In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun sit down with Renee Bush, founder of Tandem, a consultancy for interior designers. She’s the secret weapon behind the brand and business strategy at powerhouses like Studio McGee. Renee shares her journey from graphic and studio operations into honing a niche helping designers align business structure, brand identity, and marketing.

They dive deep into how strategic clarity—knowing who you are, who you're talking to, and what you want—transforms client experience, marketing, pricing, and scale. Renee’s wisdom around confident positioning, signature processes and aesthetics, and the importance of a North Star brand makes this a foundational listen for any designer ready to level up.

In this episode they discuss:

• Renee’s non-designer path: transitioning from graphic design/studio ops through Studio McGee into founding Tandem
• What brand strategy actually means: values, tone, ideal client, mission, emotional deliverables
• How to uncover a designer’s unique "North Star" that aligns brand, process, team and marketing
• The power of signature processes or aesthetics as a form of positioning
• Why confidence—especially in pricing—is the linchpin to attracting the right clients
• How small, strategic changes across branding, social media, press, and referrals generate exponential growth
• Tailoring Instagram and content for your future ideal client without losing your current audience
• Choosing between volume of smaller projects vs. fewer high-end ones—and ensuring profitability through smart systems

Mentioned:

• Tandem – with-tandem.com
• The Haven List workshop – thehavenlist.com/workshop
• Tandem Instagram – instagram.com/with_tandem
• Tandem Pinterest - pinterest.com/with_tandem
• Episode 99 with Ali Faulkner
• Episode 149 with Danielle Chiprut

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

Danielle Chiprut, owner and creative force behind Danielle Rose Design Co., joins Shaun and Rebecca to unpack how intentional investments in her business—from team expansion and PR to education and a new studio space—have fueled her growth. With over five years in the interior design world, Danielle shares candid insights on trusting her gut, building boundaries, and empowering her team to elevate her brand.

In this episode they discuss:

• How Danielle transitioned from a solo designer to leading a polished team with a junior designer and ops manager
• Letting go of control: her team’s first install without her and why it was a proud milestone
• The strategic use of Design Assisted and freelance hires before making her first in‑house hire
• Investing in PR and photography early: how it boosted credibility, landed press, and supported premium pricing
• Participating in the Hampton Designer Showhouse and Housing Works Design on a Dime—and the client leads that followed
• Her journey through education, retreats, and workshops like Haven and Design Camp to build strategy, community, and confidence
• The boundary-building mindset she adopted as her business grew, and why that strength matters for her team
• Future plans: opening a studio, creating design “pods,” hosting client workshops, and growing community presence

Mentioned:

• Danielle Rose Design Co: https://www.daniellerosedesignco.com/
• @daniellerosedesignco (Instagram)
• Watch Danielle’s team do their first install without her: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKSmWPwJSIZ/
• Brand Identity PR: https://www.brandidentitypr.com/
• Housing Works (LGBTQ+ housing & community health): https://www.instagram.com/housingworks/
• Hampton Designer Showhouse: https://hamptondesignershowhouse.com/
• Haven Workshop: https://thehavenlist.com/workshop
• Tandem (branding): https://with-tandem.com/
• Design Camp: https://www.design-camp.co/
• Design Assisted: https://www.designassistedco.com/
• Hear Design Assisted’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000528360925
• Asana: https://asana.com/

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca dive deep into the nuts and bolts of creating and managing a materials library for interior designers. They discuss everything from sourcing sample accounts and organizing fabrics, tile, rugs, paint, hardware, lighting, and window coverings, to managing the relentless influx of materials and avoiding storage chaos—all while keeping things inspiring and client-ready.

With practical tips on establishing vendor relationships, setting up effective storage systems, maintaining sample quality, and curating collections by color or usage, this episode is packed with insights to help designers build an efficient, beautiful, and functional materials library.

In this episode they discuss:

• How to get design trade accounts and sample access from major vendors like Pindler, Fabricut, Kravet, York, and more using resale certificates and business credentials.
• Strategies for organizing fabric samples—by color themes, outdoor vs. indoor, window treatments, and best folding and bin systems to keep samples visible and curled-free.
• Tips for storing tile, rugs, hardware, lighting, and paint samples—utilizing IKEA Pax units, bins, hangers, shallow drawers, finished-sample rings, and rep-supplied storage aids.
• Using Material Bank and vendor programs for efficient sample sourcing and quick shipping of paint, commercial fabrics, and tile.
• Solutions for managing bulky samples (e.g., tile boards, rug swatches, paint decks) and the benefits of building strong vendor relationships for rep delivery and service.
• Facing common challenges such as moth infestations, sample deterioration, and the time/labor required to maintain a materials library, including ideas for reuse or redistribution of unused samples.
• Leveraging market exposure (High Point, Las Vegas, Pacific Design Center) to expand your sample collection and deepen vendor knowledge without cluttering your home studio.

Mentioned:

• IKEA Pax System: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-system-19086/
• HYDC Material Library Organization Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3ZTSZp5
• Happy Hour Design Collective: https://www.itshappyhour.co/
• Pindler Fabrics: https://www.pindler.com/
• Fabricut Fabrics: https://fabricut.com/
• Schumacher Fabrics: https://schumacher.com/
• Kravet: https://www.kravet.com/
• York Wallcoverings: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/
• Anna Elizabeth / Greenhouse Fabrics: https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/anna-elisabeth
• Crypton Fabrics: https://crypton.com/
• Zia Tile: https://www.ziatile.com/
• Fireclay Tile: https://www.fireclaytile.com/
• Supply Showroom: https://www.supplyshowroom.com/
• Pattern Collective:

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca dive deep into the world of custom and bespoke furnishings and how they can elevate not only your designs but your entire interior design business. They share real-life experiences, lessons learned, and the emotional ups and downs of taking the custom route—from sourcing local artisans to managing the expectations of clients and contractors. They also explore how new AI tools are transforming the way designers visualize and pitch one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you're feeling stuck sourcing from the same retailers or want to push your creative limits, this episode is a must-listen. Rebecca and Shaun break down the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help you make custom your new standard.

In this episode they discuss:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can help visualize custom furnishings and win client buy-in
• Why custom might be a necessary pivot in today’s economy and evolving retail landscape
• Challenges with finding local vendors and how to build your dream custom team
• The importance of managing client expectations with custom installs and fittings
• Creative ways to customize ready-made pieces without breaking the bank
• How to structure your pricing when there’s no MSRP for custom work
• Small-scale custom ideas that can elevate your portfolio and client experience
• Strategies to avoid burnout and ensure profitability with time-intensive custom projects

Mentioned:

• Norwalk Custom Upholstery (https://www.norwalkfurniture.com/)
• Villa Lagoon Tile (https://www.villalagoontile.com/)
• Gat Creek Custom Furniture (https://www.gatcreek.com/)
• Jaipur Living Custom Rugs (https://www.jaipurliving.com)
• Fabric Guru (https://www.fabricguru.com/)

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

This week, Shaun and Rebecca are joined by Natalie Papier of Home Ec Op to talk all things color, creativity, and carving your own design path. Natalie shares how her background in fine art has shaped her interiors, how she grew her business organically through Instagram, and the whirlwind of launching multiple product lines, filming a design TV show, and publishing her first book. She opens up about the real-life chaos behind the scenes and the power of staying true to your aesthetic.

In this episode they discuss:

• Natalie's journey from fine artist to interior designer
• Filming Artfully Designed and navigating behind-the-scenes challenges
• How her book Start with the Art came to life and what she learned
• Collaborating with brands like Mitzi and Mitchell Black on product lines
• Balancing client work with content creation and licensing deals
• The importance of boundaries and fit in client relationships
• How she handles unsolicited opinions and the downsides of virality
• Why midlife is actually the best time for creative evolution

In this episode they discuss:

• Rasheeda’s transition from corporate marketing to full-time interior design
• Building a business while juggling a 9-to-5 job and family responsibilities
• Collaborating with her husband to create a design-construction duo
• The significance of community and mentorship in her career growth
• Revising her pricing structure to enhance profitability and cash flow
• Leveraging local television as an effective marketing tool
• Balancing flat-fee and hourly billing to meet creative and business needs
• Preparing for her most significant TV project to date and expanding Gray Space's recognition

Mentioned:

• Home Ec Op Website
• Home Ec Op Instagram
• Natalie’s Wallpaper Collection with Mitchell Black
• Artfully Designed on Discovery +
• Home Ec Collection with Mitzi Lighting
• Natalie’s Book: Start with the Art

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

In this heartfelt and vulnerable episode, Shaun and Rebecca open up about their personal mental health journeys and how those experiences impact their lives as interior designers and creative entrepreneurs. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, they shed light on how common mental health struggles are within the design industry, and how important it is to build a life and business that supports your mind and body.

Together, they share their own stories of burnout, depression, therapy, and medication, while encouraging fellow designers to normalize conversations around emotional well-being. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about real talk, compassion, and taking steps (big or small) toward mental resilience in a creative industry that often demands so much.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why it's important to name and acknowledge your emotional state without shame
• The emotional crash that can follow the adrenaline of busy periods and client work
• Tips for recognizing and responding to situational versus long-term depression
• The benefits of therapy, medication, and consistent mental health check-ins
• How somatic stretching and body awareness can support emotional release
• Drawing boundaries with email, social media, and business energy drains
• The struggle of detaching your identity from your business and client feedback
• Finding healing and connection through your design community and close friends

Mentioned:

• BetterHelp
• TalkSpace
• Psychology Today

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with interior designer and TV personality Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interiors. Rasheeda shares how she transitioned from a 15-year corporate marketing career into a thriving design business — and how she made her purpose and passion align. They also dive into how she’s leveraged local television and mentorships to grow her brand, and what it’s really like running a business with your partner.

From juggling 20 projects while holding down a full-time job to building a renovation-focused business with her husband, Rasheeda gets real about the hustle behind the glam. She also shares her evolving pricing strategies, her love for marketing, and what it takes to step into the spotlight on national TV.

In this episode they discuss:

• Rasheeda’s shift from corporate marketing to full-time design
• How she built her business while working a 9-to-5 and raising a family
• Partnering with her husband to create a design-construction power duo
• The importance of community and mentorship in building her career
• Reworking her pricing structure to protect profits and boost cash flow
• Using local television as a powerful marketing tool
• Balancing flat-fee and hourly billing to serve both creativity and business needs
• Preparing for her biggest TV project yet — and aiming to make Gray Space a household name

Mentioned:

• Gray Space Interiors: https://grayspaceinteriors.com/
• Rasheeda Gray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayspaceinteriors/
• Rasheeda Gray on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grayspaceinteriordesign/
• Kelly Collier-Clark: https://www.instagram.com/kellycollierclark/
• House of Clark Interiors: https://www.instagram.com/houseofclarkinteriors/
• Cheryl Luckett: https://www.instagram.com/dwellbycheryl/?hl=en

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc

Shaun and Rebecca are back with another Mixed Baggie episode filled with updates, rants, and juicy industry talk! Rebecca shares a major manifestation win — landing a restaurant design opportunity just weeks after putting it out into the universe. They dig into writing proposals and pricing for commercial work, hitting critical mass in your business, and dealing with clients who have unrealistic expectations. Plus, they get real about how wild remodeling costs have gotten, and the emotional struggle with paying more for everything, even as consumers.

In this episode they discuss:

• Rebecca’s restaurant project manifestation story and how it happened almost too fast
• How Rebecca structured her first commercial project proposal and what she learned
• Hitting critical mass in business and the terrifying feeling of leveling up
• Why discovery calls can be painful when clients have unrealistic budgets and timelines
• Remodeling costs in 2025 and why even ChatGPT’s numbers might be too low
• The hard truth that not every designer can—or should—work with 1% clients
• Why it's important to pay for upgrades, even monthly app fees, to scale your business
• More Facebook group drama and the politics of online designer communities

Mentioned:

• Harvest App (https://www.getharvest.com/)
• Acuity Scheduling (https://acuityscheduling.com/)
• Noir Furniture (https://www.noirfurniturela.com/)

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Mentioned in this episode:

Get 50% off your first year + a 14-day free trial with Sortly. https://sortly.com/hydc