In this episode, Ronniesha Rivera sits down with Kat Oldershaw, founder of Cat & Co., to unpack what actually makes operations work for interior designers—and why more tools don’t always mean better systems.

Kat shares their unconventional path from studying psychology at UC Berkeley, through biotech and creative studio leadership, and into entrepreneurship as an Online Business Manager (OBM) supporting interior designers behind the scenes. Drawing from both their psychology background and real-world operations experience, Kat explains why designers often struggle with comparison mindset and “shiny object syndrome,” and how simple, consistent systems are usually far more effective than complex software stacks.

Together, Ronniesha and Kat break down the differences between OBMs, business consultants, and virtual assistants, helping designers understand who they actually need—and when. Kat also offers nuanced insight into software choices like Asana and Studio Designer, emphasizing that there’s no “unicorn” platform that solves everything, only systems that work for you.

This conversation goes beyond tools and tactics, touching on vulnerability in entrepreneurship, the importance of trust and communication in long-term partnerships, and how honoring your working style (digital or analog) can lead to more sustainable growth. If you’re a designer craving clarity, calm, and support that actually sticks, this episode is for you.

You can find kat at

https://www.katandco.org/

Good Ideas + Bad decisions Podcast

This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design

If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.

www.vetted-bydesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram

*Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

What happens when you actually track your marketing—and tell the truth about what worked and what didn’t?

In this episode of Founders and Friends, host Ronniesha Rivera pulls back the curtain on a four-month experiment she calls the “Six Marketing Shifts.” Born out of a slow season in early 2025, the experiment generated nine leads and $33,000 in secured design fees and product revenue—but the real value came from the insights behind the numbers.

Ronniesha breaks down each of the six shifts she tested, including Instagram, email marketing, blogging, cold pitching, in-person networking, and Google paid ads. She shares which channels actually moved the needle, which ones fell flat, and why lead tracking completely changed how she evaluates her marketing efforts. You’ll hear how cold pitching produced her highest-value project to date, why a long-ignored platform delivered a surprise $15K opportunity, and what she’s choosing to double down on heading into 2026.

The conversation also dives deep into pricing lessons, including a major misbid on a multimillion-dollar new build that forced Ronniesha to rethink how she prices full-service design. She shares how implementing a pricing matrix (with support from Seriously Happy Consulting) helped her set clearer boundaries, establish a $5,000 minimum design fee, and bid projects more intentionally—without burnout or undercutting her expertise.

Finally, Ronniesha outlines her bigger vision: transitioning fully into a CEO role by outsourcing across all areas of her work—from Alder and Stone Design Studio, to Vetted by Design, to the podcast itself (and even childcare). This episode is an honest, practical look at growth, margins, and what it really takes to build a sustainable design business.

Whether you’re experimenting with marketing, struggling with pricing, or preparing to step out of the day-to-day and lead at a higher level, this episode is packed with real numbers, real lessons, and real encouragement.

This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design

If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.

www.vetted-bydesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram

*Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry

Returning guest Georgia Economus of Designs by Georgia joins Ronniesha Rivera for a candid continuation of their earlier conversation — this time diving deep into the realities of process, pricing, and packages in an interior design business.

Georgia shares how running a “one-woman show” boutique studio has allowed her to expand beyond cabinetry into full renovations while still protecting her time, expertise, and financial stability. Together, Ronniesha and Georgia tackle some of the most polarizing topics in the design industry — including product pricing, charging consultation fees, requiring full payment upfront, and why designers should never be expected to discount products below retail.

This episode breaks down Georgia’s client discovery and qualification process, how she uses renderings and recorded walk-throughs to present designs, and why charging for time is essential to protecting intellectual property. The conversation also explores letters of agreement, wet signatures, payment draws, scope clarity, and how three-tiered service packages help designers serve different clients without overdelivering.

Ronniesha and Georgia share hard-earned lessons on risk mitigation, setting boundaries, managing expectations, and building consistency — along with practical advice for newer designers on securing legal and financial support early. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing confidence, scope creep, or protecting your business while still delivering great design, this episode is a must-listen.

You can find Georgia at:

https://www.designsbygeorgia.com/

https://www.instagram.com/georgiaeconomakis?igsh=YmRxYmd2aTF3c2c%3D

This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design

If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.

www.vetted-bydesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

Connect with all things Founders & Friends on our Facebook Group & Instagram

Founders & Friends Instagram

Founders & Friends FB group

*Only for interior designers & pro's who serve the industry