{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"S8 Ep.208 Interior Design Biz Ain't for Punks","description":"  Building a design business doesn\u2019t happen by accident. In this episode, Melissa Fields shares what it really looked like behind the scenes \u2014 undercharging, no process, imposter syndrome, and learning the hard way that being busy doesn\u2019t equal being profitable. From $100 consults to hiring her first employee and stepping fully into the CEO role, this conversation is honest, grounding, and incredibly encouraging for any designer in the \u201cfiguring it out\u201d phase. IN THIS EPISODE: How Melissa transitioned from a 20-year military career into interior design Why she started in home staging \u2014 and how she knew it wasn\u2019t the right fit The reality of building a portfolio when you don\u2019t have clients or capital How imposter syndrome shows up through undercharging and overworking Why \u201cbeing busy\u201d doesn\u2019t always mean being profitable The importance of developing a clear process and pricing structure What finally pushed Melissa to invest in business coaching How confidence grows when your skills, systems, and self-trust align This conversation is for designers who know they\u2019re talented but feel stuck \u2014 overwhelmed, underpaid, and unsure of how to turn their passion into a sustainable business. Melissa\u2019s story is such a powerful reminder that confidence doesn\u2019t come before action \u2014 it\u2019s built through it. If you\u2019ve ever questioned your worth, your pricing, or whether you \u201cbelong\u201d in this industry, this episode will meet you right where you are.   Melissa Fields is the CEO and Principal Designer of Shades of Gray Design Studio, a boutique interior design firm in San Antonio, Texas. After a 20-year career as an officer in the United States Air Force, Melissa followed her passion for design and built a thriving studio known for its elevated client experience, meticulous attention to detail, and deeply personalized approach to whole-home transformations.   Today, Melissa specializes in designing modern, livable, luxury spaces for established homeowners and empty-nesters who want to invest in high-quality, long-term design. Her unique combination of leadership, discipline, and creativity has allowed her to scale her business intentionally while maintaining a high-end, service-driven process.   Melissa is passionate about empowering other designers\u2014whether they\u2019re just starting out or well established\u2014to embrace their strengths, trust their creative instincts, and build businesses that reflect their own values. She believes great design changes how people live, and that a strong, well-run design business is just as important as a beautiful final reveal.   Fix the Leaks: The Hidden Places Your Business Is Quietly Losing Time & Money https:\/\/www.addevent.com\/event\/qjrn64tbm77l   How to Price Your Design Services with Confidence https:\/\/thedesignbakehouse.com\/pricing-workshop   RESOURCES:   INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS BAKERY - Our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https:\/\/thedesignbakehouse.com\/interior-design-business-bakery   SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. All-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. https:\/\/mysidemark.com\/   MARKETING MEMBERSHIP - Join our hands on marketing & visibility program, no contract, only $59\/month. https:\/\/thedesignbakehouse.com\/lead-lab   Stay in touch with Michelle on Instagram: https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thedesignbakehouse\/   Join our Free Facebook Community: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/idbizlaunchpad    Get clarity on your next best step today! https:\/\/www.designedforthecreativemind.com\/reviewguide   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https:\/\/www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com\/contact ","author_name":"Designed for the Creative Mind\u2122","author_url":"https:\/\/thedesignbakehouse.com\/designed-for-the-creative-mind-pod","html":"