EP 077 | Mistakes Interior Designers Make—and How to Recover from Them with Ruxana Oosman

September 10, 2018

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Every interior designer makes mistakes. The difference is how you respond, recover, and learn from them.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues the conversation on business mistakes with Business of Design™ member Ruxana Oosman. Building on the lessons from EP 070, Ruxana shares candid stories about challenges she has faced in her design business and the systems, strategies, and mindset shifts that helped her move forward.

For interior designers looking to avoid common pitfalls and strengthen their business practices, this episode offers practical advice on client management, hiring, and continuous improvement.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why a strong client-vetting script helps prevent future problems
• How controlling your onboarding process leads to better client relationships
• Why considering the worst-case scenario can reduce stress and improve decision-making
• How to apologize professionally and move forward without unnecessary drama
• Why every project should end with a debrief and lessons learned
• How practical assignments can help identify the right candidates during the hiring process

 

Design Intervention

Ruxana Oosman says, “Get comfortable with your numbers. Understand your profit and loss. Understand profit margin, not just overall, but by job and by category of goods.”

 

Ruxana Oosman is an interior designer based in central Vermont where she runs her eponymous design firm, Ruxana’s Home Interiors LLC. Ruxana enjoys creating warm, inviting homes that welcome family & friends….spaces that are stylish and comfortable; classic yet livable.

Ruxana received her BA in Interior Design and her extensive world travels, combined with her years of professional experience, have cultivated her understanding of a vast array of design styles and a keen eye for interior architecture.

Ruxana’s Home Interiors LLC, is design-driven but relationship focused. They believe that service is about providing hospitality and warmth to their clients through their signature design deliverance process.

They believe that their clients are partners in the design process and in Ruxana’s words “We are our clients’ advocates and we take the time to understand them, their project, goals and lifestyle. We endeavor to build client relationships that last a lifetime.”

Ruxana Oosman
Certified Living In Place Professional CLIPP (™)
Ruxana’s Home Interiors LLC
Rutland, Vermont
802.236.3055

www.VermontInteriorDesigner.com

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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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