Hi there, designer 👋
If your December feels like a marathon with a cough drop in hand, you’re not alone. This week has been chaos in my house — my son & husband went from vicious norovirus straight into the flu, hitting 104–105° fevers (send soup and prayers, please 😅).
Between disinfecting every surface in sight, wrapping xmas gifts, and managing my design consultations, I’ve been holding it together with coffee, grace and Motrin!
The Reality of Being a Designer + Parent
Let’s be real — it’s hard to stay “on” when life feels completely out of control.
But this week reminded me of something powerful:
Having solid systems in place is what keeps my business from falling apart when everything else does.
And even more importantly — this year made me realize that our health is everything.
If you’ve got good health, you don’t have a problem.
If your health isn’t in a good place, that’s the real challenge — because anything else in life or business can eventually be resolved.
I've spent a big part of this year rebranding and completely polishing my design process from start to finish — new website, new client portal, new templates, new questionnaires - the client experience got a total serious upgrade! Now, everything feels aligned, efficient, and cohesive.
And honestly? That hard work is paying off right now.
Even in the middle of this wild, messy December, I’m not panicking — because I know my systems have my back.
My processes guide me through each step — proposals ✓, next steps ✓ — so even when I’m exhausted, I’m still moving forward with clarity and confidence.
The Bright Side
And despite the chaos — there’s some seriously good news…
One of my new clients just signed their proposal on 6,000 sq.ft. - full gut renovation! Holy sh*t! 🎉
We’re officially kicking off in early January, and while I’m excited and nervous, I’m not totally overwhelmed — because my systems are solid, my processes are clear, and I’m ready to hit the ground running. We've just signed off on proposal via docusign ✓ and I've issued retainer + deposit invoices ✓, phew! Wish me luck on that! 💛
A Little Pause Before the New Year
This will be my last newsletter of 2025, friends. 💛
Between recovering from this wild flu, onboarding new client, and soaking up the holidays with my family, I’m taking the rest of the year to rest, recharge, and realign.
But don’t worry — I’ll be back in your inbox on January 2nd to kick off the new year! 🎉
That first newsletter of 2026 will include:
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A behind-the-scenes peek at how I’m managing my new client onboarding process
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A big announcement for my brand-new product, Furnish & Flourish
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And yes, keep an eye out for that special discount code (because I know you’ve been patiently waiting for me to finish this thing… phew!)
Looking Ahead
This year has tested me in so many ways — personally, professionally, and emotionally (yes I cried a lot!) — but it’s also shaped me into a stronger, more grounded version of myself.
As 2025 comes to an end, I’m releasing the chaos and carrying forward gratitude, peace, and a deep belief that everything we go through has a purpose.
And before we officially close this chapter, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported my business this year — whether you purchased one of my online courses, or simply cheered me on from afar. Your support means everything, and I’m endlessly grateful for this community. 💛
I’m so excited for what’s ahead — especially to help designers level up even more with my upcoming Furnish & Flourish eBooks and resources. Because our motto for the new year is simple (and powerful):
We’re making money. Let's go!💰
With warmth,
Ana 🌸
Interior Design Den
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