Libsyn Directory

311. Stop Working for Free: The End-of-Year Profit Reset Every Designer Needs

Release Date: 11/27/2025

329. Why Designers Struggle to Talk About Money with Dina Holland

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most important skills to master as a design business owner. In this episode, I’m joined by Dina Holland to talk about why designers struggle with pricing conversations and how to build real confidence around your numbers. We cover: Why “no” is actually a sign of growth How to stop undercharging and start owning your value What changes as your business evolves How process and experience impact your pricing If you’ve ever second-guessed your fees or avoided talking about money with clients, this episode is for you....

328. Why Your Business Feels So Up and Down (And How to Fix It)

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

If your business feels like a constant cycle of busy seasons followed by slow ones, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why so many interior designers get stuck in the feast-or-famine cycle and what’s really behind that inconsistency. Because the truth is, your current workload didn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of what you were doing 3 to 6 months ago. In this episode, I walk you through how to shift from reacting to your business to building something more predictable. I focus on three key areas: your visibility, your pipeline, and the decisions you might be avoiding. If...

327. There are 3 Types of Design Firm Owners, which one are you?

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

There are three types of design firm owners, and most designers are stuck in the first two. If your business feels busy but unpredictable… If you’re constantly adjusting, tweaking, and still not seeing consistent growth… This episode will help you understand why. In this episode, I break down the three business identities I see most often: The Resourceful Designer The Adaptable Designer The Confident Designer And what separates them isn’t talent. Its structure. If you’re ready to move from hustle and reaction into calm, predictable growth, this episode is for you. Episode...

3 time blocking tips to start using today [Rebroadcast]

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

There was a time when I felt chained to my inbox, constantly reacting, jumping between tasks, and always playing catch-up. That changed when I started time blocking. In this rebroadcast episode, I’m sharing three simple, actionable tips you can start using right away to improve your focus, reduce overwhelm, and manage your time more intentionally. Before you dive in, I encourage you to take a step back and look at where your time has actually been going. A quick time audit can help you make small, meaningful shifts without overhauling your entire schedule. Inside this episode: How I...

326. Why Your Project Budgets Still Feel Off (And How to Fix Them)

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Your project budgets aren’t totally wrong—but they don’t feel solid either. In this episode, I break down why that happens (even after you’ve gained experience) and how to fix it. We’re talking about: Why early budgets should be ranges, not detailed breakdowns When the real budgeting work actually begins How to validate your numbers with trades and real data The mistake that quietly erodes client trust If your budgets feel inconsistent or hard to stand behind, this episode will help you move from guessing to grounded, confident numbers. Learn more about my new coaching...

325. The Pivot That Scared Me (and what comes next)

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

There comes a point in business where what once worked no longer feels aligned. In this episode, I’m sharing a big decision: after years of teaching my signature program, Power of Process, I will not be launching it again. This isn’t about walking away from something that didn’t work. It’s about recognizing when you’ve outgrown something that did. We’re talking about the stages of business growth, how to know when it’s time to pivot, and why so many designers feel stuck even after building their systems. If your business is working, but something feels off… this episode is for...

The Dos and Don’ts of Hiring in your interior design firm with Laura Tolhoek [Rebroadcast]

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Hiring can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure if you’re setting things up the right way. In this rebroadcast episode, Rebecca sits down with HR expert Laura Tolhoek to break down the key decisions every design business owner needs to make when hiring. They cover subcontractors vs employees, what needs to be in your contracts, and how to avoid the common mistakes that can create problems later. If you’re thinking about hiring or want to refine your approach, this episode will give you the clarity you need. Episode Resources:

324. Was It A Bad Hire...Or Just Bad Onboarding?

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Hiring someone in your design business should make things easier… but sometimes it does the opposite. Tasks get misunderstood. Expectations feel unclear. And before long you’re wondering if you made a bad hire. But what if the problem wasn’t the person you hired? In this episode, I’m sharing why many hires fail in small design firms and how a simple 30-60-90 day onboarding plan can completely change the outcome. I walk through how to structure the first 90 days, define success clearly, and create an onboarding process that builds confidence for both you and your new team member. If...

323. How to Offer High-End Design at Different Price Points

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah St. Amand to talk about how she’s built a design business that serves different types of clients without discounting her expertise or compromising her brand. We talk about smaller design packages, profitability, client communication, team structure, and why designers need to stop equating beautiful work with business success. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay true to your aesthetic while still building a profitable, sustainable business, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Serving different client budget levels without diluting a...

322. Stop Losing Money on Construction: Flat Fees, Procurement, and Boundaries

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Construction projects shouldn’t be your biggest stressor — or your biggest money leak. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with construction management expert Renee Biery to talk about: Flat fees vs hourly billing Charging in advance Procurement on renovation projects Allowances and contractor negotiations Liability myths designers believe How construction stabilizes your income If you’ve ever felt burnt out on renovations or unsure how to price them profitably, this conversation will shift how you think about construction entirely. Episode Resources: To learn more...

More Episodes

Are you still doing work you never bill for? Still discounting your time? Still giving clients “just a little extra” because it feels easier than charging what you're worth?

You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not new. Even experienced designers slide into patterns that chip away at profit and confidence without realizing it.

In this episode, Rebecca breaks down the hidden places designers work for free, why it keeps happening years into business, and how to reset your pricing mindset before the new year. If you want to step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a more profitable design business, start right here.

You'll learn:

The subtle ways established designers lose profit
How boundaries create confidence
A simple exercise to calculate your unpaid hours
Why your signature offer matters more than you think
A step-by-step plan to rebuild your pricing foundation

It’s time to stop working for free and start charging like the expert you are.

Download our Free Resources

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Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

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