EP 162 | How Interior Designers Can Stay Resilient and Keep Going with Nikki Fisher

April 6, 2020

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What helps interior designers succeed when business feels uncertain or overwhelming?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by BOD™ member Nikki Fisher to discuss resilience, community, and the mindset required to keep moving forward during challenging times.

Running an interior design business comes with constant highs and lows, and long-term success often depends less on avoiding obstacles and more on refusing to give up. Nikki shares practical strategies for building meaningful industry connections, expanding your skills, and creating a strong support network that helps sustain both personal and professional growth.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why showing up and expanding your professional network creates new opportunities
• How online and in-person industry events help interior designers build visibility and connection
• Why learning adjacent skills strengthens your expertise and confidence
• How authentic sharing helps create deeper professional relationships
• Why many business owners feel isolated — even when surrounded by others
• How Business of Design® and peer communities provide valuable support and accountability
• Why forming local support groups can help interior designers navigate challenges together
• How building stronger relationships with vendors, suppliers, and trades generates new business opportunities
• Why persistence and resilience are essential for long-term success in the interior design industry

 

Design Intervention

It’s ok to say no. Arlene Dickenson says to start saying no. Politely, but firmly and without a lot of explanation or excuses.

 

Nikki Fisher-Gigault graduated from the Interior Decorating program at Sheridan College a decade ago. Her career began in the heavily detailed and technical work of custom cabinetry and millwork, and eventually discovered she wanted to explore more of what the industry had to offer beyond cabinetry. She quit her job at a measly 25 years old, and started NFG Designs Inc. After nearly calling it quits a few months later, BOD and Kimberley came to the rescue and she restructured her entire business & process. Now at the beginning of a new decade, NFG Designs continues to grow and successfully complete full service projects.

www.nfgdesigns.ca

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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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