Interior Designer Support
01 – THE BRIEF
INTERIOR DESIGN MENTORING
Leann had worked in corporate roles for years, but deep down always wanted to be an interior designer.
Leaving the security of a salaried job was scary. When the pandemic hit, she needed more flexibility to home school her children.
So she decided to take the plunge and follow her dream, launching her interior design business Brooklyn Interiors.
02 – THE CHALLENGE
INTERIOR DESIGN MENTORING
Starting a new interior design business with imposter syndrome
Leann had looked at many resources online to support her new interior design business.
She reached the point where she needed “someone to guide me through building my business… as there’s lots you can learn online, but it’s so much nicer if you’ve got someone to chat to”.
Leann was looking for insider knowledge and practical advice from a successful interior designer.
She was suffering from the common issue of imposter syndrome, seen in many new business owners.
03 – THE SOLUTION
INTERIOR DESIGN MENTORING
Vicky offers mentoring for early-stage interior designers to give them the tools they need to succeed. The advice includes practical tips on writing proposals and pricing, financial support and budgeting, and how to get yourself out there to clients.
Leann found Vicky “really relaxed and very approachable” which meant she “didn’t need to be worried about what I asked her”. In between fortnightly regular mentoring sessions, Leann wrote down anything that she needed help with. As it’s all new to her, she explained how “every day I think ‘oh god’ here’s another thing that I can ask Vicky at our next call”.
This makes the sessions practical and hands-on, directly relating to Leann’s current business challenges. Tackling these issues with support started to give Leann a confidence boost in both her design abilities and her business.
04 – MAKING THE DESIGN WORK
INTERIOR DESIGN MENTORING
…for an active family (and a puppy)!
Only previously working with people she knew, Leann needed a system to work out “what information I need to be able to design a complete stranger’s home”.
Vicky helped Leann to organise her prospective clients and current client projects from start to finish. Vicky explained how to use the free project management tool, Trello, to track client conversations and keep on top of things.
Leann said one of the biggest lessons from the mentoring was how to follow up on leads.
She explained, “I think that’s been the most helpful because obviously, I’ve never done that before”, so Vicky “showed me a copy of her timeframe on how she follows up. That was really helpful – I don’t feel like a pain, and I know roughly how long I can leave it”.
To promote Brooklyn Interiors, Leann needed also wanted to make the most out of her business networking membership.
As an experienced business networker, Vicky gave Leann advice on:
1) How to present herself effectively in a pitch
2) How to approach people for opportunities
3) How to build meaningful relationships
Doing these things well helped Leann to start building a great business reputation and authority – all contributing to overcoming imposter syndrome.
05 – THE RESULTS
INTERIOR DESIGN MENTORING
Huge boost of confidence through mentoring
I’m really happy to recommend Vicky for mentoring
Leann – Brooklyn Interiors
Leann said the best part about working with an interior design mentor was “actually having someone there that’s been through it and is using the processes… because you second guess yourself on your own”.
When setting goals for her interior design mentees, Vicky discusses any progress that’s been made between sessions. Leann said, “if I haven’t done something, she [Vicky] usually asks ‘why?’, and then we explore it. If it’s perhaps because of nerves or I’ve not known how to do something, then we’ll go through it together,” rather than making her feel guilty for not doing a task.
With frameworks, tried-and-tested methods, and supportive hands-on advice from Vicky, Leann now has the confidence and tools she needed for a successful interior design business.
We asked if she would have been able to overcome these issues without mentoring from Vicky. Leann said, “possibly, but it would have been a lot of Googling. It would take me a long time to get there, and a lot of picking stuff out of the internet” but “having that somebody there to answer the questions” has made all the difference.
At My Claybrick Home, we love helping new interior designers to thrive! Get in touch to see if our mentoring for interior design business owners is right for you.
06 – GET IN TOUCH
INTERIOR DESIGN MENTORING
I LOVE HELPING NEW INTERIOR DESIGNERS TO THRIVE!
GET IN TOUCH TO SEE IF OUR MENTORING FOR INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS OWNERS IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
Vicky Labinger
Case Studies
Each case study underscores the pivotal role networking plays in driving success, and the importance of expert mentorship in navigating this dynamic landscape.
