If you’ve ever caught yourself saying “I’m just not good with money,” you’re not alone. But what if your struggles with money aren’t actually about spreadsheets or QuickBooks, and more about what you believe you’re worth?
In our recent conversation with Coach Jacqui (ep. 142), she reminded us that money mindset isn’t about being better at spreadsheets — it’s about unpacking the beliefs that shape how we feel about money, self-worth, and success.
As interior designers, we regularly handle large budgets, but many of us still feel uncomfortable charging what we’re worth, advocating for fees, or investing in the things that would actually move our businesses forward.
Here’s how to start shifting that.
1. Get Clear on What You Actually Believe About Money
Your money mindset didn’t appear out of nowhere — it likely started with early messages about money growing up:
- “You have to work really hard to earn a lot.”
- “People who talk about money are greedy.”
- “It’s selfish to want more.”
- “Women aren’t breadwinners.”
ACTION: Write down 5 things you believe about money. Then ask yourself: Who taught me this? Is it actually true? Is it helping me or holding me back?
2. Charge Like a Leader, Not a Hobbyist
Design is emotional labor, creative vision, and high-stakes project management all rolled into one. That value doesn’t come cheap — and it shouldn’t.
Coach Jacqui reminded us: Money loves confidence. When you believe in your own value, your pricing reflects that. Be realistic for your experience and market but low-balling doesn’t do anyone any favors and clients will respect your work less.
ACTION: Review your current pricing. Would someone pay it and say, “I feel lucky to work with this designer”? If not, ask: What would feel both fair and empowering for you to charge?
3. Create a “CEO Fund"
It’s easy to say “I can’t afford to invest in help right now,” but staying stuck in that mindset means you’ll always be doing everything yourself — and staying small.
ACTION: Start moving a small percentage of every project or profit into a dedicated “CEO Fund.” This is your money to hire help, join a mastermind, or finally outsource your bookkeeping. It doesn’t have to be big — just consistent.
4. Practice Saying Your Rates Out Loud
If you hesitate when saying your rate or quickly follow it up with a discount or apology… its not cute. Confidence is contagious, but so is doubt. Before clients hand over their trust and cash, they need to know you’ve got this.
ACTION: Practice saying your pricing in the mirror (yes, really). Say it without qualifiers. “My full-service design fee starts at $X.” That’s it. Repeat it until it feels natural and no like no big deal.
5. Stretch Your Vision — Even If It’s Scary
Jacqui dropped a gem we can’t stop thinking about:
“If it doesn’t make your booty cheeks clench a little, it’s probably not big enough.”
You don’t need to wait until your circumstances are perfect to imagine a bigger, more abundant version of your business. You just need to start acting like it’s possible.
ACTION: Write down your “stretch goals” — income, lifestyle, number of clients, how much time off you want. Look at it every week. Try to embody the feeling of attaining them. Make one small decision that moves you closer, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Final words of wisdom
Money mindset work isn’t one and done — it’s a constant recalibration as your business grows. But it starts by remembering that you’re allowed to want more, earn more, and spend in alignment with your goals — without guilt.
Because the truth is: your dream business doesn’t just need good taste. It needs a CEO who believes they’re worth it.
🎧 Want to hear more? Tune in to Episode 142 of the Hot Young Designers Club Podcast for our full convo with Coach Jacqui. It’s one of the episodes we heard from Hotties about the most — and for good reason.
