The Power of Resilience As An Interior Design Business Owner

Rikaza Shakeer Author

A few years ago, it was 7 AM when I received that email that every interior designer dreads: "We need to put the project on hold indefinitely." A major client was pulling out of a six-figure project, six months into planning. After three completed design concepts and a carefully curated materials selection, all of this was suddenly paused.

A decade ago, this news would have devastated me for weeks and sent me into a spiral of doubt and anxiety. But that morning, something was different. Instead of panic, I felt a strange sense of calm. I found myself calmly sipping my morning tea, already mentally crafting solutions. This wasn't resilience born from hardening; it was strength developed through understanding that every setback in our interior design journey carries seeds of growth.

As interior designers, we're masters at transforming spaces, but sometimes the most important transformation happens within us. Whether you're facing project delays, client challenges, or team transitions, resilience is about flowing forward to where you're meant to be, not just about bouncing back to where you were.

Three Pivotal Moments in My Journey

Like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, where broken pottery is mended with gold, our setbacks can become our most valuable assets. Let me share three pivotal moments that transformed my approach to challenges:

1. The client who changed everything: When a high-profile client completely reversed their design direction mid-project, it taught me that flexibility isn't just about adapting, it's about seeing new possibilities. We didn't just revise the design; we created something even more extraordinary because we were forced to think differently.
2. The supply chain crisis: During the global shutdown, when our entire material sourcing strategy collapsed, we discovered the power of local artisans and sustainable alternatives. What began as a crisis evolved into our studio's signature approach to sourcing.
3. The team transition: Losing two key team members in one month felt devastating. Yet, this challenge forced us to create systems and processes that formed the backbone of our thriving fit-out studio.
   
   
   

Building Your Resilience Framework

Resilience in interior design takes a unique form. You find that it's about maintaining your creative vision while navigating the practical challenges of running a business and finding beauty in the process, even when plans change.

Think of resilience like designing a room. Every element needs to work together, creating a harmonious whole that can adapt to changing needs. Just as we layer textures and materials to create depth in our designs, we layer experiences and lessons to build our professional resilience.

Here's how you can build your resilience framework:

Create Space for Processing

• Begin each day with 15 minutes of quiet reflection.
• Maintain a project journal for lessons learned.
• Schedule regular breaks between client meetings.
• Practice mindful decision-making.

Nurture Support Networks

• Build a network of reliable trade and vendor partners.
• Cultivate relationships with fellow interior designers.
• Invest in team development.
• Establish mentor relationships.

Develop Strong Operating Systems

• Document processes for easy adaptation.
• Build flexible project timelines.
• Maintain organized digital and physical spaces.
• Establish clear communication channels.

Implement Protective Practices

• Document all project communications.
• Maintain detailed process guides.
• Create contingency plans for key projects.
• Build financial buffers.

Practice Mindful Response

• Take time to process before reacting.
• Look for learning opportunities.
• Maintain perspective.
• Focus on solutions rather than problems.

Signs of Growing Resilience

You know you're developing professional resilience when:

• Client changes energize rather than exhaust you.
• Supply chain delays become opportunities for creative solutions.
• Budget constraints inspire innovation instead of limitation.
• Team challenges lead to stronger systems.
• Market fluctuations prompt strategic adaptation.

Conclusion

Your journey in interior design is unique, and so is your path to resilience. Each challenge you face is an opportunity to strengthen your foundation and refine your approach. Resilience is knowing that when you feel overwhelmed or discouraged, these feelings are temporary and you have the tools to move through them with grace. Like a well-designed space, your resilience should feel authentic to you – not forced or artificial.

P.S. Just as every beautiful room has a story of challenges overcome, every successful interior designer has a journey of resilience that makes them stronger. What's your story going to be?

Thank you for reading ❤️

Categories: : Mindset and Motivation