If there’s one thing that separates a thriving designer from a struggling one, it’s not talent.
It’s confidence.

And before you roll your eyes—no, I don’t mean that “fake-it-till-you-make-it” nonsense.
I’m talking about real, earned confidence—the kind that shows up before you do, speaks when you walk into a room, and tells everyone, “I’ve got this.”

After more than 15 years running my design firm (and coaching countless designers through their own journeys), I’ve learned this:
Confidence is the common thread that runs through every successful business.
It shows up in how you talk about your work, how you lead your clients, and how you collaborate with your vendors.
It’s the difference between hoping people trust you—and knowing they do.

Let’s talk about where that confidence needs to live in your business.

1. Confidence in Your Skills

You already know more than you think you do.
Seriously—give yourself a little credit.

Confidence doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from proof.
Proof that you’ve created spaces people love.
Proof that your ideas solve real problems.
Proof that someone cried happy tears when they saw the final reveal.

You don’t have to know everything; you just have to be one step ahead of your client.
If you don’t know something yet, try saying:

“That’s a great question. Let me find the best answer for you.”

That’s confidence—not pretending, just owning your process.

Fast check-in:
What’s one thing people always compliment you on in your work? That’s where your confidence starts. Build from there, not from your insecurities.

2. Confidence in Client Conversations

Confidence is the secret weapon behind your sales, your pricing, and your sanity.

It’s not about being pushy—it’s about being clear.
If you constantly say, “Does that make sense?” or “I hope this works for you,” you’re giving away your power.

Try swapping those for:

“Here’s why this is the best direction for your space.”
or
“This design will achieve exactly what we discussed in your goals.”

See the difference? One sounds uncertain; the other sounds like leadership.

Here’s what I tell my students all the time:

“When you let clients overstep, you’re teaching them how little you trust your own process.”

Oof. I know it stings—but it’s true.
Confidence is what lets you set boundaries and get respected for your expertise.

The minute you show doubt, clients start steering the project—and chaos always follows.

3. Confidence in Working With Vendors and Trades

Now let’s talk about the people who help make your vision real—your vendors and trades.

Confidence here doesn’t mean being bossy; it means being clear.

You’re the conductor. They’re the orchestra.
If you lead with confidence, everyone can play their part beautifully.

Try phrases like:

“I value your expertise, but this is the design direction we’re moving forward with.”
or
“Can we make this timeline work?” instead of “Do you think you can maybe get it done sooner?”

Confidence is collaboration, not control.
And when your team feels your steady leadership, they trust you more—and that trust leads to smoother installs, better craftsmanship, and fewer headaches.

4. Confidence = Success

Here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
The most successful designers aren’t the most talented.
They’re the ones who believe they belong in the room.

Confidence gets you hired, paid, published, and promoted.
It attracts opportunities, and it repels chaos.
It tells clients, vendors, and yes—even algorithms—that you’re someone worth paying attention to.

Every big “yes” I’ve ever gotten—TV, publishing, dream clients—started with me saying yes before I felt ready.

And you can do the same.

Your Confidence Challenge

This week, I want you to write down three sentences you’ll say with confidence—to a client, a vendor, or even yourself.

Here are a few to get you started:

• “This is how our process works.”

• “I can absolutely help you with that.”

• “This design direction supports your goals beautifully.”

Say them out loud. Own them. Use them.

Because confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about being steady.
It’s walking into a room knowing who you are and what you bring to the table.

And when you show up certain of your value, everyone else starts to believe it too.

💎 Ready to Keep Growing Your Design Business?

If this resonated with you and you’re ready to keep building your confidence, systems, and skills, explore The Designer Vault