EP 190 | Hard Lessons Every Interior Designer Learns in Business with Courtney Otte

October 6, 2020

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What are the toughest lessons interior designers learn when starting a design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by designer Courtney Otte to discuss the real-world mistakes, growing pains, and business lessons that shape successful interior design professionals.

Starting an interior design business at a young age — or at any stage — comes with challenges that no classroom can fully prepare you for. Courtney shares honest insights about learning through experience, overcoming fear of failure, improving communication, and creating stronger systems that protect both designers and clients.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why interior designers learn more from real projects than endless preparation and courses
• How mistakes and failures create valuable business growth opportunities
• Why clear communication with contractors, trades, and suppliers is essential
• How small misunderstandings can lead to expensive project errors
• Why strong contracts should answer client questions before they arise
• How improving systems and documentation reduces stress and protects profitability
• Why confidence and experience are built through action, not perfection

Design Intervention

Whenever you are dealing with a challenging client situation, take the emotion out of it. This isn’t about YOU, this is about business. It is okay to ‘feel’ the emotions but quickly get them out of you and move on, then look at the situation from a business perspective. Allow that to curate your response to the situation.

About Courtney Otte

Courtney Otte is a wife, mother, volunteer, and Chief of Everything at The Modern Hive Interior Design. Founded in 2012 at the young age of 22, Courtney established The Modern Hive with the unique dweller in mind. She started The modern Hive from the ground up and openly admits she has had to learn quite a bit the ‘hard way’ but has been constantly striving to improve her service offerings and processes since day 1. Inspired by so many designers who have come before her and have offered invaluable advice, Courtney who is now 30 and has had a ‘few years’ to figure it out has curated a unique approach to interior design that allows her to work with her clients with a clear and effective approach.

https://www.themodern-hive.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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