Alright, my fellow dreamers and doers, let’s talk about you—specifically, the life-changing magic of running a business that doesn’t leave you feeling like you’ve run a marathon on a hamster wheel. This week, I’m sitting down with Kara Duffy, a business strategist who is equal parts brilliance and real talk. She’s been in the game since she was nine years old (yes, NINE!), and she’s here to spill the tea on building a business that works for you—not the other way around.
Here’s what we dive into:
Why your business should be “selfish” (and that’s a GOOD thing).
Kara gets real about flipping the script on what it means to serve your clients. It’s not about bending over backward for every ask; it’s about building a business that reflects your life, values, and genius. Think of it like the oxygen mask on an airplane—help yourself first, so you can help others even better.
Networking: More fun, less awkward.
Let’s face it: networking sometimes feels like that awkward middle school dance—necessary but cringey. Kara suggests making it your own. Love hosting dinner parties or art events? Turn those into networking opportunities. Oh, and don’t forget to track those connections (hint: use a spreadsheet or a tool like Monday.com).
Systems are your BFF (even if you hate them).
Kara’s all about balancing “soul and structure.” Whether it’s a checklist for onboarding clients or a workflow to simplify projects, having systems in place can free up your creativity and make running your business a whole lot easier. Don’t love spreadsheets? Voice message your ideas to your team—they’ll do the heavy lifting.
Pricing: Why doubling your fees isn’t crazy.
Yep, you heard that right. Kara breaks down how raising your prices not only reflects your worth but also attracts clients who value what you bring to the table. Pro tip: Try it with a “maybe” client and see what happens. You might be surprised when they don’t just say yes—they thank you.
Can a 20-hour workweek really work?
Short answer: absolutely. Long answer: it’s about being intentional. Kara’s approach starts with designing your life first—blocking time for workouts, family, and creativity—and then building your business around it. It’s not about doing less; it’s about doing the right things.
Key Takeaway:
Your business isn’t just a means to an end—it’s part of your life. And when you prioritize your time, set boundaries, and focus on your genius, you’re not just creating a business; you’re crafting a lifestyle that feels fulfilling and aligned. As Kara says, “Stop hustling, start thriving.”
This isn’t another “work harder, grind more” pep talk. It’s a wake-up call to slow down, simplify, and trust that your value doesn’t come from the hours you put in—it comes from the impact you create. Kara’s advice is actionable, relatable, and delivered with a dose of humor that’ll leave you inspired and ready to shake things up.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:
The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.
