In this episode of Founders and Friends, we’re joined by Kathryn O'Neil, a virtual CFO and bookkeeper who’s on a mission to help interior designers ditch the spreadsheets and build thriving, profitable businesses.

With a degree in architecture and a promising career at a design firm, our guest never imagined pivoting to finance until the 2008 recession hit. After being laid off and watching her firm close its doors, she found herself rethinking everything. What followed was a bold move back to school for an MBA, a shift toward entrepreneurship, and ultimately, the creation of a virtual bookkeeping business specifically tailored to interior designers.

Now, with over a decade of experience, a QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification, and a deep understanding of the design industry, she’s known as the go-to “bookkeeping fairy godmother” for creatives. In this episode, she shares how her unexpected career path led her to support designers in understanding their numbers, streamlining their systems, and making smarter business decisions. She dives into how giving birth to her daughter really fueled her to stay dedicated to her business.

We also talk about what designers often get wrong about their finances, the difference between a bookkeeper and a CFO, and why tracking your profitability is more empowering than intimidating.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by receipts, spreadsheets, or the mystery of your profit margins—this episode is for you.

You can find Kathryn over at https://www.thedesignerscfo.com/

This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design

If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.

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In this episode of Founders and Friends, host Ronniesha Rivera sits down with longtime friend and designer Summerlyn Feckner, founder of Ginger Designs, for a candid conversation about building a creative business, balancing motherhood, and embracing the unexpected turns of entrepreneurship.

Summerlyn shares her early days juggling multiple jobs during design school, working her way up in a construction company, and eventually launching Ginger Designs after nearly leaving the industry. She reflects on how support from her husband and community helped her step into business ownership and how her company has evolved from its humble beginnings into a bold, full-service brand.

Now, Summerlyn and her partners have taken on a new challenge: acquiring a 28-year-old custom cabinet shop. She opens up about how this venture ties into their long-term vision of offering comprehensive, design-build home services. Along the way, Summerlyn and Ronniesha discuss the realities of growing a team, navigating co-founder relationships, and what it takes to lead with authenticity.

Whether you're a designer, creative entrepreneur, or navigating your own business pivot, this episode is packed with relatable insights and refreshing honesty.

Follow Ginger Designs on Instagram or visit their site to see their latest work. And don’t forget to subscribe to Founders and Friends for more real conversations with creative leaders shaping the future of design.

This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design

If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.

www.vetted-bydesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

Connect with all things Founders & Friends

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In this episode, I open up about my own entrepreneurial journey. A path that, honestly, started with what felt like three major failures.

My very first design job out of college was at a small boutique firm. I had interned there previously, built great relationships, and landed what felt like my dream “big girl” job. But as time went on, I found myself craving more responsibility, more creativity - just more. It became clear that there was no room to grow in that role, and although it was heartbreaking, I left. Walking away from what I thought was a forever job felt like a loss of identity. I questioned everything - was I even a designer anymore?

Next came a role at an architecture firm. But this was during the pandemic, and to be honest, the job barely existed. There’s not much to say other than it also ended, and even though I didn’t feel as crushed, it still stung. Another job, another chapter closed.

Then came the construction company and surprisingly, this was probably my favorite job of them all. I was there for almost a year and genuinely thought I was on the path to something bigger. I started working toward a senior role, and for a while, everything felt aligned. But then, out of nowhere, the owner let me know I wouldn’t be moving up, I’d remain in a junior role. Three years into my career, and it felt like I was stuck in place. Again. I wanted autonomy. I wanted creativity. I wanted more. So, I left. Again.

Three jobs in three years… cough yikes.

After the construction job, I hit a crossroads: Do I go find yet another job and keep trying to prove myself to someone else? Or do I bet on me?

I was so deeply over the cycle of trying to convince people of my worth. I knew what I brought to the table. I just needed the chance to show it. So, I took the leap and launched Alder and Stone Interiors.

In my first two years of business, I profited somewhere around $100K. (I could crunch the exact numbers, but we’ll just round it.) Yep $100,000. And every dollar was a reminder that leaving those jobs wasn’t failure. It was redirection.

So, if you take anything from this story, let it be this: always bet on yourself. You might just be amazed at what you can build.

This Episode was brought to you by Vetted by Design

If you are looking to outsource anything in your design business check out Vetted by Design to find some amazing highly vetted pros you can trust to help you grow your business.

www.vetted-bydesign.com

https://www.instagram.com/vettedbydesign/

Connect with all things Founders & Friends

https://www.instagram.com/foundersandfriendspod/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1706365610291273