FAQs

How do I know if I’m ready for interior design business coaching?

Most designers and workroom owners come to us when they feel “stuck.” Maybe you’re stuck on a numbers-related question, such as setting prices or how to pay yourself what you deserve. Or maybe you’re stuck on reaching a new level of business, like expanding your team, shifting to a CEO role, or selling your business.

Whatever the case may be, if you’re looking for numbers-based, data-driven insights to get unstuck and make smart decisions (along with a heartfelt kick in the pants), you’re in the right place.

What should I look for in an interior design business coach?

Every business coach is different, bringing their own experiences, backgrounds, and methodologies into your coaching experience. The best way to find your perfect fit is to ask yourself, “What do I want?” Where are the gaps in your own knowledge? What are you looking to achieve? What personality type inspires and motivates you — the cheerleader, the drill sergeant, something in between?

Once you answer these questions for yourself, finding a business coach that fits your needs and values becomes much easier. Once you’ve found the perfect match on paper, schedule an initial conversation to see if you really hit it off.

How do I know which coaching service is right for me?

We’ve taken great care to craft our services to meet the specific needs that arise at each stage of business — early success, growing strong, or established and mature. View our services page here to see which category your business falls into. Or, if that doesn’t answer your question, you’re welcome to book a complimentary consultation with Michele to get her best recommendation.

Can I start with one service and move into another?

Absolutely. Many of our clients start with the service that fits them best in the moment, then move around as their needs evolve and their profits grow. If you’re not sure where to start, you can schedule a consultation with Michele here for her honest advice.

What kind of results can I expect from business coaching?

Your results will depend on several factors: the service you choose, your business’s starting place, and your commitment to being engaged and open to trying new things. We do our best to ensure every client walks away from our time together with a deeper understanding of their financials, a process for informed decision-making, and a clear path toward their goals. Read about our Client Results here. Are your coaching services customized to my design business or workroom?

Are your coaching services customized to my design business or workroom?

Our Designers’ Inner Circle membership and Financial Bootcamp consist of a pre-set, guided curriculum and live support with any questions you may have. Our CFO2GOTM, Strategy2GO, and 1:1 Business Advisory services are customized to each business and individual.

Do I need to have my financials “figured out” before starting?

Not at all! That’s the whole point. There is no need to feel shame, judgment, or awkwardness around your numbers. We’ve seen it all — and it’s all normal. We’re here to help you feel confident and in control of your numbers, for good.

Do I need a bookkeeper or accountant before working with you?

No. Though we will recommend you hire one, we are happy to share our own trusted referrals to bookkeepers and accountants who could support you.

How long does it take to see results?

It depends entirely on your goals (e.g. cutting costs vs. growing your team vs. selling your business) and your commitment to implementing. We’ve had clients see results over days, months, and years. You can read more Client Results here.

What changes for me when I truly understand my numbers?

Achieving financial clarity — and ultimately, profitability — impacts your business and your day-to-day life on so many levels.

  • Removes fear, worry, scarcity, and uncertainty

  • Allows you to make informed business decisions (like whether to hire, sign that lease, etc.)

  • It makes it easier to accept the right projects and say “no” to the wrong ones

  • It makes it easier to love your work and be compensated for it

  • It allows your business to grow without the foundation cracking

  • It gives you peace of mind that seeps into your whole life

Those are just a few. Download our Client Results Case Study to see more.

Who are your services not for?

Although quick fixes can happen, they are not the main focus of our work. If you’re looking for overnight success, or you’re unwilling to make any changes yourself, this will not be the right fit for you. We are also not for the designer looking to create wealth without conscience or alignment. Much of our work focuses on aligning profit with the person — their passion and purpose, their lifestyle and family. If that sort of work doesn’t interest you, you’ll be happier in another program.

What makes your coaching practice different from others?

Michele and her work stand out in 3 key ways:

  • First, Michele’s early experience in financial software development — prior to building and selling her own workroom — gives her an edge you won’t find anywhere else. Her programs, courses, and 1:1 work isn’t just theory. It’s steeped in concrete numbers and data.

  • Michele is not a coach “for creatives.” She works specifically with full-service interior designers, design-build firms, and custom workrooms. She lasers in on details like how profitability is lost during a project, how to calculate markups, and industry specifics only insiders know.

  • Michele isn’t the sort of coach to “tell you what to do.” She prefers to teach you how to think and make informed decisions. Her style of coaching focuses on the whole person, lifting you up to becoming the leader you know you can be in your life and business.

The business coach designers trust for numbers-driven strategy and long-term, sustainable growth.

Working with Michele Williams is like getting a financial analyst, business partner, life coach, and friend-in-your-corner all at once. Her diverse yet deep background includes 10 years in financial software development, the launch of her own soft furnishings workroom, and 15+ years coaching thousands of designers to profitability.

Dive into Michele’s expertise.

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