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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

1071: Brenda Danso: How Interior Designers Can Protect Their Mental Health & Avoid Burnout

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Business, Design, Arts

4.8786 Ratings

🗓️ 18 March 2025

⏱️ 79 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today With Brenda Danso: As an interior designer, you do more than create beautiful spaces—you guide clients through major life transitions, juggle countless responsibilities, and often take on an emotional load that goes far beyond design. But how do you protect your own well-being in the process? In this episode, Brenda Danso, founder of BD Interior Design and mental health expert, shares powerful insights on recognizing burnout, managing stress, and creating environments that promote emotional well-being—for both yourself and your clients. Learn how to set boundaries, navigate emotionally charged client interactions, and design a business that truly supports your mental health. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward a healthier, more sustainable design business. LuAnn Nigara and Brenda Danso’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Burnout doesn’t always show up as exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like resentment—toward your work, your clients, or even yourself for taking on too much.” – Brenda Danso “Your business should fit into your life, not the other way around. If it doesn’t, you have to step back and ask—what needs to change?” – Brenda Danso “Success isn’t just about how much money you make—it’s about how you feel while making it. If you’re constantly drained and stressed, is that really the business you want?” – LuAnn Nigara “Sometimes we’re so busy pushing forward that we don’t realize we’re running on empty. Taking a pause isn’t failure—it’s what allows you to keep going.” – LuAnn Nigara More About Brenda Danso Brenda Danso, the visionary behind BD Interior Design, brings a unique perspective that intertwines mental health and design. Originally from California, she seamlessly transitioned from a career in mental health therapy to pursuing her true passion for design. Brenda is widely acclaimed for her approachable nature, making her clients feel comfortable and understood throughout the design process. In addition to her design expertise, Brenda has emerged as a trusted figure in the design world. She frequently shares her insights and knowledge as a recognized expert on Cityline TV, where she delves into the intersection of design, well-being, and mental health. With her deep understanding of branding and mental health, Brenda has achieved remarkable success, becoming a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs alike. Connect with Brenda Danso Website Instagram Facebook YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Other Shows: AWDB #974: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: How to Prioritize Your Well-being in Your Interior Design Business AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business AWDB #940: Christine Vroom: An Honest Conversation about Mental Health and the Interior Design Industry

Transcript

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0:00.0

Hey, I want to give a shout out to my friend Susan Winterstein. You may know Susan from her two podcast appearances here, episodes 164 and 717. In these episodes, Susan told us about her charity that she founded Savvy Giving by Design. Now she has introduced the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. The mission of both of these is to bring

0:23.7

comfort and hope to families by transforming kids' rooms into healing sanctuaries. Previously, in order

0:30.8

to help Savvy Giving by Design, you could open a chapter in your own area and then design

0:36.6

spaces for children in your area that are in need.

0:39.8

Now with the Savvy Giving Design Coalition, you can contribute and impact the lives of these children

0:45.4

without taking on the beginning of an entirely new chapter.

0:49.8

Savvy Giving Design Coalition operates through the collective efforts of you, the designer, as well as sponsors and volunteers.

0:58.5

This organization is making a real difference in these children's lives, and you can help now in whichever way feels right for you.

1:06.2

I encourage you to listen to Susan's two episodes to learn more and then visit their website at

1:12.2

Savvygivingbydesign.org forward slash design coalition. We'll also put that in the show notes. Welcome to a well-designed business.

1:35.2

My name is Luann Nygaara, and I'm so glad you found this podcast.

1:39.0

Together with my husband Vince and our partner Bill, we have grown our company Window Works from the ground up,

1:45.0

so I know and I understand the challenges you face in running your interior design business.

1:51.1

I also know that your talent alone isn't enough to ensure your success. So on this podcast,

1:57.3

we talk about strategies and practical steps to help you grow your business.

2:02.6

But make no mistake about it, we have our share of fun here too, mixed in with those

2:07.1

aha moments that I love so much.

2:09.7

This isn't fluff.

2:10.7

Nobody has time for that.

2:12.3

Whether you are a new interior designer or a season designer, I am here to help you create and to manage the kind

2:19.4

of interior design firm that you dream of. It's straight talk and it's action. Are you ready? Let's get

2:25.4

started. Hi, welcome to a well-designed business. Today, I am delighted to introduce you to a woman

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