Why Designers Struggle to Talk About Money

Talking about money didn’t come naturally to me.

For a long time, I avoided it. I softened numbers, second-guessed myself, and worried about what clients would think if I said the “real” price out loud. And if I’m being honest, I see this come up again and again with designers at every stage.

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Dina Holland, of Honey & Fitz, and we get into a conversation that I know so many of you need to hear.

We talk about why money feels so uncomfortable, especially for women in business, and how that discomfort shows up in your pricing, your proposals, and your client conversations. Dina shares how she shifted her mindset after 15 years in the industry and what it really takes to confidently stand behind your numbers.

We also get into the evolution of a design business, from those early “figure it out as you go” years to building a team, refining your process, and stepping into a true leadership role. Because the truth is, pricing confidence doesn’t happen in isolation. It comes from clarity, experience, and owning your expertise.

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Dina’s perspective on hearing “no.”

If you’re not getting pushback, you’re probably not pushing far enough.

That one hit.

If you’ve ever hesitated before saying your price…
If you’ve ever adjusted your numbers to make a client more comfortable…
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re charging enough…

This episode will shift how you think about money in your business.

Episode Highlights

Why designers struggle to talk about money in the first place
How to reframe rejection and use “no” as a growth tool
The connection between pricing confidence and business maturity
What changes as you move from designer to business owner
The role of process, data, and experience in setting your rates
How to lead client conversations with clarity and authority

Episode REsources

Episode 78 – Grow your team, Grow your business with Dina Holland of Honey & Fitz
Episode 256 – Live At High Point Market | Money Matters: Expert tips from a profitable business with Renée Biery, Dina Holland & Jamie Merida
You can find Dina Holland at her website and on Instagram @HoneyandFitz.

Watch the interview on YouTube

This episode is sponsored by Programa.

Programa is project management software built specifically for interior designers. It’s designed to save you hours every week and reduce the errors that come from managing projects across scattered documents and systems.

Use code RBD25 for 25% off annual Programa plans. Click to learn more.

May 5, 2026

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