EP 464 | Busy but Broke? Why Interior Designers Struggle With Numbers (and How to Fix It) with Hannah Cole

January 20, 2026

Listen Now

Most interior designers don’t avoid their numbers because they’re bad at math—they avoid them because no one ever explained the financial system in a way that actually made sense. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Hannah Cole, artist turned tax expert, to dismantle the myth that creatives “just aren’t good with money” and reveal the real issue: running a business while guessing instead of knowing.

This conversation takes a clear-eyed look at what happens when smart, capable designers disengage from their financial reality. From payroll blind spots to the false comfort of being “busy,” Hannah reframes financial literacy as a visibility problem, not a math problem. You’ll learn why nonstop work doesn’t guarantee profit—and how simple habits like time tracking can quickly restore clarity and confidence.

If you’ve ever felt uneasy about money despite working around the clock, this episode will help you understand why—and show you where to start fixing it.

What You’ll Learn in this episode:

  • Why creatives aren’t bad at numbers—they’re bad at operating in mystery
  • How being “busy” can hide serious profitability issues
  • Why payroll is the most dangerous expense designers underestimate
  • The difference between gut-feel decisions and data-backed leadership
  • When it makes sense to DIY your finances—and when it doesn’t
  • How basic tax literacy protects your business and future income
  • Why time tracking is one of the fastest paths to financial clarity

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Track every hour of your workday for three days—no fixing, no judging, just data. Visibility always comes before profitability.

 

TAKEAWAYS

Get the Book | Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed

Get the Guide | A FREE Visual Guide to Tax Deductions for Designers

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

 

About Hannah Cole

Hannah Cole is an artist and tax expert who bridges creativity and finance. Founder of Sunlight Tax and author of Taxes for Humans, she empowers self-employed professionals to build confident, sustainable financial lives. A seasoned artist and columnist for Hyperallergic, Hannah also hosts the top 2% global Sunlight Tax podcast, known for making tax talk smart, human, and actually inspiring.

www.sunlighttax.com

LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!

Stop chasing orders. Start designing.
Daniel House Club members rely on a dedicated Concierge to handle purchasing logistics—saving hours, avoiding the cost of full-time staff, and even tracking procurement time for client billing.

Work with your Concierge to specify custom and semi-custom pieces and receive 15% off your first custom order from exceptional lines like Wesley Hall, Thayer Coggin, Ambella Home, Massoud, Theodore Alexander, and more.

Visit danielhouse.club/bod to start saving time and money.

Join as a Signature Member and get 50% off with code BOD2026 (a $500 annual savings), or start with a Pro account for just $49 and enjoy free shipping—no more shipping headaches.

Subscribe to the Podcast

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.

|