I will continue to add to my list of things I learn as the years go by and I hope that this list is helpful to those looking to start their own interior design business or if they already started, this is a heads up!
Being in business for yourself is very rewarding and stressful at the same time. Just be prepared to manage your money wisely when in-between clients and paid invoices. I still haven't found my sweet spot yet for how many clients are ideal for me at once because I do have a 3 year old that I want to be very present for, so I don't know what my perfect number will be. I do strongly believe that with God all things are possible and that my one woman show will eventually grow and I can pass the office management and business side of things off to someone who enjoys it. It is definitely not my jam these days but I have to get it done.
I am grateful for all of the new companies that have made a lot of things that I have to outsource more streamlined and cost effective. I am looking forward to seeing where technology will take our field. But here is my list...
These are the 10 things that I have learned in my first 2 years of starting my interior design business.
Don't accept all clients. All money is not good money. Be mindful of scams! Yes scams I know, right!?
Don't forget about the tile trim in the shower and tub. If it's Schluter, bullnose, or quarter round, it matters!! Remember to specify it or the contractor will assume and possibly be wrong especially if you are not project managing the project.
Measure, measure, measure! The length, width, depth and height if necessary no matter what it is.
Don't let clients pick apart your design services. Be transparent and straight forward. This is what you get for this price. That's it.
Back up your design decisions with facts. It helps the clients feel more comfortable in your knowledge of Interior Design and that helps build trust.
Scale is very important! Check the dimensions & proportions!
The smooth side of cedar beams stain better than the rough side.
Design takes time. Anything great rarely happens when you rush through things.
You get out what you put in.
Contractors are worse than mechanics! Sometimes they show up and sometimes they don't. This could cost you a little bit or it could cost you a lot. If you find a good contractor hold on to them like that old pair of jeans you keep in the closet because you want to fit in them again.