Libsyn Directory

290.Why Flat Fees Nearly Broke My Design Business

Release Date: 06/19/2025

297. Why getting more clients feels overwhelming and how to fix it

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Do you ever feel excited at the thought of getting more clients, but then suddenly dread sets in? You’re not broken, you just don’t have the right systems in place. In this episode, I’m sharing why more clients can feel overwhelming and what you can do to finally feel confident saying “yes” to the projects you want. I’ll walk you through the shifts I made that took me from anxious and overworked to running a seven-figure firm with ease. Tune in to learn how to build systems that eliminate decision fatigue, improve the client experience, and make growth exciting again. ...

296. How To Get Press, Build Partnerships, and Grow Through Design Friendships

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Four designers. One chance meeting. Unlimited opportunities. What started as a spontaneous trip to an industry event turned into a powerhouse partnership that’s changing lives — both inside the design industry and in communities across the country. In this episode, I’m joined by the Designer Besties — Whitney Atkinson, Lori Johnson, Rhobin DelaCruz, and Nikki Watson — four talented creatives who have built more than just a friendship. Together, they’ve: Landed national press without hiring a publicist Created brand partnerships that amplify their visibility Launched a...

295. Studio McGee Alum Shares the Real Secrets to Working Smarter in Your Design Business

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

If you’re trying to grow your interior design business but feel like you’re spinning your wheels, this episode will be a breath of fresh air. Renee Bush, brand strategist and former Director of Operations at Studio McGee, joins me to talk about the reality of burnout, the power of brand alignment, and what it really takes to work smarter and build a business you love. We dive into: Why your marketing might not be working (and what to do instead) The branding gap most designers don’t realize they have Attracting dream clients through strategic alignment Mindset shifts that helped Renee...

My 7-step framework to accomplishing your goals [Rebroadcast]

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

This is your sign to hit pause and check in. We’re a little over halfway through the year, can you believe it? Whether you’ve been crushing your 2025 goals or feel like they've slipped off your radar, this rebroadcast is your invitation to reflect, realign, and reignite your momentum for the second half of the year. Originally released as our very first episode of 2025, this one’s packed with practical guidance to help you get back on track, or make a fresh plan entirely. I’ll walk you through 7 actionable steps to bring clarity to your vision, prioritize what matters most, and...

294. Ask Rebecca: Interior Design Project Management, Client Red Flags & More

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

In this first Ask Rebecca Q&A episode, I'm answering your burning questions about running a design business—from staying organized on-site to handling awkward client scenarios. Tune in to hear: My best tips for interior design project management (hello, site binders!) What to say when clients want to skip implementation or use someone else’s discount Real talk on setting boundaries and protecting your profits My advice on how to fix an ordering mistake without losing money (or your mind) Want your question featured in a future episode? DM me on Instagram or send us an email!...

293. No Portfolio? No Problem: How to Attract Clients From Day One

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Good design speaks for itself, but what if you’re just starting out and don’t have a single client project to show? In this episode, I’m sharing how I started my interior design business from scratch, built my first portfolio using my own home, and booked clients before I had any professional photos. I’ll teach you how to showcase your eye, style, and problem-solving skills so clients see you as a pro—even when you’re new. What you'll take away: How to create a portfolio without client work Tips for styling and photographing your own space Why quality over quantity is key How to...

292. From Residential Burnout to Commercial Success: How To Love Interior Design Again with Leslie Abner

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Feeling exhausted by emotional clients and endless design revisions? It might be time to rethink your interior design career path. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with a designer who made a big pivot, from residential design to building medical and dental offices across the country. Leslie Abner of LA Studio shares what led to her burnout, how commercial design helped her rediscover her love for the work, and why it might be the perfect niche for designers looking for more clarity, structure, and profit. They also dive into pricing strategies, the power of saying no, and how to market...

Communication hacks for when you’re Out of Office [Rebroadcast]

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Why You Need an Out-of-Office Email (And How to Write One) Worried clients will think you’ve disappeared if you take time off? You’re not alone. Many interior designers avoid setting an out-of-office message because they fear it sends the wrong signal. But here’s the truth: OOO replies can actually strengthen your client relationships and position you as a pro. In this episode, Rebecca shares: Why we feel guilty for stepping away (and how to change that) When and how to use out-of-office replies—even for reveal or install days What to say in your OOO message to keep things...

291. From $500 Flyers to a $7M Show Home: The Contract Lessons Behind Erica Gelman’s Thriving Luxury Design Business

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

In this episode, luxury interior designer Erica Gelman returns to share how she evolved her contract from simple terms to a robust, 15-page agreement that protects her time, energy, and profitability. We dive into the real lessons learned through years of client experience, including what it was like to design a $7.3 million Princess Margaret Show Home, how she learned to charge for her value, and the timeline and revision clauses she swears by. Whether you're struggling with flat fees, endless revisions, or client delays, this conversation will help you shift your mindset and sharpen your...

290.Why Flat Fees Nearly Broke My Design Business

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

If you’re still charging based on what you think your clients can afford… or afraid to raise your rates in case they push back… this episode is for you. I’m sharing one of my worst pricing mistakes from the early years, a commercial project that cost me hundreds of hours, drained my confidence, and taught me the hard way how damaging it is to undercharge. It’s a story with no happy ending, but plenty of takeaways. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why fixed fees can be risky if you don’t track your time The real cost of avoiding the money conversation How underpricing attracts the...

More Episodes

If you’re still charging based on what you think your clients can afford… or afraid to raise your rates in case they push back… this episode is for you.

I’m sharing one of my worst pricing mistakes from the early years, a commercial project that cost me hundreds of hours, drained my confidence, and taught me the hard way how damaging it is to undercharge. It’s a story with no happy ending, but plenty of takeaways.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why fixed fees can be risky if you don’t track your time
The real cost of avoiding the money conversation
How underpricing attracts the wrong clients
What finally helped me shift from hobbyist to CEO

Plus, I’m inviting you to my free workshop: Priced to Profit — where I share the 3 pricing shifts that helped me raise my rates (without losing clients). Register at rebeccahay.com/profit

Episode Resources:

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