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

January 20, 2026

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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

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.

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