What if a side project could turn into a full-blown design career?
In this episode, I chat with Bre Hance, founder and principal designer of InHance, who shares how she went from helping her husband with a few design projects to running her thriving interior design and build firm in Los Angeles. She opens up about the early days of her business—starting without a portfolio or website—and how she found her first clients by showing up, being creative, and believing in her skills.
Bre also talks about what it takes to grow a design business, from hiring a team to learning the hard lessons through expensive mistakes. You’ll hear how she discovered her signature style, Elevated Everyday Living, and how social media, especially Instagram, helped her grow her brand and attract ideal clients. She shares her secrets to avoiding stress and building trust.
If you’re an aspiring or new interior designer, Bre’s honest insights and practical advice will leave you inspired, wiser, and ready to take action. 🎧 Tune in now!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
Learn how to create authentic content for Instagram to attract your clients and grow your design brand
Get honest advice on scaling smart and staying true to your values
Avoid mistakes and other common pitfalls that cost thousands
About the Guest:
Bre Hance is the founder and principal designer of InHance, a high-end residential design-build firm based in Los Angeles. With over a decade of experience, Bre has designed more than 200 homes across the U.S. Known for her bold use of color, eclectic luxury style, and her trademarked philosophy, Elevated Everyday Living, she helps clients create beautiful, practical spaces from concept to completion.
Connect with Bre Hance:
Website: InHance
IG: @inhancedesignbuild
Check out these episode highlights
02:04 Bre’s Early Beginnings & How She Got Into Design
She helped with her husband’s vertically integrated real estate company.
Designed a few homes for him before officially starting her firm, InHance Interiors.
Built her business with no website – just word of mouth and showcasing finished homes.
06:09 Scaling and Shaping the Business
Adopted Kimberly Selden’s systems, eventually building her 12-step process.
Scaled slowly while also raising a young family.
Peak size in 2023 with 25 staff and 40+ projects, but it was overwhelming.
Downsized intentionally in 2024 to a manageable team of 8 and regained work-life balance.
09:49 Defining Her Signature Style
Bre rejected having a single “look” and instead trademarked her design philosophy.
Inspired by a restaurant’s tagline: “Elevated Everyday Dining.”
The diversity of clients and projects she encounters in Los Angeles influenced her style.
12:58 Future Dreams: Lifestyle Brand Possibilities
14:09 Impact of the LA Fires and Community Involvement
Two clients lost their homes in the 2024 LA fires.
Used her network and social media to donate furnishings and provide resources.
Helped organize a support video from pro athletes for a girls’ soccer team affected by the disaster.
The importance of being a doer and finding ways to help others during challenging times.
17:28 Using Social Media to Grow a Design Business
Instagram is her #1 client acquisition tool.
Occasionally uses YouTube for long-form video walkthroughs and project pitches.
Works with a content creator (Shelby) and a media team to plan and batch content.
The importance of being authentic and relatable in her social media presence, and avoiding overly rehearsed content.
21:58 Mistakes, Difficult Clients & Lessons Learned
The importance of vetting clients to ensure a good fit
Stories about project errors, like a $35K door mishap during her maternity leave.
The importance of having internal processes to mitigate risks.
Reinforces the need for:
Signed client approvals
Detailed specs in contracts
Clear client communication and documentation
31:16 Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers
Don’t take feedback personally—design is about the client.
Know your value—don’t undervalue time and effort.
Track hours and use data from past projects to price properly.
Charge for consultations and avoid flat fees unless experienced.
Next Steps
- Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
Leave me a rating and review! Click here.
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…