Interior Design Business

Terri Taylor
  • 4.8 (41)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

  1. 17H AGO

    How to Manage Clients Who Can't Make a Decision

    What do you do when a client loves every option… but still won’t make a decision? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how to manage clients who struggle with decision-making and why unresolved decisions can completely derail a design project. When clients delay decisions, it creates confusion, slows contractors down, impacts timelines, increases your unpaid hours, and often weakens the overall design outcome. But the truth is, many clients aren’t intentionally difficult, they simply lack confidence and need more structure, guidance, and clarity throughout the process. In this episode, I share six practical strategies to help clients move through decisions with more confidence while keeping your projects organized, on schedule, and beautifully cohesive. You’ll learn how to reduce overwhelm, create better specification meetings, structure your agreements to support progress, and guide clients through the emotional side of decision-making without becoming frustrated or losing control of the project. If you’ve ever had a client say “I need to think about it” over and over again, this episode will help you lead the process more effectively and protect both your time and your design. In this episode, we cover: Why some clients struggle to make decisionsHow open-ended decisions delay projectsWhy unresolved selections hurt the overall designThe impact delayed decisions have on contractors and timelinesHow too many options overwhelm clientsWhy presenting one best option works better than fiveHow to use anchor selections to guide the design directionWhy inspiration photos help reinforce decisionsThe importance of meeting agendasHow preparing clients before meetings improves outcomesBuilding deadlines into your letter of agreementHow written agreements create accountabilityWhy clients need design education throughout the processExplaining the emotional feel behind design choicesHow to build confidence in hesitant clientsWhy reinforcing wins helps clients decide fasterThe importance of holding boundaries during selectionsWhy you should never allow decisions to carry into the next meetingHow stronger leadership creates smoother projectsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    19 min

  2. MAY 9

    Looking for Clients?

    Wondering where your next client is coming from? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down what to do when your pipeline is empty, and how to get clients coming in consistently. Every designer experiences cycles in their business. There are times when you’re fully booked, and times when things feel quiet. But instead of panicking, this is your opportunity to reset, refocus, and rebuild your marketing momentum. In this episode, I share five proven strategies to help you generate new clients, reconnect with your network, and create a steady flow of opportunities, without relying on random luck or last-minute hustle. If you’ve been feeling stuck, worried about where your next project is coming from, or unsure what to do next, this episode will give you a clear plan to get back in motion. In this episode, we cover: Why slow periods are normal in a design businessHow to use downtime productively instead of panickingThe importance of keeping your marketing consistentHow to clearly define your ideal client and projectWhy intention and clarity drive resultsThe power of reconnecting with past (legacy) clientsHow to ask for referrals without sounding needyWhat real networking actually looks likeWhy your elevator pitch matters (and what to say instead)How to build powerful referral partnershipsThe key relationships that bring consistent workWhy timing plays a huge role in landing projectsHow to use social media and email marketing effectivelyThe importance of staying top of mindWhy marketing is the most important part of your businessHow to stop being “busy” and start growing your businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    20 min

  3. MAY 2

    Abundance vs. Scarcity

    Why do so many designers struggle to get paid what they’re truly worth? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I dive into the real reason behind undercharging, overworking, and feeling stuck financially, and it’s not your pricing strategy. It’s your mindset. Before any system or structure can work, you have to address the beliefs you hold about money. Your “money story” shapes every decision you make in your business, from what you charge to what you present to clients. If you’re operating from scarcity, believing there’s not enough, worrying about what clients can afford, or feeling like you need to be the “affordable option”, you will continue to limit your growth. In this episode, I break down the difference between scarcity and abundance, how your upbringing influences your financial reality, and what it takes to shift into a mindset that aligns with high-end, luxury clients. In this episode, we cover: Why mindset comes before strategy in your businessWhat your “money story” is and how it affects your incomeThe difference between scarcity and abundance thinkingWhy your beliefs about money may not match your ideal client’sHow scarcity keeps you undercharging and overworkingWhy luxury clients don’t value “cheap”The danger of assuming clients can’t afford your servicesHow your upbringing shaped your financial mindsetCommon scarcity beliefs designers carryWhy working harder won’t make you more successfulHow abundance thinking changes your business resultsWhy you must become the high-end designer before attracting high-end clientsThe role of self-worth in pricing and profitabilityHow to confidently present higher feesWhy clients are happy to pay when you show valueShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    25 min

  4. APR 25

    Success Story

    What does it actually take to go from a struggling design business to a thriving, seven-figure company? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share a real success story of one of our designer students who transformed her business from $250,000 to over $1.25 million in revenue. This isn’t about luck, talent, or magic, it’s about learning, implementing, and consistently taking action. From navigating a major project opportunity during COVID, to refining pricing, building systems, hiring support, and stepping into leadership, this story breaks down exactly what it takes to grow a profitable and sustainable design business. If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible for you, or what it really takes to get there—this episode will give you both inspiration and a clear path forward. In this episode, we cover: The real difference between a design practice and a design businessHow one designer scaled from $250K to $1.25MWhy implementation matters more than informationThe importance of asking for help and being open to changeHow to properly structure a large, high-value projectWhy big opportunities must be set up correctly from the startThe role of pricing, profitability, and money mindsetHow to identify and attract your ideal clientWhy systems are essential for growth and scalabilityWhen and how to hire support in your businessThe importance of staying profitable while growingHow to “fly the plane while building it”Why consistent action creates exponential resultsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    16 min

  5. APR 18

    Why Are Boundaries So Hard?

    Why are boundaries so hard to set, and even harder to keep? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: creating and holding boundaries in their business without feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or afraid of losing the client. If you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say no, answered texts late at night, worked weekends you didn’t want to, or given away hours of unpaid work… you’re not alone. Boundaries aren’t just about rules, they’re about protecting your time, your energy, your profitability, and ultimately, your love for your business. In this episode, I walk you through why boundaries feel so difficult, where it comes from, and how to start changing it, so you can create a business that works for you instead of draining you. In this episode, we cover: Why designers don’t realize they need boundaries—until it’s too lateThe most common boundary violations (and how they happen)Why clients aren’t the problem—you just didn’t set expectationsThe importance of clear rules in your letter of agreementWhy holding boundaries is harder than creating themHow clients test your boundaries (just like kids do)The real reason designers struggle to say noHow people-pleasing impacts your profit and timeWhy “just one quick thing” always costs more than you thinkHow to use “yes, and…” to maintain boundaries professionallyWhy treating clients like family backfiresThe connection between boundaries and resentmentHow lack of boundaries leads to burnout (and even quitting)Why clients actually prefer clear structure and leadershipThe role of boundaries in creating better client experiencesHow boundaries increase confidence, respect, and profitabilityShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    17 min

  6. APR 11

    The Secret to Asking for Money

    Why is asking for your full design fee so hard, even when you know you’re worth it? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: confidently asking for the money they deserve. You can have the systems, the process, and the perfect project… but when it comes time to say the number out loud, everything can fall apart. Fear, doubt, and old money stories start creeping in, and suddenly, what should be a simple conversation feels overwhelming. In this episode, I share the real reason this happens and how to move past it so you can confidently present your fees, without hesitation, apology, or second-guessing. If you’ve ever struggled to say your number, worried about what clients will think, or felt uncomfortable asking for higher fees, this episode will show you exactly how to break through that ceiling. In this episode, we cover: Why asking for money feels so difficult (even when you’ve earned it)The “glass ceiling” every designer must break throughHow your internal money story is holding you backWhy your client’s money mindset is different from yoursThe real value behind high design feesHow large projects justify six-figure feesWhy designers often undercharge (and regret it later)The importance of separating emotion from pricingWhat the “pass the salt” moment really meansHow to train your body to confidently say your feeWhy repetition and practice are essentialHow confidence in delivery leads to client trustShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    12 min

  7. APR 4

    Leadership Part 2

    What does it actually look like to lead a design project, without losing control, your confidence, or your sanity? In Part 2 of this leadership series, Terri Taylor and coach Valerie Priester dive deeper into what it truly means to step into leadership as an interior designer. This episode goes beyond mindset and into practical application—how you lead clients, manage projects, communicate your vision, and set boundaries that protect both your business and your well-being. If you’ve ever felt like your clients are running the job, your projects are spiraling out of control, or you’re doing everything yourself and burning out… this episode will show you exactly what’s missing. You’ll learn how to shift from being the “doer” to the leader, how to create systems that guide your clients, and why clear communication and boundaries are essential for both profitability and peace of mind. In this episode, we cover: The difference between a technician mindset and a leadership mindsetWhy clients take control (and how to prevent it)How to confidently lead your clients through a projectThe importance of having a clear process and systemWhy communication builds trust and confidenceHow to stop people-pleasing in your businessLeading contractors, vendors, and your team effectivelyWhy you must stop doing everything yourselfHow delegation increases growth and capacityThe real reason burnout happens (and how to avoid it)Why boundaries are critical for success and self-careHow saying “no” actually strengthens your businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    37 min

  8. MAR 28

    Leadership Part 1

    What does it really take to step into leadership as an interior designer? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri Taylor is joined by Coach Valerie Priester to break down the foundational traits of strong leadership, and why they are essential for growing a successful design business. Leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about mindset, confidence, and vision. From developing a growth mindset to overcoming comparison, building confidence through action, and thinking strategically about your business, this episode dives into the key shifts every designer must make to lead effectively. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, felt stuck in the “doing” instead of leading, or questioned your ability to grow into the next level of your business, this episode will give you the clarity and perspective you need. In this episode, we cover: What a growth mindset really looks like in businessWhy failure is just feedback (and how to use it)The danger of saying “I already know that”How confidence is built through action, not perfectionWhy comparison kills both confidence and joyThe importance of staying in your “genius zone”How the 80/20 rule applies to leadershipLetting go and trusting others in your businessThe difference between being a “doer” vs. a leaderWhy visionary thinking is critical for growthShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    30 min
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About

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

Information

  • Creator
    Terri Taylor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    198
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 Copyright Interior Design Business 2022
  • Show Website
    Interior Design Business

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