Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Hosted by Rebecca Hay

Business Education

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Episodes

382

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Jun 2026

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About the show

I'm Rebecca Hay and I have built a successful interior design business by trial and error, podcasts, online courses and books. Over the last decade I have grown from an insecure student to having career false starts and now I've finally landed where I want to be. Throughout my journey I've become deeply passionate about business and helping other entrepreneurs and career minded women. Each week I'll share tangible takeaways from my own experience and the experiences of other badass women to help you build your confidence and change your business.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 33424 min

334. Stop Punishing yourself for taking time off

Taking time off from your business should not mean cramming your calendar before you leave, checking emails from the dock, and coming back to complete chaos. In this episode, I dive into what it actually means to take time off from your interior design business without mentally carrying it with you the entire time. This is a conversation about boundaries, leadership, communication, and building a business that can function without constant access to you. I share the three ways designers often punish themselves around vacation: overloading the days before they leave, staying half available while they're away, and coming back to a packed reentry that erases the rest they just had. If you've ever felt guilty for taking time off, worried that clients will think you don't care, or found yourself answering emails even after setting an out-of-office reply, this episode will help you rethink what sustainable business ownership can look like. You'll walk away with practical questions to ask before your next vacation, permission to create clearer boundaries, and a reminder that a calm business creates a better client experience. This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

June 9, 2026Episode 33315 min

333. How to Build a Six-Month Runway for Your Design Business

Are you making business decisions based on facts, or are you guessing and hoping things will work out? In this episode, I'm talking about how to build a six-month runway for your interior design business. This is one of the simplest ways to understand what it really costs to keep your business running and whether you have the financial stability to make decisions with confidence. I walk through the four cost buckets every designer should know: fixed costs, variable costs, invisible costs, and future costs. I also share how to calculate your monthly run rate, why paying yourself needs to be included, and how to compare your six-month runway number to what you actually have in the bank and in secured revenue. I share how to look at your business finances in a practical, non-intimidating way so you can plan ahead, prepare for slower seasons, and make better decisions about hiring, spending, scaling, and saying yes or no to projects. Episode Resources: Know your Numbers | Part 1 Understanding your Project Profitability with Merilee Wright Know your Numbers | Part 2 What it costs to run your business with Merilee Wright This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

June 2, 2026Episode 33222 min

332. Who's Steering Your Business When You're Not There?

What would happen if you took a week off from your business? Would projects continue moving forward, or would everything pause until you returned? In this episode, I explores one of the most common growth challenges for interior design business owners: becoming the bottleneck. From decision-making and client communication to process documentation and team leadership, I share three powerful shifts that can help you build a business that doesn't depend on you being involved in every detail. If you've ever struggled to unplug, felt overwhelmed by constant questions from your team, or wondered why your business can't seem to function without you, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: How to identify if you're the bottleneck in your business Why delegation is about ownership, not just tasks The importance of documenting your process How to create more freedom without sacrificing quality Why letting go of control is essential for growth This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

May 26, 2026Episode 33136 min

331. How Wholesale Furniture Collections Are Built for Designers

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Jennifer Dewhirst, Director of Brand and Merchandising at Dovetail Furniture, for a behind-the-scenes look at how wholesale furniture collections are built for designers. Jennifer shares how Dovetail develops new collections twice a year, what goes into preparing for High Point Market, and how the team balances trendy pieces with timeless, well-made furniture that designers can rely on for years. They also talk about the current shift toward warmer wood tones, traditional silhouettes, richer colors, and more collected interiors, as well as the difference between European and North American furniture preferences. If you've ever wondered what happens before a furniture piece lands in a showroom, this episode gives you a rare look at the design, sourcing, merchandising, and decision-making behind the scenes. Rebecca and Jennifer discuss: How wholesale furniture collections are created What makes a piece timeless versus trendy Why quality and craftsmanship matter when sourcing How Dovetail responds to designer feedback Why High Point Market is so valuable for designers How to think about trends without creating dated interiors This conversation will help you source with more confidence, understand what goes into the products you specify, and think more strategically about the furniture you bring into your client projects. Episode Resources: Episode 312: How Wholesale Vendor Partnerships Boost Profit in Your Design Business with John Genova of Dovetail Furniture Check out Dovetail Furniture This episode is sponsored by Dovetail Furniture.

May 19, 202620 min

Why Trade Day Is the Secret to a Smooth Design Project [Rebroadcast]

The effect Trade Day had on my business, the way this initial onboarding event sets the expectations and tone for the whole project cannot be overstated. But, take it from me, there are certain dos and don'ts that you need to take into account for it to be a real success. When done right, Trade Day can be your secret weapon but when done wrong, it can have far reaching consequences. I share a lesson I learned the hard way about a time where my lack of organization on Trade Day led to a result that negatively influenced the rest of the project. Learn from my mistakes and listen to this list of Best Practices that will show you how to set up a successful Trade Day, how that will instill confidence in you, your clients and your trades and why it is a way to showcase your entire process. You are the leader of this team and so take the opportunity of Trade Day to set your project up for success to reassure everyone that they are safe in your capable, professional hands. Episode Resources: Episode 326 Why Your Project Budgets Still Feel Off (And How to Fix Them) Save your spot in the next Free Workshop: The Predictability Framework

May 12, 2026Episode 33022 min

330. Stop Overthinking Your Marketing (Your Pipeline Depends On It)

If your pipeline feels inconsistent, your inquiries have slowed down, or you keep putting marketing on the back burner while you focus on client work… this episode is for you. In today's solo episode, I'm breaking down why overthinking your marketing may actually be hurting your business more than helping it. I'm sharing: Why your business operates on a lag The real reason feast-or-famine cycles happen Why visibility matters more than perfection The mistake I made when I stopped marketing during a busy season 3 simple content categories every designer can talk about How to create marketing that actually connects with potential clients Because the designers who build predictable businesses aren't necessarily the most original… they're the most consistent. Episode Resources: Save your spot in the next Predictability Framework Workshop This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

May 5, 2026Episode 32952 min

329. Why Designers Struggle to Talk About Money with Dina Holland

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but it's one of the most important skills to master as a design business owner. In this episode, I'm joined by Dina Holland to talk about why designers struggle with pricing conversations and how to build real confidence around your numbers. We cover: Why "no" is actually a sign of growth How to stop undercharging and start owning your value What changes as your business evolves How process and experience impact your pricing If you've ever second-guessed your fees or avoided talking about money with clients, this episode is for you. Episode Resources: Episode 78 Grow your team, Grow your business with Dina Holland of Honey & Fitz Episode 256 Live At High Point Market | Money Matters: Expert tips from a profitable business with Renée Biery, Dina Holland & Jamie Merida You can find Dina Holland at her website and on Instagram @HoneyandFitz. Watch the episode on YouTube This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

April 28, 2026Episode 32814 min

328. Why Your Business Feels So Up and Down (And How to Fix It)

If your business feels like a constant cycle of busy seasons followed by slow ones, this episode is for you. I'm breaking down why so many interior designers get stuck in the feast-or-famine cycle and what's really behind that inconsistency. Because the truth is, your current workload didn't happen overnight. It's a result of what you were doing 3 to 6 months ago. In this episode, I walk you through how to shift from reacting to your business to building something more predictable. I focus on three key areas: your visibility, your pipeline, and the decisions you might be avoiding. If you're craving more consistency and stability in your business, it starts with what you do today. Episode Resources: Episode 88: Back to Basics. Let's set some goals! Episode 200: Try this hack to fast-track your goals Episode 261: My 7 step framework to accomplishing your goals (with freebie) Learn more about Designers Room: A new coaching program for Interior Designers This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

April 21, 2026Episode 32716 min

327. There are 3 Types of Design Firm Owners, which one are you?

There are three types of design firm owners, and most designers are stuck in the first two. If your business feels busy but unpredictable… If you're constantly adjusting, tweaking, and still not seeing consistent growth… This episode will help you understand why. In this episode, I break down the three business identities I see most often: The Resourceful Designer The Adaptable Designer The Confident Designer And what separates them isn't talent. Its structure. If you're ready to move from hustle and reaction into calm, predictable growth, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: Why resourcefulness and adaptability can only take you so far What actually creates consistency in your pipeline and revenue How to shift from reactive decision-making to intentional growth The role structure plays in building a calm, sustainable design business Resources: The Predictability Framework workshop Learn more about Designers Room: A new coaching program for Interior Designers This episode is sponsored by Programa. Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It's designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems. Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

April 14, 202617 min

3 time blocking tips to start using today [Rebroadcast]

There was a time when I felt chained to my inbox, constantly reacting, jumping between tasks, and always playing catch-up. That changed when I started time blocking. In this rebroadcast episode, I'm sharing three simple, actionable tips you can start using right away to improve your focus, reduce overwhelm, and manage your time more intentionally. Before you dive in, I encourage you to take a step back and look at where your time has actually been going. A quick time audit can help you make small, meaningful shifts without overhauling your entire schedule. Inside this episode: How I structure focus, buffer, and free days How to map out your ideal week A simple daily habit to help you stay on track Time blocking doesn't have to be all or nothing. Start small, stay consistent, and build from there. Learn more about Designers Room: https://rebeccahay.com/waitlist Original Resources: Lisa Canning Conquer Your Calendar Course The Gap and the Gain 10x is easier than 2x Full Focus Planner Read our Blog: How to achieve more by doing less