3 Crucial Business Lessons I have learnt

I have been an interior designer for 34 years, 16 of which I have been at the helm of Justine Sterling Design. What I learned at interior and architecture firms before starting my own firm was vital in making my transition to becoming an entrepreneur much more fruitful. I'd love to share some of my biggest lessons.

Build Your Network

If I had a crystal ball 16 years ago, this is what I would have told myself. Building a network of people in your industry and beyond is so crucial to the success of your business. It's not about having hundreds of people in your network and talking to everyone at an event; it's more about making deeper connections with individuals with whom you share common interests and like or would love to work together. Do you want to refer work to them? Can you help expand their network and vice versa? Also, be diligent in follow-up and be genuine.

Love What You Do & Find Balance

I started studying interior design at 17 and still love this field. I feel like one of the lucky ones that miraculously is still doing what I love decades later. I had a great art teacher and mentor who helped me find my way, but you may not know what you want to do with your career if you're younger or looking at a second career. Many days can be difficult with business, projects, client challenges, and daily issues. But, as an interior design firm entrepreneur, loving your work will always ground you and keep you going. 

As a natural creative, finding the balance between design and business has been the most challenging part. However, knowing early on that as a business owner, only 20% of what you do will be creative, you should be sure that you love business enough to continue to love what you do.

Have Fun & Celebrate

This might sound cliché, but I’ve learned to embrace it: make the process fun whenever possible. I strive to celebrate key milestones for our clients by keeping them excited and engaged. It’s also a great system that helps them feel informed without wondering about the project’s progress. Celebrate the big reveal with champagne and thoughtful family gifts that express gratitude and acknowledgment. Take the time to celebrate your clients whenever you can.

Now that I’ve shared these lessons, I’m reminded to approach networking to find my people—not just working the typical cocktail circuit, which isn’t my ideal. Instead, I focus on turning quick conversations with new people into opportunities for lasting business relationships. I also remind myself to enjoy the process and not get lost in the details of a project. In this profession, we have the privilege of improving our clients’ lives by making their homes true reflections of who they are, spreading joy and excitement along the way.

What life lessons have influenced you in big ways? I’d love to hear about it, let’s connect!

Warmly,

Justine