When was the last time that you evaluated how you are compensated for your creative services? The last time that you raised your rates to reflect your experience and value? You know what I’m about to tell you: it’s time, in fact, you’re overdue!

Today we’re diving into how to accurately charge for your services based on your value rather than your worth. You’ll learn how the solutions that you provide to the three universal problems every client has–health, wealth, and relationships–are your greatest advantage in accurately pricing your services.

You’ll understand why it’s so important to adjust your fees based on the return on investment that your services give to clients, rather than on the amount of time it took for you to complete.

Remember, you only get paid for your work once, even though it will be enjoyed by your clients for years to come. It’s crucial to learn how to harness and embed your value into your pricing, so that your business can stay lucrative and you don’t burn yourself out.

Fortunately, I have key strategies for you to get the most out of your service pricing without discounting your own worth. Tune into today’s episode to hear my proven tips on how to ask for everything you deserve: because you don’t get what you don’t ask for.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How to solve the three universal problems that all clients have.
• How to move your client from need (logic and their head) to want (emotion and their heart) to increase their investment in your services
• The importance of pricing your services based on outcome value rather than on time
• How to get yourself out of the hourly trap

Subscribe and Review

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We’d truly appreciate it if you drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok @MelissaGalt

Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Melissa delivers a heartfelt reminder that the real freedom you crave in your design business—and your life—starts within. She walks you through a powerful, affirming list of freedoms you’re entitled to claim, from releasing self-doubt and shame to designing a business that truly lights you up. This is your invitation to step into your full brilliance and own every part of your creative journey.

Whether you’re tuning in post-Independence Day or just need a reset, this short and powerful episode serves as a soul-boosting guide. Melissa's affirmations are designed to help you realign with your purpose, release the noise that holds you back, and build a business that fuels your most extraordinary life.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:24) Claim your freedom from blame, self-sabotage, and the fear of future mistakes
• (02:30) Break free from overwhelm and learn to ask for support unapologetically
• (02:49) Let go of draining clients and embrace working only with those who energize and respect you
• (03:32) Discover the power in breaking molds and creating your own rhythm in business
• (04:16) Step into your confidence, claim your abundance, and stop playing small
• (05:18) Own the freedom to be exactly who you are and fall back in love with your work

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’ve ever found yourself wishing that the stellar work on the latest design project you’ve been devoting your time to would definitively translate into sustained growth even after that project is over…well, you’re in for a treat this episode. There are three specific ways to guarantee that you will grow your business with every project that you take on. Today, I am deep-diving into each method to ensure you get the most bang from each project you take on.

I’m walking you through the art of amplifying your brand's credibility using client testimonials, underscoring the value of top-notch photography, and sharing the savoir-faire of securing referrals that will blossom into your dream client list. These tips will make it so that you won’t have to wonder where your next project will spring from–instead, you’ll have a steady stream of ideal clientele looking to work with you.

I'll take you through the process of getting your projects published utilizing Amy Flurry's coveted recipe for press and tapping into her digital media list. Discover how to deepen client relationships with personalized touches, ensuring your work remains etched in their memory. Plus, I’ll share my secret weapon for seeking referrals that reflect your past triumphs and set the stage for a thriving future filled with projects you adore. Prepare to elevate your presence in the industry with strategies that do more than just showcase your talent! So tune in and let's ensure your client list is as curated and impactful as the work you put out into the world.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How to deepen client relationships and leverage client testimonials effectively to enhance your brand’s credibility
• The significance of professional photography in showcasing projects to grow your client base
• Techniques for acquiring client referrals that align with your desired project types and clientele
• Strategies for getting your work published in both digital and print media

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

• Testimonial Writing Service
• How to Get Press, Amy Flurry
• For more information about The Affluent Creative, check out my website www.melissagalt.com
• Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @MelissaGalt and TikTok @MelissaGaltBusinessCoach

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.

In this energizing episode, you're challenged to shift your mindset about the summer season in your interior design business. Host Melissa Gault shares how this often-overlooked stretch can actually be your most strategic and profitable time of year. If you’ve ever slowed down in the summer thinking “it’s just the season,” you’ll walk away with a completely different outlook and a toolkit of actionable strategies to seize the opportunity and set up a stellar Q4.

Melissa dives into the specific steps you can take right now—from refreshing your portfolio to reconnecting with past clients and batching your content—to leverage the quieter summer months. You’ll learn how to turn this time into your secret weapon, setting the stage not only for a high-revenue fourth quarter but also a powerful start to the new year.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:28) Why successful designers treat summer as a business-building season—not a slowdown
• (03:12) How using fixed deadlines (like the holidays) can increase client urgency and your profits
• (07:56) The 5 smart summer strategies to prep for a powerful Q4
• (09:35) The simple client touchpoints that can reignite past relationships and drive fall projects
• (15:43) How batching content now creates freedom and flow later in the year
• (21:35) Why summer is ideal for refining systems and offloading tasks to reclaim your time

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 episode, Melissa dives deep into the subconscious money beliefs that are silently shaping your design business—from the way you price your services to the clients you attract. If you've ever found yourself undercharging, over-delivering, or justifying your rates with “I’m not experienced enough,” this episode is your wake-up call. You’ll learn how your inherited and unexamined beliefs are costing you profit, energy, and growth, and how to reprogram those thoughts for wealth and worthiness.

Melissa walks you through not only the common money myths that plague interior designers, but also practical, mindset-based strategies to flip your internal script. She shares actionable steps to help you increase your income by expanding your belief in your value and capacity. You’ll finish this episode equipped with tools to align your business mindset with your financial goals—and to confidently own your worth as a designer and leader.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:26) Why “money doesn’t grow on trees” and other inherited beliefs are keeping you small
• (03:37) How broadcasting your “newness” as a designer can sabotage trust with potential clients
• (06:20) The fear of outgrowing your circle—and how to choose expansion over playing small
• (12:13) The hidden cost of undercharging and over-delivering: up to 50% profit left behind
• (17:54) A powerful exercise to expand your capacity and reframe your financial potential
• (26:14) The mantra that changes everything: “The right client values the transformation we deliver”
  
  

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Juliana Garcia: https://julianagarcia.com/
• DM Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagault_
• Melissa's Email: hello@melissagault.com

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.