685: The Secret to Staying Passionate While Your Business Grows

25:11I think that being creative for my own house was definitely a challenge because we do so many different styles. So I had to be like, okay, what is my style? What is the thing that I love? And one thing that we like to do with homes is blend styles. Sometimes we're working with a husband and wife who have really different takes on what they want. And so we're used to blending those. So I've always loved modern and love clean lines, but I've always loved Spanish architecture and the history of that. so combining those two was really like my vision and it was kind of this case study and what is lindy you know and what is me for myself so that was definitely interesting i'm a quick decision maker though so it didn't take me too long to like i wasn't mulling over things forever when i told myself in the beginning when i make a decision i'm going to stick to it because that's what i tell every client because you can get distracted by the newest product that came out or the newest thing But the other challenge was that I wanted our home to be really approachable.

26:07With some of our clients, we make such custom pieces, do such custom finishes that it's not always something that can be translatable to the average other human. And so not always me, Wyn had to multiple times be like, Lindy, we are not our clients, like slow down. But I wanted it to be something that could be accessible. So then when I created and designed all the furniture pieces. It had to be something that could be attainable. Also a big part of what we do in our shop is give back to a nonprofit that helps emerging entrepreneurs around the world that just need$200 to start their thing and to really rebuild their communities with these opportunities.

26:45So it was also something that I was like, this is how I can continue to give back if I create pieces that are things that are attainable to people's price points, but still feel elevated. And some might be a little bit, you know, you spend that Christmas money a little bit more of a stretch, but things that can be heirloom pieces for people that also translate to what we can do around the world together. Quick recommendation for you. If you love Gold Digger, check out My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Sean Puri. Brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network, My First Million features guests like Alex Ramosi, Sofia Amoruso, and Rob Dyrdek.

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28:57Okay, I have been on this ruthless pursuit to purge any clothes that I'm not actually wearing. Like if I haven't reached for it in months, it's gotta go. I am trying to be really intentional about what I bring into my closet right now, which means I am only buying pieces that I know I will actually wear and use. Revolve just gets it though. I'm literally wearing my brown Autry sneakers from there right now and my new suede purse. It fits my laptop in it so it's basically a fancy shoulder bag that works for everything. I love finding pieces like that. Things that look good but also work hard for my actual life.

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30:48Snag the Gold Digger Planner at jennacutcher.com slash gold digger planner for the resources to get that dream down on paper so that it can finally grow. That's jennacutcher.com slash gold digger planner. I've got to hand it to you. Let me just say something. I don't know if anyone's ever told you this before, but you are a brilliant businesswoman. And Drew and I were talking last night. So for the last few days, Lindy and her team who are amazing and in the room, they're amazing. They have been so incredible. And I have just been so impressed. You know, something that's been so interesting for our house process.

31:27And actually last night, we were driving home late from a concert and I was going back in my camera roll years and years and years. And I was looking at all these different homes we've lived in. We've moved multiple times and just seeing even the progression of our own style and our homes and like what that is. But we were talking about just how brilliant of a business woman you are. And something that I think is really cool to think about is like when you designed your home, you were thinking about pieces you wanted, you were designing pieces, but then you were also thinking people are going to see this and they're going to want it.

31:55how do I then create a product that other people can enjoy? And there is so much thought. And I think that some of the best businesses are the ones that look like they just kind of happen. But I know all of the thought behind it. And something that's been really cool is seeing all of the thought that goes into not only the design of our home, but then also, okay, how do we share this? What does this look like? How do we invite people into this process? And I think that there is so much thoughtful strategy in a beautiful way. And one thing I want to know is that for a lot of women, when we hear that we're strategic, there is some weird connotation with that.

32:30That feels like we're like conniving or we're thinking. And I think strategic is one of the best compliments you can give someone. Tell me a little bit about that because I think a lot of people listening, if they were to just look at your work, they would think like, oh, that's just kind of happenstance. But I know that there's a lot of strategy behind it. Yes. Thank you. That is actually a really big compliment. And one that I think as women, we don't always give each other enough because you're right. It's different for Why is so many things different for women than it is for men? But yeah, there's always strategy.

32:58I kind of laugh in my head because I'm like, yeah, I'm like, I didn't know what my vision was for my life. But when I'm in something, I am strategic and I am focused and I am there. And the strategy, I mean, is different too for the studio versus the shop, which is always something that I have to keep in the forefront of my mind. Recently, though, we sat down with a marketing team and I was like, I want to come up with words that grab the essence of what I'm trying to do in every home, what our team is trying to do in every home. And for me, design is not just prettiness. It is the experience.

33:31It is how someone experiences the home, how the people that they invite in experience the home. And there's so many things beyond just visual. It's also the senses. The way that it all comes together is more than just something pretty. And so for me, we started boiling down to these three words, comfort, connection and inspiration. Comfortable in the way that you live, because sometimes design can feel, you know, people will always say like, I don't want it to be a museum. I'm like, we're not going to give you a museum. We're going to give you something that looks beautiful and can be maintained beautifully, but is also going to be something that you're comfortable in.

34:05Connection is a big thing. I think that, you know, everyone always says the heart of the home is the kitchen. And I totally believe that. But how many conversations have you had in the kitchen that are about the weather or about the kids and not true deep connection. And so I always want to create a space that has that connection that can go so much deeper, that can talk about the challenges or the struggles and create a better friend group, a better evening. You know, like I'm always like, man, it's not about necessarily even the wine that we're having. It's about what does that space cultivate for those conversations to happen?

34:41What is it about the room that is going to create that connection. And then inspiration. Our clients come to us to be inspired and to take what they think they want and then blow it up so much bigger. And something I realized in my own home, because we lived in very interesting rentals for a while and some back houses and we've lived in a variety of different things. And now that I'm in a home of our own that we designed that feels complete in so many ways, I am inspired every day when I wake up. I can't tell you how many meetings I've started taking at our house. I'm like, who wants to have a creative session at our house instead of in the conference room?

35:14Because there's something about it that feels really inspiring. So I think the journey of doing my own home helped me realize what more is that experience also made me feel way more connected to our clients of the highs and lows of the process as well. Oh, it's been so fun. So let's walk through a little bit about what it looks like from a creative space to design with someone else in mind. Because I think a lot of our listeners, especially in the service-based business, they have to kind of mesh their style with someone else's needs and expectations. And I think that can be a tricky place to, again, stay creative, stay inspired, but also give someone an experience that is memorable, that is exciting, that meets like their vision and expands beyond it.

36:01So do you have any advice for how do you take what you believe, what you know, what you want, what your expertise is and mix it with someone else's wants and needs? That's been a journey of its own. When I first started, I felt like I was like, this is my style. This is my vision. And this is what it's going to be through and through for years to come. I quickly realized a couple of things. As a designer, I love to switch things up as a designer. I love to evolve. I think that's part of what keeps passion alive even is just evolving. And as soon as I could realize that clients actually bring that for me was the game changer.

36:35It didn't take long. I realized it pretty early on, but my releasing of like, this is the exact style I want to do really helped me expand into a better designer because then I can take, Oh, like what you mentioned earlier, it's like between Amy, Jasmine, and you, all your homes are really different, but every home is really stretched us and made us think differently. And so I think that for the client experience, what you want is them to be happy. It wouldn't be a comfortable, connected and inspired home if it didn't somehow represent them. I mean, I think sometimes we get stuck up on the like, has to represent you.

37:08It's not that. It just needs to be a feeling that evokes something for them. And that is what you're really after. And I think the quicker that you can realize that actually brings so much to you, the better. And I think that we wouldn't be where we are today without that. I think that what I love is that we're not stuck in one style. So it's so funny because in the beginning, I'm like, I'm going to be this. And now I love that we're so many styles. And now it's important to always keep that common thread through everything. You're definitely going to see a lot of similar palettes and similar lines that we're using.

37:40But everything is going to be really catered to the person. Or now that we're doing out of state, like catered to the area. We don't want it to feel overly California where I'm rooted. We want it to feel like the area that they're in as well. So I think that's been the biggest thing. You said something that is so good. And I think everyone needs to like, listen to this twice is that when you are a service-based business, if somebody is challenging you or stretching you, that is the gift. That is not the pain. And I think a lot of times, so many of us, I even remember when I started as a photographer, I'm like, these are the people I'm serving.

38:11This is how I'm doing it. This is a venue I'm shooting at. And it's like, I was stretched in the most beautiful of ways. And I grew in the ways of like, how do I take what I know what I do and match it with someone else's dreams and visions. And I think that that is the evolution that you talk about. Let's talk about evolution. Because I think that so many people are so resistant to change. There's so many studies that say that like, the thing people fear the most is change, because we know this one way we know this thing. But I feel like I am someone who invites welcomes like I get excited by change.

38:45Like I want to contradict myself because that shows that I'm learning, I'm growing, I'm changing. Talk to me about welcoming in that evolution for yourself. Because I think so many people listening, again, they're starting something and they're like, this is my 10 year vision. And they're not open to change, which is such a mistake. And it can be such a gift. I think as an entrepreneur, you have to embody change because you're going to have this plan and it's a hundred percent. I can tell you right now, it's not going to go exactly the way you think it will. And so I think that it's really important to be adaptable, to be able to change.

39:17I mean, there are so many things that I had a, you know, plan, a goal and a vision for before the pandemic hit up and did everything right for everyone. But the thing is, at that point, we're mostly doing local business in Newport Beach, in LA and San Diego. That was kind of our main, California was really our main territory. Well, when COVID hit, it was like, you know, all out crazy for our business. However, However, I quickly realized, okay, we need to figure out how we're going to communicate with teams that are on the job site five minutes away from where I live and be able to give them amazing plans to work off of and make it easy, even though I can't be there.

39:51Because there was a time where they were allowing only certain people on the job site. We were not one of them. And what that ultimately did was expand our business and ultimately grow it so much more because now we knew how to do things down the street and we could use those same tools, those same changes that we had to make. We can use them from afar. So now we're in like eight different states, multiple homes in some states, you know, that change that that would not have happened without that opportunity that upended what my goals were, but really ended up creating something different. So I think that adaptability.

40:23So if you're afraid of the word change, let's call it adaptability, because things will change and then you have to adapt. And so finding those ways to creatively do that and let that be okay. And it's hard to sometimes be like, okay, it's part of the process. but it is. It's so a part of how it like molds you as a person, molds you as a business. Look, I've become kind of a systems nerd and anything that gives me more space in my day, I'm all in. And a reliable connection is a huge part of that because when the internet lags or cuts out, everything pauses and suddenly the simplest tasks take forever.

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43:01Can you believe that we're already wrapping up 2025? This year was packed with travel and so many new memories. One of my favorite moments was our team retreat in Arizona with the incredible women who helped me keep this business running. I also recently took the kids to Nashville during fall break and somewhere in between I squeezed in a trip to Puerto Rico with friends. We booked some of our most memorable stays this year on Airbnb. There's something special about finding a place that doesn't just look great in the photos, but actually feels welcoming the moment you walk in. That this feels right kind of feeling.

43:34If you've got trips coming up, whether it's a family vacation, a retreat, or a work trip, your house will probably be sitting empty while you're gone. Have you considered hosting your home on Airbnb and letting it work for you? It's a simple way to earn some extra income that can be put towards a future trip or home improvement projects. Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much at airbnb.com forward slash host. Okay, let's just say you had a full day of nothing on your calendar and you could do anything in the business. So full day, what would you choose? Pick your poison.

44:11Pick your poison. I think that I would just go right back to my roots. The thing that started it all. because sometimes when you have a full day as an entrepreneur, as the main person running it, as the person with the name on the door, sometimes you just need to go back to the basics. So I would just find myself immersed in inspiration and textures. And I would probably hop around to all our vendors and be like, don't worry about me. I'm just here to like, look around and just kind of get refreshed in that way. And I think what is so important about that is if you've got the free day, which is rare, but if you've got it, being able to go back to why you started will bring you a lot of inspiration and even a refreshed vision.

44:54I love that. I love that answer too. I was thinking that's what it was going to be because I think for so many of us, we need that reminder too, to create that margin and that blank space so that we can go back to those roots. Because oftentimes we don't even realize how far we've gotten pulled away from it until we get back into it. And I think a lot of times if you're someone who is feeling like your creativity is ashes where there used to be a fire, this is your opportunity to fan the flame and like get that ember growing. Because for so many of us, even for myself too, like I will get caught up in like, I need to review this.

45:30I need to write this. I need to outline this. I need to do this. And then I'm like, okay, let's back up. Like if I could watch a webinar today, like that's like what I do. Like I'm such a nerd. Like I'm like, I want to like take a training and I want to learn from someone new and I want to study how they're doing it. I want to like analyze every aspect of it. And like, those are the things that I'm like, I need to schedule that in. Like I need to create that as a part of my work because it is a part of my work. And so I think this is such a good reminder to have like make opportunities for those things, because not only will it root you back in why you started, but it will also like reinvigorate like the fuel that needs to extend beyond yourself if you have a team and into like the ethos of what you're doing.

46:10Absolutely. I fully, fully believe that. And I think that, you know, when we talk about passion, I think there is, it's a big word. And I also think sometimes entrepreneurs feel this pressure, especially those that maybe left like a nine to five steady job, have this feeling of like, okay, I've got to be passionate about everything. Everyone I talk to, I got to be like, it's going so well and I'm so passionate. And the reality is that there are going to be moments that are high and moments that are low. And you always have to get back to the root of why you started something and why you did something.

46:41And I always think like, man, you know, the biggest misconception with an entrepreneur is that they're like, I'm going to do what I love and I'm going to do all the time. And I'm never going to feel like it's work. And the reality is there's so many days where it feels like work because it is. And when you start as a passion project or you start as a hobby and then you grow it into something more, it no longer has the same essence. It no longer is the same thing. You're growing it. You're making money off of it. You're trying to figure out how to strategize it. And, you know, I always think it's like being an entrepreneur and thinking passion is always going to be there is like basically taking your toddler to Disneyland and assuming the day is going to be perfect.

47:16Like you're going to have those highs. You're going to have those lows. And then they go right back to highs. Like, how is that at Disneyland? Actually? I mean, it's the happiest place. Like you can walk in. Everything's great. A meltdown happens and then you're on a ride and everyone's happy again. And that is really like the journey. There's highs, there's lows and making room for those moments to exist and for it to be okay and to acknowledge it and then allow yourself to get back to the roots of why you did it. And that doesn't come with like, oh, let me just remind myself why I did it. That comes with doing it.

47:46That comes with getting right back into it. And I think that's really the key. And I think that's what keeps your passion alive as well. Because when you're in it, you forget it. I've never been to Disneyland. We need to bring our girls and we'll go there someday. Okay. So for anyone listening, final question, you have created this beautiful space in our home and it just, it feels different. I feel like I will show up different in this space as it is created for someone that is listening, who is working from their couch or working from their dining room table, or, you know, not in an environment that feels creative.

48:21Give me three simple things that someone could do that could maybe give them that boost of creativity or help them to show up as the entrepreneur that they want to be. Okay. This is so great because I lived that part of life for the last almost three years. So when we were in our rentals bopping around, because we bought our lot and we were building and it took a while and it was in the middle of COVID. So everything was delayed. While we were bopping around to these different places, I was like, you know, we're spending money on the house. So I'm not going to spend any money here. Well, we're in rentals that don't represent our style or my style.

48:52They, some of them are run down. We just were kind of like, you know, wherever was a roof on our head, we're like, there, we'll take it. And my biggest regret is not doing a couple things. I wish I would have just like set aside a little money and be like, I'm going to do a few things to make this feel like an inspired space. So the first thing that I would do is assess where are you the most? Because you don't need to worry about your whole home if you can't do your whole home. Just be like, where am I the most? Where am I working from home the most? Where is my family hanging out the most? And then focus on those areas.

49:21Obviously, furniture changes a room. They're big investment pieces though. So I would say just to kind of everyone that it's like, I would get yourself an amazingly comfortable sofa, a good coffee table. And if that's like the most you can do on budget, that's fine. But then what you should do is take a little bit more of your budget to put towards accessories because I'm still sometimes surprised how much a room can go from kind of plain to so much more with accessories. So I think that no matter what your budget is, you can add some of those things, those things that make a big difference. And some people are like, windows are windows, but I'm like, windows with window coverings are so much more.

50:01It adds that dimension, that layer, that texture. And so I think those things would be, did I give you four? Maybe I give you four. Drapery, sofa, coffee table, and accessories. And you can get them at all different price points. I love that. And I agree too. I think so many of us, whether you're like in transition or you're renting or you're always delaying making a place feel like home and you don't realize how foundational it is to wake up and feel inspired or like feel excited or feel comfortable or feel creative. And so if you are someone who's like not hanging things on the wall because you're thinking I'm only going to be here for a year, like get those pictures up, like make it feel like yours because I think you just show up in a different way.

50:40Lindy, where can everybody find you, connect with you, learn more about you, shop your products, give me all the places. Absolutely. Everyone always jokes because I used to answer the phone. Hi, this is Lindy with Lindy Galloway. And everyone's like, stop doing that. They know it's you. So the name is Lindy Galloway. So it's easy to find. The spelling is weird. Thanks to my parents. So it's L-I-N-D-Y-E Galloway. So you can find us on Instagram at Lindy Galloway. Our website is lindygalloway.com. You're sensing a theme. And then you can also shop at shop.lindygalloway.com. Or if you go to lindygalloway.com, it will take you there too.

51:12Thank you so much for making this amazing house feel even more like a home. It has been so amazing. I can just tell you like one of the things I've learned in this whole process is like hire the experts and let them do their work. And I feel like I have learned so much on the path and I've just learned so much from you as a businesswoman watching you do your thing. So thank you for making this beautiful space feel even more wonderful. Absolutely. And the best part about this is about our process and working with amazing people is that we get to create something amazing and we get to really be inspired by you.

51:45And I obviously known you for a while, mostly just though through Instagram. And then we were, you know, voice texting over Instagram and it kind of grew from there. And you have been amazing to work with and just so open to, you know, creativity and whatever would come and patient. And it has just been such a joy working with you guys. It's been so fun. I wish Coco was here to say until next time, gold diggers, keep on digging your biggest goals. Today's episode was so fun. I never get to interview people in real life, specifically people in my home. And so this felt extra special. Watching Lindy and her team at work this week was so inspiring to me.

52:26She is brilliant, strategic. She is incredible at styling and it was so fun to learn why she thinks about the things that she does and the way that she thinks about them as it pertains to design, but also for business. This whole journey of building our dream home has truly been a dream come true and getting to work with incredible female founded companies and business owners has been such a treat. I really hope you enjoyed today's episode as much as I did. I wish that you were sitting at our dining room table with us as we record. But alas, thank you so much for hitting play on another episode of the Gold Digger podcast.

53:01I so appreciate you giving me your precious time and energy. I'm over here giving you a virtual high five because you just finished another episode of the Gold Digger podcast. Did that go by way too fast for anyone else? If you want more, head over to golddiggerpodcast.com for show notes and all the discount codes from today's sponsors. And if you're looking for a new crew of movers and shakers like you to bounce ideas and ask questions, be sure to join my exclusive community for Gold Diggers on Facebook. The link's waiting for you at golddiggerpodcast.com.