The DesignDash Podcast

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. 
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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.
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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:
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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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Episode 33: Tina Ramchandani

Ever wondered what it really takes to run a successful design firm? Join us as we sit down with the brilliant Tina Ramchandani, a force to be reckoned with in the design world.
In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the glamorous facade of interior design and get real about the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between. Tina spills the tea on:
The Balancing Act: Juggling creativity, business, and personal life - is it even possible? We dive into the art of prioritizing and the importance of self-care.
Building a Dream Team: How to assemble a team that shares your vision and drives your business forward. We discuss the importance of hiring the right people, setting clear expectations, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
The Ever-Evolving Design Landscape: From the impact of technology to changing client preferences, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing designers today.
The Client Conundrum: How to build strong relationships with clients, manage expectations, and deliver exceptional results. We share tips on effective communication, problem-solving, and building trust.
The Power of Process: The importance of streamlining operations, creating efficient systems, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice. So grab your favorite drink, put on your headphones, and get ready to be inspired.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 32: Tools to Align Your Life

You ever have those days (or weeks) where nothing feels quite right? You’re putting in the work, but something’s still...off? Yeah, we’ve all been there. In this episode, we open up about what it’s like to feel out of alignment—both personally and professionally—and more importantly, how to course-correct when everything seems out of balance.
We’re diving deep into the tools that help us course-correct, like my go-to mantra gratitude journal that’s as simple as it is life-changing, and Melissa’s raw and honest take on journaling struggles (because, let’s be real, vulnerability isn’t always easy). We’ll also unpack how our perfectionism is actually procrastination in disguise—who knew, right?
And for anyone who feels stretched too thin, we’re breaking down the Wheel of Life, a visual tool that highlights where you’re thriving and where you’re, well, not. Trust me, it’s eye-opening.
We’re also talking about those ‘rot days’—the ones where you just need to do nothing and let yourself recharge without guilt. (Yes, we’re giving you permission to Netflix and chill without the shame spiral.)
Here’s the thing, getting back in alignment isn’t about overnight transformation; it’s about checking in with yourself, finding what’s out of balance, and taking those small, intentional steps toward the life you want. So whether you’re a seasoned self-help junkie or just feeling a little out of sorts lately, there’s something in this episode for you.
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 31: Defining Success on Your Own Terms

Hey design dashers, today it's just the two of us having a real talk about success, leadership, and navigating boundaries in the creative world. If you’ve ever wondered what success looks like beyond the numbers and metrics, this one’s for you.
Let’s get honest—how do you define success? Is it all about reaching goals, or does it go deeper? For us, success has evolved. Early in our careers, it was all about hitting the data, the conversions, the followers. But now? It’s the vibe. We’re talking about how the energy of your team, the positivity in the office (or on Zoom!), and the way you feel at the end of the day truly define success.
But we’re not stopping there. We dive into boundaries—yeah, we said it. How do you set them? How do you keep the creative juices flowing without burning out? As leaders, how do we balance it all? Spoiler alert: we don’t always get it right, and we’re sharing what that looks like, too.
Tune in for the full episode!
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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Episode 30: Candid Conversations

Hey design dashers, today, we're diving deep into something that most of us avoid—candid conversations. Let’s be real, how many times have you sugarcoated feedback to avoid hurting someone’s feelings? I know I’ve done it more times than I can count. But here’s the thing: being overly positive doesn’t always help. Sometimes, it actually hinders growth.
Melissa and I get into the nitty-gritty of how we’ve each learned (or are still learning!) to have tough conversations in the workplace. I’ll admit, I’m the eternal optimist—I want to spin everything in a positive light. But Melissa? She’s the master of direct feedback. Together, we break down why it’s so crucial to strike the right balance between honesty and kindness, especially when leading a creative team.
We’ll talk about the importance of creating a culture where feedback flows freely, why sugarcoating can actually be dishonest, and how each of us has had to adapt our styles to better lead our teams.
Tune in for the full episode!
Check out our website too:
https://designdash.com/
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