logo
episode-header-image
May 2025
18m 35s

137 | Strategies to Become Profitable in...

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
About this episode

Are you worried about getting through those tough first two years of your interior design business? Most new businesses fail in this critical period, but yours doesn't have to!

In this episode, I share practical strategies to help you become profitable more quickly. I walk you through actionable steps for building a strong network, creating an impressive portfolio even with no prior experience, creating service packages that attract first-time customers, and leveraging your connections to find your initial projects. I explain exactly how to make yourself visible in the market. Plus, I share my journey of gradually building my business while working full-time before transitioning to independence.

Profitability typically takes about two years, but with the right approach, patience, and consistent effort, you can overcome the challenges of your first two years and build a successful design career.

Whether you're just starting or struggling to gain traction, this episode will help you build momentum. Also, join the waitlist for my upcoming Launch Your Business Bootcamp, where I'll personally guide you through setting up your design business - your ticket to turning your creative dreams into a profitable reality.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

  • Get a step-by-step guide to generate your first clients with zero experience
  • Gain the motivation and practical knowledge to overcome common startup challenges
  • Evaluate your profitability and create a plan to potentially speed up the two-year timeline

Check out the show notes >>> Strategies to Become Profitable in Your First Two Years as an Interior Designer

Links Mentioned:

  • Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DesignCurious for 40% off

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Connect With Me:


Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(01:36) Profitability as a New Interior Designer

(04:04) Building Your Network

(09:34) Creating a Portfolio Without Clients

(11:43) Business Development Strategies

(14:14) Financial Considerations

(14:56) The Launch Your Business Bootcamp

(15:53) Mindset for Success

Up next
Oct 6
159 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #1: How to Identify Your Design Niche
Wondering why your message isn’t reaching anyone? It is because you’re trying to appeal to everyone. Many interior designers run into this problem when they haven’t defined their niche.With so many designers out there, those who specialize tend to stand out, get more referrals, a ... Show More
15m 55s
Sep 29
158 | The Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design With Marcy Sagel
“Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”Many interior desi ... Show More
33m 27s
Sep 22
157 | Sneak Peek Inside Sacramento Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers
Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want? Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, re ... Show More
33m 26s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
100 Strategies to Grow Your Design Business with Chris Do
It's a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! Over the past 100 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their experiences ... Show More
1h 5m
Nov 2023
83 How to Become a Fully Booked Graphic Designer with Shay (Bucketlist Bombshells)
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer podcast. In this insightful conversation, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Shay, founder of Bucketlist Bombshells, to uncover the secrets behind getting booked out 3, 6, and even 12 ... Show More
1 h
Apr 2024
102 Running a Small Design Agency with Kristy Campbell (Pink Pony Creative)
Get ready to explore the vibrant world of design entrepreneurship with Kristy Campbell, the innovative force behind Pink Pony Creative. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we uncover Kristy's journey from a solo designer to leading a successful design ... Show More
51m 59s
Apr 2025
157 What Separates $3K Designers from $10K+ Designers
Most designers stay stuck at $3K projects because they’re pricing wrong, targeting the wrong clients, and positioning themselves as just another freelancer. The difference between a $3K designer and a $10K designer isn’t design skills. It’s how they run their business. In this ep ... Show More
22m 17s
Sep 30
The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180
What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he bu ... Show More
50m 51s
Apr 2025
How to Bulletproof Your Graphic Design Career Before Disaster Strikes & It’s Too Late
What happens to your creative career when life hits hard? Graphic designers are taught how to build brands, craft visuals, and make things look amazing. But no one teaches us how to survive when life punches us in the face.Whether it’s grief, family emergencies, burnout, or just ... Show More
34m 34s
Mar 2024
97 Building Your Design Agency Dream Team
In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we talk about expanding your design business and building your dream team. From feeling swamped with administrative tasks to struggling to attract top-notch clients, we've all been there. If you've heard my other ... Show More
32m 37s
Sep 1
134- Part 4: Let's Talk Profit Strategies, Follow the Profits, Not all Projects are Sexy
Send us a textWelcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from just designing beautiful spaces to designing a truly profitable business. Learn why reviewing your numbers regularly is mo ... Show More
13m 1s
Feb 2025
Graphic Design Business Lessons by Andy Warhol. Turning Your Creativity Into Cash!
Graphic designers are taught to create, not sell—and that’s exactly why so many talented designers stay broke. The harsh reality? Talent alone won’t make you successful.The industry is full of insanely skilled designers who struggle to make ends meet while less talented ones cash ... Show More
44m 27s
Sep 29
Julie Wainwright: Getting Real Real About Building a Billion-Dollar Business
Julie Wainwright is the visionary founder and past CEO of The RealReal, the luxury resale giant that disrupted the fashion industry and redefined what it means to build a billion-dollar brand. In her new book, Time to Get Real: How I Built a Billion Dollar Business that Rocked th ... Show More
1h 16m