Fee structure is one of the most powerful – and most misunderstood – pieces of running a profitable interior design business. In this episode, Melissa pulls back the curtain on why your current revenue model may be silently sabotaging your success. Whether you're still billing hourly, unsure how to charge for the real value you deliver, or feeling like your business is "busy but broke," this episode will show you how to fix the foundation.

This isn't just a pricing conversation – it's a structural shift. Melissa dives deep into the difference between charging for time and charging for transformation. She shares how flat fees (done right) can revolutionize not only your income but your sanity, your systems, and your client relationships. If you're feeling exhausted, underpaid, or stuck in outdated pricing, it's time to evolve.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• (02:15) Why hourly pricing fails as your business grows – and what to do instead
• (03:51) The hidden value you're not charging for (and why that's costing you big)
• (06:37) Flat fees vs. hybrid models – which ones scale and why
• (09:52) How your fee structure should evolve at $200K, $400K, $750K, and beyond
• (10:50) The most common pricing mistakes designers make that destroy profits
• (14:33) Why pricing isn't about persuasion – it's about leadership

Connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Website

Building a team is one of the most powerful and often misunderstood growth strategies for interior designers. In this episode, Melissa unpacks the real reasons hiring feels overwhelming—and how structure, not just staffing, is the key to sustainable success. Whether hiring a first intern or building a high-functioning team, getting clear on roles, expectations, and systems can be the difference between burnout and freedom.

This episode dives deep into the foundational shifts required to move from reactive to strategic hiring. Discover why the first hire shouldn't be another designer, how to avoid common team-building mistakes, and what systems must be in place before anyone joins your firm. With real client examples, actionable insights, and a reframe on leadership, this is your roadmap to building a team that supports growth—not one that drains it.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• (01:47) Why most designers hire too late—and what to do instead
• (03:17) The myth that more people fix problems (spoiler: they don't if your systems are broken)
• (04:31) The 3 key questions to ask before making a hire
• (06:01) The first roles that create relief—and why it's not always another designer
• (08:29) Client success stories: small teams, big results
• (12:09) Why systems must come before hiring—and the SOPs every design firm needs
• (18:29) How to stop performance issues by improving structure, not blaming people

Connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Website

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to build your interior design business, this episode breaks down exactly why attending markets—especially High Point—is one of the most strategic decisions you can make. From sourcing fresh vendors to elevating your visibility, Melissa shares the ten most impactful reasons designers prioritize High Point and how to make the experience truly transformative for your firm.

This is more than just about seeing pretty things. It's about building relationships that drive profit, stepping into the spotlight of your industry, and intentionally aligning your market attendance with your business model and goals. Melissa shares personal experiences, tips, and two exclusive events she's hosting at Spring High Point 2026 designed to accelerate your growth.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• (03:09) Why markets are not vacations—but powerful business environments when approached strategically
• (08:31) The top reason designers attend High Point: sourcing vendors they never knew existed
• (11:09) How reconnection and relationship-building at markets open doors with reps, vendors, and accounts
• (13:22) The explosion of education at High Point—and how Melissa's Profit Intensive builds on that
• (17:41) How markets support licensing, influencer work, and brand-building opportunities
• (24:02) The joy and fun of High Point, and why it's an electrifying, business-boosting experience

Connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Website