Think you’re protected because you meant to get the proposal signed? Think again.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m continuing the conversation on financial risk, and sharing a real story from my own design studio that proves exactly why systems and boundaries must be followed every single time.

From unfunded proposals to “just helping the client out,” you’ll hear how even experienced designers can fall into people‑pleasing traps that lead to unpaid work, legal battles, and major stress. More importantly, you’ll learn the non‑negotiable boundary that protects your money, your mindset, and your business.

In this episode, I cover:

• A real studio story that led to arbitration over unpaid work
• Why unsigned and unfunded proposals are a financial landmine
• How people‑pleasing overrides systems (even for senior designers)
• The hidden cost of “doing a favor” for a client
• Why your systems exist to protect you, not inconvenience clients
• The exact boundary that must never be crossed
• How to remove emotion from money decisions

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
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Still taking 50% deposits on product orders? That’s a financial risk you can’t afford.
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story of how one designer nearly lost her business because of outdated payment practices, and how to fix it with one simple boundary.

You’ll learn why half-down payments no longer protect you, what your letter of agreement should say, and how shifting your mindset around money and risk can completely change your business.

In this episode, I cover:

• A true story of a designer left holding $60K in product debt
• What happens legally when a client dies mid-project
• Why 50% down payments leave you financially exposed
• The only contract terms that actually protect you
• How to ask for 100% upfront without fear
• The mindset shift that eliminates risk and builds confidence
• Why people-pleasing has no place in your purchasing process

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

If you’re constantly doing “just one more thing” for free, it’s not about client service, it’s a boundary issue.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how scope creep sneaks into your projects and steals your time, profits, and peace of mind. From color consults and last-minute requests to Wayfair screenshots and patio meetings, we’re calling it what it is: unpaid work.

You’ll learn why scope creep happens, how to recognize it early, and what to say to stop it in its tracks, kindly, clearly, and confidently.

In this episode, I cover:

• Real examples of scope creep and how they sabotage your business
• Why people-pleasing turns into resentment and burnout
• How to write LOAs that protect your time and value
• Scripts for responding to “by the way” requests
• The role of mindset and self-worth in boundary setting
• How scope creep can turn into extra income with the right systems

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