Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to build your interior design business, this episode breaks down exactly why attending markets—especially High Point—is one of the most strategic decisions you can make. From sourcing fresh vendors to elevating your visibility, Melissa shares the ten most impactful reasons designers prioritize High Point and how to make the experience truly transformative for your firm.

This is more than just about seeing pretty things. It's about building relationships that drive profit, stepping into the spotlight of your industry, and intentionally aligning your market attendance with your business model and goals. Melissa shares personal experiences, tips, and two exclusive events she's hosting at Spring High Point 2026 designed to accelerate your growth.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• (03:09) Why markets are not vacations—but powerful business environments when approached strategically
• (08:31) The top reason designers attend High Point: sourcing vendors they never knew existed
• (11:09) How reconnection and relationship-building at markets open doors with reps, vendors, and accounts
• (13:22) The explosion of education at High Point—and how Melissa's Profit Intensive builds on that
• (17:41) How markets support licensing, influencer work, and brand-building opportunities
• (24:02) The joy and fun of High Point, and why it's an electrifying, business-boosting experience

Connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Website

Employee Turnover in Interior Design Firms: What to Do When a Team Member Quits

Here is your calm leadership framework for replacing a team member, redesigning roles, and protecting capacity.

When a team member leaves, most interior design firm owners feel two things at once: operational disruption and emotional impact. Projects don't pause, clients don't wait, and the principal often ends up carrying everything again—quietly, constantly, and at a cost.

In this episode of Design Business Freedom, Melissa Galt—interior design business coach and former firm principal of 30 years—shares how strong leaders handle team departures with clarity instead of urgency.

You'll learn what matters when an employee quits, how to stabilize the firm, and how to fill the gap strategically without slipping into over functioning or burnout.

This episode is especially for established interior designers and design firm principals who are growing teams and managing real business complexity—and want a calm, proven approach to staffing transitions.

You'll learn how to:

• (03:04) Avoid the costly mistake of rushing to replace the person
• (04:30) Audit the role before rehiring (and uncover what really failed)
• (05:24) Decide whether you need a like-for-like replacement—or a redesigned position
• (06:04) Use contract or fractional support during transitions
• (06:50) Protect the principal seat so "temporary" doesn't become permanent burnout
• (09:34) Communicate with clients and your team with steady leadership

A departure doesn't mean you failed. It's data. And when you respond well, your firm becomes more resilient, more structured, and better prepared for growth.

Connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Website

Why Successful Interior Designers Choose a Word for the Year: How Interior Design Firm Owners Use Focus, Clarity, and Authority to Lead Better Businesses

As an interior design firm owner, clarity and confidence matter more than motivation.

In this episode of Design Business Freedom, Melissa Galt, interior designer, firm principal, and business coach with 3 decades of experience, explains why choosing a word for the year is not a mindset exercise, but a powerful leadership tool for interior designers running real businesses.

When designers reach the principal seat, they're no longer just designing, they're leading teams, setting boundaries, pricing services, managing growth, and making decisions that affect revenue, culture, and capacity. Motivation isn't the problem. Focus is.

A single, intentional word creates a stabilizing center for leadership. It reduces decision fatigue, strengthens boundaries, and helps interior designers respond with clarity instead of reacting under pressure.

In this episode, Melissa walks through how your word becomes a filter for:

• (2:51) Emotional regulation and energy protection
• (7:37) Client decisions and scope boundaries
• (8:19) Pricing confidence and profitability
• (9:15) Leadership presence with your team
• (11:54) Long-term clarity as your firm grows

This conversation is especially valuable for established interior designers and design firm principals generating more than $200K+ annually who are navigating complexity, responsibility, and the invisible weight of leadership.

You don't need more goals. You need a clearer way to lead.

Choose the word that reflects the designer - and the leader - you are becoming, and allow it to guide your decisions with steadiness, confidence, and far less resistance.

Connect with Melissa

Instagram

Facebook

Linkedin

Website