Profit Is A Choice

Hosted by Michele Williams | Business Coach | Podcaster |Speaker

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Owning every choice in your business is not for the faint of heart. Each Monday, join Michele Williams, strategic profitability coach for the interior design industry as she interviews guests who are taking control of their business one decision at a time to increase their profits. If you are an entrepreneur who wants to make money while working in your passion, this is the podcast for you.

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60 recent

June 14, 2026Episode 3141 hr 0 min

QUIPA: Processes that Drive Profit

314: QUIPA: Processes that Drive Profit With over two decades of experience as a workroom owner and interior designer, Hope Arbery understands the real challenges behind custom work—long hours, pricing uncertainty, and the constant pressure to get everything just right. She founded QUIPA to provide the tools she—and so many others—wished they had: automated yardage and pricing calculations, professional estimates, and systems that bring clarity instead of chaos. Hope is deeply committed to helping workrooms not just survive, but truly thrive with confidence, professionalism, and profit. In today's conversation, we're diving into what inspired her to create QUIPA, how it works, and the key problems it solves for workrooms everywhere. Topics Mentioned: Project management and pricing support Modernizing workrooms Simplified operations and communication Key Thoughts: Modernizing workrooms in the custom soft furnishings industry to remain competitive is very important. The demand for efficiency and accuracy is increasing, and estimating and project management tools can provide assistance. The complexity of teaching the intricacies of window treatments prohibit many from hiring. Providing estimates quickly helps maintain project momentum and avoid losing clients due to delays. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: scarletthreadconsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele-Williams Contact Hope: Email: hope@quipa.com Website: https://www.quipa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myquipa Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myQUIPA/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/myquipa References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

May 31, 2026Episode 31349 min

Seven Primal Questions that Impact Your Employees

313: Seven Primal Questions that Impact Your Employees Joining me today is Kathryn Dillon, a certified Primal Question Coach with more than 30 years of experience owning and operating a successful window treatment design and fabrication business. While Kathryn has built a thriving career, her true passion has always been mentoring others—helping them grow personally and professionally with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Guided by the Primal Question framework and her own journey of healing, she creates safe, judgment-free spaces where clients can gain insight and walk away with practical tools for meaningful change. Kathryn and I both believe that growth is possible at any stage of life and business, which makes this conversation especially powerful. Today, we're introducing you to the Seven Primal Questions—and how they can transform the way you think, lead, and grow. Topics Mentioned: Hiring and managing staff Framework of understanding Big question Key Thoughts: Our primal question is related to how we see the world and our internal dialogue. We all have core motivational needs. Knowing our primal question can lead to healthier decision making and emotional regulation. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: scarletthreadconsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele-Williams Contact Kathryn: Email: kathryn@shiftingrhythmscoaching.com Website: shiftingrhythmscoaching.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftingrhythmscoaching Facebook: Shifting Rhythms Coaching References and Resources: 7 Primal Questions by Mike Foster Atomic Habits by James Clear Strengths Finder 2.0 Assessment Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

May 24, 2026Episode 3127 min

Monday Minute: What a Strategic Plan Should Actually Do

312: Monday Minute: What a Strategic Plan Should Actually Do Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward one small win at a time. Today, we're talking about what a strategic plan should actually do. So stick around—this is one you won't want to miss. Topics Covered: Need for strategic plan How to use a strategic plan What goes into a strategic plan Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Strategy2Go Metrique Solutions

May 17, 2026Episode 31151 min

How Intentional Messaging Elevates Your Design Business

311: How Intentional Messaging Elevates Your Design Business With me today is Jaquilyn Edwards of Ochre and Beige. Jaquilyn helps interior designers step into high-end positioning through their words, systems, and client experiences—so their value becomes unmistakable. In today's episode, we explore how intentional messaging builds trust faster, strengthens boundaries, and ultimately grows and protects your profit. Our hope is that you walk away with insight and clarity to run a thriving business that truly reflects the caliber of your work. Topics Mentioned: AI impact on copywriting Luxury strategy Affluent client messaging Key Thoughts: AI can be cost effective to help with copywriting but it creates generic content that lacks personalization. Luxury in design also refers to luxury communication which is clear. Messaging may need to be repositioned over time to attract ideal clients. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: scarletthreadconsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele-Williams Contact Jaquilyn: Email: jedwards@ochreandbeige.com Website: www.ochreandbeige.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/ochreandbeige LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jaquilynedwards

May 3, 2026Episode 31047 min

Scaling Your Business with Confidence

310: Scaling Your Business with Confidence Joining me today is Brittany Farinas of Miami-based House of One. Brittany is the CEO and Creative Director, known for creating spaces that truly embody the art of living with style. In just eight years, Brittany has built an impressive career—designing projects across South Florida and expanding into the Northeast, including Martha's Vineyard, the Hamptons, and New York. Her work has been featured in publications like AD, Domino, and Vogue Living, reflecting both her talent and distinctive point of view. In today's episode, we're diving into her journey of growth, the real cost of scaling a design business, and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's an insightful and inspiring conversation you won't want to miss. Topics Mentioned: Hiring and managing staff Managing rapid growth Charging fairly Key Thoughts: Managing rapid growth, hiring, and maintaining high-quality deliverables while dealing with client expectations can be overwhelming. Downsizing a business can help focus on quality over quantity. Education and great communication skills help build respect with contractors. Charging appropriately for the time and work is important to run a profitable business. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: scarletthreadconsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele-Williams Contact Brittany: Email: dilara@adesignpartnership.com Website: www.houseof1.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanyalexa_, https://www.instagram.com/houseofone_

April 26, 2026Episode 3096 min

Monday Minute: What to Fix Next in Your Business

309: Monday Minute: What to Fix Next in Your Business Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward, one small win at a time. Today the topic is What to fix next in your business. Topics Covered: Sales Profit Order Impact Legacy Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Strategy2Go Metrique Solutions

April 19, 2026Episode 30851 min

Kaivari: Where Designers Go to Connect

308: Kaivari: Where Designers Go to Connect With me today on the podcast is Sonia Barney, an award-winning designer, business educator, and founder of Kaivari, a platform built to support creative entrepreneurs with the right coaches, resources, and community at the right stage of business. In this episode, we're diving into the real cost of choosing the wrong coach—or engaging at the wrong time—and how those decisions can impact your growth. Sonia also shares practical resources to help you ask better questions, make more aligned decisions, and find the support system that truly fits your current stage of business. Topics Mentioned: Support platform for design community Entrepreneurship challenges Coaches vs. Mentors Key Thoughts: It is important to match your need to the coach you select. Personality matters when selecting a professional to work with. Different professionals are available to help at each stage of business growth. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: scarletthreadconsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele-Williams Contact Sonia: Email: sonia.barney@soniabdesign.com Website: www.kaivari.com, www.soniabarneydesign.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaivarico, https://www.instagram.com/soniabarneydesign Link: www.kaivari.com/free-resources References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

April 5, 2026Episode 30740 min

Scaling Your Design Business: Benefits of Outsourced Help

307: Scaling Your Design Business: Benefits of Outsourced Help With me today is Danae Branson, founder of Elite Design Assistants, a virtual assistant agency providing professional virtual design support to interior designers. She is also the owner of Niche Mavin, a freelance gig-based platform serving professionals in interior design, architecture, construction, and real estate. In today's conversation, we're focusing on the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant—whether as ongoing team support or as a flexible, fill-in resource during busy seasons. You'll learn how to assess your needs, determine when it's time to bring in support, and how partnering with a virtual design assistant can help you deliver exceptional design services to your clients. Topics Mentioned: Benefits of Hiring Contractors Fractional Support Cost vs Efficiency Key Thoughts: Working with experienced professionals when subcontracting makes a difference in continuing service levels. There can be a trade-off between cost and efficiency based on the person you hire. Contractors can be beneficial, especially for short-term surges in work or when a business owner needs temporary relief from overwhelming tasks. Virtual Design Assistants (VDAs) can fill in gaps due to maternity leave, medical leave or hiring delays. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Danae: Email: danae@elitedesignassistants.com Instagram: @elitedesignassistants, @nichemavin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danae-branson-a98b31163/ Website: elitedesignassistants.com Website: nichemavin.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions

March 22, 2026Episode 3067 min

Gross Profit and Net Profit Have a Job

306: Monday Minute: Gross Profit and Net Profit Have a Job Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele. One of the new things we're adding to the podcast is a series of short, bite-sized episodes designed to give you quick insights you can put into action right away. Each Monday Minute is meant to be a fast listen—something you can absorb quickly and then apply to your business in a meaningful way. I hope these small moments of learning help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Enjoy this new offering! Topics Covered: Gross Profit Defined Net Profit Defined

March 15, 2026Episode 30551 min

Designing Beauty in Multi-Family Housing: Creating Spaces People Love to Live In

305: Designing Beauty in Multi-Family Housing: Creating Spaces People Love to Live In Joining me today is Marcy Sagel, founder and principal of MSA Interiors, a leading commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, affordable housing, and other complex commercial projects. With over 30 years of experience, Marcy brings a deep understanding of how thoughtful design shapes the way people live every day. In this episode, we're diving into the world of multifamily living—what it really means, the unique considerations behind designing these spaces, and why everyone deserves beautiful, functional design, from affordable housing to high-end market-rate communities. I hope you'll find insight and inspiration in this conversation. Topics Mentioned: Affordable Housing Accessible Multifamily Housing Collective Decision Making Key Thoughts: Multifamily design differs from residential in terms of stakeholder management and the need to balance aesthetics with durability and longevity across different price points. Everyone deserves great design, regardless of budget. The ability to balance and manage collective decision-making is imperative. Affordable housing require durable materials and can still incorporate thoughtful design. Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Website: ScarletThreadConsulting.com LinkedIn: Michele Williams Contact Marcy: Email: marcy@msainteriors.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcysagel/ Website: msainteriors.com References and Resources: Work with Me The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today CFO2Go Metrique Solutions