Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

I’m Rebecca Hay and I have built a successful interior design business by trial and error, podcasts, online courses and books. Over the last decade I have grown from an insecure student to having career false starts and now I’ve finally landed where I want to be. Throughout my journey I’ve become deeply passionate about business and helping other entrepreneurs and career minded women. Each week I’ll share tangible takeaways from my own experience and the experiences of other badass women to help you build your confidence and change your business.

297. Why getting more clients feels overwhelming and how to fix it 08/21/2025

296. How To Get Press, Build Partnerships, and Grow Through Design Friendships 08/14/2025

296. How To Get Press, Build Partnerships, and Grow Through Design Friendships 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 nonprofit transforming teacher lounges in schools nationwide Found ways to support each other through pricing questions, client challenges, and business pivots We talk about how they first met, why vulnerability was the key to building trust, and how each of them leverages the group’s combined knowledge and network to grow their own businesses. You’ll also hear tactical advice for getting your work featured in the media, building partnerships, and finding your own “design besties” no matter where you live. If you’ve ever felt isolated as an interior designer or wondered how to break into press opportunities, this episode will show you how collaboration can be your competitive advantage — and how friendship can be the best business strategy you’ve never tried. Episode Resources: Learn more about each guest at their and follow them on Instagram - - - - Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/37763195

295. Studio McGee Alum Shares the Real Secrets to Working Smarter in Your Design Business 08/07/2025

My 7-step framework to accomplishing your goals [Rebroadcast] 07/31/2025

My 7-step framework to accomplishing your goals [Rebroadcast] 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 use your calendar as a tool for accountability. You’ll learn how to: Identify what’s working (and what’s not) Reset your intentions with purpose Create habits that support your big-picture goals Stay consistent—even when life gets busy I’ll also share how I’m revisiting my own goals and making space for what I really want in both life and business. ✨ So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to regroup, this is it. Grab your notebook (and your favorite drink!) and take this time to get intentional. The second half of the year is full of opportunity, and it starts with this episode. Resources Best Year Goal setting podcast episodes: Episodes about goal setting / Asana-like program: Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/37418125

294. Ask Rebecca: Interior Design Project Management, Client Red Flags & More 07/24/2025

293. No Portfolio? No Problem: How to Attract Clients From Day One 07/17/2025

292. From Residential Burnout to Commercial Success: How To Love Interior Design Again with Leslie Abner 07/10/2025

Communication hacks for when you’re Out of Office [Rebroadcast] 07/03/2025

291. From $500 Flyers to a $7M Show Home: The Contract Lessons Behind Erica Gelman’s Thriving Luxury Design Business 06/26/2025

290.Why Flat Fees Nearly Broke My Design Business 06/19/2025

289. If it's your first year in business, you need to do this 06/12/2025

288. Why Trade Day Is the Secret to a Smooth Design Project 06/09/2025

287. The Fastest 2-Month Design Business Transformation You’ll Ever Hear 06/05/2025

286. How this designer Tripled Her Rates & Landed a Six-Figure Interior Design Project 06/02/2025

286. How this designer Tripled Her Rates & Landed a Six-Figure Interior Design Project What if you could triple your rates and confidently land your biggest design project yet — in just a few weeks? In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Paige Leackfeldt of LANG Design Interiors to unpack her incredible transformation. After 15 years in the industry, Paige launched her own design business — but within the first year, she hit the familiar overwhelm of saying yes to everything, undercharging, and running herself ragged. Enter . Paige shares how enrolling in this course helped her systematize her business, streamline her offers, confidently present her services, and (here’s the big one) land a six-figure contract — more than triple what she would have dared to charge before. We cover: The mindset shift that gave Paige the confidence to raise her rates How her past construction experience became her biggest client-selling point Why documenting your process transforms both client trust and pricing power How she overhauled her services page to attract only the right clients What designers need to understand about progress vs. perfection This episode is packed with real-world insights, inspiration, and proof that transformation is possible — and faster than you think. Learn more about Paige at her website, , and follow her on Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/36781160

285. The Biggest Mistakes Designers Make with Ordering (And How to Avoid Them) 05/29/2025

285. The Biggest Mistakes Designers Make with Ordering (And How to Avoid Them) Ever lost money (or sleep) over a wrong order, delayed shipment, or missing item? You’re not alone — and in this episode, Rebecca Hay shares the honest, behind-the-scenes mistakes she made in her own interior design business so you can skip the pain and get straight to solutions. Rebecca opens up about the $10,000 sofa mistake that shaped her approach to systems, the software (and simple tools) that can save your sanity, and how to set up order tracking so nothing falls through the cracks. You’ll learn why cross-check systems matter, when to consider outsourcing procurement, and how regular check-ins can protect your profit and client relationships. This episode is packed with practical, actionable advice whether you’re just starting your design business or you’re scaling up with a team. If you’ve ever wondered how to organize your orders, track project details, and avoid costly errors, this is the episode for you. Episode Highlights The biggest ordering mistakes designers make (and how to avoid them) Rebecca’s favorite software + tracking tools When to outsource order management The step-by-step system to keep your projects on track Why regular order status meetings are a game-changer Hit play and get ready to transform how you run your business — with less chaos and more profit. Episode Resources Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/36265060

An interview with my very own clients. Why having a process made them choose me! [Rebroadcast] 05/26/2025

284. The One Project I Should've walked away from 05/22/2025

283. 5 Essentials Every Interior Designer Needs to Start and Build a Business That Supports Their Dream Life 05/15/2025

282. Are you speaking to your dream client or just... everyone? (How to Niche Down without Scaring Clients away) 05/08/2025

281. From DIY Passion to a Multi-Income Design Business with Rebekah Higgs 05/01/2025

281. From DIY Passion to a Multi-Income Design Business with Rebekah Higgs Sometimes the path to success isn’t straight—and that’s exactly where the magic happens. In this episode, Rebecca Hay sits down with Rebekah Higgs, the creative force behind DIY Mom, to share how she turned her passion for DIY into a thriving, multi-income design business. Rebekah opens up about her journey from musician to single mom to TV host and entrepreneur, revealing the systems, mindset shifts, and bold moves that helped her grow her brand. We dive into how she layered income streams like TV production, Airbnb rentals, client renovations, and influencer partnerships, and why learning to delegate was essential for her business (and her sanity!). We also talk about how perfectionism can secretly hold you back, why letting go is the key to real progress, and how setting up the right systems can change everything. Plus, Rebekah shares some seriously powerful advice on how to end a project strong—and leave clients raving about the experience. If you're dreaming of turning your passion into a business or scaling your design firm, this conversation is packed with real-life takeaways you won’t want to miss! Follow Rebekah: Watch DIY Mom: | Learn more: Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/36264815

280. Why Most Designers Are Scared to Raise Their Rates (And What You Can Do Instead) 04/24/2025

279. Real Estate Strategies Every Interior Designer Should Know 04/17/2025

278. Interior Design Photography on a Budget: How to Use Your Smartphone Like a Pro 04/10/2025

277. 5 time-saving automations every entrepreneur should have 04/03/2025

276. Smart Hiring Strategies for Interior Designers Ready to Scale 03/27/2025

275. What you Missed Inside My Bootcamp: How to Pre-Qualify Interior Design Clients 03/20/2025

275. What you Missed Inside My Bootcamp: How to Pre-Qualify Interior Design Clients If you missed my last Standout Designer Bootcamp—or even if you didn’t—don’t skip this episode! One of the most powerful tools I shared in my recent bootcamp is the Investment Guide—a game-changer for interior designers looking to secure the right clients. In this episode, I break down exactly what an Investment Guide is, how to use it effectively, and why it’s key to pre-qualifying your clients and avoiding time-wasters. I’ll share a personal story from my own journey, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and actionable steps to implement this strategy in your business. The truth is, that premium clients will pay for a premium service—you just need to position yourself correctly to attract them. Tune in to learn how an Investment Guide can help you set expectations, weed out misaligned clients, and maximize your impact! Highlights What an Investment Guide is and why it’s essential for your business. How to use an Investment Guide to pre-qualify clients and eliminate budget shoppers. The biggest mistakes designers make in the inquiry process—and how to fix them. Why premium clients expect pricing transparency and how to position it to your advantage. The key sections every Investment Guide should include to attract serious clients. Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/35750640

Calculating Project Costs Before Clients Hire You [Rebroadcast] 03/13/2025

274. Why It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Passion in Interior Design 03/06/2025

274. Why It’s Never Too Late to Follow Your Passion in Interior Design Is it ever too late to start over? Our guest, Natalie Froom, proves that the answer is a resounding NO! This episode is all about why it’s NEVER too late to follow your passion in interior design. Natalie, founder of Studio 180 Design, took a bold leap in her 40s to launch her interior design firm, leaving behind a career in psychology and nutrition. In this episode, she shares how she went from helping friends for free to building a thriving business, why she believes creativity thrives within structure, and how she balances artistry with the practical demands of running a business. A Power of Process (POP) alum, Natalie also opens up about the game-changing takeaways from the course that helped her streamline her design workflow, set strong boundaries, and confidently charge for her expertise. If you’ve ever doubted whether it’s too late to start your dream business, this episode is for you! Episode Highlights The mindset shift needed to go from hobbyist to business owner Why boundaries are essential for creative success How Natalie built her second empire after raising a large family The power of time-blocking for creativity and efficiency How she transitioned from free work to confidently pricing her services The surprising business lesson she learned from raising six teenagers! Episode Resources Learn more about Natalie Froom at her and follow her on Learn more about Watch this episode on YouTube: ---- Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/35339550

273. The Power of Letting Go: Why This Designer Stopped Managing Construction 03/03/2025

273. The Power of Letting Go: Why This Designer Stopped Managing Construction This episode explores the journey of launching a new interior design business after stepping away from an existing and thriving design-build. Keely Gow, co-founder of the newly launched JK Studio in Muskoka, Ontario, shares her infectious passion as she talks about the decision behind her new business launch, why she chose to work with a partner, and what led her to shift her focus exclusively to offering full-service interior design. Keely opens up about some of the hard truths and realizations she had before making these major career moves, as well as the specific goals she set—goals that Power of Process helped her bring to life. She discusses the role of intuition in guiding her decisions, how she learned to listen to both her heart and her head, and how the community she found inside Designer’s Room and the Power of Process course provided the support she needed to take the leap. Plus, she shares insights into forming a business partnership, the challenges and advantages of working collaboratively, and her recent Style at Home magazine cover feature! If you're an interior designer looking to refine your process, streamline your business, or take the leap into a new phase of your career, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Episode resources: Learn how to refine your design business processes: Style at Home – Check out Keely Gow’s feature in the November 2024 issue! Connect with Keely (once available) – Stay tuned for her website and Instagram updates! Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/35316300

272. Scaling Smart: Niching Down, Streamlining Processes & Hiring Early 02/27/2025

272. Scaling Smart: Niching Down, Streamlining Processes & Hiring Early Success in business isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. In this episode, Rebecca Hay sits down with Anika Schachtler, a rising star in the interior design world, to discuss how she has built a thriving interior design business by refining her processes, niching down, and hiring early. Since her last appearance on the podcast, Anika has made incredible strides—shifting her business model, growing her team, and eliminating unnecessary client emails by communicating less but better. She shares the mindset shifts that helped her scale, how she refined her process to increase profitability, and why hiring was a game-changer for her success. The four symptoms of inefficiency in an interior design business How niching down has transformed the type of clients she attracts The power of process in reducing overwhelm and improving client experience Why hiring early—even in the first years of business—can accelerate growth A game-changing mindset shift from working harder to working smarter If you're looking to streamline your business, attract the right clients, and grow without burnout, this episode is a must-listen. Learn more about Anika Schachtler at her and follow her on Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my ➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my of increasing your revenue 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 ➡️ Want to be the first to know when is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/resilientbydesign/id/35316215

Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

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