Welcome to the end of another summer week!
This week, we have two more Creative Genius Podcast episodes. First, Gail is joined by designer Susan Feffer, who opens up about how her firm persevered through a series of struggles. Then, wealth manager Nate Collins discusses an often-ignored reality of selling your business: the regret.
Our new articles this week should be helpful if you’re still struggling with some of the fundamentals. First, if you’re getting late-night texts from clients and don’t know how to diplomatically set boundaries, our advice should give you some starting points. Then we discuss fixed fees vs hourly billing, and how you should charge based on the value you provide.
What would happen to your interior design firm if you had to step away tomorrow?
Susan Feffer joins Gail Doby for an incredibly vulnerable episode of the Creative Genius Podcast about the ultimate survival test. Just four months after investing in structured business systems, Susan was diagnosed with a major health issue, followed by two more diagnoses from people close to her.
Hear the mind-blowing story of how this team “played hurt,” leaned on their binder of systems, and managed to double their revenue during their hardest year yet.
80% of businesses that go to market fail to sell. To beat those odds and maximize your valuation, you must start planning your exit strategy two to five years before you walk away. In this episode, wealth manager Nate Collins breaks down the five elements of a successful exit, the catastrophic tax mistakes of being under-prepared, and why your business must be operationally independent of you long before the sale. Tune in to discover why your goals must dictate the buyer, not the other way around.
Set Boundaries with Interior Design Clients in the First 30 Days
Allowing extreme flexibility with new clients might feel like good service, but late-night texts and unmanaged scope creep quickly erode your authority and net profit. By establishing a deliberate 30-day “onboarding firewall,” you set clear communication standards and decision deadlines that high-net-worth clients actually respect. Read our latest article to learn how to enforce firm boundaries early, protect your team’s sanity, and build a scalable, highly profitable studio.
Value-Based Fixed Fees in Interior Design Firms: Are They Worth It?
As interior designers, you aren’t just selling time—you are first and foremost problem solvers delivering high-impact transformations. Using a value-based fee model allows you to command higher fees and boost client satisfaction by aligning your pricing directly with outcomes rather than hours worked. By connecting with your client’s emotional “why,” you can stop competing as a commodity and start receiving full value for your firm’s expertise.
Celebrating Erin Weir’s 21-Year Journey
With love from the Pearl Collective team…
It’s not every day you get to celebrate a milestone quite like this.
This month, we are raising a glass to Erin Weir, Co-founder of Pearl Collective, as she marks an incredible 21 years of working alongside Gail Doby.
What started as a post-graduation internship has blossomed into a powerhouse partnership that has reshaped the interior design industry. Here is a look back at an inspiring 21-year journey of growth, mentorship, and vision.
Back in 2005, fresh off the stage at Colorado State University (CSU) with her brand-new degree in Interior Design, Erin took a leap. She accepted an internship with Gail Doby at Gail’s firm, Renaissance Design.
Even in those early days, it was clear this was more than just a typical temporary gig. Erin brought a unique blend of design sensibility, dedication, and strategic thinking to the table. Gail didn’t just see an intern, she saw a future collaborator.
An internship is often seen as a foot in the door. For Erin, it was the first step on a path toward redefining how design businesses operate.
As the years progressed, Erin’s role naturally expanded. Her deep understanding of the challenges designers face, paired with Gail’s business acumen, sparked a realization: designers needed more than just creative inspiration. They needed a roadmap to profitability and business success.
Together, Erin and Gail transitioned their focus from hands-on interior design to business coaching and consulting. This vision ultimately paved the way for the creation of Pearl Collective, an elite hub of coaches and community that has coached, consulted, and empowered thousands of interior designers to scale their businesses.
To go from an intern learning the ropes to the Co-founder of a premier industry consultancy is a testament to Erin’s work ethic, adaptability, and brilliant business mind. Please join us in congratulating Erin on 21 years of incredible achievements, leadership, and partnership!