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Does this sound like you?

• Your to-do list feels endless, and no matter how hard you work, you never quite catch up.
• Even when you’re off, you’re not really off—you’re always thinking about work.
• You know what you need to do to grow your business, but client deadlines consume every moment.
• You’re overwhelmed, and you don’t even know where to start.

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. These frustrations are a regular part of the entrepreneurial experience—especially in the demanding world of interior design. While I can’t promise every day will be a breeze, I can promise that your business can feel easier, more efficient, and, yes, even enjoyable.

Here’s how:

Start with Boundaries

Be honest: Do you have clear boundaries, or do clients have access to you 24/7? When I first started, I thought being constantly available was just part of the job. But let me tell you, it’s not sustainable for you or your clients.

Take these steps to protect your time and energy:

• Reclaim your phone. Consider using a Google Voice number or a separate work phone. This creates a clear line between work and personal time. Bonus: when you grow your team, they can access the same “office” line without everything funneling through you.
• Turn off notifications. Checking every email and message as it comes in interrupts your flow and wastes precious time. Schedule times to check in, and stick to them.
• Set realistic timelines. Instead of promising everything “ASAP,” give clear, achievable timeframes (e.g., floorplans within three business days). This reduces stress for you and sets clear expectations for clients.
• Automate your scheduling. Use tools like HoneyBook or Gmail’s calendar integrations to let clients book calls without the endless back-and-forth. Pro tip: Block off “buffer” time in your schedule to avoid back-to-back chaos.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

I know what you’re thinking: “Sure, let me just add ‘evaluate my processes’ to my already impossible list.” But hear me out—this isn’t about doing more. It’s about working differently.

Ask yourself:

• Am I overcomplicating tasks? Are you duplicating steps or wasting time searching for information? Streamline by organizing your workflows and using tools to track key details (we’re big fans of Teamwork).
• When are you at your best? If you’re most creative in the morning, focus on design work before diving into emails. Protect your peak productivity hours for what matters most.
• Can you group tasks? Instead of jumping between projects, batch similar tasks together. For example, process all emails at once, create tasks directly from them, then tackle projects in order of priority.

Automate and Simplify

Automation doesn’t always mean fancy software—it can also mean creating repeatable processes. These systems free up your mental energy and help your business run more smoothly.

Here are a few ways to get started:

• Use templates. Are you rewriting the same emails or messages over and over? Create templates for common communications. Your future self will thank you. You can see some of ours here. See how you can add templates your Gmail here.
• Simplify scheduling. Stop the back-and-forth of “When are you free?” Share your availability with clients using scheduling tools that let them book directly. See how you can schedule from your Gmail here.
• Plan ahead. Designate specific times for recurring tasks (like sourcing materials or reviewing orders). When clients ask when something will be done, you’ll have a plan instead of scrambling to fit it in.

Where to Start?

Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but it doesn’t have to be your default. Start small:

1. Set one boundary this week (e.g., no phone after 7 PM).
2. Audit one workflow for inefficiencies.
3. Create one template for a frequently used email or message.

These small changes build momentum. Over time, they create space for you to breathe, grow, and enjoy your work again.

Need help figuring it all out? That’s where I come in. Let’s work together to simplify your processes, create boundaries, and make your business work for you—not the other way around.

Click here to schedule a discovery call and take the first step toward a business (and life) you love.

Wishing you the absolute best!
Brittanie