Design Biz Survival Guide Design Biz Survival Guide

Today, we welcome Rona Graf of Grace Blu Interior Design as our PODCAST TAKEOVER host! In this episode, Rona puts Rick in the hot seat and asks him her burning questions about life, business, and community. We discuss Rick’s recovering interior design status and what prompted the pivot into podcasting and coaching. Rick also shares a few of his biggest ah-ha moments from the podcast, who’s on his interview bucket list, and what the next five years looks like for Design Biz Survival Guide.
  Show Highlights: Rick’s pivot from interior design to podcasting and coaching
Finding fulfillment through helping and connecting with other people
The highs and lows of Rick’s business model
Gaining clarity on your personal definition of success and making sure it aligns with how you want to build your business
Dealing with the pressure of comparing himself to others
Whether formal education is necessary for success in the design industry
Advice to designers who feel they need to know everything before starting their own business
Book recommendations that will help you with running a successful design business
 
Notable Quotes:
“You don’t have to know everything. You learn things as you go. If you’re waiting to know it all before you start, you’re never going to start.” - Rick
“Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. That’s how you learn. That’s how you grow.” - Rick
“Validation – a lot of times you don’t know that you need it until you experience it.” - Rick
 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
 
Supporting Resources:
Grace Blu Interior Design Website - https://www.graceblu.com/
Rona Graf on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/graceblu/
 
Buy the Books:
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Start with WHY by Simon Sinek
Believe IT by Jamie Kern Lima 
The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick M Lencioni 
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
 
Sponsor Links:
https://danielhouse.club/
https://designmanager.com
 

Today we welcome Melissa Muszynski, founder of MBM Design based in Wethersfield, Connecticut. In this episode, Melissa shares how an unexpected injury and a lengthy recovery helped her realize the impact that the home environment has on the healing process. This realization shifted her priorities and prompted her to say goodbye to corporate and launch her own interior design business. We also discuss the transferable skills that helped Melissa get the business off the ground and her slow and strategic approach to scaling.
 
Show Highlights: Melissa’s previous career and the incident that made her want to start a new career in design
How her background in PR and project management helped her in the design business
Melissa’s business model, typical project type, team size, etc
Challenges she faced launching her business during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she overcame them
The role of a positive mindset for success in the interior design industry
Importance of building up your community that will help you and collaborate with you
Melissa’s slow and strategic approach to scaling the business
 
Notable Quotes:
“We think we have to take it all on and save the world every single day. But we forget, we have to first worry about saving ourselves.” - Melissa Muszynski.
“The secret to survival is believing in yourself, and knowing there’s no competition other than yourself.” - Melissa Muszynski.
“Not everyone will do something the way you want it to be done.” - Melissa Muszynski.
 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
 
Supporting Resources:
MBM Design Website: https://www.mbmdesignco.com/ 
MBM Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissambmdesign/ 
 
Sponsor Links:
https://danielhouse.club/ 

https://designmanager.com

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This special format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This supplemental podcast format is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners.
Today, we’re speaking with Robyn White — the owner and founder of RDW Design Studio. RDW Design Studio specializes in creating captivating websites and SEO strategies for Interior Designers and the Home Industry. Robyn’s meticulous attention to detail, streamlined process, and ability to provide impeccable service makes RDW Design Studio the go-to resource for design professionals ready to step into their next level of success.
 
Show Highlights: The services RDW Design Studio provides for interior designers
Robyn’s background and how she became a part of the interior design community
How Robyn helps interior designers attract clients through strategic website design 
Influence of Robyn’s experience working at an international art gallery on her approach to website designing
Robyn’s four phase process for website development
Things that designers need to prepare to work with Robyn
The differences between website platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace
Tips and strategies for website designing, including photographs, marketing, etc
RDW Design Studio now offers SEO services for all websites, not just the ones they designed 
 
Notable Quotes:
“Your website is your number one strategic marketing tool.” - Robyn White
“Everything that is going into your website needs to strategically give the visitor the information they need through your website, to guide them to convert to contact you.” - Robyn White
“Designers don’t neglect your website, it really is your calling card.” - Rick 
 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
 
Supporting Resources:
RDW Design Studio Website - rdwdesignstudio.com
Robyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rdwdesignstudio/

Today, we welcome Designer, TV Host, and Philanthropist – Breegan Jane. In this episode, we take a guided tour of Breegan’s multi-faceted design business, and we explore how a combination of vision and preparation has made her one of the most recognizable brands in the industry. We discuss ideal clients and setting expectations, and Breegan breaks down her pricing model then and now and why it works for her business. We also discuss the team and strategy behind the brand and what it really takes to keep all of the plates spinning. Her secret weapon for getting things done may or may not surprise you.
 
Show Highlights: Breegan’s design journey and background in modeling and acting 
The evolution of her business from fashion to interior design
Breegan’s current multi-faceted business model — design, TV appearances, and licensing products
How Breegan balances client work with TV commitments  
Pricing challenges for creative professionals
Breegan’s monthly retainer pricing model for her design services
Structure of her team and outsourcing work instead of having full-time employees
Advice for designers pursuing visibility for their brand — prioritize consistency over perfection
 
Notable Quotes:
“I always knew that the creative arts could be something that was a prestigious way to take care of your family.” - Breegan Jane.
“I value being a business owner who wants to give my business the best. And I found that outsourcing to people who also like owning their own business, we tend to be of like minds, who are trying to create the best possible outcome.” - Breegan Jane.
“The closer you get to your dreams, the harder it is to blindly follow them.” - Breegan Jane.
“Consistency overrules perfection. Visibility is your preparation for the opportunity. Don’t let perfection get in the way of your visibility. Show the world who you are.” - Breegan Jane.
 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
 
Supporting Resources:
Breegan Jane’s Website - https://breeganjane.com/ 
Breegan Jane on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breeganjane/ 
 
Sponsor Links:
https://danielhouse.club/ 
 
https://designmanager.com 
 
Link to Business of Interiors Community Summit UK - https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/design-summit 
 

Today we welcome Patrick Ediger — Founder and Principal Designer of the namesake residential design firm based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Patrick shares his journey of design from the Hollywood talent industry to launching his own design business eleven years ago. Patrick shares how exploring and discovering resources and artisans in and around Los Angeles helped him develop a unique sustainable approach to design. We also discuss the impact that custom and vintage sourcing has on profit and how Patrick’s rule of thirds creates a story behind the design that takes his client experience to a new level.
Show Highlights: Patrick’s journey in design and his design business model
Patrick’s experience working in Los Angeles and how it influenced his sustainable design approach
The benefits of utilizing local resources and custom work
Patrick’s rule of thirds for sourcing — one-third local, sustainable, vintage
Importance of storytelling and transparency about efforts to clients
Marketing authentically and building trust with clients over time for sustainable growth
 
Notable Quotes:
“Success is not a tangible thing. It is leaving the space better than you found it.” - Patrick Patrick Ediger
“Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Don't sell yourself short.” - Patrick Ediger
“We are the gatekeepers to literally everything that goes into our clients’ homes.” - Patrick Ediger
 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
 
Supporting Resources:
Feature Guest Website - https://www.patrickediger.com/ 
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/patrickediger/ 
 
Sponsor Links:
 
https://danielhouse.club/ 
 
https://designmanager.com 
 
Link to Business of Interiors Community Summit UK - https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/design-summit 
 

Today, we welcome Molly Rose - a professional interior photographer and public relations partner for interior designers and architects. In this episode, Molly breaks down her 10-step strategy to help you create project campaigns that support your overarching brand and provide content throughout the design process. We discuss how a combination of micro storytelling, DIY photography, and a structured posting schedule can truly enhance your messaging and your PR strategy for each project. 
 
Heads up - have your iPhone ready for a camera settings tutorial that will change the game for you!
 
Show Highlights: Molly’s experience interviewing Rick in EP78 of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast
Molly’s 10-step strategy for creating project campaigns 
Tips for using a phone camera effectively for interior photography
How to document and share content from the inquiry phase of a new project
Linking content together from different project phases
Organizing and utilizing content across various social media platforms
Documenting client reactions and the design reveal
The role of media in validating designers and their work
How to use AI to promote your design style
 
How to use your phone for interior photography:
 
Settings → Search camera → Enable Apple ProRAW → Ensure grid and lens correction are on → Open camera → Portrait mode → Click the upward arrow to adjust exposure → Drag exposure down to -1.0 to -1.3 → Adjust aperture (F) between 5.0 to 5.6 for wide shots, 2.0 to 2.8 for detail shots.
 
Notable Quotes:
“Approach your work with the best intentions. It will get in front of somebody who will love it, and their appreciation might surprise you. And who doesn’t like it also might surprise you. But don’t be too worried about conforming to a certain approach because one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone has a place at the table.” - Molly Rose
“Use AI to show stuff that you would do. Generate images to show stuff that you would do.” - Molly Rose



Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
 
Supporting Resources:
Feature Guest Website - http://mollyrosephoto.co/
Design Stories Workbook - http://mollyrosephoto.co/stories
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mollyrose.photo/
 
Sponsor Links:
https://danielhouse.club/
https://designmanager.com
Link to Business of Interiors Community Summit UK - https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/design-summit