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.
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Stop Ignoring your Finances - Here's why its costing you with Danielle Hendon [Rebroadcast]
07/07/2026
Stop Ignoring your Finances - Here's why its costing you with Danielle Hendon [Rebroadcast]
Are you avoiding the numbers in your interior design business? In this rebroadcast episode, I revisit my conversation with Danielle Hendon of Four Corners CFO about profit, cash flow, financial planning, and why your bank account balance is not the full story. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re making more money but still feeling stressed, or why your business feels busy but not necessarily profitable, this episode will help you start looking at your numbers differently. Danielle explains why revenue and profit are not the same thing, why designers need to understand their project profitability, and how your finances can become a tool for better decision-making instead of something you avoid. We also talk about bookkeeping, tracking time, understanding expenses, preparing for feast-or-famine cash flow, and using your numbers to build a stronger, more sustainable business. This is the final rebroadcast before the podcast takes a short summer break. New episodes will be back soon. Episode Highlights: Why designers tend to avoid their numbers Why your bank account balance is not enough information The difference between revenue, profit, and cash flow How to think about revenue-generating costs versus operating expenses Why tracking your time matters for pricing How to review your year and plan ahead with more confidence Why understanding your numbers helps you lead like a CEO Episode Resources: : For the designer who’s done guessing, undercharging, or dreading “the money talk” and wants to start pricing profitably in just a few hours.
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Picking your Profitable Pricing Model [Rebroadcast]
06/30/2026
Picking your Profitable Pricing Model [Rebroadcast]
Are you busy… or are you actually profitable? In this rebroadcast episode, I’m revisiting an important conversation for interior designers who want to build a more sustainable business: how to choose a pricing model based on real numbers, not guesses. I share why revenue and profit are not the same thing, how to look at the different ways money comes into your business, and why your most profitable revenue stream may not be the one you expect. If you’ve ever wondered whether your design fees, implementation, consultations, or product resale are actually supporting your business, this episode will help you start looking at your numbers with more clarity. Episode Highlights: Why you need to look at profit, not just revenue How to identify your revenue streams Why tracking your time matters when choosing a pricing model How product resale and implementation can impact profitability A simple exercise to help you understand where your business makes the most money Episode Resources:
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Pricing Pushback: Managing Client Sticker Shock [Rebroadcast]
06/23/2026
Pricing Pushback: Managing Client Sticker Shock [Rebroadcast]
Have you ever sent a proposal to a potential client and then heard nothing back? In this rebroadcast episode, I’m revisiting an important conversation about pricing pushback, client objections, and the confidence it takes to talk about money in your interior design business. I share a personal lesson from my early days of testing a fixed-fee pricing model and what it taught me about communication, pre-qualifying, and setting expectations before the proposal ever lands in a client’s inbox. This episode is for you if you’ve ever second-guessed your fee, felt awkward talking about money, or wondered what to do when a potential client says, “That’s more than we expected.” In this episode, I share: Why pricing objections are normal, even as your business grows How to communicate your value before the proposal stage Why pre-qualifying clients helps reduce pricing pushback The importance of talking about money early in the process How to respond when a client questions your fee Why reducing the scope is not the same as discounting your value If you’ve ever felt that stomach-drop moment after sending a proposal, this episode will help you approach pricing conversations with more clarity, confidence, and leadership. This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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334. Stop Punishing yourself for taking time off
06/16/2026
334. Stop Punishing yourself for taking time off
Taking time off from your business should not mean cramming your calendar before you leave, checking emails from the dock, and coming back to complete chaos. In this episode, I dive into what it actually means to take time off from your interior design business without mentally carrying it with you the entire time. This is a conversation about boundaries, leadership, communication, and building a business that can function without constant access to you. I share the three ways designers often punish themselves around vacation: overloading the days before they leave, staying half available while they’re away, and coming back to a packed reentry that erases the rest they just had. If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking time off, worried that clients will think you don’t care, or found yourself answering emails even after setting an out-of-office reply, this episode will help you rethink what sustainable business ownership can look like. You’ll walk away with practical questions to ask before your next vacation, permission to create clearer boundaries, and a reminder that a calm business creates a better client experience. This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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333. How to Build a Six-Month Runway for Your Design Business
06/09/2026
333. How to Build a Six-Month Runway for Your Design Business
Are you making business decisions based on facts, or are you guessing and hoping things will work out? In this episode, I’m talking about how to build a six-month runway for your interior design business. This is one of the simplest ways to understand what it really costs to keep your business running and whether you have the financial stability to make decisions with confidence. I walk through the four cost buckets every designer should know: fixed costs, variable costs, invisible costs, and future costs. I also share how to calculate your monthly run rate, why paying yourself needs to be included, and how to compare your six-month runway number to what you actually have in the bank and in secured revenue. I share how to look at your business finances in a practical, non-intimidating way so you can plan ahead, prepare for slower seasons, and make better decisions about hiring, spending, scaling, and saying yes or no to projects. Episode Resources: This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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332. Who's Steering Your Business When You're Not There?
06/02/2026
332. Who's Steering Your Business When You're Not There?
What would happen if you took a week off from your business? Would projects continue moving forward, or would everything pause until you returned? In this episode, I explores one of the most common growth challenges for interior design business owners: becoming the bottleneck. From decision-making and client communication to process documentation and team leadership, I share three powerful shifts that can help you build a business that doesn't depend on you being involved in every detail. If you've ever struggled to unplug, felt overwhelmed by constant questions from your team, or wondered why your business can't seem to function without you, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: How to identify if you're the bottleneck in your business Why delegation is about ownership, not just tasks The importance of documenting your process How to create more freedom without sacrificing quality Why letting go of control is essential for growth This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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331. How Wholesale Furniture Collections Are Built for Designers
05/26/2026
331. How Wholesale Furniture Collections Are Built for Designers
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Jennifer Dewhirst, Director of Brand and Merchandising at Dovetail Furniture, for a behind-the-scenes look at how wholesale furniture collections are built for designers. Jennifer shares how Dovetail develops new collections twice a year, what goes into preparing for High Point Market, and how the team balances trendy pieces with timeless, well-made furniture that designers can rely on for years. They also talk about the current shift toward warmer wood tones, traditional silhouettes, richer colors, and more collected interiors, as well as the difference between European and North American furniture preferences. If you’ve ever wondered what happens before a furniture piece lands in a showroom, this episode gives you a rare look at the design, sourcing, merchandising, and decision-making behind the scenes. Rebecca and Jennifer discuss: How wholesale furniture collections are created What makes a piece timeless versus trendy Why quality and craftsmanship matter when sourcing How Dovetail responds to designer feedback Why High Point Market is so valuable for designers How to think about trends without creating dated interiors This conversation will help you source with more confidence, understand what goes into the products you specify, and think more strategically about the furniture you bring into your client projects. Episode Resources: Check out This episode is sponsored by Dovetail Furniture.
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Why Trade Day Is the Secret to a Smooth Design Project [Rebroadcast]
05/19/2026
Why Trade Day Is the Secret to a Smooth Design Project [Rebroadcast]
The effect Trade Day had on my business, the way this initial onboarding event sets the expectations and tone for the whole project cannot be overstated. But, take it from me, there are certain dos and don'ts that you need to take into account for it to be a real success. When done right, Trade Day can be your secret weapon but when done wrong, it can have far reaching consequences. I share a lesson I learned the hard way about a time where my lack of organization on Trade Day led to a result that negatively influenced the rest of the project. Learn from my mistakes and listen to this list of Best Practices that will show you how to set up a successful Trade Day, how that will instill confidence in you, your clients and your trades and why it is a way to showcase your entire process. You are the leader of this team and so take the opportunity of Trade Day to set your project up for success to reassure everyone that they are safe in your capable, professional hands. Episode Resources:
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330. Stop Overthinking Your Marketing (Your Pipeline Depends On It)
05/12/2026
330. Stop Overthinking Your Marketing (Your Pipeline Depends On It)
If your pipeline feels inconsistent, your inquiries have slowed down, or you keep putting marketing on the back burner while you focus on client work… this episode is for you. In today’s solo episode, I’m breaking down why overthinking your marketing may actually be hurting your business more than helping it. I’m sharing: Why your business operates on a lag The real reason feast-or-famine cycles happen Why visibility matters more than perfection The mistake I made when I stopped marketing during a busy season 3 simple content categories every designer can talk about How to create marketing that actually connects with potential clients Because the designers who build predictable businesses aren’t necessarily the most original… they’re the most consistent. Episode Resources: Save your spot in the next This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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329. Why Designers Struggle to Talk About Money with Dina Holland
05/05/2026
329. Why Designers Struggle to Talk About Money with Dina Holland
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. Episode Resources: You can find Dina Holland at her and on Instagram . This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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328. Why Your Business Feels So Up and Down (And How to Fix It)
04/28/2026
328. Why Your Business Feels So Up and Down (And How to Fix It)
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 you’re craving more consistency and stability in your business, it starts with what you do today. Episode Resources: This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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327. There are 3 Types of Design Firm Owners, which one are you?
04/21/2026
327. There are 3 Types of Design Firm Owners, which one are you?
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 Highlights: Why resourcefulness and adaptability can only take you so far What actually creates consistency in your pipeline and revenue How to shift from reactive decision-making to intentional growth The role structure plays in building a calm, sustainable design business Resources: This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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3 time blocking tips to start using today [Rebroadcast]
04/14/2026
3 time blocking tips to start using today [Rebroadcast]
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 structure focus, buffer, and free days How to map out your ideal week A simple daily habit to help you stay on track Time blocking doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small, stay consistent, and build from there. Learn more about Designers Room: Original Resources:
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326. Why Your Project Budgets Still Feel Off (And How to Fix Them)
04/07/2026
326. Why Your Project Budgets Still Feel Off (And How to Fix Them)
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 experience for interior designers: https://rebeccahay.com/waitlist This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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325. The Pivot That Scared Me (and what comes next)
03/31/2026
325. The Pivot That Scared Me (and what comes next)
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 you. Episode Resource: This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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The Dos and Don’ts of Hiring in your interior design firm with Laura Tolhoek [Rebroadcast]
03/24/2026
The Dos and Don’ts of Hiring in your interior design firm with Laura Tolhoek [Rebroadcast]
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:
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324. Was It A Bad Hire...Or Just Bad Onboarding?
03/17/2026
324. Was It A Bad Hire...Or Just Bad Onboarding?
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 you’ve ever felt burned by a hire that didn’t work out, this episode will shift how you think about leadership, delegation, and building your team. Episode Resources: This episode is sponsored by
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323. How to Offer High-End Design at Different Price Points
03/10/2026
323. How to Offer High-End Design at Different Price Points
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 luxury brand Offering smaller design packages with strong boundaries Why profitability has to be part of every design decision How to communicate clearly with clients from the start The role of team and operations in supporting growth Connect with Sarah: Instagram: @sarahstamandinteriordesign Website: stamanddesign.com Episode Resources: Learn more about Designers Room: A new coaching experience for interior designers: This episode is sponsored by . Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans.
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322. Stop Losing Money on Construction: Flat Fees, Procurement, and Boundaries
03/03/2026
322. Stop Losing Money on Construction: Flat Fees, Procurement, and Boundaries
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 about Renee Biery visit her , follow her on and listen to her podcast, .
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321. Why Your Business Feels Calm One Month and Chaotic the Next
02/24/2026
321. Why Your Business Feels Calm One Month and Chaotic the Next
One month your design business feels calm and steady. The next, it feels chaotic and uncertain. If you’ve ever experienced that swing, this episode is for you. Rebecca Hay unpacks the recurring cycle almost every interior designer faces: expansion followed by contraction. She explains why inconsistency doesn’t mean you’re failing and how a lack of structure, not a lack of talent, is usually the real issue. You’ll learn how to stop reacting to slow seasons, build systems that support you year-round, and shift from panic into leadership. Because calm in business isn’t constant momentum. It’s grounded structure.
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320. The 4 Systems Every Design Business Needs
02/17/2026
320. The 4 Systems Every Design Business Needs
If your design business feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. In this episode, Rebecca shares the three essential systems every successful interior design business needs: process, profitability, marketing, and leadership. You’ll hear real stories from her own journey, including what happened when she was booked out but losing money, why hiring didn’t work at first, and how building structure created confidence and ease. Talent isn’t enough. Instagram isn’t enough. Referrals aren’t enough. Sustainable success comes from strengthening the right systems. Which one have you been avoiding? Episode Resources: Save your spot in my new free workshop: The Predictability Framework: https://pop.rebeccahay.com/free-workshop/
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319. What I Learned Designing a $12 Million Home (and Working for a Luxury Designer)
02/10/2026
319. What I Learned Designing a $12 Million Home (and Working for a Luxury Designer)
Luxury isn’t louder. It’s calmer, quieter, and more confident. In this episode, Rebecca shares what she learned designing a home that sold for over $12 million and working for luxury designer Steven Taylor for five years. This isn’t about expensive finishes. It’s about premium service, trust, leadership, and building a process that makes clients feel taken care of. Rebecca also reflects on Steven’s passing in late 2025 and the lasting business lessons he left behind. Episode Highlights: Why luxury is really about service How premium clients think (and what they don’t care about) Why “trust is the currency” in high-end design What to stop over-explaining in presentations How a team makes you look more professional The mindset shift that helps you level up your clientele What’s one small change you could make to level up your service this month? A better process, a part-time hire, clearer boundaries, or simply going the extra mile in how cared for your clients feel? Resources: Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at .
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318. Owning your niche. How this HGTV winner turned her love for up-cycling into a thriving luxury design firm
02/03/2026
318. Owning your niche. How this HGTV winner turned her love for up-cycling into a thriving luxury design firm
HGTV Flea Market Flip winner and luxury designer Sarah Trop joins Rebecca for a candid conversation about owning your niche and building a design business that doesn’t follow the rules. Sarah shares how she turned her love of upcycling and storytelling into a thriving luxury design firm, why taking risks changed everything for her career, and how biophilic design helps create calmer, more meaningful homes. In this episode, they discuss risk vs. reward, working with different client personalities, designing with intention instead of trends, and why curated, sustainable spaces are becoming the new definition of luxury. This episode is a must-listen for designers who want to stand out, trust their instincts, and build a business rooted in purpose, creativity, and community. Episode Resources Learn more about Sarah Trop on her and follow her on . Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at .
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Scaling your business and growing your team with Regan Baker [Rebroadcast]
01/27/2026
Scaling your business and growing your team with Regan Baker [Rebroadcast]
Scaling a design firm eventually forces a decision: keep controlling everything, or build a team that can run without you in every detail. In this rebroadcast, Rebecca Hay talks with Regan Baker about the mindset shift and the operational structure that helped Regan step into the CEO role. They cover role clarity, team structure, meeting rhythms, documentation standards, and why record-keeping is one of the most underrated tools for client service and project momentum. In this episode: The 9–10 person “tipping point” and learning to let go How Regan structures teams and leadership inside her firm Why design managers protect the client experience Standards, site notes, and documentation that prevent chaos Hiring lessons and onboarding systems that scale If you’re ready to stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that can grow, this one’s for you.
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317. The Hidden Truth About Premium Clients
01/20/2026
317. The Hidden Truth About Premium Clients
Premium clients aren’t attracted by bigger portfolios, more followers, or higher prices. They’re attracted by leadership. In this episode, Rebecca breaks down why good designers often get stuck working with budget-conscious clients and how a clear, structured process is the real driver behind attracting premium ones. You’ll learn the key differences between budget and premium clients, why money isn’t the deciding factor, and how your intake, boundaries, and communication shape the clients you attract. If you’re ready to build a design business that feels aligned, confident, and sustainable, this episode will help you rethink how you lead clients from the very first interaction. Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at . New episodes air every Tuesday.
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316. A new chapter begins - Welcome to Season 7
01/13/2026
316. A new chapter begins - Welcome to Season 7
Season 7 of Resilient by Design opens with an honest conversation about what it really looks like to grow an interior design business beyond the early hustle years. If you’re busy, booked, and still exhausted, this episode is for you. Rebecca Hay shares why burnout is not a business model and why so many designers at the 2–5+ year mark feel successful on paper but overwhelmed behind the scenes. This episode sets the tone for the season ahead, focused on deeper support, real implementation, and building a business that supports your life, not consumes it. You’ll hear Rebecca reflect on the shift from collecting information to actually applying it, what it means to step into the CEO role of your design business, and what’s changing in Season 7. In this episode, we cover: Why burnout is so common in the interior design industry What changes after the 2–5 year mark in business CEO mindset, pricing confidence, and boundaries Building sustainable systems for long-term growth What to expect this season on Resilient by Design Looking for a place to start? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at . New episodes air every Tuesday.
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315. Closing Out 2025: A Heartfelt Message for Designers Ready for Their Next Season
12/25/2025
315. Closing Out 2025: A Heartfelt Message for Designers Ready for Their Next Season
As we close out 2025, this episode is a pause. A moment to step back from the deadlines, the launches, the site visits, and the constant push to do more—and instead reflect on how far you’ve come. In this special holiday episode, Rebecca shares a heartfelt message for designers who showed up again and again this year. The ones who raised their rates, made hard decisions, took real rest, or simply kept going when things felt heavy. This isn’t about setting new goals or pushing harder. It’s about recognizing the growth that doesn’t always show up on paper and giving yourself permission to rest, reflect, and trust what’s next. In this episode: Why resilience isn’t about hustle, but consistency and heart The quiet wins that matter more than big milestones What it means to close out a year with intention A look ahead to the next season of Resilient by Design Thank you for being part of this community. We’ll see you in January for a brand new season. Episode Resource: 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 the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!
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314. How Successful Designers Plan Their Year: My Proven Step-by-Step Goal Setting System
12/18/2025
314. How Successful Designers Plan Their Year: My Proven Step-by-Step Goal Setting System
If you want 2026 to feel more intentional and less reactive, this episode is your reset. In this guided Year in Review + Goal Setting workshop, I walk interior designers through my proven system to reflect on the year, review key numbers without overwhelm, and set clear goals you can actually execute. Grab a notebook, pull up your calendar, and follow along. Episode Highlights: The year-end reflection questions that reveal wins, challenges, and money makers The “Repeat vs. Never Repeat” exercise to guide next year’s decisions What to review financially (even if you’ve avoided it) and why gross revenue matters How to calculate your consultation conversion rate How to plan your year backwards based on project size and goals Time blocking basics (free days, buffer days, focus days) The mindset shift: act like the future version of you today Episode Resource: 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 the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!
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313. Why Designers Need More Than a Course — And The Shift I’m Making in 2026
12/11/2025
313. Why Designers Need More Than a Course — And The Shift I’m Making in 2026
Real growth doesn’t come from another course; it comes from consistency, mentorship, and staying connected to the work long enough to see the transformation. In this episode, Rebecca shares the moment she realized she needed to simplify even further in her business…and the big shift she’s making in 2026 to support designers at a deeper level. You'll hear: • Why courses alone don’t create long-term results • The power of choosing your “one thing” • What truly moves a design business forward • How to think about your next level heading into the new year Download Rebecca’s free Discovery Call Script: rebeccahay.com/discovery Book Recommendations: 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!
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312. Stop Shopping Retail: How Wholesale Vendor Partnerships Boost Profit in Your Design Business
12/04/2025
312. Stop Shopping Retail: How Wholesale Vendor Partnerships Boost Profit in Your Design Business
Still buying retail? It’s killing your margins. In this episode, Rebecca talks with John Genova of Dovetail Furniture about the real profit advantages of sourcing wholesale and why strong vendor partnerships are essential as your design business grows. You’ll learn how to choose the right trade vendors, what to look for at markets, how MAP pricing protects you, and why reliable partners can simplify your workflow and boost your bottom line. Designers in their growth years will take away practical steps for improving profitability through smarter sourcing. This episode was sponsored by . 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 the next episode drops? Don't forget to to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!
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