129: A Conversation with Rona Graf, growing Grace Blu Interior Design incrementally and small

Grow small and incrementally. It’s not a race. It’s a marathon! Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Rona Graf, the founder of Grace Blu Interior Design. Rona shares her journey from being a teacher to starting her own design firm and discusses the importance of slow and steady growth in building a sustainable business. She explains why businesses should focus on sustainable, incremental growth instead of rapid expansion and how rushing into growth can lead to challenges.In this episode, they discuss:Rona’s background and her transition from teaching to interior designStarting Grace Blu during the 2007 economic downturn and the challenges she facedThe importance of having a business mindset, not just a creative mindsetGrowing your business incrementally instead of rushing into expanding too fastHiring people with skills where you lack expertise and delegating tasks and responsibilities The importance of collaboration and learning from others in the industryThe importance of saying no and not taking on every projectBalancing the creative and business aspects of running a design firmRona’s approach to managing client expectations and the importance of not showing them the messy, unfinished parts of the workHow hiring a CFO has helped her forecast revenue, manage overhead costs, and make informed business decisionsMentioned:Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/podcasts/Follow Grace Blu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceblu/Check out Grace Blu’s website: https://www.graceblu.com/The E-Myth: https://amzn.to/47CoO8SRana experienced the luxury of the Palmilla to help understand her clients better: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/palmillaEmail Rona for help, or templates, or mentoring: https://www.graceblu.com/contactOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon Design Resources - Check out our shop