Why are boundaries so hard to set, and even harder to keep?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: creating and holding boundaries in their business without feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or afraid of losing the client.

If you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say no, answered texts late at night, worked weekends you didn’t want to, or given away hours of unpaid work… you’re not alone.

Boundaries aren’t just about rules, they’re about protecting your time, your energy, your profitability, and ultimately, your love for your business.

In this episode, I walk you through why boundaries feel so difficult, where it comes from, and how to start changing it, so you can create a business that works for you instead of draining you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why designers don’t realize they need boundaries—until it’s too late
• The most common boundary violations (and how they happen)
• Why clients aren’t the problem—you just didn’t set expectations
• The importance of clear rules in your letter of agreement
• Why holding boundaries is harder than creating them
• How clients test your boundaries (just like kids do)
• The real reason designers struggle to say no
• How people-pleasing impacts your profit and time
• Why “just one quick thing” always costs more than you think
• How to use “yes, and…” to maintain boundaries professionally
• Why treating clients like family backfires
• The connection between boundaries and resentment
• How lack of boundaries leads to burnout (and even quitting)
• Why clients actually prefer clear structure and leadership
• The role of boundaries in creating better client experiences
• How boundaries increase confidence, respect, and profitability

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Why is asking for your full design fee so hard, even when you know you’re worth it?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: confidently asking for the money they deserve.

You can have the systems, the process, and the perfect project… but when it comes time to say the number out loud, everything can fall apart. Fear, doubt, and old money stories start creeping in, and suddenly, what should be a simple conversation feels overwhelming.

In this episode, I share the real reason this happens and how to move past it so you can confidently present your fees, without hesitation, apology, or second-guessing.

If you’ve ever struggled to say your number, worried about what clients will think, or felt uncomfortable asking for higher fees, this episode will show you exactly how to break through that ceiling.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why asking for money feels so difficult (even when you’ve earned it)
• The “glass ceiling” every designer must break through
• How your internal money story is holding you back
• Why your client’s money mindset is different from yours
• The real value behind high design fees
• How large projects justify six-figure fees
• Why designers often undercharge (and regret it later)
• The importance of separating emotion from pricing
• What the “pass the salt” moment really means
• How to train your body to confidently say your fee
• Why repetition and practice are essential
• How confidence in delivery leads to client trust

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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What does it actually look like to lead a design project, without losing control, your confidence, or your sanity?

In Part 2 of this leadership series, Terri Taylor and coach Valerie Priester dive deeper into what it truly means to step into leadership as an interior designer. This episode goes beyond mindset and into practical application—how you lead clients, manage projects, communicate your vision, and set boundaries that protect both your business and your well-being.

If you’ve ever felt like your clients are running the job, your projects are spiraling out of control, or you’re doing everything yourself and burning out… this episode will show you exactly what’s missing.

You’ll learn how to shift from being the “doer” to the leader, how to create systems that guide your clients, and why clear communication and boundaries are essential for both profitability and peace of mind.

In this episode, we cover:

• The difference between a technician mindset and a leadership mindset
• Why clients take control (and how to prevent it)
• How to confidently lead your clients through a project
• The importance of having a clear process and system
• Why communication builds trust and confidence
• How to stop people-pleasing in your business
• Leading contractors, vendors, and your team effectively
• Why you must stop doing everything yourself
• How delegation increases growth and capacity
• The real reason burnout happens (and how to avoid it)
• Why boundaries are critical for success and self-care
• How saying “no” actually strengthens your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy