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. Sep 2

    49. Design, Business & the Skills That Set You Apart With Marcy Sagel

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha sits down with interior designer and Designer Bank founder Marcy Sagel to talk about the growing importance of Revit in the interior design industry and the major training gap she saw firsthand. Marcy shares her journey from residential design into large-scale multifamily and commercial projects, and how Revit became essential as her firm grew. After struggling to find designers who had both strong design instincts and the technical Revit skills her projects required, she realized the problem started much earlier: designers simply weren't being given enough interior-specific software training. That realization led Marcy to create Designer Bank, an educational platform offering Revit and Enscape training specifically for interior designers. She and Ronniesha discuss why Revit can be such a powerful career skill, how 3D modeling helps designers catch costly construction issues before they happen, and why technical proficiency can make designers significantly more valuable to potential employers. They also get into the realities of hiring talented designers, building a business around your strengths, delegating the work that isn't in your zone of genius, and creating new opportunities for the next generation of interior designers. If you've wondered whether learning Revit is worth the investment, this conversation might change the way you think about your technical skill set and your career. You can find Marcy at: https://www.instagram.com/msainteriors/ https://designerbank.com/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/foundersandfriendspod/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706365610291273

    49. Design, Business & the Skills That Set You Apart With Marcy Sagel

  2. Aug 26

    48. Why Designers Struggle To Pay Themselves: Credit Cards, Bank Accounts and Hiring

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Carleen Lamay of C2 Accounting to talk about one of the biggest financial challenges interior designers face: figuring out how to consistently pay yourself while still keeping your business financially healthy. Carleen breaks down why designers need to shift from making financial decisions based on fear to making them based on actual numbers. They discuss the Profit First methodology, how to structure your business bank accounts, and why your personal income goals should be part of your business plan from the beginning rather than whatever happens to be left over. They also dive into the numbers designers should actually be watching, including why a healthy gross profit margin typically falls between 40% and 60%, how your bookkeeping can reveal when you have a pricing problem, and why working with a bookkeeper who understands the interior design industry can make such a difference. Ronniesha also shares her experience preparing financially to hire her first W2 employee, including building a six-month runway before making the hire. Carleen explains what designers need to consider when moving from outsourcing to employees, from payroll taxes and workers’ compensation to avoiding employee misclassification. Whether you’re struggling to pay yourself consistently, wondering if you can afford to hire, or simply trying to feel more confident about your business finances, this episode is about replacing financial anxiety with a clear plan and better numbers. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to determine what your business actually needs to earn • Why paying yourself should be planned, not an afterthought • How Profit First can help create better financial habits • What a healthy gross profit margin looks like for an interior design business • How to recognize when you may have a pricing problem • Why consistent bookkeeping is essential as your firm grows • How to financially prepare before hiring a W2 employee • What designers need to know about payroll taxes, insurance, and worker classification • How to build financial systems that give you more confidence in your decisions If looking at your bank account still determines whether you feel like your business is doing well, this episode will help you start looking at the numbers that actually matter.  You can find Carleen at: https://c2-acctg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/c2accounting 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 https://www.instagram.com/foundersandfriendspod/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706365610291273

    48. Why Designers Struggle To Pay Themselves: Credit Cards, Bank Accounts and Hiring

  3. Aug 12

    47. Website Copy for Interior Designers: What Makes Your Design Firm Different? with Kamala Nair

    What happens when your portfolio is beautiful—but your words aren’t doing it justice? In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with copywriter and novelist Kamala Nair to talk about what makes interior design messaging actually connect with potential clients. Kamala shares her career journey from editorial roles at Parenting and Elle Decor to writing for brands like West Elm and Blue Apron—and how those experiences eventually led her to build a copywriting agency specializing in interior designers and architects. Together, Ronniesha and Kamala unpack why even the most talented designers can struggle to articulate what makes their work different, the disconnect that happens when a high-end portfolio is paired with generic messaging, and why words like “timeless,” “modern,” and “full-service” may not be communicating as much as designers think. Kamala also shares her approach to uncovering a designer’s authentic voice, why specificity matters more than sounding polished, and how storytelling can strengthen everything from website copy to blog posts and email marketing. If you’ve ever struggled to explain what makes your design business different—or wondered whether your website actually sounds like you—this conversation will help you rethink the role words play in your brand. You can find Kamala at: https://kamalanairinc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kamalanair/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/foundersandfriendspod/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706365610291273

    47. Website Copy for Interior Designers: What Makes Your Design Firm Different? with Kamala Nair

  4. Aug 1

    46. TABOO TOPICS: Design school, trade discounts, and tracking your hours!!

    On this solo episode we dive into a few taboo topics. Basically just my thought on different topics in the design industry!!

  5. Jul 23

    45. Why Art Should Never Be an Afterthought in Interior Design

    Art has the power to completely transform a home, but too often it's treated as the final finishing touch instead of an essential part of the design process. In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with New York City interior designer Susann Eva Goerg to discuss what it means to create truly art-forward interiors. Susann shares her journey from a successful career as an advertising creative director to launching her own interior design studio, along with the lessons she learned while finding her voice as a business owner. Together, they explore how visual storytelling, color theory, and thoughtful curation create spaces that feel personal, timeless, and deeply connected to the people who live in them. The conversation dives into practical ways designers can introduce art earlier in the design process, budget for artwork from the beginning, educate clients on collecting meaningful pieces, and avoid the common mistake of simply matching artwork to a room's color palette. Susann also shares how she consults with fellow designers to help them confidently incorporate art into their own projects. Whether you're an interior designer looking to elevate your projects or simply passionate about creating homes with more meaning and personality, this episode offers valuable insights into designing spaces where art and interiors work together from the very beginning. How you can connect with Susann, https://susannevagoerg.com/ https://www.instagram.com/susannevagoerg 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 https://www.instagram.com/foundersandfriendspod/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706365610291273

    45. Why Art Should Never Be an Afterthought in Interior Design

  6. Jul 15

    44. How to Find the Right Business Coach as an Interior Designer

    Building a successful interior design business doesn't mean you have to do it alone. In this episode of Founders & Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Sonia Barney, founder of Kaivari, to talk about the power of finding the right business support. Together, they discuss overcoming burnout, knowing when it's time to ask for help, and how choosing the right coach, consultant, or service provider can help you grow with confidence. Sonia shares how Kaivari's personalized matching process helps designers avoid costly mistakes and connect with trusted, vetted experts who fit their unique goals and learning style. If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make your next move with clarity. In This Episode You'll Learn:  Why burnout is one of the biggest barriers to growth for interior designers.  How to determine whether you need a coach, consultant, or implementer.  The importance of finding a coach that matches your personality and learning style.  Common mistakes designers make when investing in business programs.  How vetted connections can save time, money, and frustration.  What Kyari offers through its community, coach matching, and professional network.  The first steps to take when you know something in your business isn't working.You can find Sonia at: www.Kaivari.com https://www.instagram.com/kaivarico/ 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 https://www.instagram.com/foundersandfriendspod/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706365610291273

    44. How to Find the Right Business Coach as an Interior Designer

  7. Jul 1

    43. A Deep Dive Into Accessories & Styling with Mary Zenker

    The best interior designers know that a beautiful space doesn't end when the furniture is installed. In this episode of Founders & Friends, I sit down with interior stylist Mary Zenker, owner of Shaker Home Studio, to talk about the often overlooked role of styling in creating homes that feel layered, lived in, and worthy of publication.  Mary shares her journey from a successful career in banking and finance into interior styling and explains how her operational background has helped her become an invaluable partner to interior designers across the country.  We dive into the difference between designing a home for everyday living versus styling it for professional photography, why vintage pieces bring soul to new construction, and how outsourcing styling can become an extension of your design business. We also discuss practical strategies for streamlining client approvals, managing styling budgets, and creating a collaborative process that keeps your creative vision intact.  Whether you're an interior designer looking to elevate your projects or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of editorial-worthy homes, this conversation is packed with practical advice and business insights.  You can find Mary at: https://www.shakerhomestudio.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shakerhome/   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

    43. A Deep Dive Into Accessories & Styling with Mary Zenker

  8. Jun 24

    42. Chloe Legras Shares Her Secrets to Hiring, Growth & Profitability

    In this episode of Founders & Friends, I sit down with Chloe Legras, founder of Boxwood Avenue, to discuss the realities of building and scaling a successful interior design business. From her humble beginnings on a cattle ranch and running an Etsy shop to leading a multi-million-dollar design firm, Chloe shares the operational strategies, hiring philosophies, and growth decisions that have fueled her success. Together, we dive into the challenges of finding the right team members, creating scalable business systems, transitioning to profitable pricing models, and maintaining confidence as a business owner. Our conversation explores everything from remote team management and personality testing in the hiring process to client boundaries, furniture sales, risk mitigation, and long-term growth planning. Chloe also shares insights into her plans for international expansion, including opening a Paris studio while continuing to serve high-budget American clients. Whether you're a solo designer looking to grow or an established firm owner refining your operations, this episode is packed with practical advice for building a profitable, sustainable, and scalable design business. Topics discussed include: • Hiring and building the right team • Using personality assessments like Myers-Briggs in the hiring process • Transitioning from flat fees to hourly pricing • Managing remote teams with Slack and Asana • Protecting profitability through retainers and pause fees • Growing through networking instead of relying solely on social media • Scaling a design firm without sacrificing profitability • Future growth plans and international expansion You can find Chloe at: https://design.boxwoodavenue.com/pages/about https://www.instagram.com/boxwoodavenue 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

    42. Chloe Legras Shares Her Secrets to Hiring, Growth & Profitability
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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
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founders & Friends
  • Show Website
    Founders & Friends

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