172: ENCORE EPISODE: Molly Rose - Creating a Winning Content Campaign for Every Project
Release Date: 12/30/2024
194: Journey of Growth with Brad Leavitt
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Brad Leavitt, President and owner of AFT Construction based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Brad is known for his collaborative design-build approach and his commitment to the designer + builder partnership. In this episode, we discuss Brad’s unintentional entrepreneurial journey, lessons in effective collaboration, and his perspective on scaling a business and cultivating a team of resourceful and empowered leaders. We also dive into Brad’s dedication to giving back through his podcast, public speaking, and his dynamic industry event, the Contractor Coalition Summit. SHOW...
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193: Re-Brand to Expand with Laura Williams
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Laura Williams, Founder and Principal Designer of Living Oak, a boutique design firm based in Austin, TX. In this episode, Laura shares the story behind her recent rebrand from ATX Interior Design to Living Oak and how this strategic shift allowed her business to grow beyond the local market. We discuss the power of community and networking in building a thriving design business, and Laura pulls back the curtain on the realities of running a hybrid business model that includes design services, retail, and e-commerce. From her marketing roots to her multi-faceted business...
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192: Jude Charles – Special Industry Spotlight Episode
Design Biz Survival Guide
This special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide features filmmaker and brand storyteller Jude Charles. Jude returns to the podcast for a deep dive into the strategy behind his signature process called Dramatic Demonstration, a method of crafting impactful video docu-series that highlight the heart and humanity behind creative businesses. Jude shares how personal storytelling can build trust, attract ideal clients, and establish a lasting legacy in the design industry. Through examples from collaborations with Rick Campos, Jen Davidson, Brad Leavitt, and others, Jude...
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191: The Story of Home with Jen Davidson
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Jen Davidson — Owner & Principal Designer of Interiors by Jen Davidson, a full-service interior design studio based in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of Jen’s creative career and how her former career as a flight attendant has uniquely shaped the way she leads her team, connects with her clients, and manages her design projects. Jen shares how she leverages structure, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to run a streamlined and meaningful business. We also dive into her storytelling-driven design process and how turning vulnerability...
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190: Luann Nigara | Unpacking the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome my dear friend and mentor Luann Nigara to the podcast. Luann is the host of A Well-Designed Business podcast, a celebrated author, speaker, and trusted business coach. She is one of the most influential voices in the interior design industry. In this episode, Luann opens up about her entrepreneurial journey—from growing a window treatment franchise with her husband, Vin, to creating a game-changing podcast and launching Luann University. We talk about the wins, the failures, and the lessons that shaped her as a leader, the importance of perseverance and innovation, and...
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189: The Design Besties | Creative Minds Connecting with Purpose
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Whitney Atkinson, Rhobin DeLaCruz, Nikki Watson, and Lori Johnson – also known as The Design Besties. In this episode, we discuss the power of community over competition and the impact that collaboration has on their design businesses, personal lives, and the wider design community. The group shares how they met, their diverse creative backgrounds, and how their supportive circle has become an unexpected game-changer in both business and life. Plus, we explore their shared passion for giving back through a philanthropic project that is transforming teachers' lounges across...
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188: Michele Williams | Profit is a Choice
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Michele Williams, CEO and founder of Scarlet Thread Consulting. Michele specializes in helping design professionals lead and scale their businesses with confidence and clarity. In this episode, Michele shares the pivotal moment that turned her hard-earned lessons and financial expertise into a consulting model that has empowered countless interior designers to build more profitable businesses. We also explore how the book Profit First influenced her approach to financial strategy, and how she helps creatives overcome money overwhelm by aligning operations with vision and...
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187: Melissa Sanabria | Creating Structure out of Ambiguity
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Melissa Sanabria, principal and founder of Sanabria & Co based in Washington, DC. In this episode, Melissa shares her journey from a successful career in finance to launching her own interior design firm—and the real transferable skill that helped her thrive in a creative business. She walks us through the intentional strategies she implemented during the transition, including a three-year planning period, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to investing in her business early on. Melissa also unpacks her top three foundational strategies and opens up about how...
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186: The Art & Impact of Styling with Dorothea Coelho
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome LA-based interior designer and stylist Dorothea Coelho to the podcast. Dorothea shares her remarkable journey from stand-up comedy to working with one of LA’s top designers and ultimately creating a unique design business model that includes professional styling services. We explore the often-overlooked art of styling, from the thoughtful editing of a space to the logistics of collaborating with photographers and designers. Dorothea offers invaluable insight into the stylist’s role in the design process and shares tips on sourcing, storytelling through objects, and the...
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185: 7 Year Anniversary Podcast Takeover with Nicole Roe
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Nicole Roe of R Nickson Interiors as our PODCAST TAKEOVER guest host! The podcast takeover is an annual tradition to celebrate another year of inspiring conversations about life and the business of interior design. In this special 7-year anniversary episode, Nicole takes the reins and puts host Rick Campos in the hot seat. Rick reflects on the podcast’s journey, shares personal and professional insights, and opens up about the mission behind the mic. Plus, questions submitted by past guests Antonio DeLoatch, Jamie Gasparovic, John McClain, and Brittany Glass bring even more...
info_outlineToday, 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:
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Supporting Resources:
Feature Guest Website – http://mollyrosephoto.co/
Design Stories Workbook – http://mollyrosephoto.co/stories
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mollyrose.photo/