Hi friends,

This week, I’ve been reflecting on how much of running a successful design business has very little to do with actual design.

It’s leadership.
It’s communication.
It’s boundaries.
It’s learning how to support clients, teams, and ourselves through stressful seasons without losing ourselves in the process.

The truth is, many designers are carrying an invisible mental load behind the scenes while trying to create beautiful work for everyone else.

That’s why I believe we need more honest conversations about the business side of design; not just the polished highlight reel.

This week, I’m sharing the replay from our Leadership in Design webinar, details about June’s upcoming Money Matters conversation, and a reminder that your business should support your life… not consume it.

Tips, Tools & Takeaways for Designers

3 Ways to Streamline Your Business This Week ✅ Clarity reduces chaos. Whether it’s client communication, onboarding, timelines, or revisions; unclear expectations are often the root of stress inside design businesses. Strong systems create calmer projects. ✅ Boundaries are leadership. Your team, clients, and vendors learn how to work with you based on the standards and boundaries you uphold. Protecting your time and energy is not selfish; it’s sustainable. ✅ Your business should support your season of life. There is no one “right” way to run a design business. You’re allowed to create a business model that aligns with your capacity, family responsibilities, goals, and values.

2 Resources to Check Out 📌 Leadership in Design Webinar Replay If you missed this week’s conversation with Stephanie Miller Vincent of Smiller Vision, the replay is now available. We discussed: • Leading with intention • Team culture and communication • Emotional regulation in leadership • Burnout and boundaries • Building trust with clients, trades, and teams Watch it here 📌 Register for June’s Webinar Money Matters Join me and financial expert April Stroink this June for an approachable conversation about the financial side of running a design business. We’ll discuss: • Cash vs accrual • Profit & loss • Income statements • Gross profit margins The goal is simple: helping designers feel more confident and less overwhelmed around money. Register Here

1 Question for You 🤔 As we head into summer, I’ll be taking a pause from webinars during July and August to prepare for a new series this fall. Before I begin planning, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. What topics would you like to see covered in future webinars or conversations? Are there areas of your business where you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, curious, or craving more support? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to have you input!

Want More Support?

Summer Might Actually Be the Best Time to Work on Your Business.

June is opening up a few spots inside my Bring Calm to Chaos™ mentorship program, and honestly, I can’t think of a better time than summer to finally work on your business instead of constantly reacting inside it.

Summer naturally gives us a little more breathing room. The pace shifts. We think differently. We have more space to reflect, reset, and make intentional changes before the busy fall season arrives.

And the beauty of this program is that it’s designed to fit into real life.

Our bi-weekly sessions can absolutely happen from the cottage, the patio, or heck… even the beach.

Imagine heading into September with:
• clearer systems
• stronger client processes
• better boundaries
• streamlined workflows
• more confidence in how you run your business
• and less mental clutter following you into every project

That sounds a whole lot better than entering fall already overwhelmed and behind.

If you’ve been craving more clarity, ease, organization, and support in your business, this could be the perfect season to begin.

You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight. Small intentional shifts create massive change over time.

If you’d like to learn more about Bring Calm to Chaos™ or explore whether it’s a fit for you, simply reply to this email or connect with me by booking a free strategy call with me here.​

Here’s to more ease, balance, and joy in your business and life! 💛

Warmly,​
Marsha