In this powerful solo episode, Melissa shares the raw and real story of how she launched her interior design business with no funding, a mountain of debt, and sheer determination. You’ll hear her journey from a corporate hospitality career to her first design roles, and ultimately to bootstrapping her own design firm against all odds. This is not just a nostalgic look back—it's a blueprint for how you can start from zero and build a thriving business in the design world today.

Melissa walks you through the pivotal moments, gritty lessons, and the massive mindset shifts that made all the difference. From working side gigs and teaching evening classes to identifying ideal clients and finally breaking free from overwork, this episode is packed with inspiration and tactical takeaways for anyone starting or scaling an interior design business. If you're in the messy middle or just getting started, Melissa’s journey proves that you absolutely can create a successful, fulfilling business on your terms.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:29) How Melissa’s early career in hospitality became the perfect foundation for sourcing and procurement in design
• (05:14) Why she walked away from corporate success to pursue interior design full time
• (09:58) The financial hole she had to climb out of—and the personal struggle behind it
• (12:57) How teaching evening classes helped her land her first design clients
• (19:27) The game-changing client avatar discovery that doubled her revenue and halved her workload
• (24:51) The mindset that fueled her success—and why failure was never an option

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this inspiring episode of Design Business Freedom, Melissa Galt speaks directly to designers ready to make the transition from working for others to building their own thriving interior design firm. Whether you're still at a big-box retailer or have already made the leap, this episode gives you the mindset shifts, tactical steps, and real-world advice to create success on your own terms.

Melissa unpacks the fears, challenges, and opportunities that come with stepping into your role as a business owner and principal designer. She offers practical strategies—from crafting your vision and choosing services to setting your pricing model and marketing yourself effectively. Through personal stories and client examples, you'll learn how to leverage your past experience, take bold action, and launch with confidence.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:43) The identity shift needed when going from employee to CEO of your own firm
• (06:55) Tactical steps to take before and after leaving your design job
• (11:22) How to set your pricing model and why flat fees beat hourly billing
• (14:25) Realistic math to help you hit six figures and beyond
• (22:01) How to recognize and overcome fear through consistent action
• (28:02) Building a portfolio before you have clients using real, strategic options

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Design Agreement Template: melissagalt.com/designagreement

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

If you find yourself constantly pulled into the weeds of your own design business—reviewing invoices, managing installs, fixing mistakes, and replying to every text and call—this episode is for you. Melissa dives deep into why so many interior designers unknowingly become the bottleneck in their own firm and how you can flip the script to reclaim your role as the strategic visionary and principal creative. It's not just about doing less, it's about doing what only you can do—and empowering others to do the rest.

You'll learn how to identify your true zone of genius, the one that fuels your creativity and drives your business forward. Melissa shares actionable steps to delegate with purpose, create effective systems, and carve out dedicated CEO time to dream and strategize. If you're tired of hustle and grind and ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and creativity, this episode is your blueprint.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:48) Why staying in the weeds is sabotaging your growth—and how to break free.
• (08:15) The 3-part criteria to define your true zone of genius.
• (13:54) How to build a detailed delegation list that leads to effective job descriptions.
• (18:19) Why and how to create SOPs—even if you’ve been “winging it” until now.
• (24:03) The power of quarterly retreats and why finding a vista can supercharge your vision.
• (28:41) How being a “control enthusiast” is holding you back—and how to let go.

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Idiogram: https://idiogram.ai
• MidJourney: https://www.midjourney.com
• Sora by OpenAI: https://openai.com/sora

When you’re ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.