Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer.
Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, and encouraging you to embrace your own authentic designer self. There is not much they will not say “out loud”.
In this podcast, you'll find no room for conformity as they shatter the mold of one-size-fits-all business practices. Cheryl's fearless attitude showcases a refusal to follow the conventional wisdom, ask “why” repeatedly and reject what no longer makes sense in today’s world.
If you're seeking a dose of inspiration, a splash of unconventional wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on the entrepreneurial world, the Damn Good Designer is your go-to podcast. Tune in and let Cheryl and Liz, along with their expert guests in the fields of designers, architects, landscapers, and other creative professionals, guide you toward building a remarkable business that defies norms and sets you on a path to unparalleled success."Get ready to challenge the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary!
About the hosts:
Cheryl Kees Clendenon-
2021 KBB Person of the year
2022 Design Studio winner Dallas Arts Awards
2021 Changemaker Design Hounds
200 or so years ago a child came roaring into the world feet first ready to show up and argue a cause. Just because. Her mother still maintains the story is- she was screaming-“why”- from the minute she landed wrong side up and slapped the doctor for disturbing her afternoon nap
And to this day does not give “it” a rest except when she is sleeping. Which is where you will find her only between the hours of 2am and 7:30am. A belligerent non-smoker (in case you were wondering) and a frequent challenger of anything that resembles “normal” or desired by the masses, Cheryl is a natural born contrarian who talks faster than 2x speed on a podcast
She gravitates towards wanting to help clients and designers who are the square pegs in a world of round holes, lose earrings impossibly frequently, fall off of platform shoes and are unapologetically saucy. Relaxing is not in the skill set. Life begins and ends with family.
Her sacred words are: Why, Percipient, Whizbang and Profit.
But please do not say the words: Package, Blocks, Red Flag, Overwhelm or Picked. Hives break out and it gets ugly.
Liz Lapan
VP of Everything, Interior Designer,
Work Wife, Team Cook, Unicorns
People ask, when did you KNOW you had found your ideal work wife- Cheryl will reply ” When she drew me 8 different cacti on her 3rd day because I said -find me a damn cactus”
The woman who has never been through an airport without being extended an invitation to stop and play show and tell with the contents of her backpack, can single handedly plow snow with a rake and rescue her boss in a snowstorm in Arizona.–yes, I said Arizona–after sleeping all night in a tuna can of a rental car.
An accomplished designer in her own right with an amazing sense of color and pattern, Liz can wear the designer hat in the morning, the project manager hat at noon and return to the office being the ultimate manager of all the things. Client’s love her, Subs respect her and the team adores the woman who gets “it” done-whatever “it” may be.
RESOURCES:
www.damngooddesigner.com
https://www.theinteriordesignparadigm.com/
Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://forms.clickup.com/8404193/f/80f71-613517/PFK3QDSALZ30VONMTP
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Season 2 Ep 29: How are you staying relevant? with special guest Darla Powell
Season 2 · Episode 42
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 • Duration 53:02
Listen up folks--we all have a love-hate relationship with social media right?
Yes we do! It is a changing animal, and if you don't keep up with it you may be missing out on amazing leads because you are not staying relevant in our industry. Liz is off handling projects and Cheryl seized the opportunity to speak with a pro podcaster and social media guru, Darla Powell of Wingnut Social. Darla was a police officer, turned interior designer, to now founder and director of her social media agency. Being well-versed in the design industry, Darla saw a need for a social media agency focused on marketing strategies and practices specifically for interior designers and architects.
If social media is not your strong suit--do not be afraid to hire outside help so you can focus on your strengths within your firm. And like you encourage your clients to TRUST THE PROCESS, you must be doing the same in your marketing efforts. Listen to Cheryl and Darla discuss the importance of strategy, challenges you will face, and how to utilize AI without losing your authenticity!
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Season 2 Ep 28: The Truth About Client Changes: Protecting Your Profit and Process
Season 2 · Episode 41
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 • Duration 38:44
What should you do when a client starts sending you items to evaluate? In this episode we discuss handling changes that the client initiates in design projects and the importance of respectfully evaluating items that the client provides to ensure they fit the design plan and overall project goals.
We recently had a similar client experience (yes, we are in the trenches with you!) and share how we approached this client who wanted to save money by selecting a less expensive item for their project. Communication is key and we must, as professionals, assess these items, even if they are outside the initial scope, to avoid potential issues and ensure client satisfaction. The foundation to having a successful client relationship is established by a clear scope of work and being transparent with clients about the process and associated costs.
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
Our firm, In Detail Interiors, gets a lot of leads and I am grateful for every single one of them. However, that doesn't mean we take on every job of every size and every type--and neither can you. You must have guidelines (NOT A SCRIPT PLEASE RUN FROM THOSE WHO WANT YOU TO HAVE A SCRIPT! ) on how you determine what will work for your set up of your firm, your bandwidth and your resource capacity. Learn how we focus on asking the lead questions, listening to their needs, and finding the key talking point to help us qualify our lead. This is what will set the stage for a successful initial consult meeting.
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
- 3 Month Custom Coaching Program
ABOUT US:
Season 1 Ep 18: What is the best investment you can make for your business? --Special Guest Tammy Covington Nagem
Season 1 · Episode 23
Friday, March 29, 2024 • Duration 38:58
Going to High Point Market and learning about what you sell is the BEST investment you can make for your business! After 29 markets Cheryl had the honor of talking with Tammy Nagem, CEO of High Point Market authority, to tell you why market is still one of the best business investments you can make. Learn how Tammy and her team help optimize the experience for designers and why it is important for all of you to attend. We discuss vendor relationships, the experience, the events, and how networking is important in this industry. Hear how Tammy and her team are striving to meet the needs of the designer and adapting to the industry. If you want to talk about the cost of doing business, Cheryl believes High Point Market is a MUST.
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
ABOUT US:
Season 1 Ep 17: Unmasking the fear
Season 1 · Episode 20
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 • Duration 37:50
Successful businesses, do not operate on a basis of having to trick people--so why are businesses doing this? Fear. We have to consider where we are as an industry if we are so fearful of clients finding something out about the names of our vendors or comparison shopping. Interior design is about creativity, expertise, and creating unique spaces that reflect the client's personality and needs. It's a service, not just a shopping list. But as long as you do things that makes clients see you as the person holding a shopping list and not delivering a creative vision, you are going to be in the middle of these issues. Hear what Cheryl and Liz have to say on how they have their clients see their value.
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
ABOUT US:
Season 1 Ep 16: Is it me??
Season 1 · Episode 19
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 • Duration 41:43
We are not holding back this week - the term "red flag" is banned! (at least in my book) Stop the mob mentality that a client is a "red flag" for asking questions about your contract or process. Your mindset must shift from "run, run, get out now!" to "they do not know, what they do not know". You must be educating your client and positioning your company for your ideal client.
This episode will have you take a look in the mirror at your business to be sure you are refining your senses and messaging to your ideal client.
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
It is a choice to be professional. One you make to uphold professional standards and practice in such a way that you are advancing your firm. No one is going to do it. In order to advance as a strong contender in the marketplace and someone that is respected and viewed as a serious business owner, then you must be aware of what is happening in the industry. Hear what makes Cheryl’s Top Ten Troublesome Transgressions list and how to make sure YOU are not doing one of these!
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
Season 1 Ep 14: Disrupting the Status Quo to get back on track
Season 1 · Episode 15
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 • Duration 47:59
Liz and I have decided that the holidays need to be further spread apart. How do we talk to Congress about making that happen? Just kidding! We don’t need to go down that rabbit hole--we are already busy enough. This is about being in control and how we are going to respond to certain situations that are going to come up in your business. What actions can you take and be prepared for when it affect our clients, subs and ourselves? This means hitting the reset button now so you can be ready for anything 2024 throws at you!
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
Are you giving clients the yearning for more? Showing passion is one of the most important things you can do as a business to demonstrate to your clients what it is that you are bringing to the table.
Passion for my work is why I get up in the morning and being excited about what the day holds---and have an eagerness to jump into it. It’s not always roses and mai tais but still--I am passionate about what we do so it keeps me going.
Do not be afraid to be excited about what is happening in your business. Clients feel this energy and will gravitate to you if you embrace it authentically.
We discuss the need to bring your A-game every day because you want to cultivate that enthusiasm and excitement for your clients as you begin their project.
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
ABOUT US:
Season 1 Ep 12: Why your clients should not hire you
Season 1 · Episode 13
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 • Duration 35:04
Cheryl the “easy-chair” psychologist is back today and we are going to throw a little reverse psychology at you!
Have you ever thought about throwing all the negatives on the table to reinforce positive thoughts in your client? Whoa--I know it seems a little crazy. BUT disarming people with an approach that is not expected can work beautifully, if done right, to relax your potential client with your honesty and sincerity. This helps them be able to truly listen to what you are saying and you will gain more respect from telling the truth. Being up front gives you this easy confidence and as I always like to say “Confidence is the currency to success.”
Stay tuned for my damn good truth and make sure to leave a review OR a voice message if you love it! Leave a message here!
These workshops are 2–3 hour deep dives (some more than one day) built for creative entrepreneurs who want to lead with confidence, price with authority, and grow with intention. We created this workshop series with tracks that cover the challenges we know designers face: pricing, sales, client relationships, project management, marketing, and leadership.
Each workshop is designed to stand alone — so you can choose the topics that matter most right now — while still connecting to the bigger picture of building a profitable, sustainable design business.
Discover shows related to Damn Good Interior Designer, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
The best multi-faceted business coaching for Interior designers—seriously. This is not some wham-bam glamathon; It is the real deal you have been looking for and what is missing from the business coaching marketplace today.
Cheryl Clendenon is the host of The Damn Good Designer Podcast and an award-winning interior designer, writer, and business coach with 26 years of full-time industry experience. With a prior career in media and radio sales, she brings a rare blend of creative thinking and business acumen to the design world. Cheryl was named KBB Person of the Year in 2021, is a nationally published industry voice with a monthly column in Home Accents Today, and regularly speaks on pricing, scope, process, and profitability. Known for her fast pace, contrarian instincts, and practical insight, Cheryl helps established design firms build stronger businesses and define success on their own terms.
***Any use of this page and its content to develop or train artificial intelligence or to do computer analysis is prohibited.***
