle shares a pivotal moment from her "chaos era," when two team members gave conflicting answers about the same project's financials. That disconnect revealed a deeper issue: 👉 Multiple systems 👉 No single source of truth 👉 Money slipping through the cracks That moment led to a complete overhaul of her procurement and tracking systems—and ultimately changed how she runs her business.   Action Steps If you do nothing else, do this: 1. Audit Your Last Project Can you clearly see your margin line by line? Not just total profit—but furniture, freight, custom, etc. 2. Map Your Current System Where does procurement live? Is it connected to billing? Are you entering data in multiple places? 3. Identify the Gap If you can't easily answer these questions, that's your opportunity.   Mindset Shift "Clarity on the business side creates space on the creative side." You don't need to become an accountant. But you do need to be the person who insists on knowing what's happening financially in your business.   Resource Mentioned Michelle introduces The Profit Mixer—an all-in-one system designed specifically for interior designers to manage: Procurement Project management Proposals & purchase orders Financial tracking & reporting Including her proprietary 16-step project process to protect profit at every stage. Learn more: thedesignbakehouse.com/profit-mixer   What's Next Next episode: The Markup Myth — Why "cost + 30%" isn't a real pricing strategy (and what to do instead)   Share the Episode Know a designer who's busy but not seeing the profit they expected? Send this episode their way—it might be the shift they've been needing.

    37분
  7. Ep 222: Scaling Smart: Hiring For Profit, Not Just Capacity

    4월 20일

    Ep 222: Scaling Smart: Hiring For Profit, Not Just Capacity

    Hiring feels like a milestone—but what happens after you bring someone on is where the real work begins. In this episode, Michelle sits down with Erika Bonnell, Melissa Lee, and Ruth Ann Jansen for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to grow a team inside a design firm. From hiring the wrong role to realizing leadership is a learned skill, this conversation pulls back the curtain on scaling a business in a way that's both profitable and sustainable. If you've ever thought, "I just need to hire someone and everything will feel easier," this episode will give you a much more grounded (and useful) perspective. What You'll Learn Why hiring doesn't automatically fix overwhelm The biggest misconception designers have about growing a team How to determine who you actually need to hire (hint: it's often not a junior designer) The difference between managing people vs. leading them Why more team members ≠ more profit How to think about scaling based on your desired lifestyle, not industry expectations When to hire vs. outsource vs. use contractors (1099s) What roles actually "move the needle" in a design firm Why operations hires are often the most impactful How to measure if a team member is truly contributing financially The role AI is starting to play in design firms (and hiring decisions) Why tracking time is critical—even if you charge flat fees How to avoid costly hiring mistakes Key Takeaways 1. You might be hiring the wrong role. Many designers think they need a junior designer—but what they actually need is administrative or operational support. 2. Hiring creates new problems (not just solutions). Managing people, training, and leadership all require time and energy—often more than expected. 3. Smaller teams can be more profitable. Scaling down doesn't mean failure. It can mean better margins, less stress, and more intentional growth. 4. Operations support is often the biggest game-changer. Getting procurement, invoicing, and admin off your plate frees you up to design and generate revenue. 5. Hire for values, not just skill. Skills can be taught. Cultural fit and alignment are what make team members stay and thrive. 6. Not every season requires full-time hires. Contractors, freelancers, and outsourcing can reduce risk and increase flexibility. 7. You need financial clarity before hiring. Understand how a role contributes to revenue—or how it frees you up to generate more. 8. AI is shifting how firms operate. From client communication to renderings to internal systems, AI is reducing admin load—but requires intentional implementation. 9. Time tracking is non-negotiable. Even experienced firms are surprised by how long projects actually take—and that data is critical for pricing. 10. Business first, always. You can care deeply about your team—but not at the expense of the health of your business. Notable Quotes "Hiring someone does not automatically fix the overwhelm." "Sometimes you don't actually need the role you think you need." "Smaller does not mean less profitable." "People don't follow managers. They follow leaders." "Find your zone of genius—and build around it." "Nobody will care about your business as much as you do." Practical Next Steps If you're wondering whether it's time to hire: List out everything you want off your plate Identify patterns (admin vs. design vs. operations) Decide what actually drives revenue Run the numbers before hiring Consider outsourcing before committing to full-time Final Advice from the Panel Erika Bonnell - Erika Bonnell Interiors https://erikabonnell.com/ Hire to free up revenue-generating time—and let go quickly if it's not workingt Melissa Lee - New South Home Interiors https://www.newsouthhome.com/ Align hires with your long-term vision and strengths Ruth Ann - The Dove Agency https://www.thedoveagency.com/: Scope the role clearly and track profitability from day one Closing Thought There is no one "right" way to build a team. The best business model is the one that supports your goals, your lifestyle, and your definition of success.

    46분
  8. Ep 221: Why You're Not Making Money on Furnishings (Even When You Think You Are)

    4월 13일

    Ep 221: Why You're Not Making Money on Furnishings (Even When You Think You Are)

    Furnishings should be one of the most profitable parts of your interior design business—but for many designers, it feels like the exact opposite. In this episode, Michelle pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the scenes with furniture and procurement. From underpriced markups to disorganized systems and hidden time drains, she breaks down why your margins might look fine on paper… but still leave you feeling overwhelmed and underpaid. If procurement feels like it's running you instead of supporting your business, this conversation will help you rethink your pricing, your process, and your role as a designer.   What You'll Learn Why furnishings are not a transaction—but a full process The biggest mistake designers make when pricing furniture What's actually included in procurement (hint: it's a LOT more than you think) Why a 30% markup is outdated—and what to consider instead How underpricing happens gradually (even when you think you're doing it right) The hidden cost of disorganized systems and double entry Why raising your markup alone won't fix profitability How to shift from "order taker" to trusted expert The power of presenting a complete design vs. individual pieces Two common patterns designers fall into (and how to break them)   Key Takeaways 1. Procurement is a Process, Not a Line Item Sourcing, quoting, ordering, tracking, receiving, managing damages, and client communication—procurement includes far more than just buying furniture. 2. Your Markup Must Reflect Reality If you're still using cost-plus 30%, you're likely undercharging. Your pricing should account for your time, expertise, and responsibility—not just the product. 3. Disorganization is Expensive Spreadsheets, inbox tracking, and disconnected systems create inefficiencies, errors, and unnecessary labor costs. 4. You're Not a Personal Shopper Presenting one item at a time positions you as a vendor. Presenting a full design positions you as the expert. 5. Profit Comes from Structure + Pricing You can't fix a broken process with higher prices. Real profitability happens when your systems and pricing work together.   Signs Your Procurement Process Needs Work You feel constantly "on" managing orders and updates You're tracking items in your inbox, head, or spreadsheets Projects feel chaotic behind the scenes Your profit doesn't match the effort you're putting in You avoid furnishings altogether to reduce stress   Michelle's Perspective There's no single "right" pricing model—but there is a wrong one: Any structure that doesn't properly compensate you for your time, energy, and responsibility Minimum suggested markup on wholesale furnishings: 75%+ Procurement, when structured correctly, becomes a scalable and repeatable profit center   Tools & Resources Mentioned Profit Mixer – A project management and financial system designed specifically for interior designers Combines procurement tracking + financial data Eliminates double entry between systems Provides real-time visibility into project profitability 16-Step Project Management Framework Michelle's complete process from client inquiry to project completion Coaching Options VIP Intensives 90-Day Advisory Learn more at: thedesignbakehouse.com/coaching Coming Next Week Michelle shares a special panel conversation from High Point Market on: Hiring for Profit (Not Just Growth) You'll learn: What it actually costs to hire How to know if a hire supports revenue Lessons learned (the hard way) from experienced design firm owners

    34분
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4.7
최고 5점
51개의 평가

소개

Your designs are beautiful, but you're struggling with the business of your interior design business. Join successful interior design business owner, Michelle Lynne, of ML Interiors Group each Monday morning as she shares the processes she has found useful in growing her own 7-figure design firm, interviews industry related guests, and brings her own team of designers on for lively conversations. If you aren't happy with the performance of your interior design business, are tired of trading your time for money, and know you were made for more, this show is for you.

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