Really Renée

Samantha Renée

The unfiltered business of interior design. Host Samantha Struck built her firm, Studio Renée, from $120K to over a million in three years — and she's sharing all of it: what you're actually netting, how to price so you keep the money, and the systems nobody talks about. Expect real numbers, strong opinions, and candid guests. No highlight reel, no performative perfection — just the real thing. If you're a designer tired of being busy, booked, and broke, pull up a chair. New episodes weekly.

  1. Oct 29

    Ep. 14 - Construction Fluency

    What separates an interior designer who can create a beautiful space from one who actually understands how to bring it to life? In this episode of Really Renée, Sam Struck dives into one of the most valuable and often overlooked skills in the interior design industry: construction fluency. From understanding framing and architectural details to navigating job sites, collaborating with contractors, and catching costly mistakes before they happen, Samantha shares why construction knowledge can completely change the way you approach your projects and the value you bring to your clients. Through real experiences from Studio Renée, she breaks down the challenges designers face when plans don't translate into reality, why even the smallest construction details can have major consequences, and how asking the right questions at the right time can save everyone time, money, and frustration. She also explores how construction fluency can strengthen client relationships, create new business opportunities, improve communication with trades, and help designers make more informed decisions without needing to become experts in every aspect of construction. Because being a great interior designer isn't just about knowing what looks good. It's about understanding how things come together, anticipating problems before they happen, and having the confidence to step into difficult conversations when they do. Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  2. Oct 22

    Ep. 13 - In The Messy Middle with Bethany Adams Interiors

    Luxury interior design might look glamorous from the outside, but behind every beautifully finished space is a world of complicated logistics, unexpected expenses, difficult decisions, and a whole lot of problem-solving. In this episode of Really Renée, host Sam sits down with award-winning interior designer Bethany Adams, founder of Bethany Adams Interiors in Louisville, Kentucky, for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a successful interior design business. With over 20 years of experience, Bethany shares how her career has evolved from smaller design projects to large-scale historic renovations, why professional credentials don't always translate into client trust, and how refining her signature aesthetic has influenced her business model. Together, Bethany and Sam explore the realities of pricing, profitability, procurement, contractor relationships, and managing client expectations. They discuss how unrealistic budgets and project allowances can create expensive challenges, why choosing the right projects matters, and how better systems can protect both the creative vision and the bottom line. Bethany also shares why she launched a white-glove receiving and storage business, revealing the often-overlooked logistics behind high-end furniture procurement, deliveries, and installations.From staffing challenges and unreliable trades to unexpected expenses and difficult client conversations, this episode tackles the parts of interior design that rarely make it onto Instagram. At its core, this conversation is about building a design business that's as thoughtfully designed as the spaces you create. Because success isn't just about beautiful interiors—it's about having the people, processes, and profitability to make it all work. Learn More About Bethany Adams ____________________________________________________________ 👉🏻 Free Business Health Audit👈🏻 👉🏻Free Markup Calculator👈🏻 Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  3. Oct 12

    Ep. 12 - The Performatively Perfect Industry (And Why I'm Over It)

    The interior design industry has a perfection problem, and Sam is done pretending otherwise. Between carefully curated social media feeds, picture-perfect portfolios, and the constant pressure to appear successful, it’s easy to lose sight of what actually matters: building a profitable business that works for you. In this episode of Really Renée, Sam pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to run a seven-figure interior design studio without chasing every trend, showcasing every project, or building a massive team just to prove you’ve made it.She challenges the industry's obsession with appearances, the gatekeeping around pricing and business practices, and the idea that success has to look a certain way. Because having a beautiful Instagram feed doesn't necessarily mean you have a healthy business. Sam also gets candid about designing for the middle market, where budgets demand creativity, every dollar matters, and some of the most rewarding projects aren't necessarily the ones that end up in magazines. At its core, this episode is about redefining what success looks like in the interior design industry. It's about choosing authenticity over appearances, profitability over popularity, and building a business that supports the life you actually want to live. If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough, growing fast enough, or measuring up to what everyone else seems to be doing, this conversation is for you.Because success isn't about looking the part. It's about building something that actually works!   👉🏻 Free Business Health Audit 👈🏻 Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  4. Oct 8

    Ep. 11 - Your Books Are Lying to You with Heartbeat Bookkeeping

    Most small business owners do not have a revenue problem - they have a visibility problem. Britny Metheny of Heartbeat Bookkeeping breaks down the money mistakes that quietly drain profit, from commingling personal and business funds to not knowing your net income, cash flow, or true overhead.If finance feels intimidating, this conversation makes it practical. Sam from Really Renee and Britny unpack what bookkeepers actually do, when you need a CPA or financial planner, and why the right money team can change everything from tax time to loan applications to day-to-day decision-making. Sam gets real about the emotional side of running a business - layoffs, slow seasons, and the hard decisions that come with growth - while Britny shares what she sees behind the books and why so many owners wait too long to get clarity.They also dig into a question every service-based business wrestles with: how much of your time, labor, and logistics should be built into your markup and margin? If you sell products, manage procurement, or juggle a high-volume design workflow, this conversation will hit home.Essential listening for interior designers, creative entrepreneurs, and small business owners who want cleaner books, better decisions, and a little more peace of mind around the numbers. Learn More About Heartbeat Bookkeeping https://www.heartbeatbookkeeping.com/  👉🏻Free Business Health Audit 👈🏻 Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  5. Oct 5

    Ep. 10 - What I'd Tell Myself at $120K

    What actually helps a design business grow from $120K to $1.2M? Sam shares the lessons she wishes she’d learned sooner: charge more confidently, challenge industry norms, and hire before you reach your breaking point.  In this candid episode, Sam reflects on the messy middle of growing Studio Renee, from working solo to building a team, navigating the stress of leadership, and learning that a thriving business takes more than great design. It also takes clear boundaries, thoughtful hiring, and the willingness to ask for help.  You’ll hear about: Why pricing your work confidently can mean more than simply raising your hourly rateHow procurement can support stronger profit marginsWhen to hire—and why waiting until you’re overwhelmed makes onboarding harderWhy character and cultural fit matter just as much as skillsHow personal relationships and emotional wellbeing can affect the way you lead She  also shares the realities of adjusting to a market slowdown, rebuilding her team, and finding a healthier way to grow. Whether you’re a designer, creative founder, or service business owner, this episode offers an honest look at how to build a seven-figure business while making room for more peace along the way.  👉🏻 Free Mark Up Calculator 👈🏻 Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  6. Oct 1

    Ep. 9 - AI, Honestly: Two Designers, Two Approaches with Nasozi Kakembo

    AI is not replacing great interior designers, but it is changing how the smartest studios work.  Sam and Nasozi Kakembo unpack where AI actually helps in interiors, where it falls apart, and why taste, judgment, and human service still matter more than ever.From photorealistic renderings to email triage, procurement, mood boards, and photo editing, this conversation gets specific fast. Sam shares how AI has reshaped the operations side of her Hood River-based design business, helping her team stay lean, profitable, and less stressed.  Nasozi explains how generative tools first changed her photography workflow, then became useful in her interiors practice for turning finished ideas into polished visuals without the cost of outsourcing every rendering. You’ll discover: Why AI is more useful for efficiency than for original design thinkingThe difference between using AI on the business side versus the client-facing design sideHow Sam uses agents to sort email, summarize client messages, and streamline procurementWhy Nasozi still sees photorealistic AI as an enhancement, not a substitute, for her creative processWhere transparency matters most when presenting AI-assisted concepts to clients The conversation also gets into a bigger question the industry is struggling with right now: what counts as acceptable use, what needs disclosure, and how do designers protect their expertise without sounding fearful or defensive? Nasozi makes the case for clear standards, especially when portfolios include AI-generated or AI-assisted visuals, while Sam raises the real-world concerns around trust, contracts, and client expectations.If you’ve been wondering whether AI is a threat, a shortcut, or simply a new tool in the designer’s toolkit, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective from two working professionals who are already using it in very different ways. Essential listening for interior designers, creatives, and small business owners trying to separate the hype from the helpful. 👉🏻 Learn More About Nasozi 👈🏻 👉🏻 Free Designer’s AI Starter Kit 👈🏻 Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  7. Sep 28

    Ep. 8 - The Systems That Saved My Business (And My Sanity)

    What if the key to growing your business isn’t more hustle, but better systems? Samshares how the systems and processes behind Studio Renée helped the interior design firm scale from $120,000 to $1.2 million with a small team and how AI is helping her reclaim time and streamline daily work. Sam walks through the tools her business uses for project management, communication, spec management, billing, procurement, bookkeeping, and client presentations. She explains why relying on one all-in-one platform didn’t work, how to choose software that fits the way you actually work, and why documenting internal expectations is just as important as creating a smooth client experience. Then she gets specific about AI: agents that help reconstruct time entries, track project work, flag shipping updates and delays, organize daily priorities, and draft email replies. This episode offers practical ideas for building systems that support your team, your clients, and your growth. 🏥 The FREE Business Health Audit 🏥  👉🏻 Free Mark Up Calculator 👈🏻 Learn more: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

  8. Sep 24

    Ep. 7 - The Other Side of the Trade Counter with Joel Chown

    Navigating the complex world of trade pricing can feel like walking a tightrope, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Join Sam Struck as he chats with Joel Chown from Chown Hardware, who reveals the secrets behind successful procurement strategies that protect both designers and homeowners alike. If you’re in the interior design industry or just curious about how pricing dynamics work, you won’t want to miss this conversation. In this episode, Sam and Joel unpack the unique relationship between interior designers and vendors, highlighting how their decade-long partnership has evolved. With a focus on transparency and quality, Joel shares insights about the challenges of maintaining competitive pricing without compromising service, especially in a retail environment that often blurs the lines between trade and consumer pricing. You’ll discover: How to effectively manage trade accounts while ensuring both designers and clients receive the best possible pricing.The importance of vendor relationships and the impact on project outcomes, backed by real-life examples from their collaboration.Strategies for navigating the competitive landscape of home improvement supplies while maintaining integrity in pricing. Joel emphasizes the significance of understanding brand dynamics and market trends, explaining how Chown Hardware has adapted its business model to serve both the architectural community and retail clients seamlessly. This episode is packed with actionable insights that highlight the broader implications of pricing strategies in the design industry. Don't miss out on this essential discussion that promises to elevate your understanding of trade relationships and procurement practices. Perfect for designers, architects, and anyone involved in the home improvement market, this episode will leave you with valuable takeaways to implement in your own projects. Click Here to Learn More About Chown Hardware Learn more About the Host: www.samantha-renee.co Follow the show and your host on social media: the.Samantha.Renee on Instagram Really Renee Podcast on Instagram

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The unfiltered business of interior design. Host Samantha Struck built her firm, Studio Renée, from $120K to over a million in three years — and she's sharing all of it: what you're actually netting, how to price so you keep the money, and the systems nobody talks about. Expect real numbers, strong opinions, and candid guests. No highlight reel, no performative perfection — just the real thing. If you're a designer tired of being busy, booked, and broke, pull up a chair. New episodes weekly.

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Renée
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Samantha Renée
  • Show Website
    Really Renée

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