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. 33. Everything You Need to Know About Finding Your Niche With Rebecca West

    2D AGO

    33. Everything You Need to Know About Finding Your Niche With Rebecca West

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Rebecca West, founder of Seriously Happy Coaching & Consulting, to unpack her 17-year journey from interior designer to business coach. Rebecca shares how she built her design business out of necessity and navigating early financial pressure, imposter syndrome, and pricing uncertainty before evolving into a sought-after coach for designers ready to scale with clarity and confidence. The conversation dives into the power of niching down, building repeatable processes, and creating consistent branding that actually builds trust. Rebecca also introduces her upcoming book, The Decide Method, designed to help designers guide clients through decision fatigue—one of the most overlooked skills in the industry. They also explore the shift from hourly to flat-fee pricing, the realities of running a micro business, and why clear service definitions and financial discipline (yes, taxes included) are non-negotiable for long-term success. Whether you’re in your first two years or refining your business after a decade, this episode is a masterclass in building a design business that works for you—not the other way around. You can connect with Rebecca at: https://seriouslyhappy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/beseriouslyhappy/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1XxAQqL0w6NwAolyEipba8?si=afcb5848ae19457f 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/

    1h 15m
  2. 32. From Graduation to Founder: Abbey's Barbays Journey Through Entrepreneurship

    MAR 13

    32. From Graduation to Founder: Abbey's Barbays Journey Through Entrepreneurship

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Abbey Barbay, founder of Abbey’s Creative Designs and a Vetted by Design pro specializing in 3D renderings for interior designers.  Abbey shares how she launched her business just weeks after graduating from Louisiana State University, following an unexpected discovery during design school: a deep passion for the technical and problem-solving side of 3D modeling and rendering. While many designers gravitate toward selections and styling, Abbey found her excitement in building detailed digital spaces that allow clients to visualize a project before construction begins.  Ronniesha and Abbey dive into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into realistic renderings, from perfecting lighting and materials to mastering programs like Chief Architect, SketchUp, and D5 Render. They also discuss why renderings have become a powerful communication and marketing tool for designers—helping clients better understand design concepts and giving contractors a clearer visual reference.  Abbey opens up about the less glamorous side of entrepreneurship, including navigating pricing, contracts, invoicing, and the business systems required to run a creative company. She shares how she structures her rendering services, her process for working with designers, and how outsourcing renderings can help designers save time while elevating their presentations.  Looking ahead, Abbey shares her long-term vision of launching a nonprofit that builds homes for families in need, blending her passion for design, construction, and community impact.  This episode is packed with insight for designers curious about renderings, outsourcing, and building a niche business in the design industry.  You can connect with abbey: https://abbeyscreativedesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/abbeyscreativedesigns 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/

    57 min
  3. 31. Niche Is Rich: Scaling a Marketing Agency in the Home Industry

    FEB 27

    31. Niche Is Rich: Scaling a Marketing Agency in the Home Industry

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Amelia Horton-Eynon, founder of Serene Marketing, a full-service marketing agency serving interior designers and the home industry.  Amelia shares her journey from working in corporate construction marketing to launching her own agency—and leaving her 9–5 just four months after starting. What began as a one-woman operation has grown into a team of eight, with Serene Marketing on track to nearly triple revenue year over year.  Together, Ronniesha and Amelia dive into:  Why niching down is the fastest path to growth (“niche is rich, broad is broke”)The difference between marketing and sales—and why most designers confuse the twoThe three essential marketing platforms every interior designer needs (hint: it’s not just Instagram)Why your website and email list are your most valuable assetsWhat it really takes to scale, delegate, and step out of the day-to-dayPreparing for maternity leave as a solo entrepreneurHow a deep brand strategy transforms your marketing results Amelia also pulls back the curtain on Serene’s onboarding process, pricing structure, and how they build highly tailored strategies that help designers stand out—without chasing virality.   If you’re an interior designer looking to grow strategically, or a founder navigating the messy middle of scaling, this episode is packed with actionable insights and honest founder wisdom.   How you can connect with Amelia: https://www.serenemktg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/serenemktg/   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/

    59 min
  4. 30. From Corporate E-Commerce to Web Strategist for Interior Designers

    FEB 20

    30. From Corporate E-Commerce to Web Strategist for Interior Designers

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Cathleen Hall, founder of Cathleen Hall Creative, to unpack her 13-year journey from corporate e-commerce leader to full-time web strategist for interior designers. Cathleen shares how she originally launched her business in 2019 as a consulting firm, stepped away during the intensity of the pandemic, and later reignited her entrepreneurial spark after rediscovering Jenna Kutcher’s work. What started as digital products on Etsy evolved into custom website design after a single interior designer client asked for template customization — and that pivot changed everything. Now fully niched into serving interior designers, Cathleen breaks down: The financial and mindset shifts required to leave corporateWhy website strategy matters more than aestheticsThe most common mistakes designers make on their websitesHow vague messaging and weak calls-to-action cost you leadsWhy she recommends Wix for service providers and Shopify for e-commerce brandsHer unique data-driven strategy process using tools like HotjarThe “300 million dollar button” story and what it teaches about conversionsWhat actually goes into a $6,000–$20,000 custom websiteHow her VIP Days and custom instruction manuals empower clients post-launchCathleen also walks through her structured 2–4 week project timeline, her user-journey mapping process, and how every button, headline, and page flow must intentionally guide ideal clients toward conversion. This episode is a masterclass in treating your website like a strategic business asset — not just a digital brochure. Cathleen leaves us with powerful entrepreneurial advice: do excellent work, give yourself grace, and don’t put pressure on your business to become massive overnight. Growth is built step by step. If you're an interior designer thinking about rebranding, rebuilding, or refining your website — this conversation is required listening. You can find Cathleen at: https://www.cathleenhallcreative.com/ https://www.instagram.com/cathleenhallcreative 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

    1h 7m
  5. 29. Starting Young, Thinking Big: Lessons from Building a Photography Brand

    FEB 13

    29. Starting Young, Thinking Big: Lessons from Building a Photography Brand

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Candice of Mark Brooke Photography to unpack what it really looks like to build a creative business from the ground up — and evolve it with intention. Candice shares how she and her husband launched their photography business at just 21 years old, armed with little more than wedding gift money, ambition, and a willingness to figure it out as they went. What began as a wedding photography hustle quickly grew through referrals, networking, and relentless learning. Over time, their work expanded into product, real estate, and ultimately interior design photography. After relocating from Orange County to Charleston, they made a bold decision: shut down every branch of the business and relaunch with a singular focus on interior design photography. That strategic pivot allowed them to align their work with their strengths, their joy, and their season of life. Together, Ronniesha and Candice discuss: The advantages of starting a business young — and why having “less to lose” can be powerfulWhat it’s really like building a business with your spouseHow face-to-face networking still outperforms most digital marketingWhen to bootstrap — and when to strategically investThe importance of building a “power team” that complements your weaknessesWhy mistakes are essential for growthCandice’s biggest advice for new entrepreneurs?  “Just literally do it.” Start before you feel ready. Make mistakes. Stay curious. Be a life learner. This episode is a masterclass in reinvention, relationship-driven growth, and building a business that evolves with you. You can find Candice at: https://www.markbrooke.com/ https://www.instagram.com/markbrookephotography 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

    53 min
  6. 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
  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founders & Friends
  • Show Website
    Founders & Friends