Designer's Oasis

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I “have to” offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level? Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend. Welcome to the Designer’s Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let’s admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you’re looking to grow or scale, here you’ll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence. Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are.

Rewrite the Rules: Build a Business That Feels Like You 09/23/2025

#74 | 20 Time Saving Tips for Interior Designers [REPLAY] 05/22/2025

#74 | 20 Time Saving Tips for Interior Designers [REPLAY] What is most important is that you start to recognize the value of your time. Discovering the value of your time includes understanding how important it is to manage, control, and protect it while still remaining flexible as a business owner. In today's episode, we dive deep into time-saving tips tailored specifically for interior designers that will help you handle minor inefficiencies so that you can spend your time in your zone of genius and the areas that are revenue-generating. We'll cover the top areas that tend to take up time - sourcing, email management, and general time management. Here’s a glance at this episode… I share my top 6 productivity hacks for sourcing including how I use SketchUp, buying groups, and vendors to streamline my design processes. I share how I have created a trade directory over time, how I handle shipping rates, and the method behind how I organize my materials library. I dive into my top 4 tips for managing your email without getting stuck in the rabbit hole of checking email all the time. I discuss how I use automation, time blocking, time tracking, and extensions/add-ons within Google to streamline my processes and my calendar. I share with you how I protect my "white space" so that I can have dedicated deep work time. I share my best tips for creating SOPs, managing meeting scheduling, and communicating with my clients and team. Mastering the art of time management and creating more space for true productivity and creativity is crucial for achieving success as an interior design business owner. By implementing strategies such as whitespace scheduling, leveraging productivity tools, and embracing efficient communication methods, you can enhance your productivity, reduce stress, and ultimately achieve your business and design goals with greater ease and efficiency. So, whether you're a solopreneur or part of a growing team, investing in effective time management practices can help to create the space you need to do your best work while also increasing your revenue and time for your personal life. Mentioned in this episode: Blog Post: Blog Post: Blog Post: Shop: Join Sketchup - Join Join Check out Start using Use this Visual Timer: Start using for Video Recording FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: JOIN: today! 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - Episode Page: /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/34417135

#53 | How to run your Interior Design Consultation like a Pro 05/08/2025

#35 | How Hiring can Dramatically Improve your Interior Design Business 04/24/2025

#31 | 5 Reasons Why Client’s Aren’t Moving Ahead with You 04/10/2025

#31 | 5 Reasons Why Client’s Aren’t Moving Ahead with You You might not always be able to change their minds but if you can look into why a client isn’t moving forward with your services, you can find out where you’re losing a client and if it’s something that you can adjust in your business. In this episode, I’ll dive into the 5 reasons why clients aren’t moving ahead with you that I’ve learned over time with tracking and small changes. Here’s a glance at this episode… We talk about what happens when you go through with sending off the proposal and then crickets…… We talk about the important things to remember when a client chooses not to use your services. I dive into the 5 reasons why you may hitting a deadend with prospective clients (after making these mistakes myself!) I chat about how to “cast the vision” effectively and help them see the end result and what they are really after. I share how to use your clients own words to help them feel validated and understood within your proposal. I dive into how to address your potential clients internal pain points rather then just those external pain points they may share. One of the tools we offer inside the Designers Oasis Membership is the CEO Dashboard which includes a Conversion calculator. The conversion calculator can help you see where prospective clients may be falling off. This is a key metric to track in your business because. Once you can identify that, then you know where you need to improve your process. If this sounds like something you’d like to have in your business, headover to to learn more about joining Mentioned in this episode: PODCAST: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: today! 🎯 Learn More: Designers Oasis Membership - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - Episode Page: /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/34416980

#30 | How to Get out of the Perfectionist Trap 03/27/2025

#29 | Lead Magnet Ideas for Interior Designers 03/13/2025

#28 | Are these Limiting Beliefs Holding You Back/Keeping you Stuck? 02/27/2025

#20 | Making Space for the Things that Matter [REPLAY] 02/13/2025

#14 | How to Attract Full-Service Interior Design Clients [REPLAY] 01/23/2025

#11 | Managing Client Expectations During Renovation [REPLAY] 01/09/2025

#101 | What's Next for the Designer's Oasis Podcast? 12/19/2024

#100 | Going Alcohol-Free - The Surprising Joys and Benefits of Ditching Alcohol 12/12/2024

#99 | Running an Efficient and Joyful Design Firm with Andi Morse 11/07/2024

#98 | Unlock An Enduring Business by Nurturing Client Relationships with Gideon Mendelson 10/31/2024

#98 | Unlock An Enduring Business by Nurturing Client Relationships with Gideon Mendelson In today's episode, I sat down with Gideon Mendelson of the Mendelson group in New York. Gideon is one of the smartest, most honest, and down-to-earth designers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Our chat is a masterclass in running a business that endures. Gideon, who grew up in New York, had the privilege of being able to look over the shoulder of his late mother, Mimi Mendelsen, a highly sought-after interior designer in her time. Fast forward to today, and Gideon credits both of his parents as well as his early career influences, college, and his tennis career with helping to shape his work ethic, business acumen, and creative spirit. Today, he is at the helm of his design firm working with clients nationwide. Gideon and I chat about his process for onboarding clients and gaining their trust. We talk about the reality of being a multifaceted designer who understands business and design and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, as well as the real value of nurturing clients throughout their experience, which can lead to lifelong clients and friendships for a business that endures. This is a don't miss episode! Here’s a glance at this episode… We chat about Gideon's transition from playing tennis at Columbia into an eventual shift to studying architecture and film helped him build his work ethic and creative spirit. We discussed what it was like to build a design business with his mother, Mimi Mendelsen We dive into the importance of building client relationships and helping our clients have a central support person to ask questions. We share about how to balance creativity and business as well as involve our families in our legacy. Gideon shares about how his firm really nurtures client relationships to pave the way for repeat business and client referrals. Mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: Submit your questions for the show! Follow Gideon on IG: 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/32983092

#97 | Managing Change in the Interior Design Industry with Maggie Griffin 10/24/2024

#96 | Growing an Interior Design Team with Gabriela Eisenhart 10/17/2024

#95 | Navigating High Point Market with Marisa Wilson 10/10/2024

#95 | Navigating High Point Market with Marisa Wilson In today's episode, I got to sit down with Marisa Wilson, the creator of The Cool Girl's Guide to High Point, a fun and insightful resource designed to help designers navigate the expansive High Point Market. Her guide offers insider tips, must-visit showrooms, and advice from industry leaders, making it a go-to for anyone attending the event, covering 12 million square feet of showroom space. In addition to The Cool Girl's Guide to High Point, Marisa runs Marisa Wilson Interior Design, her Charlotte-based residential design firm. She’s known for her playful yet thoughtful design approach, aiming to make the process enjoyable for her clients. Marisa also has a reputation for blending creativity with practicality, helping people create spaces that reflect their personalities. So how can you make the most of your High Point Market experience? Here’s a glance at this episode… We discussed the origins of the Cool Girl's Guide to High Point and how Marisa found herself helping friends, other designers and reaching out to others to build what is now an extensive guide. We talked about the top navigation tips for high point market. Marisa shared how to keep track of which showrooms had certain products throughout your time at market. We shared about the market Insider's Tours - who they are for, what they are about, and how to sign up. We both opened up about networking at High Point and how inviting and warm the environment is between designers. Mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: Submit your questions for the show! Marisa's Website: Follow Marisa on IG: 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/33330142

#94 | Diversifying your Interior Design Portfolio with Dan Mazzarini 10/03/2024

#94 | Diversifying your Interior Design Portfolio with Dan Mazzarini In today's episode, I had a chance to sit down with Dan Mazzarini, Principal and Creative Director at & ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini. BHDM Design is an award-winning, bi-coastal, multi-disciplinary firm offering residential, commercial, and hospitality design services. ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini provides a curated selection of home and lifestyle products, shopped from all of his favorite resources. Through ARCHIVE, Dan educates, encourages, and inspires a global network of consumers to incorporate luxury to their everyday lives. We talk about balancing diversifying your portfolio and niching down. We talk about having a signature style and creating "memory points" on projects. We also dive into a new project ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini. Here’s a glance at this episode… We discuss how Dan transitioned from retail to hospitality and then built his freelance portfolio to start his own firm. We discuss whether it's important to build a signature style or diversify your portfolio or projects. We jump into how to choose which interior design projects are a good fit and how to find out if you have an emotional connection to the project. Dan shares the concept of creating memory points in design projects to stand out. We end with a discussion on mental health in the design industry and steps to take to protect your own. Mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: Submit your questions for the show! Follow Dan on Instagram 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/33285492

#93 | The Risk-Averse Guide to Switching to an Interior Design Career with Rasheeda Gray 09/26/2024

#92 | How To Establish Healthy Boundaries with Interior Design Clients 09/19/2024

#91 | 3 Things I Obsess Over with Interior Design Clients 09/12/2024

#90 | How to Create A Paid Waitlist for Interior Design Clients 09/05/2024

#89 | That's Not Working Anymore - How to Pivot In Business 08/29/2024

#89 | That's Not Working Anymore - How to Pivot In Business "Pivoting is a sign of growth" In today's episode, I share why we sometimes need to pivot in business and then dive into how we can pivot. Often, when it comes to our own business, we find that we get stuck doing the same things repeatedly even if they aren't working anymore. Just a few scenarios where this may happen include being unrealistic with client budgets, timelines, and expectations or our systems for creating and developing proposals and presentations. When we take some time to reflect on how we are doing specific tasks in our business, we find that they aren't as effective as they may have once been and it's time to pivot. This may include small micro-changes or it may involve big sweeping changes. Here’s a glance at this episode… I share how to be objective when deciding what may be working and what may not be working for your business when looking to pivot. I discuss how to get comfortable with being different in the interior design business and how you offer or deliver services to client in your own way. I share how to allow your core values to guide your decisions to pivot in business. I talk about ways to apply creativity to problem-solving in your business while including your team in the brainstorming process. Remember, pivoting is a sign of growth. It's acknowledging that something has an opportunity to improve, and it means you have your ear to the ground with clients, your team, and yourself, which is a huge part of creating a long-standing successful interior design business. Mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: Submit your questions for the show! BOOK: 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/32767052

#54 | Revenue Generating Activities for Interior Designers [REPLAY] 08/22/2024

#54 | Revenue Generating Activities for Interior Designers [REPLAY] Energy begets energy. Money is energy. If we know that energy begets energy, what happens in your business when you sit down and you spend the time to commit some energy towards revenue generating activities and lead generating activities? In today’s episode we are talking about revenue-generating activities and what that means, how and when to do these activities and how they keep your business thriving! This episode was inspired by a listener question that we received from Julia, “Hi Kate, I’ve followed your advice and starting batching my days so that I have more focus and not drawn in 100 different directions at once. I’ve set aside Mondays as my Marketing & Money Mondays. The problem is, I don’t always know what to do with this dedicated time. Can you provide some specific examples of revenue generating activities that I can be focusing on during this time? Thanks so much. I appreciate everything.” Here’s a glance at the episode: We dive into a list of revenue-generating activities and get started with following up with leads. I share about putting together proposals and my methods for getting these done in a time efficient manner. Invoicing clients can occasionally drop by the wayside when you’re deep into projects and a one-off invoice or an invoice outside of the regular schedule pops up so keeping these front of mind is necessary. I discuss how I make time to reach out and cultivate strategic partnerships on a regular basis. I share how utilizing facebook groups can help build your clientele and the right methods for trying to both share helpful information and build relationships while also promoting your services. Sometimes the key is in the follow up and continuing to follow up with past clients. I share how this has worked for my interior design business. Mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - Have a question you want to ask Kate? Head over to designersoasis.com/askkate. We want to hear from you. We particularly love helping you with mindset shifts, dealing with tricky situations, and all things interior design business related. WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/32443212

#52 | 5 things I'd do differently if I was starting from scratch [REPLAY] 08/15/2024

#50 | 3 Reasons Interior Designers Stay Stuck and Broke [REPLAY] 08/08/2024

#50 | 3 Reasons Interior Designers Stay Stuck and Broke [REPLAY] Have you been at this a while, but for some reason you can’t seem to either get to that next level revenue goal you’ve set and you feel stuck at the level you’re at? Today’s episode is all about the habits that keep you stuck and broke. Those habits that keep holding you back and are keeping you from really thriving in your business. I want to share what I see often that keeps interior designers in a perpetual loop and how to make mindset shifts to really make some adjustments and gain some clarity. Here’s a glance at the episode: I discuss how leaving money on the table is the first reason I have seen interior designers stay stuck, which can happen with scope creep and change orders. I share a few ways to address this in the future. I share how to use value-based proposals to ensure your clients can see what each level of service really includes. I share about tracking time and how important it is no matter how you are charging for your services. I dive into the importance of the follow up plan and staying connected with your prospective clients. I share how follow up is part of the selling process. talk about all things undercharging. So many interior designers are perpetually undercharging and I share all the ways you may be doing this and how to make sure you are aware moving forward. I wrap up with questions to ask yourself if these topics resonated with you and how to start making adjustments. Mentioned in this episode: JOIN: 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/32443142

#8 | Services & Pricing Guide - Why your Business Needs On [REPLAY] 08/01/2024

#8 | Services & Pricing Guide - Why your Business Needs On [REPLAY] Years ago, I had a wonderful Discovery Call with a photographer who I was interviewing for a project. When we wrapped up, she sent me a drop-dead gorgeous PDF that showcased her work and also broke down her process and all of the investment details. She offered premium services and it was a huge investment for me. I wasn’t ready to commit over the phone; however, after spending time reviewing the guide she sent, I decided to proceed and guess what…she got the job. It was at this point, that I decided, I needed to create my own guide, which I call the “Services & Investment Guide.” And let me tell you my friend, it has been a game changer in my business. I convert more potential leads into happily paying clients faster and with greater ease. In this episode we answer questions like… How does your Design Services and Investment Guide work with a Discovery Call? What are 3 Things the guide helps you achieve in terms of potential clients? What’s Inside the Guide? If you already have a services guide, keep listening b/c you may have some important information missing that you might want to add. Here’s a glance at this episode… [05:05] We discuss how I use the guide in my Discovery Call to complement what we discuss and what may be ideal for their project. [06:30] I share 3 things the Design Services and Investment Guide helps you achieve in your business. [09:50] I start answering some of the commonly asked questions like “isn’t this info already on my website?” and why this guide is necessary to help present the right information at the right time. [11:50] How is the Design Service and Investment Guide different than your Welcome Guide? I share a few reasons why I use both and how they differ. [13:52] I jump into what is included, how to create, and how to grab a template if you don’t want to start from scratch! [24:58] My Challenge for you this week! If you don’t already have a Services and Investment guide for your business, get started on that this week! Resources mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: BLOG - BLOG - SHOP - 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/31869192

#5 | How to Create a Successful Client Welcome Packet [REPLAY] 07/25/2024

#4 | 10 Elements to Define your Interior Design Services [REPLAY] 07/18/2024

#4 | 10 Elements to Define your Interior Design Services [REPLAY] Having clearly defined design services is paramount to running an efficient and organized business. It not only helps you get clear on the details such as the deliverables, the investment, and the timeline, but it also helps you to talk about your services to your clients with clarity and confidence. And let’s be honest, confidence is what we’re after here right? You can also use the details to help you put together those very important client deliverables such as your Services & Investment Guide or your welcome package. In this episode we answer questions like… Have you ever struggled to explain the differences in your interior design services to potential new clients? Do you have a clear picture of the benefits and results of each service and what type of client might be the best fit? Do you sometimes wonder if you have enough offerings? Or - more likely - offer too many services? Does everyone on your team know and understand the differences in your services? Here’s a glance at this episode… [03:00] I dive into the importance of documenting and organizing the details of the services you offer and why everyone on your team must have a clear way to access and use this information. [05:05] How to name your service (quick tip: keep it simple!) [06:40] I talk about how to describe each service, what it entails, and how to clearly define what you are offering. I also discuss how to lay out what is NOT included, how you will communicate with your client and how you will make sure this is all clear from the start. [13:20] I share how to plan out timelines for each project and set up timeframes for the design services you will be offering. [16:13] How to set up your terms for your different offerings. Minimum fees, travel times, and how to book your services. Resources mentioned in this episode: JOIN: FREE DOWNLOAD: FREE Masterclass: Free Guide - - 5 Types of Interior Design Services to Consider Offering Canva Templates - - 20% off First Month or Year with code designersoasis20 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - WANT MORE? 🛒 - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 ⬇️ FOLLOW ALONG 🤳 📍 📺 ------------------------------------- ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- /episode/index/show/b7e103d0-6ec0-45a0-a854-36becd7f1c24/id/31869067

Designer's Oasis

TOPICS