Tucked inside one of St. Augustine’s most respected creative spaces, Anastasia Design Group has become a reflection of artistry, resilience, and decades of entrepreneurial grit. Valerie and Natalie share the realities of building a successful interior design business from the ground up — navigating creativity, construction, cash flow, partnerships, motherhood, and the emotional weight that often comes with entrepreneurship. Their conversation explores the beauty of designing homes that truly reflect the people living in them, the importance of intuition and authenticity in business, and the lessons learned through years of trusting themselves, adapting through uncertainty, and creating a life rooted in both freedom and purpose.

Connect with Founding Sponsor Anastasia Design Group: www.anastasiadesigngroup.com and find them on social media: IG @AnastasiaDesignGroup and on FB @AnastasiaDesignGroup

Chapters

00:00 – The Story Behind Anastasia Design Group
01:42 – Starting a Design Career Through a Cold Call
05:06 – The Reality of Running a Creative Business
07:55 – Navigating Entrepreneurship, Risk & Uncertainty
10:39 – Authenticity, Integrity & Designing Without Ego
14:23 – Discovering a Client’s True Style
18:04 – Freedom vs. Responsibility as a Business Owner
20:06 – Delegation, Teamwork & Letting Go of Control
25:17 – Inside Furniture Market & Industry Trends
29:31 – Multiple Income Streams & Financial Survival
42:00 – Evolving From Mentor & Assistant to Creative Partners
51:57 – Entrepreneurship, Self-Awareness & Building a Creative Life

Connect with Host Leandra Sweet: @TheSoulLedSessions