The Unapologetic Designer Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Licensed Hypnotherapist: Why You Still Think Building a Six Figure Design Business Isn’t Possible Sep 21, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve heard hundreds of designer success stories but still find yourself thinking, “That’s great for them, but that could never be me,” this episode is for you.

I’m talking with a subconscious reprogramming specialist (licensed hypnotherapist) about why seeing proof that something is possible isn’t always enough to change what you believe is possible for you. We get into the subconscious beliefs shaping how you price, sell, show up, and make decisions and why those beliefs can keep running the show even when, logically, you know better.

Then, she takes us through an exercise that allows you to access the subconscious beliefs underneath those patterns and begin creating a different picture of what’s possible. So if you know success exists, but some part of you still doesn’t quite believe it can be yours…tune in for the full episode.

The Creative Rewire

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HDS 12 - Designer Got 37 Inquiries From One Post (Izzy's Story) Sep 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Izzy breaks down how she applied our exact framework including one incredibly simple shift: adding just 10 seconds to the end of her content to actually ask for the sale.

That small change helped one Instagram Reel generate 37 inquiries!

With branding services starting at $6,000, she’s already turned that momentum into a $10K project with more opportunities still coming in.

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⁠⁠⁠Apply For Design Biz Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Izzy's Reel

Coach Kenzi's Breakdown

#graphicdesignpodcast #designbusiness #brandingpodcast #fordesigners #designtips #freelancingtips #brandingcourse #branddesigner

HDS 11 - $7,500 Client Paid In Full Less Than a Month After DBA (Marielle & Michelle's Story) Aug 29, 2026

Show notes

Marielle shares her experience inside DBA, why she says it was unlike any course she has ever taken, and the shifts that changed not only the way she approached her business, but her life.

She opens up about where she was before DBA, what changed for her throughout the program, and what happened after graduation... including booking a $7,500 client who paid in full less than a month later. We talk about the strategy, support, confidence, and mindset shifts that helped her begin showing up differently in her business, charging at a higher level, and seeing bigger opportunities as something that could actually be possible for her.

If $7,500 projects or $10K months still feel like something other designers get to have (but not you), this episode will give you a powerful look at what can change when your strategy and your belief in what’s possible begin to catch up with each other.

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#graphicdesignpodcast #designbusiness #brandingpodcast #fordesigners #designtips #freelancedesign

HDS 10 - From “I’m Not Qualified” to a $12K Client (Jannan’s Story) Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Jannan already had clients, experience, and the skills to do the work but she was missing the confidence to charge at the level she was capable of delivering.

In this episode, Jannan shares what was keeping her from seeing herself as someone who could confidently sell a $12K project, what shifted during her DBA experience, and what happened when she finally started showing up, positioning herself, and selling at that level.

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#graphicdesignpodcast #designbusiness #brandingpodcast #fordesigners #designtips #freelancedesign

HDS 9 - From Toxic Job To $22K Branding Project (Katie's Story) Aug 15, 2026

Show notes

Katie never thought she’d work for herself but when her job became so difficult that staying was no longer an option, she knew something had to change. In this DBA student interview, we’re talking about what happened when Katie took the leap, joined DBA, and started building a design business of her own even before she fully saw herself as an entrepreneur.

She shares the uncertainty that came with leaving her job, what shifted once she had the right support and strategy, and how she went on to book a $22,000 project. If you’ve been telling yourself you’re “not the kind of person who could start a business,” this conversation might change what you think is possible.

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HDS 8 - The System Behind Managing 12 Active Client Projects Aug 08, 2026

Show notes

I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I keep multiple client projects active at the same time without burning myself out and what “scaling” into a team has actually looked like for me. Taking on more clients didn’t just mean getting better at managing my time.

It meant figuring out what I should still be doing, what needed a system, what could be handed off, and where I actually needed support.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HDS 7 - Making $10K/Month (without doing more work) Aug 01, 2026

Show notes

Every month a minimum of $10K hits my account for work I've already completed. I’ll share how this payment structure works, why it gives me more predictable income, and why I'm no longer afraid to offer long term payment plans.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TBC Contract Template (with AI clause)

Revenue Recovery Consultant

HDS 6 - I Spent $6K On Ads (Here's Why They Won't Fix Your Design Business) Jul 25, 2026

Show notes

I’m breaking down why ads are not the golden ticket so many designers think they are. I’m also sharing why getting more eyes on your business should not be your first goal, what to review before spending money on ads, and how better systems are key to success.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HDS 5 - How I Book $7K Clients (Who Already Paid for a Logo) Jul 18, 2026

Show notes

I have multiple clients investing upwards of $7,000 after already paying another designer for a logo. In this episode, I’m breaking down the sales skills that make that possible.

You’ll learn how to lead a deeper discovery call, ask questions that uncover what the client’s current brand is not solving, and help them see the value of things like branded social media templates, clearer visual systems, and strategic direction. #hotdesignersummer

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

HDS 4 - The Trust Gap That’s Costing You High-Ticket Clients Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

With AI, scams, and so many service providers overpromising and underdelivering, high-ticket clients are asking: “Can I actually trust this person?”

It’s no longer just about creating a good brand or website.

In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to build trust with high-ticket buyers so they feel confident investing in you because trust is what makes people say yes. #hotdesignersummer

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Brief Collective Design Biz Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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