The Business of Beautiful Spaces Podcast for Interior Designers | Interior Design Business Pocast

Hosted by Laura Thornton, Interior Designer

Business Entrepreneurship

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175

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Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The Business of Beautiful Spaces, the podcast where interior design matters! As Interior Designers, we understand the power of creating beautiful and functional spaces that not only look good, but also enhance our daily lives. Join us on this journey as we explore the ins and outs of the interior design industry and dive into the business side of things. From one interior designer to another, we'll share our experiences, insights, and lessons learned as we strive to create spaces that not only make a statement, but also make a difference. So sit back, relax, and let's get started on The Business of Beautiful Spaces. AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, ChatGPT Edition https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-interior-designers-2-part-chat-gpt-smart-toolkit AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, Claude Edition https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-claude-the-2-part-smart-business-toolkit The Business of Beautiful spaces Freebie: https://the-business-of-beautiful-spaces.ck.page/ Mentorship One on One : https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/mentorship The Profit Academy for Interior Designers Online Course: https://theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com You can find us at www.thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com, email us at hello@thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com or any social media platform @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.

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June 15, 2026Episode 17519 min

176. Let's Talk About Why a Lead Tracker Is a Non-Negotiable Tool in Your Interior Design Business

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Laura breaks down why a lead tracker is a non-negotiable tool for interior designers who want more consistent revenue and a calmer, more predictable pipeline. A lead tracker gives you visibility and control, so you stop relying on your inbox, DMs, and memory to manage inquiries. It also gives you grace, because when you can see the full timeline of a lead, you stop taking silence personally and start responding like a CEO with a clear follow-up system.Laura explains exactly what to include on your tracker, from lead basics and lead source to project scope, budget range, and pipeline stage. The real game-changer is tracking key dates at every touchpoint: when you responded, when you sent the welcome guide, when discovery was scheduled and completed, when the proposal and contract were sent, when follow-ups happened (and how), and when the contract and deposit were received. Those dates reveal where leads ghost or drop off, help you calculate your standard time-to-close, and show you which stage needs refinement.You will also learn when to send the “magic email” for drifting leads. It is a kind but firm message that creates a clear decision point, removes pressure, and protects your calendar by giving the client two paths forward: move ahead by a specific date, or pause and reconnect later. With a date-based lead tracker, you gain powerful metrics like conversion rates by stage, response time, sales cycle length, follow-up effectiveness, drop-off points, pipeline value, and lost-lead reasons, all of which help you nurture and finesse your process so closing clients becomes more predictable.In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

June 8, 2026Episode 17438 min

174. Let's Talk Q&A Roundup for Interior Designers

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is a Q&A grab bag, packed with the best questions that have come in so far this year. These are the real issues designers are navigating right now, and while some of the questions are too specific to stretch into a full deep dive episode on their own, together they create a powerful, practical conversation.This is the episode to listen to if you want clear direction, language you can use with clients, and smart business moves you can implement this week to protect your time, your profit, and your peace.A major theme you’ll hear throughout this Q&A is this: when things get quiet, it is usually easier to create momentum with the relationships you already have than it is to start from zero with strangers. Nurturing current clients, reactivating past clients, and staying connected to referral partners is often the fastest and healthiest path back to a full pipeline.In this episode, we cover:What to do when the phone goes quiet and your pipeline slows down, without spirallingHow to create momentum by nurturing current clients before chasing brand new leadsHow to reactivate past clients in a way that feels confident, not desperateWhat to say when referral partners are your fastest path to new projectsHow to have the tariff and price increase conversation with clarity and credibilityHow to raise prices without losing the client by presenting options and a planHow to respond to the “double dipping” objection and explain your procurement model with confidenceWhy scope creep is often a pricing and process problem, not a client problemHow to create boundaries that actually hold through clearer deliverables, approvals, and revision limitsWhat AI is actually worth your time in a design business, and what to keep off limitsWhy some small firms are quietly closing and what the firms who survive are doing differentlyHow to build a business that does not burn you out, through systems, capacity, and boundariesKey takeawaysSlow seasons are normal, but spiralling is optional. Switch into CEO mode and take strategic action.Your fastest wins often come from the people who already know you: current clients, past clients, and referral partners.Clear communication protects profit. Most client pushback starts where your process is unclear.Procurement is a service. When you explain it like a service, clients stop treating it like a transaction.Scope creep thrives in vague processes. Build fee structures and approvals that prevent it from starting.AI is an assistant, not a decision maker. Use it for drafts and systems, not creative direction or exact details.Burnout is a business model problem, not a personal weakness. Structure creates freedom.Mentioned in the episodeIf you have not embraced AI yet, do not worry. You are not behind, you are just busy. We have a beginner’s guide to implementing ChatGPT and Claude available in our shop. It walks you through how to set up your brand voice, set up your bots, and get started using AI in your business in a way that actually makes sense for interior designers.In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resourcesBe sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

June 1, 2026Episode 17328 min

173. Let's Talk About AI for Designers: The 5 Tasks You Should Automate This Quarter (and 3 You Shouldn’t)

Send us Fan MailIf AI feels like one more thing on your already full plate, this episode makes it simple and practical. You’ll learn how to use AI like a smart assistant to save time, protect profit, and create more consistent client communication, without sacrificing your design standards or your brand.What you’ll learnHow to use AI to streamline the repetitive parts of your business while keeping your expertise and voice in control.Five tasks worth automating this quarter, plus three areas where AI can hurt quality, trust, or accuracy if you rely on it too much.The 5 tasks to automate this quarterLead responses and inquiry triageCreate quick reply templates, build a pre-qualification questionnaire, and move qualified leads to the next step faster.Consultation prep and meeting agendasGenerate customized agendas based on the client’s needs, send a prep checklist, and improve conversion with clear post-call recaps.Post-meeting notes and client recapsDraft recap emails, approval lists, and next-step timelines to reduce misunderstandings and prevent scope creep.Proposal drafts and scope summariesSpeed up proposals with clearer service descriptions, “what’s included and not included,” and plain-language explanations that build trust.Content repurposing and marketing systemsTurn one piece of content into a full week of posts, captions, emails, and CTAs so marketing stays consistent and aligned with your offers.The 3 things you should not automateYour creative direction and taste: use AI for support, not decision-making.High-emotion client communication: outline with AI, then rewrite it like a human.Exact details: measurements, code, safety, specs, and ordering accuracy should never come from AI.Simple workflow to save hours weeklyUse AI to turn meeting bullet notes into a client recap email, internal project checklist, and client-facing timeline. Save your best outputs as templates so efficiency compounds.Beginner-friendly reassurance and resourceIf you have not embraced AI yet, you are not behind, just busy. The episode points listeners to a beginner’s download in the shop that teaches how to set up brand voice, bots, and get started with ChatGPT and Claude in a designer-friendly way.Listener call to actionTry automating one task this week, then share the episode with a designer friend.A free way to support our show is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show and it helps others discover it, too.In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resourcesBe sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

May 25, 2026Episode 17223 min

172 - Let's Talk About the Lifetime Value of a Client (LVT)

Send us Fan MailThe Profit Academy for Interior Designers Doors are Now Open, sign up here:https://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura Thornton breaks down one of the most powerful numbers in your interior design business: Client Lifetime Value (LTV). Instead of judging a client by a single project, LTV helps you understand what a client is truly worth over time through repeat work and referrals.Laura walks you through how to calculate both Revenue LTV and Profit LTV, using a simple step-by-step method you can apply to your last 10 to 20 clients. You’ll learn how to factor in repeat phases, referral value, and profit margin to get a realistic number you can actually use to make decisions.Then Laura explains why knowing your LTV changes everything, especially when it comes to marketing. Once you understand what one ideal client is worth, you can confidently decide what you can afford to spend to acquire a new client, evaluate marketing channels without emotion, and build smarter strategies to attract clients who stay, spend, and refer.Laura also shares a quick action plan you can complete this week to calculate your LTV and set a marketing budget target based on that number.Finally, if you’re ready to think like a CEO and build pricing, scope, and profit systems that support long-term growth, Laura invites you to join The Profit Academy for Interior Designers, now available in three tiers:Self-Study Foundation ($699): Learn the framework independently with self-paced trainings, templates, scripts, and worksheets.Signature Profit Systems ($1,299): Get weekly live implementation calls, Q&A support, and cohort accountability alongside the full course.Profit Accelerator ($1,999): The highest level of support, including two private 1:1 mentorship sessions with Laura and personalized guidance to plug profit leaks and move faster.A free way to support our show is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show and it helps others discover it, too.In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

May 18, 2026Episode 17115 min

171. Let's table About Pricing With a Method: How to Stop Undercharging Without Pulling Numbers Out of Thin Air

Send us Fan MailIf pricing feels like a stressful guess, this episode will help you price with a clear method so you stop undercharging and start feeling confident in your numbers.In this episode, you will learnWhy designers undercharge even when they are talented and bookedWhat it means to price the process, not the tasksHow to set a Minimum Viable Fee so you stop saying yes to unprofitable workHow a Pricing Ladder creates consistent packages clients can choose fromHow to account for complexity so you are not donating timeReview your last three projects and ask:Where did I donate timeWhat was underpricedWhat boundary was missingWhat would I charge differently next timeIn just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

May 11, 2026Episode 17010 min

170. Let’s Talk About being booked and broke: The Designers Two Futures

Send us Fan MailBooked and Broke: Two Futures of a DesignerIf your calendar is full but your profit feels shaky, this episode is for you. We are talking about the two paths most designers end up on: Future A booked and broke, or Future B calm and profitable. The difference is not talent. It is systems.In this episode, you will learnWhy being busy is not proof your business is healthyThe three profit leaks that quietly drain your marginWhat booked and broke actually looks like in real lifeWhat changes when you price with a method, control scope, and track weeklyHow to stop relying on hope and start relying on processTwo futures, real stakesFuture A: Booked and brokeYou are talented. Clients are saying yes. The work keeps coming. But behind the scenes:Pricing is based on gut feel or what you think the client will tolerateScope expands through quick asks, extra revisions, and sourcing spiralsYou review profit at the end when nothing can be fixedOne difficult project can wipe out months of profitResentment and cash flow anxiety start creeping inFuture B: Calm and profitableSame talent. Same care. But your business runs differently because you have systems:You price with a method, not emotionYou use scope guardrails and scripts so boundaries stay professionalYou track profit weekly so you can correct course earlyYou can forecast income, plan capacity, and stop guessingYou finish projects proud of the results and the marginThe simple plan to build Future BFix pricing with a methodInstall scope controlTrack profit weeklyIn just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

May 4, 2026Episode 16920 min

169. Let's Talk About Stop Giving Away Design: 12 Things You’re Doing for Free That You Should Charge For

Send us Fan MailIf you have ever looked up at the end of a project and wondered, “Where did my time go?”, this episode is for you. Laura breaks down 12 common profit leaks that quietly drain revenue in interior design businesses, often disguised as “good service” or “just being helpful.” From extra meetings and endless revisions to showroom visits, rush timelines, and unpaid install days, Laura shows you exactly where designers unintentionally work for free, and how to set boundaries that protect both your time and your profit. The 12 Profit LeaksExtra meetings beyond what your package includesAdditional concept directions after one has been approvedRevisions that multiply without limits or structureRush timelines and last-minute changes without rush feesVendor research spirals and “can we find a cheaper option?” detoursShowroom visits that are not priced as premium timeExtra site visits outside your agreed cadenceTrade management for teams you did not hireInstall days that you do not bill properly (or at all)Budget reworks that require redesign after approvalsEmail and communication overload without response-time policiesProcurement handling like claims, damages, and backorders without compensation Pick one profit leak from the list and implement a policy for it this week. Then, add one new policy each month until you have addressed your biggest drains. Start with the top two or three areas where you know you are currently giving away time. Best Quote to Remember“Charging for your services is not greedy. It is how you stay in business.”In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

April 27, 2026Episode 16830 min

168. Let's Talk About The Mantras That Make Money

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we’re breaking down the business sayings I live by, and why they work. From “speed to the lead” (because fast response wins the job) to “nobody knows you exist” (because hope is not a marketing plan), I share the real-world strategies and psychology that turn inquiries into booked consults, marketing into momentum, and effort into revenue. We’ll also talk about “return on luck,” how visibility creates opportunity, and why revenue is built through systems, not wishful thinking.Plus, we’re closing with two mindset shifts that keep you calm and profitable: “if you confuse, you lose” (clear messaging sells) and the ultimate Type A mantra, “it always gets done,” for those high-pressure seasons when deadlines stack and life keeps moving. A free way to support the show is by leaving it a five-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It’s a chance to tell us what you love about the show and it helps others discover it, too.AI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, ChatGPT Editionhttps://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-interior-designers-2-part-chat-gpt-smart-toolkitAI Made Simple for Interior Design: The 2-Part Smart Business Toolkit, Claude Editionhttps://www.theprofitacademyforinteriordesigners.com/ai-made-simple-for-claude-the-2-part-smart-business-toolkitIn just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resourcesBe sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

April 20, 2026Episode 16730 min

167. Let’s talk about how to set your hourly rate as an interior designer ( replay)

Send us Fan MailSetting your hourly rate as an interior designer can feel confusing, emotional, and honestly a little awkward. In this episode, Laura breaks it down in plain English and shows you how to set an hourly rate that actually supports your business, not just your calendar.You’ll learn why copying what “other designers charge” is a fast track to burnout, what your rate truly needs to cover (including overhead, taxes, software, and non-billable time), and how to stop underestimating the real time it takes to deliver an excellent client experience. Laura also walks through the most common mistakes designers make when they choose a number out of thin air, and how to confidently adjust your pricing without fear, guilt, or over-explaining.If you have ever thought, “I’m busy, but the profit isn’t there,” this episode will help you reconnect the dots between your rate, your process, and your take-home pay, so you can price like a CEO and build a design business that pays you well.In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resourcesBe sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign

April 13, 2026Episode 16550 min

166- Let's Talk About Cyber Security in your Small Business

Send us Fan MailMost interior designers and small business owners believe cybersecurity is something they will deal with later or that their business is simply too small to be of interest to hackers.That assumption is no longer true.In this episode of The Business of Beautiful Spaces, Laura sits down with Jason deCourcy, founder of Xoomler, to uncover the real reason small businesses, solo entrepreneurs, and one-person design firms are now the primary target for cybercriminals.Hackers have changed their strategy. Instead of going after large corporations with robust security teams, they’re intentionally targeting small businesses that lack dedicated IT resources and ongoing security monitoring. Even more alarming, many attacks are not immediate. Hackers often gain access quietly, stay hidden, learn how your business operates, identify your clients, and wait for the right moment to exploit vulnerabilities.Jason breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes and explains why interior designers are especially vulnerable due to the sensitive client information, financial data, and communication systems they manage every day.This conversation is not about fear. It’s about awareness, prevention, and protecting the business you’ve worked so hard to build.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why small businesses and solo entrepreneurs are the perfect target for cybercrimeHow hackers infiltrate businesses quietly and stay hiddenWhat types of data cybercriminals are really after and why your clients’ information mattersWhy basic antivirus software is no longer enoughThe real cost of downtime for a small businessPractical steps you can take to protect your business and your clientsHow proactive cybersecurity can prevent a much larger and more costly issueIf you’ve ever thought, “There’s nothing in my business a hacker would want,” this episode may completely change how you think about protecting your company.Connect with JasonIf you’d like to learn more or book a consultation with Jason, you can reach him directly at:jason@xoomler.comIn just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.Book your session as you need it—no strings attached. Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resourcesBe sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us thebusinessofbeautifulspaces@gmail.com or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesLaura Thornton is the principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON. Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. The Business of Beautiful Spaces I @thebusinessofbeautifulspacesThornton Design I @thorntondesign