EP 146 | Why Interior Designers Need to Think Like Business Owners with Kimberley Seldon – REPEAT
Do you own your interior design business — or does your business own you?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges the romanticized idea of “being your own boss” and explains what it really takes to build an interior design business that supports your life instead of consuming it.
Many designers start a business seeking freedom and flexibility, only to find themselves overworked, overwhelmed, and unable to step away. Kimberley shares practical strategies for creating boundaries, delegating effectively, managing client expectations, and building systems that allow designers to operate like true business owners.
In this episode, we learn:
• The common myths interior designers believe about owning a business
• How to take greater control of your time, energy, and business decisions
• Why being the boss is ultimately a choice and mindset
• The difference between owning a job and building a true business
• Why delegation is essential for growth and sustainability
• How boundaries and limiting after-hours communication improve work-life balance
• Why weighing the payoff of every task helps designers focus on high-value work
• How supplier relationships and strong systems create more freedom and profitability
• Why making time off non-negotiable leads to healthier, more sustainable businesses
Business of Design® & You
As interior design professionals, we LOVE our work because it matters so much. We want our clients to get our best every time, because it’s going to affect the way they live for years to come. But doing our best work isn’t possible if we can’t dedicate ourselves to it. And we can’t dedicate ourselves to it if doesn’t earn us a living.
Business of Design® is the best professional advice and business coaching available, and it’s just for you. Our mission is to liberate your talent and skill by showing you how to run a business that supports you, empowers you, and lets you love your work again.
Thank you to our amazing sponsor!
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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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