How to Build a Design Business with Structure and Soul - Beth Diana Smith

Have you ever felt a divine nudge? Or maybe a full-on nudge that pushed you toward a life you didn't plan for? In this episode, I'm talking with the incredible interior designer Beth Diana Smith, who made the courageous leap from a successful career in corporate finance to founding her own celebrated design firm. Beth shares the story of how she went from being the kid who organized her toybox and dreamed of becoming an accountant to a leading voice in contemporary design, known for her bold, eclectic, and maximalist style. We get into the pivotal moment of peace that led her to leave her stressful corporate job and how the skills she honed with spreadsheets and budgets became the secret weapon for her creative business. This is a candid conversation about listening to the signs, redefining your path, and the magic that happens when a client points out your signature style before you've even seen it yourself.   Chapters 00:00 - From Aspiring Accountant to Acclaimed Designer 06:56 - Juggling Two Worlds: The Hustle of Corporate Life and Design School 12:50 - The Divine Slap: Finding Peace and the Courage to Quit 18:40 - Building a Business: First Clients and Finding Momentum 22:15 - Discovering a Signature Style by Accident 28:08 - The Psychology of Design: Creating for a Client's Future Self 34:20 - How Corporate Skills Shape a Creative Business 38:30 - On Pride, Passion, and Finding the Right Collaborators   Check out the full video interview on our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/JJ9aqXU1J74?si=2bPo8ZEwIQTFpEcv   Connect with Beth: Follow Beth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethdianasmith Beth's Website: https://www.bethdianasmith.com/   Support the Show Website: www.martineseverin.com Follow on Instagram: @martine.severin | @thisishowwecreate_ Subscribe to the Newsletter: www.martineseverin.substack.com   This is How We Create is produced by Martine Severin. This episode was edited by Santiago Cardona and Daniel Espinosa.   Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts Leave a review Follow us on social media Share with fellow creatives