1130: Jen Davidson: Running an Interior Design Business, or Just Working at One You Happen to Own?

Today with Jen Davidson Today on A Well Designed Business, Jen Davidson shares the pivotal conversation that transformed her five-year-old interior design firm from successful but struggling to truly thriving. After meeting Jude Charles at a design retreat, Jen realized she'd been "living as an interior designer" instead of "living as a business owner and boss." This insight sparked a year-long transformation that included clarifying her core values, rebuilding her team around a culture of trust, and understanding that her company's pillars aren't people—they're processes, values, and mission. Jen walks us through the hard work of defining what her company stands for, how she got her team aligned around those values, and why she had to let some people go to create the foundation she needed. She also opens up about her docuseries experience with Jude and how documenting her credibility became a powerful tool for both personal growth and business development. If you've been running your design business but feel like something's missing, or you've been avoiding the foundational work of mission, vision, and values, this conversation offers a roadmap for stepping fully into your role as CEO. LuAnn Nigara and Jen Davidson’s Ah-Ha Moments  "You're not believing that you are the boss. You're living as an interior designer. You're not living as a business owner, the boss. And that right there stopped me in my tracks." - Jennifer Davidson More About Jen Davidson Jen Davidson is the founder and lead designer of Interiors by Jen Davidson (IJD), a high-end residential design firm specializing in luxury renovations, new builds, and curated furnishing selections. With a career rooted in creativity and an unwavering passion for transforming spaces, Jen’s journey into interior design was anything but conventional. Jen’s approach to design is deeply rooted in storytelling. She believes that every home tells a unique story, and her job is to help write that narrative through thoughtful design. She places high importance on clear communication with clients and collaborators, ensuring that each project feels like a shared vision. As she continues to grow her business, Jen is focused on helping other designers level up by embracing courage, clear boundaries, and empathy. Her work with industry professionals like Jude Charles on a docuseries highlights her belief in the power of storytelling and transparency. Today, Jen is passionate about sharing her experience and insights with others, hoping to inspire those in the design world to take their own leaps of faith and trust the process. Connect with Jen Davidson Website Instagram ShopLTK Pinterest YouTube Houzz Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 774: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide Celebrates 4 Years! AWDB 790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions AWDB 516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand AWDB 626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design AWDB 718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos AWDB 724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals AWDB 1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles! AWDB 811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate