With me today is Kelsey McGregor, founder and lead designer of Kelsey Leigh Design Co., a nationally renowned interior design firm based in Oklahoma City specializing in new construction, renovation, and full-service furnishings. Known for her elevated rustic-modern aesthetic, Kelsey creates spaces that balance refined architectural detail with warmth, approachability, and timeless appeal.

Kelsey is also the owner of Heritage House, a home furnishings and décor retail store that reflects her signature style. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about how she has structured her business differently from the traditional model—and how paying her team well and sharing in the company’s success has created greater joy, loyalty, and fun in the workplace.

This is an inspiring conversation about building a profitable business while also creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and excited to contribute.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

On today’s podcast, we’re doing something a little different. You’re going to hear a pre-recorded conversation I had with Ceil DiGuglielmo, host of the Sew Much More podcast. This time, Ceil turned the tables and interviewed me about my trademarked course, Pricing Without Emotion.

I’ve been teaching Pricing Without Emotion since 2010, helping business owners understand not only how to price for profitability, but also how their mindset and relationship with money can influence the way they price.

I’m especially excited to share this conversation as we prepare to launch the next Pricing Without Emotion course at Scarlet Thread on October 8, 2026.

As Ceil says in her introduction, even if you have no intention of taking the course, there is plenty in this conversation that you can apply to your business right now. So as you listen, I invite you to think about your own pricing journey, the emotions that may be influencing your decisions, and ultimately, your relationship with money.

Enjoy the conversation!

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Back with us today is Courtney Bramlett of The Good Sower. Courtney specializes in helping companies develop marketing strategies and, just as importantly, put those strategies into action.

Today, we’re answering the question: What is the first marketing system a design firm should build?

We’ll talk about the connection—or sometimes the disconnect—between your marketing efforts and your overall business strategy, and why your marketing systems should support where you actually want your company to go.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing a lot of marketing but aren’t sure it’s moving your business forward, this conversation is for you. Listen in as we explore how to build a more intentional and strategic approach to marketing your design firm.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

With me on the podcast today is Ed Sedgley. He has spent over 20 years founding and scaling technology and marketing businesses across global markets. His expertise lies at the intersection of emerging technology and commercial growth – specifically, how the right tools can meaningfully accelerate sales.

As CEO and Founder of Viewa, Ed leads a business at the forefront of 3D, Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence visualization software for retailers and manufacturers of home goods. We are going to talk about how utilizing such software can shorten the sales process, lead to better outcomes and make expectations much more clear.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward one small win at a time.

Today the topic is profit doesn’t happen by accident.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

On the podcast today is Hilaire Martin, founder of Raleigh Workup—a space created for interior design entrepreneurs and creatives to turn ideas into action. It’s a community built on genuine support, shared wisdom, and meaningful connection, where beautiful ideas are given the space to grow and flourish.

In today’s conversation, we’re talking about the importance of community, the reality of feeling alone in business, and what it looks like to be vulnerable enough to take the next step. This is a thoughtful and encouraging episode for anyone building a creative business and looking for connection along the way.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Joining me today is Porsche Williams, Founder and CEO of The Prototype, a business operations and client experience firm exclusively for designers. Porsche is passionate about helping design businesses streamline growth by refining their processes and elevating the client journey.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into client experience and lead qualification—two critical areas that can make or break your profitability. Porsche shares where the hidden profit leaks happen before projects even begin and how you can tighten your systems to create a more efficient, profitable business.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward one small win at a time.

Today the topic is when to hire and when to restructure Instead.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Back with me on the podcast today is Erin McGhee, a financial strategist and accountant who has dedicated her career to building bookkeeping and CFO-level services specifically for the interior design industry.

In today’s conversation, we’re looking beyond the financial reports and focusing on the inputs that drive your numbers long before they ever reach QuickBooks or your accounting software. Erin shares how the decisions, processes, and systems throughout your business directly impact profitability—and where hidden profit leaks are most likely to occur.

Our hope is that this episode inspires you to take a closer look at one area of your business, uncover opportunities for improvement, and strengthen the financial health of your company.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

With me today is Lauren DeLoach of Lauren DeLoach Interiors, an Atlanta-area designer known for embracing timeless Southern design with a fresh, elevated approach.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about Lauren’s entrepreneurial journey—what worked well, what created challenges along the way, and how she recognized when something was no longer supporting the growth of her company. Lauren shares the mindset shifts and business changes that helped her continue moving forward with clarity and intention.

It’s an honest and insightful conversation about growth, resilience, and building a business that truly aligns with your vision.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward one small win at a time.

Today, we’re talking about the profit gap. The gap is the difference between what is happening (high revenue) and our understanding of how the money is being managed (low clarity).

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

With over two decades of experience as a workroom owner and interior designer, Hope Arbery understands the real challenges behind custom work—long hours, pricing uncertainty, and the constant pressure to get everything just right.

She founded QUIPA to provide the tools she—and so many others—wished they had: automated yardage and pricing calculations, professional estimates, and systems that bring clarity instead of chaos.

Hope is deeply committed to helping workrooms not just survive, but truly thrive with confidence, professionalism, and profit. In today’s conversation, we’re diving into what inspired her to create QUIPA, how it works, and the key problems it solves for workrooms everywhere.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Joining me today is Kathryn Dillon, a certified Primal Question Coach with more than 30 years of experience owning and operating a successful window treatment design and fabrication business.

While Kathryn has built a thriving career, her true passion has always been mentoring others—helping them grow personally and professionally with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Guided by the Primal Question framework and her own journey of healing, she creates safe, judgment-free spaces where clients can gain insight and walk away with practical tools for meaningful change.

Kathryn and I both believe that growth is possible at any stage of life and business, which makes this conversation especially powerful. Today, we’re introducing you to the Seven Primal Questions—and how they can transform the way you think, lead, and grow.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward one small win at a time.

Today, we’re talking about what a strategic plan shouldactuall y do. So stick around—this is one you won’t want to miss.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

With me today is Jaquilyn Edwards of Ochre and Beige. Jaquilyn helps interior designers step into high-end positioning through their words, systems, and client experiences—so their value becomes unmistakable.

In today’s episode, we explore how intentional messaging builds trust faster, strengthens boundaries, and ultimately grows and protects your profit. Our hope is that you walk away with insight and clarity to run a thriving business that truly reflects the caliber of your work.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Joining me today is Brittany Farinas of Miami-based House of One. Brittany is the CEO and Creative Director, known for creating spaces that truly embody the art of living with style.

In just eight years, Brittany has built an impressive career—designing projects across South Florida and expanding into the Northeast, including Martha’s Vineyard, the Hamptons, and New York. Her work has been featured in publications like AD, Domino, and Vogue Living, reflecting both her talent and distinctive point of view.

In today’s episode, we’re diving into her journey of growth, the real cost of scaling a design business, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. It’s an insightful and inspiring conversation you won’t want to miss.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele—your quick hit of strategy, insight, and actionable ideas to help you move your business forward, one small win at a time. Today the topic is What to fix next in your business.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

With me today on the podcast is Sonia Barney, an award-winning designer, business educator, and founder of Kaivari, a platform built to support creative entrepreneurs with the right coaches, resources, and community at the right stage of business.

In this episode, we’re diving into the real cost of choosing the wrong coach—or engaging at the wrong time—and how those decisions can impact your growth. Sonia also shares practical resources to help you ask better questions, make more aligned decisions, and find the support system that truly fits your current stage of business.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

With me today is Danae Branson, founder of Elite Design Assistants, a virtual assistant agency providing professional virtual design support to interior designers. She is also the owner of Niche Mavin, a freelance gig-based platform serving professionals in interior design, architecture, construction, and real estate.

In today’s conversation, we’re focusing on the benefits of hiring a virtual assistant—whether as ongoing team support or as a flexible, fill-in resource during busy seasons. You’ll learn how to assess your needs, determine when it’s time to bring in support, and how partnering with a virtual design assistant can help you deliver exceptional design services to your clients.

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™

306: Monday Minute: Gross Profit and Net Profit Have a Job

Welcome to the Monday Minute with Michele. One of the new things we’re adding to the podcast is a series of short, bite-sized episodes designed to give you quick insights you can put into action right away.

Each Monday Minute is meant to be a fast listen—something you can absorb quickly and then apply to your business in a meaningful way.

I hope these small moments of learning help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Enjoy this new offering!

Profit doesn’t happen by accident. ™