EP 350 | Innovation in Interior Design: Solve Problems & Grow Your Business with Joanne Swisterski
What if every challenge in your design business was actually an opportunity?
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Joanne Swisterski to explore how innovative thinking can transform obstacles into solutions—and even new revenue streams. From small daily fixes to big-picture breakthroughs, Joanne shares how designers can become more resourceful, confident, and proactive.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by a problem, this episode will help you approach it differently.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why challenges can lead to new opportunities in your business
- How to build confidence by tackling intimidating tasks
- Why waiting for someone else to solve the problem holds you back
- When to hire specialists instead of doing everything yourself
- How to evaluate tools and software before investing
DESIGN INTERVENTION
‘Bird by Bird’ – It basically means ‘one step at a time.’ It’s the title of a book, and the author tells a brief story about her brother being in distress when he fell behind on a school project, which was to do a summary on one bird a day during summer break. She overheard his dad one day telling him, it’s alright, you can catch up. Just go bird by bird.
Now, whenever a task seems daunting or overwhelming, or infuriatingly repetitive, I just tell myself ‘bird by bird.’
About Joanne Swisterski
Some people were just meant to create. Joanne Swisterski is one of them. From designing interiors to creating art and developing digital rulers, there’s no idea that can’t be turned into a reality, if Joanne has anything to do with it.
Having graduated from interior design school in 2007, Joanne spent 11 years working for companies in Toronto that specialize in high-end residential and hospitality interiors, before switching gears to starting her own interior design business.
Facebook | Swisterski Design
Instagram | swisterski_design
Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!
Founded in 2015 by brothers Alexander and Peter Spalding, Daniel House Club is a transformative, to-the-trade and consumer marketplace that simplifies the business of interior design. The e-commerce platform streamlines the product sourcing process and enables interior designers to experience greater creative freedom and financial success by shopping over 150 brands at up to 50% off for Pro+ trade members, all in one place.
Join as a Pro+ member today and get 50% off your membership. JOIN TODAY >>
🎙️ SUBSCRIBE to the Business of Design® Podcast
Apple Podcast | Spotify | YouTube Music | SoundCloud
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.
BOD™ Pricing Playbook
Get the exact pricing strategy that helped 1,000s of designers grow profitable, client-aligned businesses (without burnout), delivered right to your inbox.
No spam. Just support and helpful tips from Business of Design®. Unsubscribe anytime.
