EP 109 | 3 Business Lessons Interior Designers Need to Hear with Kimberley Seldon
What are some of the most important business lessons interior designers often overlook?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a collection of insights, observations, and hard-earned lessons that didn’t fit neatly into other podcast episodes—but are too valuable not to share. From overcoming fear and embracing accountability to building a strong professional network, these ideas can help designers become more resilient business owners.
For interior designers looking to grow their business, these practical mindset shifts may be exactly what you need to move forward.
In this episode, we learn:
• Why failure is often the fastest path to growth and learning
• How taking responsibility for business challenges creates opportunities for improvement
• Why vulnerability and honesty can strengthen leadership and confidence
• How a strong professional network supports long-term business success
• Why hiring a “mini-you” may not be the best strategy for growing your firm
• How diverse skills and perspectives create a stronger team
Take Aways
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
Design Intervention
Martha Rossellini says: “Believe in yourself, take risks and don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is discovery. It’s discovering what doesn’t work.”
About Martha Rosellini
Custom Window Treatments and Motorization must be more innovative and informative than ever before. With architecture’s challenging nature and the changing landscape of the design industry, we strive to work harmoniously with and support Interior Designers, Builders and Architects in our specialty.
Using my core values to lead my company ensures my (trade) client’s experience is nothing less than excellent. This strategy also reflects their artistic beauty, high standards, and irresistible charm unique to their brand.
Our knowledgeable team collaborates with some of the most respected architects, builders and designers in the country, offering fine sewing and leading-edge automated technology. We also recognize natural light and how it is filtered or diffused through materials and effects toward temperature control. The combined effects can be magical.
Our clients’ story, vision, concerns and budget will be heard and supported. Proud to be trade only and profoundly grateful for the treasured business/friendship relationships I have made through the years.
Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Attended Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, studied textiles and interior design at UC Berkeley, mom of three sons, grandmother of three, avid seamstress, passionate Italian, world traveler, and cherry pie fanatic, I call the San Francisco bay area home with two cats, one English Golden Retriever and my dog loving, hiking enthusiast and very kind husband!
About Carly Nemtean
Operating Carriage Lane Design Build Inc. for 8 years, we have grown our company of 2 founders, to now over 10+ full-time associates and tradesmen. We focus on full home renovations and additions. We have built our business by client focused design and experiences, where commitment, passion and integrity are our core values.
Since our company’s existence, we have grown to recognize our unique position of sharing a 24,000 sq. foot building with our staple vendors in the stone and millwork sector. We have been able to manage our overhead fees through co-working, friendship, and community. These are just some of the benefits of co-working, and we are excited to take our experience to the next level of sharing with our new venture, The Collective Workspace.
About John Hopper
For over 200 years the basic dynamic between employer and employee has not changed. Way back in the 1700’s when someone was hired to come work on the farm is was “do as I tell you and I’ll pay you for it”. That is the same basis we’re working on still today and it no longer works.
John Hopper created a system, The Greatest on the Planet, to assist employers in creating irreplaceable employees.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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