Designed for the Creative Mind™ – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Hey friend, welcome back to Design for the Creative Mind! I'm so glad you're here. If you’re new around here, this season is all about Rookie Mistakes & Real Talk—a behind-the-scenes look at the most common missteps interior designers make in business (and how to bounce back when you make one).

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a hard lesson I learned the painful way—what happens when you don’t have a strong contract… or worse, when you do and you don’t enforce it.

If you’ve ever had a client overstep, ask for something totally out of scope, or shop your selections online… this one’s for you. I’ve been there (like, deeply), and I want to help you avoid the stress, the loss, and the awkward convos I had to navigate back when I didn’t know better.

What I cover in this episode:

• The (cringey but honest) story of how I lost thousands early in my career

• Why a one-page contract does not make you client-friendly—it makes you vulnerable

• Common red flags to watch for, like the “just one more thing” request or the feedback that takes forever

• Exact phrases you can use to set boundaries with clients who are overstepping

• What to do when your contract doesn’t cover something

• How I present contracts now to prevent miscommunication and build trust

• The recent updates I made to my own contract after a few client hiccups

I know contracts aren’t the sexiest part of our business—but they are absolutely essential. They’re not just paperwork—they’re your business armor. And when you know how to use them confidently, you lead your business instead of reacting to chaos.

So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s talk about the contract catastrophe that changed everything for me—and how you can avoid it.

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Today’s episode is one that’s coming straight from the heart (and maybe a little from the edge of a breakdown). We’re talking burnout—not the cute kind that gets fixed with a latte and a nap, but the crispy, crunchy, why-did-I-say-yes-to-this kind of burnout that so many interior designers are quietly dealing with.

I'm calling it Burnout Bake Out—yes, it’s on brand with our new Bake House theme, but also because when you’re fried and flaking apart at the seams, it’s not just burnout, babe. That’s what happens when the oven’s been on too long and no one remembered to set a timer.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what burnout really looks like for us as designers—taking on too much, ghosting ourselves, and losing sight of why we started our businesses in the first place. If you've ever fantasized about quitting and moving to a goat farm (yes, I’ve been there), this one’s for you.

What we cover in this episode:

• The rookie mistake most designers make that leads straight to burnout

• Why saying yes to every project is not a badge of honor

• The difference between being busy and being profitable (they are not the same)

• How I ended up juggling six full-home projects and almost lost my mind

• The exact script you can use when you need to reset expectations with a client

• Why clients aren’t hiring you to be perfect—they’re hiring you to lead

• How to bake in rest, white space, and recovery time into your business

• Practical ways to protect your energy and say “hell yes” only to the right projects

Let’s be real for a second...

Burnout is not your business model. Working yourself into the ground isn't a sign of success—it’s a sign that your systems, pricing, or boundaries need some love. And I want you to know: you’re allowed to rest. Renegotiating timelines doesn’t make you flaky—it makes you a pro.

If this episode hit home, send it to a fellow designer who’s just one “sure, I can do that” away from burnout. Let’s normalize the hard conversations, the boundaries, and the brave decision to pause when needed.

And if you’re ready for more support, tools, and some breathing room in your design business, come hang out with us over at thedesignbakehouse.com. There’s something waiting for you there.

Until next time, Protect your energy. Trust your gut. And remember—you’re baked for this.

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hey, hey, hey! Welcome back to the podcast designed for the creative mind. I'm Michelle Lynne, and today we’re diving into a topic that so many designers struggle with—how to market yourself without a portfolio. Whether you're tuning in from your studio, your car, or with a glass of wine in hand, I’m so glad you’re here. Because building a business by design doesn’t happen by accident. Let’s get started!

• Why not having a portfolio isn’t the roadblock you think it is
• How to create an impactful online presence even without professional project photos
• The power of mood boards, vignettes, and renderings to showcase your style
• Using blog content and social media to build authority and trust
• Smart strategies for networking and building connections that lead to clients
• How to confidently communicate your expertise, even as a newer designer

Not having a portfolio is not the deal-breaker you might think it is. There are plenty of ways to showcase your expertise, build trust with potential clients, and get hired without a ton of polished project photos. Whether it’s through strategic content, networking, or simply showing up with confidence, you can market yourself successfully at any stage of your business.

If today’s episode resonated with you, share it with a fellow designer who needs this encouragement! And don’t forget—DM me on Instagram at @designedforthecreativemind if you have a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode. I’d love to hear from you!

Success doesn’t happen by chance—it happens by design. Keep designing your business with intention, and if you ever need support, my coaching and mentorship programs are here to help. You’ve got this!

Until next time, make it a great day!

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Hey, y’all, welcome back to the podcast. I am excited to have the fabulous design duo Bryan and Mike Yates on the show today. They share the story of when and where they first met, why they decided to move from New York to Texas, and how they balance working together as a married couple.

We also talk about the importance of relationship building, not only with potential clients but with builders, vendors, and even other design firms.

Yates Desygn is a full-service lifestyle design firm that extracts clients' design language while guiding them to create a unique and liveable environment through interior architecture and design. Brought together by their passion for style and design, Mike and Bryan Yates married their talents to create Yates Desygn in 2015 and established their Dallas-based headquarters in 2016.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yatesdesygn/ 

Website: https://www.yatesdesygn.com/ 

Check out the Ever Atelier + Yates wallpaper collection: https://www.everatelier.com/yates-collection 

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery 

Text UPDATES to 214-380-1969 for all our DFCM updates.

Thank you to our sponsor for their support!

• Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact 

Podcast edited and managed by Haili Murch LLC.

If you are interested in starting a podcast or you are currently a podcaster needing help managing or relaunching your podcast, you may email Haili Murch at hello@hailimurch.com or you can click here to book a call: https://calendly.com/hailimurch/podcast-discovery-call

Have you ever thought of creating an online course but have no idea where to start? Ariel Schiffer is the Founder of Dreampro, the first-choice course creation agency for entrepreneurs and small business owners. She has over 10 years of experience working with Fortune 50 companies, non-profit organizations, small businesses, and private companies to develop their professional and leadership development programs.

In this episode, we dive into how to leverage courses to create additional income for your business, the biggest mistakes course creators make, and how to create an experience that actually transforms.

Visit www.dreamprocourses.com to learn more about Ariel and her team, and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dreamprocourses/ 

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery 

Text UPDATES to 214-380-1969 for all our DFCM updates.

Thank you to our sponsor for their support!

• Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact 

Podcast edited and managed by Haili Murch LLC.

If you are interested in starting a podcast or you are currently a podcaster needing help managing or relaunching your podcast, you may email Haili Murch at hello@hailimurch.com or you can click here to book a call: https://calendly.com/hailimurch/podcast-discovery-call

What kind of experience do you give your clients? While yes, you are hired to create beautiful, functional spaces, as a luxury provider, you are also providing a luxury experience for your clients.

In this episode, I am sharing what we call our ML Experience. This is what we use to lead our clients through the entire process with authority so they know they can trust us. It shows we are confident, professional, well-prepared, and that we care about them and their project. I’m also sharing a few tips you can use to elevate the experience for your clients.

Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than two decades working in Corporate America. She began in the home staging arena and has since built a successful, award-winning, full-service interior design firm, employing talented designers and serving clients across the country.

In the summer of 2018, Michelle began focusing on a big gap she saw missing in the interior design industry: teaching interior designers how to run the business of an interior design business. She now engages in private coaching and leads an in-depth, 12-month group coaching program, both options focus on teaching designers profitable processes, systems, strategies, and mindset needed to run a streamlined, profitable interior design firm.

Her motto is simple: we rise by lifting others.

Text UPDATES to 214-380-1969 for all our DFCM updates.

Thank you to our sponsor for their support!

• Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact 

Podcast edited and managed by Haili Murch LLC.

If you are interested in starting a podcast or you are currently a podcaster needing help managing or relaunching your podcast, you may email Haili Murch at hello@hailimurch.com or you can click here to book a call: https://calendly.com/hailimurch/podcast-discovery-call

Structuring your business the right way can help you navigate in any economy, no matter where you are in your interior design business. Whether you are just starting out or already a few years in, I am sharing ways for you to uplevel your business during these uncertain times. My intention today is to give you some inspiration and courage to keep going even through all the uncertainty. Because ultimately, the structure of your business to navigate in any economy all starts with you.

Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than two decades working in Corporate America. She began in the home staging arena and has since built a successful, award-winning, full-service interior design firm, employing talented designers and serving clients across the country.

In the summer of 2018, Michelle began focusing on a big gap she saw missing in the interior design industry: teaching interior designers how to run the business of an interior design business. She now engages in private coaching and leads an in-depth, 12-month group coaching program, both options focus on teaching designers profitable processes, systems, strategies, and mindset needed to run a streamlined, profitable interior design firm.

Her motto is simple: we rise by lifting others.

Text UPDATES to 214-380-1969 for all our DFCM updates.

Thank you to our sponsor for their support!

• Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact 

Podcast edited and managed by Haili Murch LLC.

If you are interested in starting a podcast or you are currently a podcaster needing help managing or relaunching your podcast, you may email Haili Murch at hello@hailimurch.com or you can click here to book a call: https://calendly.com/hailimurch/podcast-discovery-call

Hey y’all, welcome to the 100th episode of the Designed for the Creative Mind podcast! For this special episode, we thought it would be fun to look back at how ML Interiors Group has changed and grown over the years.

Debbie, Megan, and I chat about how our processes have evolved, important things the team has learned working together over the past 10 years, and Debbie & Megan’s new roles at ML Interiors Group.

Whether you’ve been doing this for a while or just starting out in your interior design business, know that it’s a journey, and you are not alone. We hope this episode will encourage you to give yourself the grace to know it’s ok to make mistakes as long as you grow from them.

We would love to support you! Come join us in our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery 

Debbie Pratt & Megan Fornes are the lead designers behind the brand of ML Interiors Group. Their award-winning designs, amazing client service, and ability to manage large projects allows Michelle Lynne the flexibility to take her business acumen to the public via her Designed For the Creative Mind® outlets.

Connect with Megan & Debbie on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/megan_fornes/ 

https://www.instagram.com/deb_does_design/ 

Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than two decades working in Corporate America. She began in the home staging arena and has since built a successful, award-winning, full-service interior design firm, employing talented designers and serving clients across the country.

In the summer of 2018, Michelle began focusing on a big gap she saw missing in the interior design industry: teaching interior designers how to run the business of an interior design business. She now engages in private coaching and leads an in-depth, 12-month group coaching program, both options focus on teaching designers profitable processes, systems, strategies, and mindset needed to run a streamlined, profitable interior design firm.

Her motto is simple: we rise by lifting others.

Text UPDATES to 214-380-1969 for all our DFCM updates.

Thank you to our sponsor for their support!

• Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact 

Podcast edited and managed by Haili Murch LLC.

If you are interested in starting a podcast or you are currently a podcaster needing help managing or relaunching your podcast, you may email Haili Murch at hello@hailimurch.com or you can click here to book a call: https://calendly.com/hailimurch/podcast-discovery-call

Welcome back to the Design for the Creative Mind podcast! I'm your host, Michelle Lynne, and today, I'm chatting with the incredible DeeDee DeWine Holloway, founder and principal designer of DeWine Design based in Florida. DeeDee's journey from artist to thriving interior designer is nothing short of inspiring, and I can't wait for you to hear all about it!

• How DeeDee's background in art and graphic design led her to interior design
• The evolution of her business, from small design packages to a full-scale firm
• Her early days of refinishing cabinets and how that turned into a major part of her business
• The moment she realized it was time to charge what she was worth
• How hiring a business coach (yes, including me!) changed everything for her
• Her transition from specializing in kitchens and baths to full-service furnishing
• The game-changing impact of profit margins in furniture design
• Overcoming the fear of expanding into new services
• Her role now as a master coach, giving back to the design community

DeeDee's story is a reminder that success in design is a journey, and investing in education, mentorship, and taking bold steps can transform your business. If you've ever doubted your ability to grow, this episode will show you that it's absolutely possible!

• Learn more about DeeDee's work: DeWine Design
• Check out the Interior Design Business Bakery for coaching and resources
• Connect with me on Instagram: @MichelleLynneInteriors

Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Until next time, keep designing with confidence!

Podcast Website and Resources:

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery  

Text BESTIE to 855-784-8299 for business tips, encouragement, and all our DFCM updates.

SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact

A Podcast Launch Bestie production

Do you want to get out of the project management role and get back to designing? Wish you could have someone help you with tracking, backorders, re-selections, and scheduling. It is possible, and my next guest is here to explain how.

In this episode, she explains why outsourcing the non-creative parts of your business is the best option for continued growth. We also discuss the benefit of working with their team vs. hiring in-house and the importance of SOPs for work-life balance.

With 20+ years in many aspects of the interior design industry, Annie Aldrige and her team at The Designers Concierge are competent and ready to be of service. Annie believes in fostering a culture of collaboration, communication, and trust, to create an environment where everyone is free to create and grow. Think of TDC as your Design Companion.

Mentioned in this episode:

Profit First and Clockwork by Michael Michalowicz

The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare

Visit www.thedesignersconcierge.co to learn more and download Annie’s free guide to the best ordering platforms for your business. Connect with Annie and her team on Instagram @the_designers_concierge.

Get more info about our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/business-bakery 

Text UPDATES to 214-380-1969 for all our DFCM updates.

Thank you to our sponsor for their support!

• Sidemark is an all-new, all-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. Join mysidemark.com to help grow your interior design business.

Stay in touch with Michelle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedforthecreativemind/ 

Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad 

Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact 

Podcast edited and managed by Haili Murch LLC.

If you are interested in starting a podcast or you are currently a podcaster needing help managing or relaunching your podcast, you may email Haili Murch at hello@hailimurch.com or you can click here to book a call: https://calendly.com/hailimurch/podcast-discovery-call