171 REHEATED: Trusting your instincts during times of growth and change with Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors

This replay episode brings back a great conversation with Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors about what it really looks like to grow an interior design business with intention. Ali shares how she built her firm by leaning into process, trusting her instincts, and making thoughtful investments in support before the results were fully visible.Rebecca and Shaun talk with Ali about balancing strategy with gut instinct, using Instagram as both a marketing and educational tool, and why community matters so much when you are scaling a design business. From hiring help for social media to building referral relationships with other designers, architects, and builders, this episode is packed with practical insight for designers navigating change and growth.In this episode they discuss:Why trusting your instincts can be just as important as relying on the numbers when making growth decisionsHow Ali positioned AEF Interiors around process instead of aesthetic aloneWhat happened when she invested in social media support and why Instagram became a major lead sourceWhy organic content can attract both ideal clients and fellow interior designersHow networking with architects, builders, realtors, and other designers can create long-term opportunitiesThe importance of hiring people who are better than you in their specific rolesWhy tracking your time is essential for pricing, hiring, and understanding what it costs to run your businessHow community and designer-to-designer relationships can support both your business growth and emotional healthMentioned:AEF Interiors websiteFollow Ali on InstagramHaven WorkshopHer workshop with TandemDiving Into the Interior Design ProcessOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop