Laurie Laizure, Nile Johnson, and Phyllis Harbinger get practical about the business of interior design. Phyllis outlines her transparent purchasing model, where clients pay vendors directly, while her team manages the logistics. She charges a 35 percent cost-plus purchase management fee over net on everything. Her contract states she is not responsible for vendor malfeasance or damages, and if a replacement is needed, she manages it for the same fee.
She avoids the term “retainer,” opting instead to collect a defined design fee at signing, a choice reinforced by legal guidance that “retainer” can require refunds if projects end early. She also protects IP and has clients initial every page.
Day-to-day, Phyllis relies on daily team huddles, shared agendas, minutes, and Zoom recordings, which make approvals traceable and keep clients accountable. Design-wise, it is FFF, form follows function, with a deep understanding of how clients actually live and work.
Expect mindset gems too, from positive expectation resets to a reality check on TV budgets versus trade economics
Host Laurie Laizure sits down with Lee Hershberg, founder of Design Edge, a traveling, invite-only trade event created exclusively for interior designers. Drawing on decades of experience with KBIS, High Point, and Las Vegas Market, Lee designed the event to close the gap between manufacturers and the many designers who can’t attend large markets.
Design Edge is intentionally smaller and more focused, making it easier for designers to connect with senior brand leaders, exchange feedback, and find new products without the overwhelm of large show floors. The event features three parts: brand booths, a Maker Stage for product storytelling, and an Education Stage with sessions on contracts, luxury clients, and profit growth.
Laurie and Lee highlight shifting from a “product” mindset to a “product partner” approach, fostering collaborative relationships where brands understand and support a designer’s unique needs. They share real-life examples of successes and failures, encouraging designers to come prepared to ask questions, provide feedback, and discuss what’s working and what’s not.
With stops planned across the U.S., Design Edge offers a high-impact, low-cost way for designers to source smarter, partner better, and ultimately grow their businesses.
Episode 44 of To-The-Trade features Ariene Bethea of Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio in a lively chat with Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson. Known for her fearless use of color, love of vintage, and warm personality, Ariene shares her winding journey from HR to interior design.
She recalls the pivotal moment when redesigning her boss’s office revealed her passion for the trade, explaining why rigid design “rules” from school didn’t fit her style. After a stint at Bassett Furniture, she expanded her Etsy vintage shop into a retail store. While the shop attracted clients, not all shared her bold style, teaching her to only showcase the work she truly wants to do. They discuss client management, why “products lead to projects,” and why high-pressure sales tactics don’t belong in luxury design. Laurie and Nile encourage Ariene to consider writing a book that blends her maximalist aesthetic with a sustainable, anti-fast-furniture message. Ariene also previews her growing lampshade line and future lighting plans. The conversation is rich with business insights, design philosophy, and encouragement for creative entrepreneurs to stay true to their style.
Julie Sellers of @ellevatedoutcomes joins Laurie Laizure on the To-The-Trade podcast to talk about what really holds designers back from growing and how to fix it. From solopreneurs to firms with 25 employees, Julie shares why so many creatives become the bottleneck in their own business and what it takes to scale sustainably.
With a team of high-level strategists—including CFOs, COOs, and legal experts—Elevated Outcomes helps design professionals move from feeling overwhelmed to being organized, using systems and strategies that align with their personal goals. They explore pricing strategies for designers, debunk the myth of passive income through accolades, and explain why profit is not the same as salary.
This is a must-listen episode for any interior designer who aims to grow intelligently, not just extensively.
In this episode of the To-The-Trade podcast, Laurie Laizure chats with Jenny Warner, founder of J Thomas Designs, about her evolution from a hands-on childhood in construction to leading a profitable interior design firm with confidence and clarity.
Jenny shares the pivotal moment she realized she was undervaluing her time, and how that realization helped shift her mindset around billing and profit. With 24 years of experience under her belt, she now advocates for designers to understand every layer of a project, from tile installation to taxes, and to never lose sight of their value.
Jenny also reveals how she intentionally built her team, starting with a bookkeeper and later hiring part-time help that suits her business rhythm. Her leadership style blends flexibility with professionalism and includes thoughtful touches, such as spa rewards after intense installations.
The conversation also touches on legacy planning and future growth. Jenny and Laurie explore how to refine your client pipeline, resist the temptation of vanity projects, and invest in the right kind of support for long-term success.
This episode is packed with candid insights and practical strategies for design entrepreneurs navigating the business of interior design.
In this episode of To-The-Trade, Laurie and Nile are joined by Jenna Gaidusek, founder of eDesign Tribe and eDesign U, for a conversation about digital entrepreneurship in interior design. Jenna shares how her military lifestyle inspired her to build a location-independent design career and how she shifted from traditional interior design to creating a virtual design empire.
Jenna explains how she built a strong online community and educational platform to help designers grow. She shares automation tools, tips for confidently pricing services, and her belief that designers should embrace authenticity and modern workflows. She also discusses integrating technology platforms like MyDoma to make the design process more efficient.
The conversation is filled with honest insights about balancing creativity with entrepreneurship, building scalable systems, and redefining what success means. Jenna’s energy is practical, motivating, and rooted in real experience. Her message encourages designers to adopt new business models and craft a future on their own terms.
Rebecca Plumb and Shaun Crha of the Hot Young Designers Club join To-The-Trade to share how a chance meeting turned into a podcast that now supports a broad audience of interior designers. What started as a friendship and support system became a business during the pandemic, and they’ve navigated everything from burnout to business structures together.
They reveal how their podcast grew from casual Zoom recordings into a platform that offers honest, unfiltered conversations. The pair emphasizes the importance of designers having a community, especially when working alone, and how their honest friendship helps others feel seen and understood.
They also discuss the challenges of growing pains in monetization, hiring assistance, and managing client expectations. Audience feedback has been incredibly supportive, with many listeners crediting the show for helping them through burnout and business doubts. Topics such as setting boundaries, raising prices, and building confidence in business decisions are fan favorites.
A notable segment focuses on the controversial topic of photo copyright and the inequity designers face with usage rights. The duo advocates for fair contracts and transparency. The episode highlights the significance of community, vulnerability, and treating design as a professional discipline.
Interior designer and HGTV alum Justin Q. Williams joins Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson to discuss launching his design firm at 18, the power of social media, and building a personal brand. He shares insights into managing projects while filming on national TV, developing product lines, and fostering authentic relationships within the design community. Justin also discusses the impact of mentorship and his passion for design, which began in his childhood.
Laurie Laizure interviews interior designer Nikki Levy, who shares her bold career pivot from fashion retail to interior design and discusses how she built a thriving firm with a team of nine. Nikki opens up about the lessons she has learned in pricing, setting boundaries, establishing structure, and preserving her passion while scaling a business. Her advice for fellow designers emphasizes authenticity, confidence in pricing, and the power of systems that support creativity.
Laurie Laizure interviews Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, exploring how she creates deeply personalized spaces rooted in emotional and sensory experiences. Marie discusses her use of neuroaesthetic principles to enhance wellness through intentional design, from detailed client interactions to sensory-focused project reveals. She shares candid reflections on managing the growth of her firm, setting boundaries for a balanced lifestyle, and her dedication to diversity and mentoring emerging designers.
In this insightful episode of "To-The-Trade," host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson sit down with interior designer and neuroaesthetics expert Eryn Oruncak. Eryn delves into how neuroaesthetics, the science of how environments affect the brain and nervous system, can profoundly transform living spaces to improve mental health, emotional well-being, productivity, and overall happiness. Drawing on personal experiences and interactions with leading scientists, Eryn highlights the tangible benefits of this evidence-based approach, illustrating how intentional design can lead to enhanced sleep, reduced stress, healthier lifestyles, and even career advancement.
The conversation explores practical applications for interior designers, including strategies for effectively introducing neuroaesthetic concepts to clients, reading subtle cues and reactions, and designing spaces that foster desired emotional states and behaviors. Eryn shares valuable insights into sensory-rich environments, the importance of proper lighting and artwork selection, and how designers can confidently leverage scientific principles to enhance their professional value. Throughout, Eryn passionately advocates for elevating the interior design profession by harnessing scientific knowledge, ultimately benefiting not only individual clients but society at large.
Host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson welcome Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Design Collective, to discuss her path to becoming a renowned interior designer. Laura reveals how her Texas upbringing and early career experiences shaped her distinctive style and strong business sense. She shares practical insights into successfully managing both domestic and international projects, highlighting the value of structured processes, clear communication, and maintaining healthy client relationships. The conversation also touches on overcoming client conflicts, the importance of setting boundaries, and how travel continually fuels her creative inspiration.
Host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson discuss social media and digital marketing for interior designers with expert Emanuela Schneider. They address the challenges designers encounter in marketing, effective strategies for content creation, and the necessity of adapting to changes like the rise of ChatGPT over traditional search engines. Emanuela shares practical tips for crafting engaging social media content, including behind-the-scenes insights, authentic branding, and effective community engagement. They also explore how designers can optimize platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and provide practical advice on managing client expectations and evaluating the value of awards and professional associations.
Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson talk with Shelly Hudson, founder of Hudson Home, about her journey from corporate design to running her own studio. Shelly shares lessons in managing client expectations, pricing with confidence, and creating deeply personal spaces. She also discusses mental wellness, the significance of community, and finding balance in a purpose-driven design business.
Designer and entrepreneur Scott Meacham Wood joins Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson to talk about his new Somerset House collection of wallpaper and textiles. From his Ralph Lauren days to launching his line, Scott shares how storytelling, texture, and visual emotion guide his design philosophy. He reflects on his early blogging experiences, the importance of community, and the delicate balance between art and commerce. The episode delves into his collaborative process, his love of photo shoots, and how he thoughtfully blends vintage inspiration with modern execution. It’s a compelling look into the mind of a designer who knows how to make florals fierce and business beautiful.
Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson talk with Laura Thornton, a seasoned interior designer who transitioned from a potential law career into design, influenced by her family’s construction background. Laura emphasizes the challenges and strategies of staying profitable during uncertain economic times, focusing on financial acumen, thoughtful outsourcing, and clear client communication. She also provides insights from her Profit Academy, highlighting the importance of tracking numbers, avoiding being price-shopped, and building sustainable profits. Laura addresses marketing and branding, discusses the real impact of media exposure, and advises on managing burnout through effective delegation and prioritization.
Laurie Laizure interviews architect and Mattoboard founder Guy Ailion, who discusses how digital sampling can solve interior designers’ biggest headaches: outdated libraries, sample waste, and slow sourcing. Mattoboard lets designers create realistic 3D material boards that replicate the tactile studio experience, without the waste. They talk about the platform’s upcoming collaboration features, virtual sampling’s environmental impact, and how AI can assist (not replace) human creativity. Guy envisions a future where designers “visualize to draft,” turning creative ideas into presentations faster than ever.
Laurie Laizure sits down with designer Kevin Twitty to discuss his journey from math major to an interior design professional. They explore essential business strategies for designers, including mastering SEO, networking within the Interior Design Community, and building resilience when entering new markets. Kevin shares how authenticity, community support, and adaptability have been key to his success. Designers will leave this episode inspired to rethink their marketing strategies, nurture their professional networks, and build stronger businesses.
Welcome to this episode of ‘To the Trade’ hosted by Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson. We’re thrilled to have Meredith Huck joining us today. Meredith shares her journey from corporate software sales to founding her interior design business, House of Huck. We discuss her experiences, challenges, and successes in building a design business that balances livable luxury with coastal casual elegance. Meredith elaborates on the freedom and personal growth of being self-employed, the importance of communication with clients and contractors, and her upcoming renovation projects. She also offers valuable business insights and heartfelt stories, including having an ice cream flavor named after her! Please tune in to be inspired by Meredith’s passion for design and dedication to truly making her clients’ homes special. Don’t miss her tips on starting and running a successful design business.
Join Laurie Laizure from To The Trade as she interviews Heather McManus from the Designers Collective. Heather shares her journey into the design industry, from her early struggles with learning disabilities to her education at Pratt and her first job in a workroom. She discusses her professional growth, her experience with high-end design, and the challenges she faced, including getting priced out by the internet. Heather explains the concept of the Designers Collective, a community focused on leveraging collective buying power and maintaining trust and professionalism among members. Watch to learn about the importance of education, networking, and community support in the ever-evolving design industry.
