Most business owners don’t know how to switch off.

We’re constantly grinding away, working behind the scenes to give our all and serve our clients in the best possible way.

But to what end? Is it really success if it comes at the cost of our health and relationships?

Far too often, it’s only when life throws a curve ball that we stop to think about the way we are living our lives and even consider slowing down.

For Kaz, owner of Viva Life Pilates, that curve ball showed up in the form of breast cancer. Now, she’s rebuilding her life and business in an entirely different way.

Before her diagnosis, Kaz was what many would call a success story. She was a powerhouse, juggling life with two children, a rapidly growing Pilates business, and a coveted spot in national advertising campaigns. But beneath that facade was a whirlwind of stress and a life teetering on the edge of burnout. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to bring this important story to light, not just as a tribute to Kaz's courage, but as a vital reminder for all of us hustling in our businesses.

Kaz's discovery of a lump pushed her into a series of investigations, ultimately leading to a devastating diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer, progressing quickly to stage 3. It was a wake-up call no one asks for. The realisation that we often wait for life-altering events to slow down resonates deeply with me.

After her diagnosis, Kaz was forced to confront not only the disease but an overwhelming obligation to her business. Her story is one of resilience, supported by a phenomenal team that kept Viva Life Pilates thriving in her absence. All of us in business fear stepping away and losing what we've built—but Kaz is living proof that sometimes, stepping back is stepping forward.

Navigating through chemo and surgery, Kaz found herself asking life’s crucial questions about priorities and sustainability. The experience taught her that true success wasn't in how hard she was working—it was in how she was taking care of herself and the people around her.

After multiple surgeries, chemo and radiation, Kaz returned to her studio with a renewed mission—not just for her business, but for her personal health. She learned the art of delegation, setting boundaries, and prioritising what matters most. As someone who is pretty much glued to my phone to run my business, I take this lesson to heart. Our businesses should enhance our lives, not overshadow them.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Kaz from Viva Life Pilates

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

Website: https://www.vivalifefitness.com.au/

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

Personally, I love Instagram. I believe it’s absolutely key for designers to utilise this tool to showcase their portfolio, style and personal brand.

However, I know it’s not for everybody. For many designers out there, the pressure of social media can send them into a downward spiral. Keeping up with the algorithm and creating endless Reels can be exhausting.

If this is you, you might be wondering if it’s even possible to grow your business without it.

The good news? There are some extremely effective ways to elevate your business visibility and growth without relying on social media.

So let’s dive into my top ten tips to use in conjunction with Instagram – or allow you to spend a little less time on it. I'll take you through:

1. Leveraging Google My Business
2. Optimising Your SEO
3. Embracing Blogging
4. Email Marketing Strategies
5. Networking With Referral Sources
6. Utilising Local Facebook Groups
7. Offering a Stellar Client Experience
8. Confidently Niching Your Services
9. Re-engaging Past Clients
10. Attending Trade Shows

I hope these strategies offer you some relief from the pressures of performing on socials, and inspire you to try out some sustainable growth pathways that keep your business vibrant and connected.

So, get excited and reach out to someone new in your business today!

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio

Here's the hard truth: if you're not willing to invest in your own business, you cannot expect others to want to invest in you.

Spending money on your business can feel risky, especially when you're trying to save or are unsure of future projects. Yet, the reality is that to make money, you have to spend it.

Strategic investments in your business aren't just expenses; they are vital tools that create opportunities, streamline processes and elevate your work. The good news is, running an interior design business, unlike a lot of other types of businesses, demands relatively low start-up and ongoing costs.

Today, we’re exploring how spending money is key to growing your design business, and the areas you should really be investing in to enhance your reputation as a professional. This covers things from your website and headshots to your social media presence.

Remember, your brand is your reputation, and often the first impression potential clients have of you. If you cut corners here, you’re really signalling to your clients that you’re not confident in your value - and who wants to invest in that?

Ultimately, adopting a return on investment mindset changes your perspective; it’s here that you realise every dollar you invest has the potential to multiply.

Investing in your business is a non negotiable. If you want to see sustainable growth and success, whether it's money, time or resources, what you put into your business is what you're going to get out of it.

Resources & Links:

Want 20% off your LEGAL docs from Foundd Legal? - Use our link here

We use and recommend FLODESK for our emails - get 50% off with this link!

Join The $10K Designer/ Mentorship here: https://interiorsinsider.com.au/mentorship

Join the FREE Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1351851525693713

Download the FREE pricing and services guide here: https://goldchalk.mykajabi.com/offers/kc8TCz72

Access my free masterclass - How to start your business without a Portfolio