The DesignDash Podcast

Episode 43: Building a Business & Brand – Secrets to Scaling a Design Firm with Kate O’Hara

Alright, friends, this episode is a must-listen!
Today, we are sitting down with the brilliant Kate O’Hara—CEO & Creative Director of O’Hara Interiors AND co-founder of Faye Belle Rugs. This woman does it all! She’s running multiple design studios across Austin, Dallas, and Minneapolis while keeping her brand’s integrity, scaling her business, and still finding time to sail and practice Krav Maga (seriously, is there anything she can’t do?!).
We first met Kate back in the day, sharing the big stage at High Point—nervous as heck, not knowing what to expect. But one thing was clear right away: We were in this together. And guess what? That’s exactly the energy she brings to her business.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into:- Scaling a design firm while staying true to your creative vision- Navigating the transition from a family-run business to a powerhouse brand- The real process behind curating a portfolio that reflects your brand identity- Balancing structured processes with creative freedom (spoiler: it's tricky, but totally doable)- The importance of intentionality in leadership, team culture, and even personal time management
Kate also shares the behind-the-scenes of launching her first official rug collection (because obviously, when she couldn’t find what she needed… she just went and created it herself. No big deal. ).
Plus, we get real about failure, team dynamics, and the eternal struggle of planning vs. just going for it.
If you're an interior designer looking to grow your firm without losing your creative soul, this episode is packed with gold.
Tune in, get inspired, and let us know: What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to scaling your business?
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 42: Mastering Smartphone Photography for Interior Designers with Linda Holt

If you’ve ever thought, “Can my smartphone really take professional-level photos of my interiors?”—the answer is YES, and today’s episode is about to blow your mind. 
We’re sitting down with the incredible Linda Holt, a photographer-turned-interior-designer-turned-smartphone-photography guru, to uncover how YOU can transform your design portfolio and social media presence using nothing but your smartphone.
Here’s what we’re diving into:- Can smartphones really rival expensive DSLR cameras for interior photography? (Spoiler: Yes, and Linda will tell you how.)- The game-changing settings and features hidden in your phone that most people never use.- Tips for perfecting exposure, focus, and composition to make your photos stand out.- How to avoid costly copyright mistakes and take ownership of your photos.- The must-have tools (like tripods and editing apps) that will instantly elevate your photography game.
Linda’s sharing ALL her insider secrets from decades in photography and design—and trust us, you’ll walk away ready to shoot like a pro.
Oh, and Linda’s insights about editing apps like Snapseed and TouchRetouch? Pure gold. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting to build your portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you own your visual narrative—and avoid those pesky copyright headaches.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 41: Our 2025 Game Plan - Dump It or Do It Better

Welcome back, Design Dashers to our first episode of 2025! It’s just us today—catching up, and having a real chat about the year ahead and how we’re setting ourselves up for a little less chaos and a lot more intentional living.
First off, big news: We’ve officially launched the Design Dash Community!  We’ve built a space just for interior designers who want to thrive. It’s your go-to spot to chat about everything from the business side of design to the creative hurdles that pop up on every project. Plus, we’ve got workshops, events, and all kinds of resources to help you level up. It’s like your favorite group chat, but better—and way more organized.
As for 2025? Let’s get real for a second: 2024? A mixed bag. For one of us, it flew by in a blur. For the other? It felt like it would never end. Either way, we’re determined to make 2025 different. More presence, less autopilot. More creativity, less burnout. We’re calling it: this is the year of intentional selfishness (in the best way possible).
So, what are you doing differently this year? What’s lighting you up in 2025? We’re all about starting these conversations—whether it’s on the podcast, in the new community, or even over a DM. Let’s make this year one for the books.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 40: Building an Unforgettable Brand with Ericka Saurit

Alright, design dashers, this episode is one you do not want to miss. We’re closing out the year and our 40th episode (can you believe it?!) with the powerhouse that is Ericka Saurit—brand strategist, founder of Saurit Creative, and the mind behind Marketing School for Creatives.
Ericka’s journey is wildly inspiring. From shaping brand strategies for global giants like Airbnb and Estée Lauder, to now helping interior designers build unforgettable brands, she’s sharing wisdom bombs left, right, and center. Oh, and did we mention she splits her time between High Point, North Carolina, and Marseille, France? (Yeah, we had questions about that lifestyle, too.)
In this episode, we dive into:The E3 Storytelling Framework – Ericka’s proven method to clarify your brand messaging and actually connect with your audience.Boundaries in Business – Why setting them isn’t just a suggestion, it’s non-negotiable.Messaging vs. Marketing – Why your messaging might be the very thing holding you back (and how to fix it).Success Isn’t a Destination – How Ericka redefines success, and why it’s about balance over busy.
This isn’t just theory—Ericka breaks it all down into actionable steps you can start applying today. Plus, she drops some hard truths about why DIY branding might be holding you back and when it’s time to invest in expert help.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 39: 2024 Wrap-Up - What We Learned This Year

Hey Design Dashers! It’s us—just us—for the final one-on-one episode of 2024. Can you believe it? A full year of podcasting, 40 episodes in, and wow, what a ride it’s been. So, in true Design Dash fashion, we’re ending the year by spilling our guts on what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned along the way.
We’re dishing on those mic-drop moments from our amazing guests who dropped some serious truth bombs about balance (yes, it’s possible) and building a career without working 60+ hours a week. Spoiler: you don’t have to grind yourself into the ground to be successful. Mind-blowing, right?
Oh, and Kathleen said something wild: “If you don’t like social media, don’t do it.” WHAT?! We had thoughts. Big thoughts. You’ll have to tune in to see where we landed.
This episode’s got everything: reflections, laughs, a few “Wait, can we say that on air?” moments, and a big ol’ preview of what’s cooking for 2025.
So, if you’re ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink how you approach your own hustle, this episode is for you. 
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 38: How to Build a Personal Brand That Feels Authentic w/ Kathleen Shannon

What’s the deal with personal branding? Is it all just a capitalist trap, or can it actually empower you to live and work authentically? This week, we sit down with Kathleen Shannon, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Braid Creative (and, fun fact, a roller-skating enthusiast), to unpack it all.
But here’s the thing: Kathleen flips the script on what it means to create a personal brand. Forget the facades and influencer vibes—this is about showing up as YOU. The messy, brilliant, unapologetic you. Whether you’re just starting out, thinking about a career pivot, or knee-deep in the entrepreneurial trenches, Kathleen’s got some seriously actionable insights.
So, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just wondering how the heck to navigate this whole “bring your full self to work” thing, this episode is your sign to hit play.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 37: Secrets to Building Your Dream Business with Kara Duffy

Hey, Design Dashers! Today’s episode is a special one because we’re diving deep with the powerhouse that is Kara Duffy—a business strategist who’s been living the entrepreneurial dream since she started her first venture… wait for it… at NINE years old. (Yeah, we had to sit down for that one, too.)
Kara isn’t just dropping gems; she’s bringing treasure chests of wisdom to help creative entrepreneurs like us build thriving, balanced businesses.
Packed with actionable strategies and real talk, this episode is like a masterclass in creating a business that feels good and pays well. Plus, you’ll get Kara’s take on why building a “selfish business” is actually the best way to serve your clients—and yourself.
If you’re tired of the hustle culture and ready to embrace freedom, creativity, and profitability, this episode is your new blueprint.
Wanna connect with Kara? Head to karaduffy.com
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 36: How to Align Your Money Mindset with Your Business Goals

Hey, Dashers! Buckle up for an empowering and game-changing conversation that will have you rethinking your relationship with money, mindset, and your business. This week on The Design Dash Podcast, Melissa and Laura sit down with the incredible Danetha Doe, financial expert, Webby award-winning TV host, and founder of Money and Mimosas. Talk about a journey!
This episode dives into some serious truths about money, mindset, and what it really takes to build a business that feels as good as it looks. Whether you’re just starting your interior design biz, running a full-fledged firm, or somewhere in between, Danetha drops wisdom that’s both approachable and game-changing.
It’s not just a podcast episode; it’s a pep talk, a mindset reset, and a reminder that you’ve got what it takes to design your dream business and life.
By the end of this convo, you’ll feel less “OMG finances are terrifying” and more “I can totally do this.” And isn’t that the vibe we all want?
💌 Wanna connect with Danetha? Head to moneyandmimosas.com.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 35: Individual Contributors vs. Leaders

What does it truly mean to transition from “me” to “we” in the design world? Can leadership be as fulfilling as hands-on creativity? Or is there a sweet spot between leading a team and preserving your passion for design? These are the questions we unpack in this episode.
As two women who’ve lived through this evolution, we share candid insights on the challenges of leadership, the allure of autonomy, and why control freaks (ahem, most designers) may struggle but thrive in leadership roles.
Here’s the thing: being an individual contributor has its perks—control, focus, and the satisfaction of knowing every detail is just the way you want it. But when you’re running a growing design firm (or dreaming of it), leadership requires a different set of skills: trust, delegation, and stepping back so your team can step up.
Whether you're a solopreneur weighing the idea of scaling or a design firm owner struggling to delegate, this episode offers raw, relatable advice for navigating these waters. We dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprising realities of transitioning into leadership—all while staying true to your creative roots.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 34: Jillian O'Neill

What would it take to pivot from a math teacher to a sought-after designer? How do you balance a creative calling with the demands of entrepreneurship and family? In this episode, we sit down with interior and product designer Jillian O'Neill, who takes us on a journey from Chicago classrooms to the design world, sharing candid moments and insights that reveal the challenges—and rewards—of building an authentic career. 
You'll hear Jillian’s real talk on goal-setting (or, as she calls it, “goal loosening”), redefining success when you’re already there, and why she’s leaning into fluidity and creative freedom. Oh, and if you’re juggling a million things like we are, you’ll feel right at home with our chat on how to keep the spark alive when busy is your new normal.
“Sometimes, the best moments in life aren’t planned. You have to let go of structure to make room for something more extraordinary.”
So tune in for an episode packed with laughs, wisdom, and a dose of design inspiration.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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