EP 395 | Entrepreneurial Poverty in Interior Design: Fix Your Income with Racheal Cook

September 24, 2024

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Why are so many interior designers busy—but still not making consistent money?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Racheal Cook to unpack the concept of entrepreneurial poverty—a cycle where business owners work hard but struggle to achieve stable, sustainable income.

While inconsistent revenue is often the obvious problem, this conversation goes deeper. Because building a profitable interior design business isn’t just about making more money—it’s about protecting your time, energy, and capacity as you grow.

If you’re feeling overworked, underpaid, or stuck in a cycle of feast-and-famine, this episode will help you rethink how to build a business that supports your life—not consumes it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why inconsistent income is the biggest barrier to sustainable business growth
  • How to set growth goals that protect your time and energy
  • Why paying yourself is critical—even while you’re growing
  • How to build a support system that strengthens your business decisions
  • What it takes to create a design business that supports health, wealth, and relationships

Recommendation: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Systems do not complicate your life. They free it from friction.

 

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About Racheal Cook

As an award-winning business strategist, Host of the Promote Yourself to CEO podcast, and Founder of The CEO Collective, Racheal Cook is on a mission to end entrepreneurial poverty for women. Over the last 15 years, she has helped thousands of women entrepreneurs design predictably profitable businesses without hustle and burnout. A sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity, Racheal has been featured by the US Chamber of Commerce, Forbes, Inc, and Fast Company.

https://theceocollective.com/hello

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Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!

DHC simplifies your design business, offering everything you need in one place. No more wasting time managing orders—they’ve got it covered, so you can concentrate on creating beautiful spaces. Plus, they offer some of the best trade pricing on top brands like Four Hands, Currey & Co., and Hudson Valley lighting with flat-rate shipping.

To join, visit DanielHouse.Club and use code BOD2024 for 50% off of your first year of their Pro+ Membership. And for you longtime members of DHC, they want to reward you for your loyalty. Use code HIGHPOINT2024 at checkout to receive 10% off the value of your next order.

Join Daniel House Club now and experience how easy managing your design business can be.

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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