40. Portfolio Strategy, Pricing, and Profit with Erin Hackett

In this episode of Founders and Friends, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Erin Hackett, founder of Hackett House Studio, for an honest conversation about pricing, profitability, and scaling a luxury interior design business.Erin shares her unconventional journey from financial advisor to interior designer and how her background in finance shaped the way she approaches business strategy, pricing models, and long-term growth. Together, they unpack the realities of running a full-service design studio, including the challenges of hiring, managing large-scale projects, and building a team through a flexible network of independent contractors.The conversation dives deep into one of the most requested topics in the design industry: pricing. Erin explains why her studio operates on an hourly billing model with flat-fee style deposits, how transparent communication builds client trust, and why many designers are still undercharging for their expertise. She also shares how setting project minimums, curating portfolio work intentionally, and prioritizing high-quality furnishings have helped Hackett House Studio attract aligned, high-end clients.Ronniesha and Erin also discuss the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the importance of vetted contractors, the cyclical nature of revenue growth, and the value of creating a business model that supports both creativity and sustainability.This episode is packed with practical insights for designers looking to refine their pricing, scale strategically, and build a more profitable studio.You can find Erin at:https://www.hacketthousestudio.com/This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by DesignIf you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.www.vetted-bydesign.comhttps://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram*Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry