Damn Good Interior Designer

Join Cheryl Kees Clendenon and Liz Lapan, the dynamic duo behind the visionary and integrator balancing all the moving parts of a full service interior design firm in their no-nonsense and thought-provoking podcast, the Damn Good Designer.Each episode is full of damn good truths and real talk as they share invaluable insights on how to run and build a successful business while challenging the norms, the industry, each other and YOU. Emphasizing a business-savvy approach, Cheryl and Liz take you on a roller coaster of discovery, considering success from a different lens, breaking free from groupthink, and encouraging you to embrace your own authentic designer self. There is not much they will not say “out loud”.In this podcast, you'll find no room for conformity as they shatter the mold of one-size-fits-all business practices. Cheryl's fearless attitude showcases a refusal to follow the conventional wisdom, ask “why” repeatedly and reject what no longer makes sense in today’s world.If you're seeking a dose of inspiration, a splash of unconventional wisdom, and a refreshing perspective on the entrepreneurial world, the Damn Good Designer is your go-to podcast. Tune in and let Cheryl and Liz, along with their expert guests in the fields of designers, architects, landscapers, and other creative professionals, guide you toward building a remarkable business that defies norms and sets you on a path to unparalleled success."Get ready to challenge the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary!About the hosts:Cheryl Kees Clendenon-2021 KBB Person of the year2022 Design Studio winner Dallas Arts Awards2021 Changemaker Design Hounds200 or so years ago a child came roaring into the world feet first ready to show up and argue a cause. Just because. Her mother still maintains the story is- she was screaming-“why”- from the minute she landed wrong side up and slapped the doctor for disturbing her afternoon napAnd to this day does not give “it” a rest except when she is sleeping. Which is where you will find her only between the hours of 2am and 7:30am. A belligerent non-smoker (in case you were wondering) and a frequent challenger of anything that resembles “normal” or desired by the masses, Cheryl is a natural born contrarian who talks faster than 2x speed on a podcastShe gravitates towards wanting to help clients and designers who are the square pegs in a world of round holes, lose earrings impossibly frequently, fall off of platform shoes and are unapologetically saucy. Relaxing is not in the skill set. Life begins and ends with family.Her sacred words are: Why, Percipient, Whizbang and Profit.But please do not say the words: Package, Blocks, Red Flag, Overwhelm or Picked. Hives break out and it gets ugly. Liz LapanVP of Everything, Interior Designer, Work Wife, Team Cook, UnicornsPeople ask, when did you KNOW you had found your ideal work wife- Cheryl will reply ” When she drew me 8 different cacti on her 3rd day because I said -find me a damn cactus”The woman who has never been through an airport without being extended an invitation to stop and play show and tell with the contents of her backpack, can single handedly plow snow with a rake and rescue her boss in a snowstorm in Arizona.–yes, I said Arizona–after sleeping all night in a tuna can of a rental car.An accomplished designer in her own right with an amazing sense of color and pattern, Liz can wear the designer hat in the morning, the project manager hat at noon and return to the office being the ultimate manager of all the things. Client’s love her, Subs respect her and the team adores the woman who gets “it” done-whatever “it” may be.RESOURCES:www.damngooddesigner.comhttps://www.theinteriordesignparadigm.com/Want to be a guest? Apply here: https://forms.clickup.com/8404193/f/80f71-613517/PFK3QDSALZ30VONMTP

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Queenofcolor
    Love this podcast
    This one’s a favorite. So much valuable information is freely shared in a non condescending way from Cheryl and her team. Their passion for helping designers become more professional, productive and profitable is much appreciated!
  • rachelbrasch
    The real deal!!
    This podcast and these ladies are the real deal!! I’m amazed by the generosity in the amount of information and knowledge they share here. I’ve been a part of her coaching program (10/10 by the way) and I’m amazed by the ways they have found ways to reach and teach designers through different methods and platforms to improve our industry as a whole. If you love the podcast I 100% recommend coaching with Cheryl to really dig in, but love how accessible they make this for everyone!
  • SDFamilyof5
    Everything You Need to Know
    Cheryl and Liv are a wealth of knowledge, uncut and unfiltered, serving up actionable steps with a sense of humor and an understanding of what it’s like to be a designer and a business owner. They are in the trenches with you, offering encouragement and a little kick in the pants. I’m so grateful that they are telling it like it is, and helping us, as well as the entire industry, level up.
  • Turbotttttt
    The Business Bible
    Cheryl is a Business Bible in herself! I am serious.. whether it is her FB group or her signature coaching program, everything is just so valuable. Now this podcast.. is the cherry we all needed. I personally feel some of the coaches who call themselves coaches, should listen to this podcast. Having knowledge is one thing, but having the capability to disperse that knowledge into money making processes for others is entirely different. She is active and successful in the design field and to get advise from someone like that is truly beneficial. Thank you Cheryl!
  • Theresa Lamb
    Authentic and Generous!
    So grateful for the wisdom and authentic viewpoints. Such good insight and bits of information to implement in my business!
  • JacHulBar78
    Informative and fun!
    This podcast is packed with useful information if you own your own design business. Every time I turn it on I learn something new, even after being in business for seven years! As I listen, I feel like I’m at the table with Cheryl and Liz. Valuable, fun, no nonsense info.
  • DebbyKatz18
    Great information presented in an easy to listen to format with great take-always
    Cheryl and Liz explain and share valuable information about running their successful ID business. Cheryl’s no-nonsense approach and willingness to explain and share makes is an easy and worthwhile listen. Cheryl is a natural teacher and is enjoyable to listen to. Bonus that the episodes are not too long.
  • Nancy Lupo Interiors
    Hits the nail on the head.
    As a fellow designer I find this podcast extremely relevant. The topics focus on the struggles that designers face every day with solutions that only Cheryl and Liz can give. Cheryl’s approach is refreshing and I often find myself yelling “Yes! Yes!” as her thoughts mirror mine in the struggles of owning a design firm. Start at the beginning and learn ad grow. This podcast is essential for new as well as seasoned designers. Thanks to Cheryl and Liz for a great buzz in my ear. Looking forward to many more.
  • @RMD_Designs
    Truth be told about this podcast
    Cheryl and Liz speaks from years of experience. Have a listen and you’ll learn A LOT! Learn about ‘A willing suspension of disbelief’ and their ‘secret sauce’ to a successful practice.
  • EKinTampa
    My favorite part: they don’t waste my time 🤣
    We needed this podcast. There’s a lot to know about running any business, especially one as broad - and as detailed - as design (and construction). Many of us are working long days and weekends, so it can be hard to find the time to train and level up. These women get to the point, offer clear, actionable advice, and stay on topic. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that! Their message is not lost in chatter. You can tell that it is somewhat scripted, which I love; they have a goal and they execute. I imagine their design firm is similar!
  • inforno5149
    Straight to the point and funny to boot!
    Straight to the point and hilarious at the same time! What a fabulous podcast that doesn’t fear pointing out facts and helping fellow designers dominate the industry! A must listen!
  • LauraKoshel
    To the point!
    I know Cheryl and Liz for years and have been in their coaching programm since its inception. I am so glad they started this podcast and share their knowledge and expertize with broader design community. The fact that they are an operating design firm is so valuable as they deal with the same issues we do. Getting inspired and mentored by the experts - this is priceless. I highly recommend you subscribe! Best of luck to Cheryl & Liz, and to all of us!
  • shana rn
    Motivating and very enlightening!
    Love these two ladies! Inspirational and exciting podcast. I highly recommend taking some time and listening to their story and great advice!
  • Chip Holden
    Great insight into the life of a designer
    This show really gives you a sneak peek into the day to day operations of what it takes to run a design business that can consistently deliver amazing results. The proof is in the pudding, but it’s cool to hear what’s going on in the kitchen.
  • Candy S_75
    Inspiring!
    With all of the info and constant chatter about the business of design that is out there - Cheryl and Liz make a comping case for excellence in all areas of a design firm by cutting right to the chase of what works and what doesn’t! AND, the best part (in my opinion the most important) is a proven and ongoing track record. They are not sitting on the sideline giving advice, they are in the thick of it doing it too, and for a long time - successfully. That’s speaks volumes. I love the camaraderie! Go Cheryl and Liz - keep it up!
  • Ryan Williams. ArtisanDesign
    Game changer!
    Thanks for changing the mindset, the narrative and the standard in full-service interior design and providing the narrative to give us the confidence and the toolbox to confidently market ourselves to the clients we want. Cheryl and Liz have changed how I work (and with 20 years in, and a type A personality, that’s not always easy to do!).
  • Beestudios
    Breath of fresh truths
    Love the insight Cheryl and Liz share in these informative podcasts. They speak with passion and confidence. Keep it up ladies!
  • Romero15783368
    Always Amazing!
    Cheryl and Liz are straight shooters and a wealth of knowledge. There’s always so much great information and truly impactful for running a successful business. Thanks for this podcast!
  • azdesigngirl
    Amazing Duo!
    Cheryl has been my coach for I think 3 years now. Her no-nonsense approach and not afraid to challenge the status quo is so refreshing. Her style is not for the faint of heart. If you want rainbows and unicorns then keep moving on. Don’t get me wrong, when it’s warranted she praises and celebrates your wins better than anyone. But she’s not afraid to really dig deep in what makes business work, and she’s not afraid to challenge your thinking. She’s a business coach that still runs a very successful Interior Design firm, so she gets it. She’s in the trenches with you. Her side kick Liz, definitely balances her out and brings a unique twist and thoughtful insight into running an Interior Design business. I was thrilled to see the podcast become a reality. The amount of information these two ladies bring will keep this podcast going for many years. So grab a pen and paper, and hold on for the ride of your life! Oh, and if you’re driving you may want to pull over. You never know what kind of hysterical comment will fly out of Cheryl’s mouth, lol.
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