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. 7h ago

    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!!

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jun 12

    41. Marketing for Interior Designers: Website, Instagram, and What Matters Most

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Samantha Cuello, founder of Strata Marketing Studio, to discuss what effective marketing really looks like for interior designers and home furnishings brands. With over 15 years of experience in the design industry, Samantha shares her journey from journalism and editorial work at Business of Home to building marketing programs for brands like The Shade Store, Semi Handmade, and Calico Wallpaper before launching her own agency. Together, they unpack the key differences between marketing B2B brands and consumer-facing interior design firms, the role of a Fractional CMO, and how designers can make smarter decisions about where to invest their time and marketing dollars. Samantha explains why trying to be everywhere at once is one of the biggest mistakes designers make, why your website and Instagram should remain foundational marketing assets, and how paid advertising can be leveraged strategically when the timing is right. Whether you're a growing interior designer, a home furnishings brand, or simply looking to create a more intentional marketing strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights on building visibility, attracting the right clients, and focusing on what actually drives results. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Samantha built Strata Marketing Studio and identified a gap in the market • The difference between B2B and DTC marketing in the design industry • What a Fractional CMO does and when it's worth hiring one • How to choose the right marketing channels for your business • Common mistakes interior designers make with social media and advertising • Why your website and Instagram should be your strongest marketing assets • How to think about paid advertising without wasting budget • Why "less is more" when it comes to marketing strategy Connect with Samantha Cuello: Website: https://stratamarketingstudio.com Instagram: @stratamarketingstudio 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

    41. Marketing for Interior Designers: Website, Instagram, and What Matters Most

  7. May 29

    40. Portfolio Strategy, Pricing, and Profit with Erin Hackett

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Erin Hackett, founder of Hackett House Studio, for an honest conversation about pricing, profitability, and scaling a luxury interior design business. Erin shares her unconventional journey from financial advisor to interior designer and how her background in finance shaped the way she approaches business strategy, pricing models, and long-term growth. Together, they unpack the realities of running a full-service design studio, including the challenges of hiring, managing large-scale projects, and building a team through a flexible network of independent contractors. The conversation dives deep into one of the most requested topics in the design industry: pricing. Erin explains why her studio operates on an hourly billing model with flat-fee style deposits, how transparent communication builds client trust, and why many designers are still undercharging for their expertise. She also shares how setting project minimums, curating portfolio work intentionally, and prioritizing high-quality furnishings have helped Hackett House Studio attract aligned, high-end clients. Ronniesha and Erin also discuss the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the importance of vetted contractors, the cyclical nature of revenue growth, and the value of creating a business model that supports both creativity and sustainability. This episode is packed with practical insights for designers looking to refine their pricing, scale strategically, and build a more profitable studio. You can find Erin at: https://www.hacketthousestudio.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 on our Facebook Group & Instagram *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    40. Portfolio Strategy, Pricing, and Profit with Erin Hackett

  8. May 22

    39. How Starting a Coffee Table Book Became So Much More with Candice Brooke

    In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with returning guest Candace of Mark Brook Photography to discuss the unexpected journey behind The Design Ledger — a curated coffee table book celebrating Charleston’s best interiors. What began as a creative marketing idea quickly evolved into an accidental business, opening up conversations about publishing, collaboration, entrepreneurship, and the realities of scaling a creative product. Candace shares how her background in wedding photography and luxury albums inspired the concept for The Design Ledger, originally envisioned as a relationship-building tool and “love letter” to Charleston’s design community. Instead of traditional advertising, the book became a unique way to connect designers, showcase timeless interiors, and create something tangible in an increasingly digital industry. The conversation dives into the intense behind-the-scenes process of self-publishing Volume One — from photographing projects and designing layouts to navigating legal contracts and surviving a major printing disaster just weeks before launch. Despite the setbacks, the book gained immediate traction, with local stores and designers eager to carry it, turning what was meant to be a gifted marketing piece into a retail product and growing brand. Candace also opens up about the financial realities of producing high-quality coffee table books, including losing money on wholesale sales due to high production costs, and her search for large-scale printing solutions that can support future growth. Looking ahead, she shares her ambitious five-year vision to expand The Design Ledger into cities across the United States through a franchise-style model while preserving its identity as a curated art piece rather than an advertising publication. Throughout the episode, both Candace and Ronniesha reflect on entrepreneurship, creative risk-taking, and the power of building meaningful relationships through intentional projects. Candace closes with advice for aspiring creators: if you feel called to make something beautiful, start now — but give yourself the time and patience to do it well. You can find Candice at: https://www.markbrooke.com/ https://www.readthedesignledger.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 on our Facebook Group & Instagram *Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

    39. How Starting a Coffee Table Book Became So Much More with Candice Brooke
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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
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Founders & Friends
  • Show Website
    Founders & Friends

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