784: Kelly Fridline: An Alternative Path—From Architecture to Coaching in Interior Design

Today with Kelly Fridline: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For many of you, running a successful and profitable interior design firm is the ultimate goal. But sometimes, the goal might look different. Perhaps you’ve thought about coaching, course creation, or another avenue besides a traditional firm. There are many career paths in the industry, and all of them require adjusting, evaluation, learning, and making mistakes. Today, Kelly Fridline joins me to discuss what it looks like to take a unique career path and what she has learned as she has carved out her businesses. Pick it apart: [2:34] Kelly discusses her background in architecture and the path she took to interior design.  [17:15] Kelly shares why she has chosen to not become licensed as an architect.  [34:08] Kelly highlights why she started Virtual Design Mentor as a networking and growth opportunity for designers.  [47:10] Kelly shares why her business involves other coaches and the strengths everyone brings to the table.  [53:20] Kelly talks about Liase for Interior Design and how designers can use it to find virtual assistance for their businesses. LuAnn and Kelly Fridline’s Ah-Ha moments: “Humility is key, but so is being really proud of what your gifts are.” -Kelly Fridline “No matter how many podcasts you listen to or how great your business coach is, there is still that learning experience where you’re going to make some really stupid decisions, and you’re going to learn from them.” -Kelly Fridline “It’s such a personal thing. I have to believe with the body of experience and education you have, if it really mattered to you, you’d sit and pass the darn test. But it doesn’t. And until it really matters to you, so what?” -LuAnn Nigara More about Kelly Fridline:   Kelly Fridline is an entrepreneur at heart, but a designer through and through. Since establishing Kelly Fridline Design, LLC in 2017, she’s learned the importance of flexibility in not only design, but business planning and goals. In the almost five years she’s been in business her focus has changed from primarily interior design, to Virtual Design Assistance and Renderings, totraining fellow creatives in the art of professionally presenting and documenting their projects, and finally assisting and mentoring fellow virtual assistants in business and attracting clients. With a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design and almost a decade of professional design, construction, and virtual collaboration experience, Kelly brings a unique insight to the interior design industry. Using these experiences, this past year Kelly founded The Virtual Design Mentor and Liaise for Interior Design. In addition to her own business, Kelly resides in the Metro-Detroit area with her husband, son, and two dogs. Connect with Kelly Fridline Website  Instagram  Facebook   What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #389 Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #779 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: What Should the CEO of an Interior Design Firm Be Doing? #440 Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program #419 Tobi Fairley- Say No to Busy and Yes to Health, Wealth and Joy A big thank you to today's sponsor Kravet’s commitment to innovation and ability to bring in new technology works to make life easier for you as a designer.  Their website makes finding quality home furnishings easy for you. And, the advanced color search allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order.