Confessions of an Interior Designer: Episode Summary Title: I Confess… My Client Is Going to Bankrupt Me
Release Date: January 29, 2025
Host: Caroline Turner
Guest: Maddie Asabrook

Introduction

In this riveting episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer, host Caroline Turner delves deep into the unspoken challenges and dramatic experiences that lurk behind the scenes of the luxury interior design industry. Joined by her guest Maddie Asabrook, a seasoned fashion and interior design professional, the conversation navigates through personal anecdotes, industry dynamics, and a particularly distressing confession that many designers fear but seldom discuss openly.

Guest Background and Industry Journey

[00:04] Caroline Turner introduces Maddie Asabrook, highlighting her transition from a fashion career in Ohio to becoming Chicago’s favorite interior design representative.

Maddie shares her journey:

[01:06] Maddie Asabrook: "Had to get out of Ohio real quick. Came to Chicago for college, started in fashion, worked at Nordstrom for five years…"

She further recounts her brief stint in Los Angeles, working for a contemporary showroom under Betsy Eisenberg, before returning to Chicago to pursue her passion for textiles and interior design.

Navigating Industry Showrooms and Relationships

The conversation shifts to the complexities of working with large showrooms like The Mart. Caroline expresses her frustration with how junior designers and reps are treated.

Caroline critiques The Mart:

[03:28] Caroline Turner: "They will not even look you in the eye. Like, people who work at The Mart… if you're an asshole to them, we're not working with you."

Maddie concurs, sharing a story about a superior labeling reps as "minions," which led to formal apologies and strained relationships.

Maddie’s insight:

[04:08] Maddie Asabrook: "Someone heard it. Shocker. Because people have ears…"

Their mutual disdain for unprofessional behavior within large showrooms strengthens their camaraderie, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among designers.

Shifting Industry Dynamics and Rise of Independent Brands

Caroline and Maddie discuss the evolving landscape of the interior design industry, emphasizing the decline of traditional showrooms like The Mart and the rise of independent brands offering more personalized customer service.

Caroline observes:

[07:06] Caroline Turner: "It used to be that there was, like, the mart showrooms, and there was no one else… Now, many young people are opting for independent brands…"

They highlight how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, forcing brands to pivot and adopt more flexible business models. This trend not only diversifies product offerings but also fosters stronger, more meaningful relationships between designers and brand representatives.

The Power of Relationships in the Design World

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the critical role relationships play in the interior design industry. Caroline emphasizes that respectful and genuine interactions with reps can lead to exceptional service and support.

Caroline emphasizes:

[17:52] Caroline Turner: "The relationships you create in this industry can carry you through your entire career…"

Maddie adds that working with women-owned and led businesses often results in smoother collaborations, as empathy and mutual respect are more prevalent.

Maddie comments:

[16:18] Maddie Asabrook: "Women-owned businesses, women-led businesses…. my humble experience has always been the best."

Dealing with Unresponsive and Problematic Clients

The episode takes a critical turn as Caroline discusses her experiences with difficult clients who fail to honor their financial commitments. Maddie and Jessica join in to offer their perspectives and advice on handling such situations professionally while protecting one’s business integrity.

Caroline shares her frustration:

[27:07] Caroline Turner: "Meanwhile, I'm sitting here with invoices piling up and no response to my emails, no calls returned…"

Maddie empathizes, highlighting the anxiety and financial strain caused by clients who neglect their obligations, especially when they outwardly appear successful on social media.

Maddie relates:

[28:07] Maddie Asabrook: "Yeah, famous last words."

Main Confession: A Client’s Potential Bankruptcy of Her Business

The core of the episode revolves around Caroline’s heartfelt confession about a client named Lily, who is jeopardizing her interior design business by failing to pay invoices while portraying a thriving enterprise on TikTok.

Caroline’s confession:

[26:40] Caroline Turner: "I've worked with some great clients, but nothing has prepared me for the mess I'm in right now. This particular client, Lily… she owns a small, trendy boutique and her business is thriving… Meanwhile, I'm sitting here with invoices piling up…"

She details how Lily continues to invest in non-essential aspects of her business, such as new inventory and sponsored content, while ignoring payment for design services rendered. Caroline expresses the emotional toll of watching a client appear successful while her own financial stability is at risk.

Handling Non-Paying Clients: Advice and Strategies

The conversation shifts to actionable advice on dealing with unresponsive and financially irresponsible clients. Caroline, Maddie, and Jessica explore various strategies to protect one’s business and maintain professional integrity.

Legal Recourse:

[34:29] Caroline Turner: "I think you need to hire an attorney. It sounds like you have one if you sent a certified letter…"

They discuss the importance of taking legal steps, such as sending certified letters and considering small claims court, to recover owed funds. The group emphasizes that while these measures can be daunting, they are necessary to safeguard one’s business.

Emotional Support and Professional Boundaries:

[33:44] Maddie Asabrook: "I feel so bad for her…"

Caroline advises:

[38:24] Caroline Turner: "Please, call me because I want to chat about this right in again. And let us know what you do, because I need closure."

They highlight the emotional strain of such situations and the importance of seeking support from peers and legal professionals.

Maintaining Professionalism:

[39:30] Caroline Turner: "Don't burn the bridge. Don't."

While the temptation to publicly shame or expose difficult clients is strong, the speakers advocate for handling conflicts privately to maintain one’s reputation and professional relationships.

Maddie reinforces:

[37:55] Jessica: "Send her something with the mistress's name on it."

This underscores the delicate balance between seeking justice and preserving professional decorum.

Exploring Personal Anecdotes and Hypothetical Scenarios

To illustrate the complexities of dealing with deceitful clients, Caroline narrates a fictional yet plausible scenario where a designer discovers her client is building a home for someone else, reflecting deeper layers of dishonesty and manipulation within client-designer relationships.

Fictional Confession Highlights:

• Discovery of client’s hidden personal life.
• Emotional turmoil and professional conflict.
• Ethical dilemmas in continuing to work under false pretenses.

This narrative serves to underscore the unpredictable and often personal nature of challenges within the interior design industry.

Final Advice and Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Caroline, Maddie, and Jessica offer final pieces of advice to designers facing similar predicaments. They stress the importance of legal action, emotional resilience, and maintaining professional boundaries.

Caroline’s concluding thoughts:

[55:25] Maddie Asabrook: "I don't know. Unless you're just like, I'm cool to check my character and I'll just continue on."

Encouraging designers to seek legal counsel, prioritize their mental health, and protect their professional reputation, the episode wraps up with a call for listeners to share their own confessions and stories, fostering a supportive community.

Caroline invites:

[66:10] Caroline Turner: "Please, please write in your crazy design stories. If you don't want to write in, call me…"

Key Takeaways

1. Importance of Relationships: Building respectful and genuine connections with brand reps and colleagues can significantly impact a designer’s success and support network.

2. Navigating Industry Changes: The shift towards independent brands offers more flexibility and personalized service, highlighting the need for designers to adapt to evolving market dynamics.

3. Handling Difficult Clients: Legal action, emotional support, and professional boundaries are crucial when dealing with unresponsive or financially irresponsible clients to protect one’s business and mental well-being.

4. Community Support: Sharing experiences and seeking advice within professional groups can provide invaluable support and solutions to common industry challenges.

5. Professional Integrity: Maintaining professionalism, even in the face of adversity, ensures long-term reputation and career sustainability.

Notable Quotes

• Caroline Turner:

  [03:28] "They will not even look you in the eye. Like, people who work at The Mart… if you're an asshole to them, we're not working with you."

• Maddie Asabrook:

  [04:08] "Someone heard it. Shocker. Because people have ears…"

• Caroline Turner:

  [17:52] "The relationships you create in this industry can carry you through your entire career…"

• Maddie Asabrook:

  [16:18] "Women-owned businesses, women-led businesses…. my humble experience has always been the best."

• Caroline Turner:

  [27:07] "Meanwhile, I'm sitting here with invoices piling up and no response to my emails, no calls returned…"

• Maddie Asabrook:

  [28:07] "Yeah, famous last words."

• Caroline Turner:

  [55:25] "It's about character. And this one decision could really affect the rest of your business."

Conclusion

This episode of Confessions of an Interior Designer offers a candid and in-depth exploration of the often tumultuous experiences faced by luxury interior designers. Through personal stories, expert advice, and a powerful confession, Caroline Turner and her guests shed light on the realities of the industry, providing valuable insights and fostering a sense of community among listeners. Whether you’re an industry insider or simply fascinated by the behind-the-scenes world of interior design, this episode promises both empathy and actionable guidance to navigate the complex landscape of high-end design projects.