DesignDash

This week on Design Dash, we had an eye-opening conversation with Katie Decker-Erickson, MBA, IACC-NA, and she dropped some serious knowledge for anyone in the design world (or any business, really!). Katie put it best: “If you have a backlog of clients, it's time to reassess. Do you have a pricing problem? A services problem? Or a communication problem?” Her advice is gold: Sometimes, it’s as simple as raising your rates and being transparent with your clients upfront. The ones who are serious about working with you will wait, and the ones who aren’t? Well, they weren’t your people to begin with—and that’s OK. This kind of upfront, transparent communication can transform your business and help you avoid burnout. Want to hear the full conversation and more game-changing tips from Katie? 👉 Check out the full episode here https://lnkd.in/dCiVUfSU #designdash #podcast #businesstips

Here’s a common question I get from fellow creative entrepreneurs: "Do you include any boundary-setting language in your contracts?" My take? Not really—but we make sure to set those boundaries from the very first conversation. We’re clear that while we’ll try to accommodate client needs within reason, we also have personal lives and set business hours. How do you all approach setting boundaries with your clients? Do you put it in writing, or is a conversation enough? #podcast #designdash #workboundaries

Let’s be real—none of us have this parenting thing completely figured out. And you know what? That’s okay. We’re all in this constant learning process, navigating the ups and downs of raising our kids, especially during these tricky teenage years. Some days, it feels like we’ve got it under control, and other days… well, not so much. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to have all the answers. What matters is showing up, being present, and doing your best. We’re all figuring it out as we go, and that’s part of the journey. In our latest episode, Melissa and I dive into the ups and downs of raising teen girls. We’re sharing our honest experiences, the struggles, and the small wins that keep us going. Whether you’re navigating this phase too, or you’re just curious about what’s ahead, this episode is for you. Happy weekend, and remember—you’re doing better than you think. #podcast #designdash #parenting

Today’s episode is a little different—an honest chat about something we’re both knee-deep in right now: parenting teen girls. In this episode, we get real about the struggle to stay connected with our children as they pull away to become their own people. We talk about the delicate dance between giving them independence and holding onto those precious moments when they still need us. More than anything, today's episode is about creating a space where we can all share the challenges and victories of parenting through these tricky years. So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Am I the only one who feels like they’re winging it?”—you’re not. We’re right there with you, figuring it out as we go. Join us as we dive into the unfiltered reality of raising teen girls. We can’t wait to hear your thoughts and experiences too. Full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dAtRx9ki #designdashpodcast #podcast #parentingtips

One of the most powerful realizations we’ve had through the Design Dash podcast is that striving for perfect balance can feel like an impossible task. Instead, there's always greater fulfillment by embracing the concept of work-life harmony—a concept that allows us to be fully present in the moments that matter most, without the pressure to juggle everything at once. This shift in mindset has been truly transformative, and we encourage you to consider it in your own life. It’s about recognizing that Priorities will always shift, and finding a rhythm that works for you is far more sustainable than the elusive pursuit of balance. Of course, we discussed about this topic in our latest episode with Nicole Malachowski, and we’d love for you to check it out if you haven’t already. How do you approach the idea of balance in your life? Is it something you still strive for, or have you found your own version of harmony? #WorkLifeBalance #podcast #DesignDash #Inspiration

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but this powerful reminder from Nicole Malachowski emphasizes that our strength lies in our response. We can't change the past, but we can choose how to move forward with purpose and resilience. If this resonates with you, you won’t want to miss our full conversation with Nicole. She shares incredible insights on navigating life’s unexpected twists, building resilience, and leading with authenticity. Trust me, it’s a discussion that will leave you inspired and ready to tackle whatever lies ahead. 🎧 Tune in to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dd8qiF2W #podcast #designdash #airforce #NicoleMalachowski #veteran

In this weeks episode we had the pleasure of sitting down with Nicole Malachowski, Nicole is no ordinary guest; she is a retired Colonel and the first woman to fly with the elite Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. Her remarkable military career spans over two decades, during which she broke barriers, served in high-profile positions, and earned accolades that few can claim. In this episode, Melissa and I sit down with Nicole to dive into her awe-inspiring journey—one that took her from soaring through the skies to confronting a debilitating illness that forced her to redefine success and find new purpose. We talk about everything from balancing our careers with family life (because let’s be real, the struggle is real) to the power of vulnerability in leadership. Nicole shares how she’s learned to set boundaries, ask for help, and lead with authenticity, all while embracing the mantra “yield to overcome.” Check out the full episode with Nicole here: https://lnkd.in/dJckGg2A #podcast #designdash #airforce #NicoleMalachowski

Starting my day off with intention and purpose. I'm about to dive into my first Pomodoro session of the day as part of the Focus and Flex challenge. If you haven’t heard about it yet, it’s something you don’t want to miss. Here’s the deal: 25 minutes of deep, focused work followed by a quick 5-minute reset. It’s simple, but the results are powerful. Best part? It’s free! So, tell a friend to tell a friend, and let’s crush this challenge together. Who’s in? Join the winning team here: https://lnkd.in/dDv--rx4 #FocusAndFlexChallenge #IntentionalLiving #MakeItCount

Taking time to recharge isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to give ourselves permission to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. - Erika De Pellegrin #designdash #podcast #quoteoftheday

This week, we’re joined by a special guest, Erika De Pellegrin. Erika’s someone who really gets it. She’s a strategic legal consultant, a powerhouse of wisdom, and the voice behind the Balance Theory podcast. In this episode we’re peeling back the layers on what it truly means to live a balanced life—spoiler alert: it’s not about having everything perfectly in place. We talk about the moments when life feels like a rollercoaster—those highs where you’re on top of the world, and the lows where you just want to hide under the covers. Trust me, her insights on prioritizing what truly matters, and the mindset shifts that keep her grounded, are things you don’t want to miss. Catch the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dJ365DBJ #podcast #designdash #balance