Are you tired of chasing luxury clients who never seem to notice you? In this episode, you’ll learn why high-end interior design clients aren’t scrolling through Instagram looking for their next designer—and where they actually spend their time. Melissa breaks down the key mindset shifts and strategic actions you need to stop hiding behind your screen and start making authentic, profitable connections in luxury circles.

You'll discover how to step into the world of affluent clients with confidence, elegance, and authenticity. From charity galas and art openings to luxury gyms and country clubs, Melissa outlines exactly where to show up, how to show up, and why leading with genuine curiosity (not a sales pitch) is the fastest path to becoming the go-to designer for high-net-worth individuals.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (00:28) Why high-end clients move differently—and what that means for your marketing
• (03:02) The power of getting involved in charity events and how to use them to connect
• (04:49) Leveraging luxury gyms, spas, and wellness clubs to meet ideal clients naturally
• (07:14) Business and social clubs that offer high-value networking for designers
• (10:41) How to position yourself as the go-to referral for top builders and architects
• (13:36) The importance of showing up authentically in luxury circles (no pitch required)

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• EP126: Unlocking the Power of Profit Partnerships in Your Design Business
• Invited Clubs
• Google Alerts

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Are you stuck at a revenue plateau in your interior design business and wondering why you can't seem to scale beyond $300K, $500K, or even $750K? In this power-packed episode, Melissa walks you through the most common roadblocks that keep designers from hitting that elusive seven-figure milestone. Whether you’re doing it all yourself, undercharging for your services, or micromanaging your team, she uncovers the exact shifts you need to make to break through each revenue barrier.

You’ll discover how to hire effectively, charge profitably, and lead powerfully. Melissa also shares practical tools, action steps, and mindset upgrades that you can start using immediately to shift out of hustle and into high-level strategy. This episode is your ultimate roadmap to creating a sustainable, scalable design business that doesn’t depend on your every move.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:11) Why $300K is the DIY ceiling—and how hiring, even an intern, can get you unstuck
• (06:23) The hidden value of outsourcing your bookkeeping and financial tracking
• (14:33) The half-million dollar hesitation—how undercharging is capping your growth
• (16:58) How flat fees and procurement management fees can transform your profitability
• (20:34) Why leadership, not labor, is your key to moving from $750K to $1M+
• (22:27) The mindset shift required to operate as a CEO, not just a designer

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• MelissaGalt.com
• Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com
• Motion: https://www.usemotion.com
• ClickUp: https://www.clickup.com
• Studio Designer: https://www.studiodesigner.com
• Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com
• HousePro: https://www.houzz.com/pro

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

This episode of Design Business Freedom is your empowering guide for navigating slow seasons in your interior design business with clarity, strategy, and confidence. Melissa shares actionable insights for transforming lulls into launchpads—without discounting your rates, compromising your value, or spiraling into fear. You'll learn why slow seasons are part of the natural business cycle, and how to use them to elevate your brand, reconnect with your network, and set up systems that support long-term growth.

Melissa covers smart visibility strategies, ways to reconnect with your ideal clients, and tips for leveraging quiet time to refine your operations and mindset. She also delivers a powerful reminder: clients buy certainty. That means your energy, presence, and belief in your value matter more than ever. Whether you're reworking your flat fee structure, leveling up your social media, or revamping your contracts, this episode offers a no-nonsense roadmap to emerge stronger on the other side.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:10) Why slow seasons happen—and why they don’t mean you’re failing
• (03:18) How to turn downtime into your most creative and strategic season yet
• (04:19) Visibility mistakes designers make—and how to stay top-of-mind with your audience
• (07:08) Ways to infuse your personal style into your brand presence
• (13:16) How to reconnect with your network and create new collaboration opportunities
• (17:28) Why staying in your CEO energy is crucial during slow times

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Amy Kartheiser: https://amykartheiserdesign.com/
• Emmy Couture Interiors: https://www.emmycouturedesigns.com/
• Isabel Ladd Interiors: https://www.isabelladdinteriors.com/
• Corey Damen Jenkins: https://www.coreydamenjenkins.com/
• Corey’s Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/corey-damen-jenkins-teaches-interior-design

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.