Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

In this episode, I walk through what we do in my design business when a project phase comes to a close. We like to call it a post-project review.

This is a very powerful debrief where we sit down as a team, look back at the phase or project, and analyze what went well, what didn't go well, and what we can improve on.

This is a great exercise to help you constantly improve your process and business practices for the next projects ahead.

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Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/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 Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Waiting for Power of Process? Get on the waitlist: https://rebeccahay.com/powerofprocess/

In this episode, I sat down with TV reporter turned designer and POP Alumni, Shirlee Engel. We chatted about her transition into her second career and about her journey to running her own interior design business.

This episode will resonate with you if you are someone who wants or has just recently left a previous career to run their own interior design business.

About Shirlee

Shirlee Engel is the founder and principal designer of Shirlee Interiors in Ottawa, Canada. Shirlee is the daughter of an architect and realtor who specializes in high-end homes with artistic flair. She has always had an eye and appreciation for great interior design.

Over two decades as a television journalist and communications strategist, family and friends often sought Shirlee's design and decor advice. Little did she know where it would lead her.

Through the episode, Shirlee openly shares how she left a very comfortable and successful career as a tv reporter with Global News after 15 years and is now beginning to grow her design business. She is currently in the stage of her business where she's finding ways to get income to pay the bills and be profitable. 

Shirlee also shares what has made her transition possible and easier, and the resources she's found along the way. 

"Believe in yourself because if you don't no one else will. Yes, you can have imposter syndrome and if you're in your business and not feeling it anymore just believe there's a better way and be open to that."

"Get out of your own way. I can't tell you how many times I build up in my head how overwhelmed I am. and when I just stop and sit down and do it it gets done."

- Shirlee Engel

You can connect with Shirlee on Instagram @designedbyshirlee or on her website at Shirleeinteriors.com. 

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Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/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 Pricing with Confidence course 

➡️ Waiting for Power of Process? Get on the waitlist: https://rebeccahay.com/powerofprocess/

Let’s talk about calculating project costs! This episode will help you answer the question almost every client asks “how much will my project costs”.

I dive into how you can find out what it costs to decorate or renovate a space without relying on simple guessing or giving the client a number that isn’t fair or profitable for your business.

As a business owner, I’m always looking for a better way for the aspects of my business where I feel there can be room for improvement. In this episode, I share an excellent method of pricing projects I learned from a designer inside my Designers Room membership that has proved incredibly effective. 

I also talk about an eye-opening exercise I did with my team during our most recent year-end review that I recommend you do so that you can price your projects with confidence! 

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our course:

➡️ Waiting for Power of Process? Get on the waitlist: https://rebeccahay.com/powerofprocess/

A real Groundhog Day moment on the podcast - We're rebroadcasting a fantastic episode from Season 2 with the knowledgeable and inspiring Sascha Lafleur of West of Main!

We decided to reshare this episode because Sascha's business journey is quite motivating. Right now, everything feels a little shaky with the uncertain economy, which most of starting to feel. So to reinvigorate you, we want to remind you that you are craft and CAN maintain and grow your business by investing back into it and staying resilient. 

We truly hope this episode motivates you! xo

Download our free resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script: https://rebeccahay.com/discovery/

➡️ Stay confident from beginning to end with my Consultation Checklist: https://rebeccahay.com/consultationchecklist/

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue: https://rebeccahay.com/revenue/

➡️ Waiting for Power of Process? Get on the waitlist: https://rebeccahay.com/powerofprocess/

In this episode, I had the pleasure to interview the lovely Sascha Lafleur of West of Main. We got to talking all about scaling your business and virtually servicing your clients.

Sascha Lafleur, co-founder and principal designer at West of Main, has had a passion for design for as long as she can remember. She attributes her creative flare and an abundance of artistic energy to early influence by her immediate family, which includes woodworkers, builders, artists, and fashionistas.

Sascha studied communications before moving to Montreal to study interior design; a city that fostered a strong design aesthetic that she carries to this day. Her personal style is collected, romantic, and traveled, inspired by nature, culture, and “the stories and connections behind the artistry.” In the albeit temporary absence of world travel, Sascha looks to books, social media, and films for timeless and thoughtful inspirations for her trademark style.
This celebrated, local, and international award-winning designer is known today for curating thoughtfully layered, traveled designs. Sascha started West of Main Design in Ottawa where she is committed to co-designing spaces that are a true reflection of her clients’ lifestyles and passions, and ones that will carry them through not just today, but for years to come.
Today, her award-winning firm continues to expand as Sascha leads corporate and full-scale residential projects across North America westofmaindesign.com.

Sascha and I had a very real conversation about how she grew her business in 6 short years. She goes into detail about her background and journey, and how she managed to do all this in a short amount of time by investing in her people. Sascha spoke about how growing a business is like taking a leap of faith in people, investing in people, because it’s 10x harder to do it all yourself!

The second part of our chat was all about servicing clients virtually which is something a lot of designers are apprehensive about. The fear is that you won’t be able to provide the same client experience virtually and then you get stuck with an unprofitable business model. Sascha goes into detail about how her companies service people online or remotely, while still offering full-service design. She says communication is key and have an exceptionally detailed presentation package every time you chat with a remote client is vital!

I absolutely loved my chat with Sascha and had so many “AHA” moments and takeaways that I want to start doing with my team.

Enjoy our chat! & Let me know what else you’d like to hear on the podcast. I’m here to help our design community!

xo, Rebecca

You can find Sascha on Instagram @westofmain & @westofmainshoppe.

This episode is all about money but more specifically about being profitable.

In this episode, I dive into what really matters when you want to be profitable, especially right now in a recession.

Profitability means that there's money left over in the bank after you pay yourself, and my free tip for you is, always pay yourself first (something I never used to do that I've learned and has made a world of difference).

The goal of this episode is to simplify things for you by explaining the 2 things you need to focus on and understand to become or stay profitable: Increase your sales & decrease your expenses. During the episode, I share different ways you can keep track of your finances, maintain expenses without having them creep up on you, and get creative to increase your revenue.

If you're interested in learning the numbers in your business and want an introduction to "accounting 101" listen to Episode 96 and download the freebie>>

In this episode I dive into the process I use to hire the right fit. I'm sharing what I've learned over the years, from lots of trial and error, and what I've improved on in the last 18 months.

I'll be sharing details of my hiring process that will benefit both business owners who are looking to grow their teams, as well as anyone trying to break into the design industry and get hired at a design firm.

As you know I never really worked in corporate, so hiring is something that I have had to learn as I needed for my business. Over time I've made small tweaks that have helped me feel confident and hire the right people for the right roles. I talk you through my exact process and share some key interview questions and practices that have helped me build a solid team.

One of the biggest questions I get is "How do I know WHEN I need to hire", I dive deeper into this in Episode 8. 

If you want to know more about mistakes I've made while hiring in the past, give Episode 55 a listen. 

In the first official episode of season 4 of the Resilient by Design Podcast, I’m joined by 2 powerhouse women, Abagail Humphrey & Emylee Williams, in a riveting conversation where we cover it all and then some. Abagail, Emylee, and I share a passion for systems and processes and we talk all about growing your business in an internal and smart way.

This incredible conversation covers a large gamut of business topics, while Abagail and Emylee share a realistic approach to growing a business while taking into consideration the economy we find ourselves in. If you’re looking to grow your business but you’re thinking, “the world is changing shouldn’t affect me”… well, this episode is for you!

During the conversation, we got into all things economic times along with the power of having a core service offering and how this can help you gain new and returning clients. These two women have an incredible knack for understanding the power of systems and really communicating the importance of that in your business and your sales focus. We dive into the distinction between repeat and brand-new clients, and share how investing in repeat clients will give you the most bang for your buck. 

There are so many more topics in this episode like, regularly increasing your rates so that you can pay for everything but still remain profitable, focusing on your client, having front and back-end offerings, and much more. 

You’ll definitely want to take notes on this one or give listen to it a couple of times to catch all of the juicy nuggets.

If you want to connect with Abagail and Emylee, you can visit their website at www.bossproject.com or tune into their amazing podcast, Strategy Hour.

As always I’m curious what you think of this episode and what resonates with you, so send me a DM on Instagram or join our Designer Meet-up Facebook Group!

If you're looking for ways to generate a quick infusion of cash, check out our newest resource, here.

Welcome to Season 4

Wow, I can’t believe we’re on season 4 - it's been 2.5 years and I love that we’re still doing this podcast! Today I’m sharing with you my hopes and dreams for 2023 and hopefully inspire you to reach for your hopes, dreams, and goals.

I really want you to remember one thing: It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to start.

As creatives, we tend to hold ourselves back because we want it to be beautiful, but as you’ll learn, it is the message that matters. The rest will come with time.

Remember that you won’t reach your goals if you’re holding for the right time. Just start.

Be it taking baby steps or kicking your behind into gear.

So take on 2023 with purpose and intention and start taking action.

This episode brings back another past guest who is full of knowledge, Etel Igreda! In our first chat, we talked about setting up your design business for financial success. Listen to episode 54 to listen to our first interview.

In this episode, Etel and I chatted about how to prepare your business for the end of a fiscal year so that you can get into that headspace to prepare yourself to close out one year and start off a new one feeling confident.

During our conversation, we talked about the difference between a calendar and fiscal year, sole proprietor versus incorporating, and the numbers you need to look at specifically to prepare for the end of the year.

I shared my experience from over the years on this topic - good and bad, and we even had a little fun as Etel quizzed me on some terminology and how the financials work. Spoiler alert: I did not get all of the answers right  - this just indicates how much more there is to learn! But I’ll get there!

This episode is for you if you’re looking to get a handle on your finances and start off your new year more knowledgeable and with a strong game plan.

You can connect with Etel on Instagram @blossomcpa, on her website, and via email at etel@blossomcpa.ca.

If you’re interested in listening to more about taxes and other financial topics, send me a DM or join our Facebook group and let’s have this conversation inside our community.

This episode is all about your end-of-year prep! Recently I did a Candid Corner where I shared the key metrics that I look at to review my year and assess what worked and what didn’t.

Every year I take the time to sit and review my year before I set out to plan ahead.  You have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going, right?

In this episode, I share what I’m doing now to review my 2022 year and plan ahead and have a strong start to 2023. I strongly recommend that you take time to review your year because it can only help you!

It’s about seeing where your projects came from and how profitable of a year it was.

I do this every single year, and every year it looks a little different. If you want to learn more and learn how to do a deeper dive into reviewing your year, the following 2020 and 2021 episodes are a must-listen:

• Episode 40 - Get your business ready for 2021 Part 1: Your Year in Review
• Episode 41 - Get your business ready for 2021 Part 2: Set your goals for the new year
• Episode 88 - Back to Basics. Let’s set some goals!
• Episode 89 - Annual Company Planning Part 1
• Episode 90 - Annual Company Planning Part 2

If these types of episodes resonate with you, send me a DM on Instagram, post in our Facebook community, or leave a sweet review for the podcast!

Today's episode is extra long but extra good! I had the opportunity to sit down once more with the talented Adrian Ramsay! A few months ago I had the privilege of being a guest on his podcast, TALKDesign, and I enjoyed our conversation so much that I told him he had to be on mine!

We had an in-depth and great conversation about the biggest elephant in the room, the state of the economy! Adrian, having been in this business over for 22 years, gave us his insights about what's been happening, what we should pay attention to, and what we can do to ensure that our businesses can survive during the economic downturn.

We chatted about so many exceptional topics in this episode, including what Adrian calls a concept called the Emotional Floorplan, and how to get clients to openly share their non-negotiables.

We further talk about the historical fact that design and construction are the hardest hit industries in an economic downturn and how getting to truly know your client and niching down your marketing is key to surviving it. 

And if you're curious about our first encounter on his podcast, go give it a listen on the TALKDesign Podcast, here.

Nugget of Wisdom:

Having a network. Having a process. Having people to rely on, to call on, and they will share with you. Even if they feel like a competition, they will share for your success - as we should be now. That community in 12 months' time will be the lifeline that is going to make a difference for you. 

Adrian Ramsay

Connect with Adrian on Instagram @adrianramsay, on his podcast TALKDesign.show, and at www.ardesignhouse.com. 

In this episode, I decided to record my time with my good friend, coach, cheerleader and returning podcast guest, Lisa Canning. In our chat, we decided to do a deep dive into mindset and how your thoughts could be costing you money in your business.

We are in a weird and very uncertain economic time, and as business owners, this inspires uneasy feelings and often makes us pull back from reinvesting in our business. But it doesn't have to feel that way. This episode is for you if you're looking for opportunities to change your mindset, grow your business, and say goodbye to the scarcity mindset.

You have a choice in how you think. Thoughts about the economy and thoughts about your biz are all optional.

How you think about the future and how you behave in the present, you have power! You are not powerless over how you react to any situation in your life. You are more powerful than you think you are.

 

- Lisa Canning

You can find Lisa on Instagram @lisacanning or connect with her on her website.

Learn more about our Winter Designer Retreat at rebeccahay.com/retreat

In this episode, we take you back inside our community of designers as we share another episode of Candid Corner.

In this episode, Rebecca answers community questions from inside our Designer Meet-up Facebook group and tackles topics like getting your clients to trust your design choices and how to deal with when a client tries to negotiate your fees.

If you want to take part and watch our Candid Corner sessions live every Wednesday, join our Facebook Community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/386543625374544 

This episode is the very first time we’ve ever shared a recording of a live event! What you’re about to tune into is a panel talk from the in-person Designer Meet-up we hosted on November 10 2022 in Toronto, Canada.

I was joined by 3 amazing panelists and we focused on busting the myths behind offering full-service design. We get this question a lot - “What does offering full-service design mean?” So in this panel, we uncovered it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly!

Meet the Panelists

Mia Parres

Mia moved her love of set design to become an on-camera host and designer for HGTV Canada. She is currently a designer behind the scenes for Farmhouse Facelift on HGTV!

Jaclyn Genovese

Are you ready? This episode is part 2 of my debrief and round table talk about attending High Point Market Fall 2022. 

This episode is the second half of our talk where we dive into the trends we came across, the awesome vendors, and the showrooms we loved the most!

I am once again joined by 3 wonderful humans, Laura Thornton, Jennifer Muirhead, and Jocelyn Polce - because instead of taking on the market by myself like in the past, I met up with these lovely ladies and we did it 10x better, and together.

Listen in as we walk you through the trends and our most favorite parts and experiences at High Point.

Today’s episode is extra special because I was able to sit down and chat with 3 spectacular designers about our experience attending High Point Market.

In this episode, I am joined by Laura Thornton, Jennifer Muirhead, and Jocelyn Polce for part 1 of our round table share and discussion on our experience. 

We just got back last week from the market and we really wanted to answer the question each of us has heard before “is it worth it”. In this episode we share our individual experiences, tips on how to prepare and tricks to getting around and navigating the entire event. 

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming next week where we’ll dive into all of the design trends we saw!

In this episode I had the opportunity with the fantastic PR Manager turned marketing and growth strategist AND phenomenal businesswoman, Natasha Ho! She helps creative entrepreneurs cut back on their working hours in half while doubling their income - because we all deserve a little break and to have our businesses work FOR us.

In this episode, we talk about mindset and skillset and how you want both to hone in on what you're going to do so that you can do it with joy, and passion, and make more money!

Through the episode we chat about her journey and how she's been able to bring forth all of the things she loves doing, like cooking, traveling, and hosting retreats, with her desire to help other entrepreneurs scale back their time commitment but still grow a business and an income! This episode is for you if you are tired of the constant hustle and want to take back some time for you to do the things you love without sacrificing the success of your business.

A Mantra to live by: Be bold play first and live free

The way I approach everything in my life and in my business, I move toward things I desire with boldness. I always remember that play is most important. So play and have fun first.  And live life with freedom and joy!

Natasha Ho

You can find and connect with Natasha on Instagram at @heynatashaboo, join her Facebook group, or visit her website where you can also find her unique freebie that will help you convert those DMs on social into real conversations with potential clients.

In this rebroadcast episode, I share my sit down with the talented and multi-passionate Mia Parres of Mia Parres Designs and talk all about the entrepreneurial journey that led her from HGTV to her own design business, to a brand new business venture.

Mia is the Principal Designer of Mia Parres Design, a high-end residential design firm based out of the Beaches in Toronto, Canada, with clients all over the GTA, Muskoka, and Cayman. 

From new builds to full home renovations, to furniture packages and styling, MPD thoughtfully blends coastal California with contemporary lines and seamless vintage character. 

Mia is also passionate about her luxury linen and loungewear line, ABODE, which specializes in curating the perfect bed sheet and All Day PJ for women looking to invest in their rest. 

I believe that entrepreneurs are artists. Don't be afraid to put pen to paper and just get started! Don't be afraid of failure, just start manifesting.

- Mia Parres

This episode is a little different and special! We're sharing an inside glimpse into an episode of Candid Corner. 

Candid Corner is a weekly live Q&A inside our free Facebook group, Designer Meet-ups. This is where I pop in to respond and weigh in on any kind of discussion happening inside our group and industry. I also answer questions from our members in real time.

We thought to handpick a few episodes of Candid Corner and share them on the podcast, in the hopes that it would give you a little kick in the butt or inspires you. 

Of course, if you want to watch all of our past Candid Corners, join our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/386543625374544

In this episode of Candid Corner, we discussed what you do when a contractor wants to be the designer as well. A lot of us have experienced contractors wanting to try to solve problems that affect the overall design and function without consulting the designer and going directly to the client. So how do you handle this? 

If you're interested in learning more about what our community is saying about this topic, join the Facebook group.

In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with a fellow Podcaster and Pittsburg Designer, Eric Dillman. We chatted about the interesting knowledge he’s gained from interviewing HGTV stars on his podcast as well as social media algorithms and branding.

In our conversation, we dive deeper into social media, and more specifically Instagram, talking about where people are at, the pesky algorithm, and what type of content to put out there to reach the right people. Eric also shared his unique thoughts on branding. Have a listen to the conversation and let us know your thoughts on the topic on Instagram and inside our community.

Put yourself in front of the camera. It brings life into your account. Don't be afraid of putting yourself out there.

- Eric Dillman

You can connect with Eric on Instagram @ericdillmandesigns.

Join our Facebook Community for Designers here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/386543625374544