Congratulations! You’re in the REFINING Phase

You’ve arrived at a phase where your business is solid, your brand is established, and your expertise speaks for itself. But now, you’re ready to elevate everything to the next level.

This stage is all about refinement—honing your ideal client, up-leveling your service offerings, and creating more space for yourself to operate as the true CEO of your business.

You’ve likely realized that the systems and strategies that got you here might not carry you to where you want to go next. And that’s okay—it’s time to recalibrate and make intentional shifts that align with the future vision of your business.

Here’s the thing: Refining doesn’t mean starting over.

It’s about revisiting your foundation to ensure everything aligns with the elevated direction you’re heading.

Time has become your most precious resource, and you’re focused on protecting it while continuing to serve your clients with excellence. This might mean delegating more, establishing deeper training for your team, or finding ways to work smarter, not harder.

In this season, your primary focus will be on refining your brand, services, and processes to reflect the premium, high-touch business you’ve worked so hard to build. It’s about aligning every detail to support the creative freedom and time you need to thrive in your role as CEO.

Key Insights

What to focus on now

  • Define your boundaries: Get clear on the types of projects you will (and won’t) take on moving forward.

  • Reevaluate your ideal client: How has your ideal client evolved? Is your current messaging attracting or repelling that person?

  • Revisit your brand messaging: Ensure your website, social media, and marketing materials reflect your premium positioning.

  • Review Your Portfolio: Highlight the projects that best represent your expertise and style. Remove old projects that don’t reflect your best work.

  • Reevaluate pricing: Adjust your rates to reflect the premium experience and results you deliver.

  • Invest in team training: Equip your team with the tools and knowledge to take on more responsibility.

  • Delegate strategically: Focus your time on CEO-level tasks and empower your team to handle day-to-day operations.

  • Audit your workflows: Ensure your processes are efficient, scalable, and aligned with your current business size.

  • Establish clear boundaries: Limit meetings and interruptions to protect your creative energy.

  • Outsource tasks: Delegate non-core activities, such as bookkeeping, marketing, or admin work.

  • Create a CEO schedule: Block time for strategy, creativity, and business development.

  • Strengthen your network: Attend markets, events, and industry gatherings to build relationships and stay inspired.

  • Showcase thought leadership: Share your expertise through speaking engagements, workshops, or media appearances.

  • Cultivate long-term relationships: Deepen connections with clients, vendors, and collaborators who align with your vision.

  • Plan for inspiration: Schedule time for personal growth, travel, or creative exploration to fuel your designs.

Be Aware of These Blindspots

Even in the Refining Phase, challenges and blindspots can sneak up on you. Here are a few key areas to be mindful of: 

  • You’ve grown, but are your processes keeping up? Legacy systems that worked in earlier phases may no longer serve your team or clients effectively.

  • It’s tempting to stay involved in every detail, but this stage requires delegation and trust in your team. Micromanaging or trying to handle too much yourself, stifles your growth and drains your energy.

  • Taking on misaligned projects can dilute your brand and leave you feeling creatively unfulfilled. Focus on saying yes to only the ideal opportunities and not accepting projects out of fear or habit. 

  • High-end clients often have high expectations, and without clear boundaries, you may find your time being drained. Set clear expectations early in the relationship to avoid pitfalls later. 

Hey designer!
I’m Kate. 

I’m an interior designer, girl-mom, dark-chocolate aficionado, and an estate sale junkie. 

I started Designer’s Oasis with the intention of supporting designers just like you, who have no shortage of big dreams - AND - could use support, resources, and community to help them along on their journey.

And here you are...Here we are! 

It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you! 

With over 15 years of experience as a professional interior designer and 10 years at the helm of my own design firm, I’ve learned a few things about what works….and what doesn’t.

I’m here to share it all with you. 

What I Wish For You

I created this quiz and these resources because I want you to feel empowered and equipped to make BIG moves for yourself this year. 

I have to be 100% honest. Building an interior design business isn’t easy.

But it can be incredibly rewarding with huge revenue potential while also providing you with flexibility for better work-life balance. 

If you’re new around here, consider this your new home for interior design business resources, tools, community, and support. 

Building a business takes time and no one gets to where they are alone. Even Tiger Woods - the greatest golfer of ALL TIME - has a golf coach.  (Promise there won’t be too many sports references around here but when I heard that, I was like…“Of course, he does!”)  

Personalized Resources for the REFINING Phase

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