6 Lessons in 6 Years in the Interior Design Business
Okay, so I have been running my interior design business for over 6 years now (since April 2017). I started my business when I was super young (and I’m still young lol). Starting off my interior design business sooo young really gives me an interesting set of experiences and outlook.
AVOID COSTLY (AND UGLY) DESIGN MISTAKES
I started my interior design business from the ground up. I was young, had no connections, and had no clue how the business worked. But, I knew damn well that I knew how to put together beautiful interiors.
My business really grew with me. I have evolved and shifted my business practices with everything I have learned and continue to learn. I wanted to share some of my key business lessons (and life lessons).
And let me tell you, I had to learn most lessons the hard way.
6 lessons I’ve learned during the first 6 years of running my interior design business
1. Not all business is good business
When I first started out running my interior design business, I took on any clients that came my way. Because when you first start a business, it’s really hard to turn down clients. Partially because you need the business, and partially because you have no other leads and need the experience. This is very desperate energy and people can feel desperate energy.
So, naturally, I was attracting some questionable clients and getting myself involved in really shitty projects. Now, I won’t get into too much detail on this post but I can save some stories for another post. But, I do share one crazy story in my post The Truth About Working In The Interior Design Industry.
Every business relationship needs to start with a solid foundation of trust, mutual respect, and understanding. But, the harsh truth is that not all people out in this world want to conduct business honestly and with integrity.
When you work with just anybody, as a business owner, you can really put yourself in a compromising situation. And in the end, the amount of money you earned will never be worth it. Especially in a creative industry such as interior design. Interior design is really a creative and fun experience when working with the right clients. So when all that creative and fun juice is drained and replaced with stress and frustration – it really blows.
And, I’ll be honest. It took me getting burned a few times for me to really learn this lesson.
On the bright side…
There is some good that came out of these shitty situations, I learned A LOT from dealing with the wrong clients. I learned what kind of clients and projects I DID want to take on in my interior design business.
But I can honestly say now that I do not take on clients that do not align with my business practices. If I sense that a client and I are not aligned, I let them find an interior design professional who is better suited for them.
2. You can’t please everyone (especially in the interior design business)
This is a good business lesson and a good life lesson. No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to please everyone. Especially in the interior design business. Considering design can be so subjective, what is gorgeous to me may be hideous to you. So, there is no way of pleasing everyone. Everyone is going to have their 2 cents and surely let you know. Especially, if you post your work on social media. That is part of the beauty of the interior design business. In a way, there is no right way of dressing an interior, it’s all subjective.
3. Sometimes it’s okay to disappoint your clients
Listen, I always try my darndest to surpass my client’s expectations. But, sometimes people have unreasonable expectations. Usually, unreasonable expectations regarding budgets. Money is a sensitive matter to discuss. People are personal about their finances, so it’s always tricky to navigate this topic.
And many times I have to be the bad guy and tell clients that their budget and wish list don’t align. Which is a huge disappointment for clients (and myself). But honestly, I would rather be upfront with my clients than promise more than I know is possible. So, that’s why I say, sometimes it’s okay to disappoint your clients, and in fact, it’s not ME who is disappointing them, it’s the reality that disappoints them. Reality often disappoints me as well. Like, in reality, I cannot eat a whole tray of chocolate biscotti every day and stay lean. Now that’s disappointing, but it’s not the chocolate biscotti that is disappointing – it’s REALITY.
4. Setting boundaries is vital
I think the biggest difference between running your own business and working a 9-5 is the ability to disconnect from your job. When you’re running an interior design business (and I can imagine other businesses being similar), you can’t fully clock out from your role. One big reason is that projects are always ongoing, you can’t really pause certain projects even while you go on vacation. Also, unless you set firm boundaries, people feel as if you are accessible at all hours of the day, every day.
The thing is, we all need to disconnect sometimes. Even though I love my career, sometimes I do not want to think about anything interior design related. I think everyone should have this luxury in their lives.
So, as a business owner, I had to distinguish the time slots I was available and enforce these boundaries. If my client forgets about my availability and reaches out at 11 pm on a Sunday night, I will not answer.
I need my rest to revitalize my spirit and mind so that during my availability I am able to be fully present and engaged.
5. Contracts are a must
When you’re running a multifaceted business, like an interior design business. A contract is not an option, it is a MUST. In my early days of running my interior design business, I did not have a contract. This was a HUGE mistake. Trust and believe me when I say you need to have all your terms and conditions laid out in very plain English to your clients and, in fact, everyone you engage with business-wise. Without a contract, as a business professional, you are putting yourself in a very vulnerable position. Also, this contract gives your client more of an understanding of how you run your business, which leaves them with fewer unanswered questions. Gaining clarity, transparency, and understanding is the goal here. I recommend working with a professional to put together a business contract.
6. My interior design services are so much more helpful and impactful than I imagined
Although, most of these lessons I have shared came from harsh truths that I have faced while running my interior design business. This lesson is a softer lesson. Through running my interior design business, I’ve realized just how impactful and helpful my services can be for people. It has been amazing to see the light in people’s eyes when they hear an idea of mine. It has been amazing to see how excited people get to start working with me. And of course, it’s amazing to see how happy people are at the project reveal. I really underestimated the value I bring to people’s lives with the services I provide. I mean, sure, I am not saving lives. But interior design does make an impact, a big one.
Let’s design your space together, virtually.
