How Amy van Meijl launched and grew her Interior Design Business. She shares her entrepreneur story, overcoming significant challenges, and advice on launching and growing a services business.

Amy van Meijl is the former founder of Dutch Touch Interiors, a successful interior design business. She is also a podcaster and her show is called Dare to Begin Small & Mighty.

Amy started her interior design business at virtually the same time the oil market collapsed in her home city of Calgary, Alberta. Despite the timing Amy knew in her heart that it was the right move to make.

Nearly 5 years later, her interior design business is not only going strong, it’s also growing, even though her local market is still struggling.

Now Amy is taking all that she has learned in growing a profitable, service-based business in a down economy and creating courses under her second business, Dare to Begin Inc., to help others build, launch and grow their profitable business, no matter their economy or business know-how.

Amy lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Launching & Growing a Service Small Business

• You studied interior design at university – what were your dreams then? Did you plan to own your own design business?
• When did you know you wanted to be your own boss? Who were early entrepreneurial influences?
• Please tell us about your early career and what led you to start your first business: MAC Design? What happened with this business?
• 2014 – Started Dutch Touch Interiors
  • What was your business start-up process? Did you write a Business Plan? How long did it take you to start?
  • How did you fund this business?
  • Did you start it as a side-hustles?
  • What were some of the early surprises?
• Tell us about your small business team – any employees, contractors, partners, outsourced, and accounting & legal professionals?
• How do you manage working from home? Where do you meet with clients?
• Creative people often struggle with the “business” side of things – how have you made it work?
• How do you manage the challenges of balancing sales and delivery?
• What’s your biggest source of leads today? How is that different from when you first started your small business?
• What are two personal characteristics you believe has been instrumental to your success in business?
• What advice would you offer to someone wanting to start their first service business? Where should they start?

Tips for Starting an Interior Design Small Business

Starting an interior design business can be a rewarding venture for those with a passion for aesthetics, space planning, and client service.

Here are some essential tips to help you launch and grow your interior design small business successfully:

• Develop a Strong Portfolio:
  • Showcase Your Best Work: Your portfolio is your calling card in the interior design industry. Include a variety of projects that showcase your range, style, and skills. High-quality photographs and detailed descriptions of each project are essential.
  • Include Conceptual Work: If you’re new to the industry and don’t have many real-world projects, consider including conceptual work or projects you’ve completed during your studies.
• Gain the Necessary Qualifications and Experience:
  • Educational Background: While formal education isn’t always mandatory, having a degree or certification in interior design can lend credibility and provide you with essential design principles and knowledge.
  • Work Experience: Consider working with an established interior designer or design firm before starting your own small business. This experience can provide invaluable insights into the business side of interior design, including client management, budgeting, and supplier relations.
• Understand Your Market and Define Your Niche:
  • Market Research: Conduct thorough research to understand your local market’s needs and preferences. Identify potential gaps in the market that your small business could fill.
  • Specialize: Consider specializing in a particular style (e.g., modern, minimalist) or type of space (e.g., residential, commercial, hospitality). Specialization, or focusing on a niche market, can help you stand out in a crowded market.
• Create a Business Plan:
  • Business Objectives: Outline your business goals, target market, services offered, pricing strategy, and financial projections. A well-thought-out business plan is crucial for clarity and direction.
  • Budgeting and Finance: Understand your startup costs, including software, marketing, insurance, and any necessary licenses or permits. Plan how you will finance these costs, whether through savings, a loan, or investors.
• Build a Strong Brand and Online Presence:
  • Branding: Develop a strong brand identity, including a business name, logo, and consistent visual style. Your brand should reflect your design philosophy and appeal to your target market.
  • Website and Social Media: Create a professional website showcasing your portfolio, services, and contact information. Utilize social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to display your work and engage with potential clients.
• Network and Build Relationships:
  • Industry Connections: Build relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other industry professionals. These connections can lead to referrals and collaborations. Consider joining the American Society of Interior Designers.
  • Client Relationships: Excellent client service is key in the interior design business. Build a reputation for being responsive, attentive, and creative in solving design challenges.
• Stay Informed and Continue Learning:
  • Trends and Education: The design world is always evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends, materials, and technologies. Attend workshops, webinars, and industry events to continue learning and expanding your skills.
• Legal and Administrative Aspects:
  • Legal Structure: Decide on the legal structure of your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC) and register your business accordingly.
  • Contracts and Insurance: Have clear contracts for your services and consider getting liability insurance to protect your business.

Starting an interior design small business requires a blend of creative talent, business acumen, and dedication. By following these tips, and other small business tips shared on The How of Business podcast, you can lay a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career in interior design.

Resources:

Books mentioned in this episode:
[We receive commissions for purchases made through these links (more info)].

• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It
• The Code of the Extraordinary Mind: 10 Unconventional Laws to Redefine Your Life and Succeed on Your Own Terms
• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

Other Podcast Episodes:

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