162: Getting out of our own way and other business goals

162: Getting out of our own way and other business goals

Author: Hot Young Designers Club February 6, 2026 Duration: 1:13:24

In this kickoff episode for 2026, Shaun and Rebecca get real about what’s holding them back in their design businesses—and what they’re doing about it. From car accidents to calendar overhauls, they unpack how they’re using systems and mindset shifts to create smoother, more profitable operations. This solo episode is filled with behind-the-scenes insights into the messy middle of implementing new processes and prepping for growth.

After a transformative retreat with business coach Renee Bush and other design peers, they share what they’re focusing on to get out of their own way this year. It’s part therapy, part strategy session, and fully relatable for anyone building a creative business while juggling life’s curveballs.

In this episode they discuss:

  1. Rebecca’s recent car accident and the unexpected upside of letting go of an old vehicle
  2. Why Rebecca is ditching instant discovery call booking for a more thoughtful intake process
  3. How Shaun is proactively blocking time off and reorganizing his weekly calendar
  4. The emotional load of proposals and how better forecasting is changing everything
  5. Building systems to hire help and delegate without micromanaging
  6. Setting and communicating clear project minimums without sounding like a jerk
  7. Vetting clients with automation tools like Dubsado
  8. Making space for life and business to coexist with better boundaries and clarity

Mentioned:

  1. Tandem | Business coaching with Renee Bush
  2. Basecamp
  3. Dubsado
  4. Studio Designer
  5. Asana
  6. Design Biz Retreat

Our links:

  1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
  2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
  3. Rebecca’s Instagram
  4. Shaun’s Instagram
  5. For more information - Check out the website
  6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
  7. Design Resources - Check out our shop


Ever wondered what it really takes to run a creative business beyond the beautiful mood boards? Hot Young Designers Club pulls back the curtain on the interior design industry, one candid conversation at a time. Hosts Rebecca Plumb and Shaun Crha-practicing designers themselves-bring their combined experience from Studio Plumb and Wrensted Interiors to the table. They’re here to discuss the unglamorous details, the client negotiations, and the small victories that define a modern design practice. Each episode feels like grabbing a coffee with colleagues who aren’t afraid to be honest about the emotional rollercoaster, the practical logistics, and the outright funny moments that happen behind the scenes. This podcast serves as a weekly check-in for anyone navigating the business of aesthetics, offering a sense of community and shared understanding. You’ll hear real stories about pricing projects, managing workflows, setting boundaries, and maintaining a creative spark amidst the administrative tasks. Tune in for a blend of strategic advice and personal reflection, all delivered with a dose of humor and relatability. The Hot Young Designers Club is essentially your audio companion for building a more sustainable and joyful design business, proving that success isn’t just about taste-it’s about resilience, adaptability, and a good laugh along the way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast
Podcast Episodes
167: Birdhouse for the Soul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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166: Life is a Highway and I’m Gonna Ride It All Night Long [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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164: Not every piece can be the Beyoncé (but you need at least one) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun cover everything from skunk-induced wake-up calls to the realities of private equity in the design industry—before diving deep into the creative growing pains that come with leveling up…
161: 2025 Reflection, it wasn't as bad as we thought [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:47
Shaun and Rebecca are back to wrap up 2025 with their annual year-in-review tradition—and it turns out, it wasn’t all bad! In this episode, they share a candid look at the highs, lows, and the messy middle of running the…
160: Renee Biery, “The Only Girl on the Job Site” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:32
Shaun and Rebecca sit down with guest Renée Biery of deVignier Design and host of the podcast Only Girl on the Jobsite. With a career spanning over 30 years, Renée has worked on complex construction‑heavy design projects…
158: Why You Shouldn't Photograph Every Project with Jessica Burke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:36
In this episode of the Hot Young Designers Club, Rebecca and Shaun welcome interior‑photographer turned editor and marketing strategist Jessica Burke to unpack when and why designers should not photograph—or publish—ever…
157: Las Vegas Market, Logistics for Designers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:25
In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun dive into everything designers need to know about attending Las Vegas Market — from travel logistics to strategy, networking, sourcing and setting up your post‑market follow‑up. Whether…