117 - Let's Talk! You're Not Alone. Real Talk on the State of the Design Industry with Carly Nemtean

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In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, Laura sits down with Carly Nemtean — Principal Designer of Carriage Lane Design Build and Co-Founder of The Collective Workspace — for a real conversation about what many designers are feeling behind the scenes. From navigating the post-COVID slowdown to dealing with tariff challenges and shifting client expectations, Carly and Laura talk candidly about the emotional and financial realities of running a design business right now. This episode is a reminder that if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, you’re not alone — and there’s power in sharing the journey.

website: https://www.thecollectiveto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecollectiveworkspace/

🎉 You’re Invited: Designer Day at Decor-Rest!
📅 Tuesday, May 13th, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 511 Chrislea Road, Woodbridge, Ontario, L4L 8N6

Join us for a fabulous morning at the Decor-Rest showroom and factory in Woodbridge! This exclusive in-person event kicks off with a delicious continental breakfast and the chance to connect with fellow designers. I’ll be there as a special guest speaker, sharing real-world strategies for building a profitable interior design business—no fluff, just what works.

You’ll also get a sneak peek at the latest trends from the Milan and High Point Furniture Markets, an exclusive plant and showroom tour, and we’ll wrap up with prizes, photos, and fun! This is your opportunity to learn, laugh, and network with some of the best in the biz.

💥 Space is limited and the Marzilli family at Decor-Rest goes all out—so if you sign up, please show up! Can’t wait to see yo

Step-by-step guides, AI Chat GPT Made Simple and Claude Made Simple, start at the very beginning and then walk you through building your own role-based AI assistants, complete with prompts, checklists, and plug-and-play workflows you can implement immediately. 
Get both guides (and more designer resources) here: https://thebusinessofbeautifulspaces.com/designer-resources

In just one focused hour, we’ll dive into whatever you need most—pricing strategies, client management, attracting high-end clients or building repeat business. You’ll get clarity, strategy, and expert advice based on my 27+ years of running a thriving, seven-figure design firm.

This is your chance to get real answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask—from someone who’s actually been there.

Book your session as you need it—no strings attached.

Be sure to follow along on Instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces + @thorntondesign to stay up to date on what we're talking about next week. If you love our podcast, please, please, please leave us a review. If you have any questions or topic ideas OR you wish to be a guest email us [email protected] or find us on instagram @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces

Laura Thornton is the  principle designer of Thornton Design Inc, located in Kleinburg, ON.  Since founding the company in 1999, Laura has been committed to creating a new kind of interior design experience for her clients. Thornton Design is an experienced team of creative talents, focused on curating beautiful residential and commercial spaces in the Toronto, Ontario area and beyond. Now sharing all the years of experience with other interior designers to create a world of collaboration and less competition. 

The Business of Beautiful Spaces  I @thebusinessofbeautifulspaces
Thornton Design                                      I @thorntondesign