What do you do when a contractor goes rogue?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story from one of our Growth Q&A calls, where a new contractor undercut a designer’s pricing, bypassed communication boundaries, and caused major headaches on the job. It’s a cautionary tale, and I’m walking you through exactly how to prevent it from happening to you.

You’ll learn how to set expectations upfront, stay in control of your projects, and protect your income and reputation—even when a “bad contractor” tries to take over.

In this episode, I cover:

• The red flags to watch for when working with new GCs or subs
• How to hold your ground and finish the project without drama
• Why setting expectations before the job starts protects everyone
• What to include in a contractor “statement of work”
• How to regain control and protect your reputation

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you starting projects without a profit plan, and hoping it all works out?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the biggest reason designers under-earn: jumping into jobs without clarity on time, money, or scope. If you’ve ever found yourself discounting an invoice or redesigning a project just to meet the client’s “idea” of a budget, this one’s for you.

You’ll learn how to plan for profit before you ever write a letter of agreement, plus how to calculate fees, define deliverables, and set strong boundaries that keep your income intact.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why skipping planning is silently killing your profit
• The simple switch that keeps money from leaking out of your invoices
• What every designer needs to calculate a profitable design fee
• The power of client-approved budgets and clear deliverables
• How the Snapshot program helps you master all of this in just 6 months

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are tariffs, rising costs, or slow-paying clients eating into your design income?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really takes to protect your profits, especially in unpredictable times. From tariff increases on imports to client ghosting and weak pricing strategies, I’m showing you exactly where money leaks from your business and how to plug them.
You’ll learn how to price with clarity, create healthy profit margins, and write solid letters of agreement that protect your time and income, even when the unexpected happens.

In this episode, I cover:

• How new tariff hikes could impact your furniture orders
• What to add to your purchase proposals now
• Why sharing discounts is hurting your business
• The 4 things every profitable job setup must include
• A new 6-month training to help you price and protect every job

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Feeling uncertain about your next move in business—or life?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to build unshakable confidence, even when things around you feel unstable. From rising costs and unpredictable markets to self-doubt and hesitation, I’ll show you how to shift from fear into action and clarity.
You’ll learn how to make decisions that move your business forward, attract better opportunities, and keep your profits intact—no shrinking, no discounting, no backing down.

In this episode, I cover:

• The mindset shift that turns uncertainty into opportunity
• Why “shrinking to fit” never works
• How to stop discounting and start leading
• The role of clarity and vision in creating confidence
• How to say yes to new opportunities—even when they look different

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Feeling the weight of uncertainty in your design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m offering a no-fluff reality check on what’s happening in the design industry—and how to lead your business through it with strength and clarity.

From economic shifts and rising costs to client hesitation and self-doubt, I’m sharing the mindset tools and practical strategies you need to stay visible, profitable, and confident, even when the market feels shaky.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to stop letting fear make your business decisions
• What top designers do when the market gets weird
• The myth that clients “aren’t spending” right now
• Why visibility is your biggest asset in a downturn
• The free masterclass that will show you how to future-proof your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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What do you do when a client insists on making design choices you can’t stand behind?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories and tough lessons from my early design career, including the moment I decided I’d never again let a client push me into delivering something I couldn’t be proud of.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job where the client’s taste goes against your design principles, this episode will help you navigate it with confidence, ethics, and clarity.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to respond when the client insists on “bad” design
• The moment I learned to say “no” and protect my brand
• What to put in your letter of agreement to avoid blame
• How to gracefully back out of a job without burning bridges
• Why honoring your aesthetic is essential to long-term success

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you struggling to consistently find great clients for your interior design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the real reasons designers struggle with client attraction, and how to turn it around. Whether you think you don’t have time, can’t afford to market, or simply don’t know where to start, I’ve got the mindset shifts and proven strategies you need to get clients in the door.
If you’re tired of relying on luck, waiting for referrals, or feeling like the best-kept secret in your city, this episode will give you the tools to confidently grow your visibility and your business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why “I don’t have time to market” is a mindset trap
• The real difference between marketing and advertising
• How to network without sounding salesy
• What to say when someone asks you for free design advice
• How to re-engage past clients and become referral-worthy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are endless client revisions derailing your design projects?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing how boundary issues and a lack of Systems are at the root of most revision chaos. I’ll walk you through a real story of a talented kitchen designer whose client just kept changing her mind—and how it all could have been avoided with the right structure in place.
If you’ve ever been trapped in revision after revision, struggling to say no or draw the line, this episode will show you exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to protect your time (and profit).

In this episode, I cover:

• Why revisions go off the rails
• How to stop resenting your clients
• The boundary script that makes you look generous and professional
• How to handle “one more little change” without giving your time away
• Why revisions need to be limited in your letter of agreement

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you feel like you're always putting out fires in your design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m showing you how Systems create freedom—not restriction. By treating every task like a one-off event, you end up stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed. But when you put repeatable processes in place, everything changes.
I’ll walk you through the mindset shift required to embrace Systems, explain what Systems really are (hint: you’re already using them in your daily life!), and reveal how to offload work to your team while still maintaining creative control.
If you’re ready to step out of burnout mode and build a business that runs with more ease, this episode is your roadmap.

In this episode, I cover:

• What a “Systems mindset” actually means
• The difference between structure and rigidity
• The 4-phase design process you can apply to every job
• Why you don’t have to do it all yourself
• How Systems let you delegate while still delivering your signature quality

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you saying “yes” to small design jobs just to be nice—or to avoid a slow season?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the real cost of people pleasing and how it undermines your time, energy, and business growth. Whether you’re helping a past client with a hallway light or hustling through low-paying work out of fear, these yeses are likely blocking you from the bigger jobs you really want.

I’ll show you how to shift your mindset, set a strong minimum fee boundary, and stop letting guilt or fear run your business.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tiny jobs or pressured to take work that doesn’t serve you, this episode will help you take back control.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why people pleasing blocks profitable opportunities
• The mindset trap of “I should help”
• How small jobs sabotage big ones
• How to implement a minimum design fee boundary
• What to say when a past client asks for “just a quick thing”

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you giving away your time and talent in the name of overdelivering?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re digging into a sneaky habit that’s hurting your profitability—overdelivering to clients. Whether it’s showing too many design options, re-researching selections, or trying to “earn” your fees after the fact, these actions can backfire and actually lower your perceived value.
I’ll show you how to set respectful boundaries, build trust, and get paid what you’re worth—without burning out.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much for too little in return, this episode is your roadmap to reclaim your time, energy, and income.

In this episode, I cover:

• The hidden cost of overdelivering at the concept stage
• How your money mindset might be sabotaging your boundaries
• The truth about client “choice addiction”
• What happens when you don’t stand behind your letter of agreement
• The small conversation that leads to big respect

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you constantly working evenings and weekends—only to feel like you’re barely keeping up?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving into the real reason your schedule feels out of control: poor boundaries around your time. Terri Taylor shares why time—not money—is your most valuable asset, and how reclaiming it is the first step toward a balanced, thriving design business.

If you’re tired of feeling stretched thin and want to get your evenings (and your peace of mind) back, this episode is for you. You’ll learn actionable strategies for honoring your time, setting boundaries with clients, and staying on track with your goals—without guilt.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why time is more valuable than money—and how to protect it
• How to spot “time leaks” that drain your energy and profit
• Client behaviors that hijack your calendar (and how to stop them)
• A simple hack to keep sourcing decisions from spiraling
• Why saying “no” is a powerful business strategy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you struggle with billing your design services—or even asking to be paid at all?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving deep into why charging what you're worth is so hard—and what to do about it. From emotional blocks to inherited beliefs, this issue is more than a numbers problem. It’s about boundaries, mindset, and reclaiming your value as a design professional.

If you've ever overdelivered without billing for it, or felt paralyzed when it's time to send an invoice, this episode will show you a new way forward. I’ll share practical insights and real-world strategies for transforming your billing process—and your self-worth.

In this episode, I cover:

• The emotional and historical roots of undercharging
• Why designers consistently overdeliver (and don’t get paid for it)
• How to stop self-sabotaging your invoices
• A proven “hack” to simplify pricing and eliminate billing guilt

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you unknowingly leaking money in your design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the five biggest ways interior designers leave money on the table—and how to stop it. From underbidding jobs to misusing retail vendors and clinging to hourly billing, we’ll explore common money mistakes and the mindset shifts you need to run a truly profitable design business.

If you've ever found yourself working overtime with little to show for it, struggling with product margins, or hesitating to set proper fees, this episode is for you. Learn how to plug the leaks and design a business that pays you what you’re worth.

In this episode, I cover:

• The #1 reason your margins keep disappearing (and how to fix it)
• The budgeting mistake that almost guarantees a re-do
• How retail vendors sabotage your profits
• The truth about hourly billing and why it’s costing you
• What your money mindset has to do with it all

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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What if I told you your client’s budget probably isn’t real?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the truth behind client budgets—and why taking them at face value can lead to disaster. You’ll learn how to avoid the “design trap,” stop underquoting yourself, and lead with confidence (and real numbers).

If you’ve ever been caught in the middle of a project where the budget didn’t match the scope—or worse, where you became the “bad guy” for costing too much—this episode will change the way you do business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why most client budgets are just guesses (and what to do instead)
• The costly trap of selling too early
• How to talk about money with confidence
• A better way to scope projects and protect your time
• Why Phase One Agreements save you time, stress, and money

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Even the best clients can turn difficult—and when they do, it’s often unexpected, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real-world experiences and powerful tools to help you navigate client challenges with grace, confidence, and strong professional boundaries.

You’ll learn how to spot red flags early, how to protect your time and energy, and why holding firm to your systems and agreements isn’t just good business—it’s essential for your wellbeing.

If you’ve ever struggled with indecisive clients, passive-aggressive couples, or late-night panic calls about backorders, this episode is your toolkit.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to recognize and respond to emotionally charged clients
• The importance of boundaries and clear contracts
• Scripts and strategies to de-escalate drama
• Why standing firm earns you more respect (and better clients)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you second-guess your skills—even after landing an amazing client or completing a successful project?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving deep into the difference between true confidence and imposter syndrome. Terri Taylor reveals how imposter thoughts sneak into even the most experienced designer’s mind and what to do when perfectionism, self-doubt, or over-delivery start taking the wheel.

From identifying the “superhero” and “natural genius” mindset traps to practical strategies for shifting your thoughts and building authentic confidence, this episode is packed with real talk and proven tools.

In this episode, I cover:

• The five imposter syndrome archetypes—and how to recognize them
• How to rewire your thought patterns and retrain your brain
• Why journaling your wins is more powerful than you think
• The real reason perfectionism backfires (and what to do instead)
• A simple visualization practice that builds unstoppable confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Ever feel stuck when it comes to charging what you’re really worth?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes story of a real designer breaking through her “money ceiling”—that invisible limit you set for yourself about what you believe clients will pay you.

You’ll hear exactly how we crafted a high-end offer, rewrote the letter of agreement five times to meet a luxury client’s expectations, and walked confidently into a project that paid more than double what the designer initially believed was possible.

If you’ve ever hesitated to charge more—even when you know you’re worth it—this is the episode that will help you stretch into the next level.

In this episode, I cover:

• What a “money ceiling” is and why it holds you back
• How to structure a high-end project with luxury-level clarity
• The power of detailed contracts in building confidence and trust
• Why personal mindset shifts matter more than market pricing
• What happens after you step into your worth (and ask for it)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Ever wonder why purchase orders matter so much—even if your vendor already gives you one?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down everything designers need to know about purchase orders. From avoiding costly mistakes to qualifying for top-tier vendor relationships, this episode is your blueprint for professional, profitable systems that support your business at every level.

If you’ve ever scribbled an order on a sticky note or relied on a vendor’s invoice as your record, this is your wake-up call. I’m sharing the real risks, the financial wins, and the step-by-step clarity you need to implement purchase orders the right way.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why vendor invoices aren’t enough
• The real cost of running blind (and how to fix it)
• What makes purchase orders a contract—and a safeguard
• How to double-check every charge and stop profit leaks
• The systems that unlock vendor trust, credibility, and profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you feel guilty for carrying business debt—or worry that it means you’ve failed?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking the emotional weight we often attach to debt and giving you a new framework to understand the difference between destructive debt and strategic debt.

You’ll learn how to reframe those old messages about money, and see why smart, planned debt can be your ally in business growth. I’m sharing real stories, practical steps to tackle credit card debt, and how to use debt as a tool without shame—so you can keep building a thriving, profitable design business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Where guilt and shame about debt really come from
• The difference between good debt and overspending
• How I used SBA loans and credit lines to grow my business
• A step-by-step strategy to pay down credit card debt
• How to celebrate progress and stay empowered

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Do you struggle with setting boundaries around your design fees?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing exactly how to set clear, confident design fee boundaries that protect your time, increase your profit, and keep your clients happy. If you’ve ever felt like your projects are dragging on, your client is asking for more than they paid for, or you're stuck doing design work that wasn't in the original agreement—this is for you.

I’ll walk you through the structure of a powerful letter of agreement, how to communicate scope, and how to set expectations that serve both you and your clients.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why a clear scope of work helps everyone succeed
• The minimum fee that actually covers your time
• How to avoid scope creep with firm meeting and selection limits
• The importance of clear money milestones (and how to set them)
• Why boundaries lead to better client relationships and more profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Have you gotten a surprise tariff bill—and wondered what just happened?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sounding the alarm on the reality of tariffs and how they’re affecting designers right now. From unexpected charges at the dock to vendors quietly adding 15% to your invoices, these issues can destroy your margins—and your momentum—if you’re not paying attention.

If you're unsure how to protect your business and your clients through this changing landscape, this episode gives you the heads-up and strategy you need to lead with confidence and stay profitable.

In this episode, I cover:

• Real stories from designers facing surprise tariffs
• How vendors may be slipping in fees—and how to catch it
• Why clarity, calm, and boundaries are non-negotiable
• The #1 mindset trap that will leave you powerless
• What your policy on tariffs needs to include (and why)

Register to watch the free webinar replay: https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/adapt-future-proof-tariffs/
Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Tariffs are here, and they’re affecting more than just prices.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to navigate the ripple effects of tariffs on your design business, especially when it comes to client communication, purchase proposals, and protecting your profit margins.

You’ll learn how to talk to clients when pricing changes unexpectedly, what to include in your contracts to protect yourself, and how to think outside the box when your go-to products are no longer available or affordable. It’s not just about managing change, it’s about leading through it with clarity, boundaries, and confidence.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why tariffs are a communication—not just pricing—issue
  
  
• What to say to clients (and what not to!)
  
  
• How to audit and protect open purchase orders
  
  
• Key clauses to add to your letters of agreement
  
  
• The mindset shift that makes you a trusted leader, not a stressed-out designer

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Have you ever felt like pulling back, hesitating, or waiting for things to “settle down”?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about the mindset of hesitation—why it shows up in uncertain times and how to shift out of it before it stalls your growth. If you’ve found yourself shrinking, playing it safe, or holding your breath in your design business lately, this one’s for you.

I’m sharing how hesitation sabotages momentum, why visibility matters more now than ever, and how to lean into leadership when everyone else is stepping back. Plus, I’ll show you how this could actually be the best time to grow.

In this episode, I cover:

• What hesitation really is and where it leads
  
  
• How fear-based thinking derails your momentum
  
  
• Why now is the time to increase your visibility
  
  
• How to build trust through consistency
  
  
• What to do to protect your business from tariff-related price swings

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Are you ready to take control of your pricing strategy and run a more profitable, stress-free design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm sharing the four foundational rules every designer needs to understand and implement when it comes to pricing their services and products. These rules will help you separate your services clearly, get paid upfront, eliminate financial risk, and avoid frustrating client pushback. If you've ever been confused about how to present pricing, when to collect payment, or how to avoid being treated like a personal shopper, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why design and purchasing should always be treated as separate services
  
  
• How to set up payments so you get paid before you start
  
  
• The exact paperwork you need to stay protected (and profitable!)
  
  
• Why “cost plus” pricing is a trap—and what to do instead
  
  

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

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