Malena Kaplan & Co

09/12/2025

With the end of the year in sight, you’ve probably been focused on Q4 planning and getting 2026 off to a strong start. But before you sprint to the finish line, give yourself permission to pause and reflect on how you’re really feeling.

If any of this sounds familiar, burnout may be creeping in—and it’s time for a shift:
1️⃣ You’re exhausted (the kind no amount of sleep or vacation seems to fix) or just not excited about your business anymore.
2️⃣ You’re still struggling to find a clear vision or goals for what you want your business to look like.
3️⃣ The weight of unenjoyable tasks is starting to outweigh the joy of the creative work you love.
💡 If this resonates, here’s your reminder: you don’t need to burn everything down to make a change (oh that was me). This is YOUR business—you get to shape it so it supports the lifestyle you want.
✨ Ready? Let’s fix it together. Click the link in my bio to start your next chapter.

09/10/2025

3 Mistakes I made early in my design business, and how to fix them.

1. I had no systems or process in places :
I reinvented the wheel with every client and project. It wasted time and created unnecessary stress. If you are also doing this, outsource building templates and checklists for repeatable tasks. It will say you an immense amount of time, money and your sanity.

2. In an effort to be accommodating, I worked around everyone else's schedules. This mean LOTS of late nights and weekends for me. Set availability time blocks, then use a scheduling app (like Calendy), or the scheduler feature in your platform (Dubsado & Honeybook offer this) for repeatable activities like discovery calls, consultations, proposal reviews etc.
Protecting your time helps you do your best work.

3. Boundaries are a good thing - too bad I didnt have any!
I gave out my cell number and answered work calls 24/7. Decide on your preferred communication method (if you have a designated office phone, and you should - don't feel the need to also provide your cell), set expectations from day one. Then give yourself permission not to respond outside of your set work hours.

15 years of running my own design business and years of working with other designers have engrained in me two truths:
- Creativity alone is never enough to build a successful business
- Clients only see you as the leader you consistently show up as
Building systems that protect your time, engirt and ultimately your profitability isn't optional - It's essential.

Tired of running your business on stress and sleepless nights? Let's fix it together. Click the link in the bio to book a discovery call.

09/01/2025

Cheers to all of us that work so hard.

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08/27/2025

In any service-based business, 90% of what your clients are really investing in is you. Your energy, your vision, your expertise.

And the truth is—you can only show up as your best, most authentic self when you’re supported by strong strategies and repeatable processes.

Because when the backend runs smoothly, you have the freedom to pour into what matters most: the impact you create.

08/25/2025

Do you know what it’s like to be your own client?

When you set up a new guest room, you probably sleep there a few times to make sure it’s comfortable for guests - right? Have you walked through your own design process and experienced it from your client’s perspective?

If you’re not sure what that feels like… maybe it’s time to sit down and find out.

A very wise coach once told me:
“Every design project is different, but the process should always be the same.”

Let’s make sure your client experience is consistent, streamlined, and exceeds expectations - every single time.

Click the link in the bio to schedule a complimentary call.

08/22/2025

Q4 is coming… have you started prepping yet? 👀

No shame if the answer is not yet — but let’s block out time this week to make a plan.
So you’re not stressed during the holidays.
So nothing slips through the cracks.
So you can actually rest.
And let’s do future-you a favor and pre-schedule time for next August while we’re at it. Click the link in the bio to schedule your complimentary call.

08/20/2025

You don't have to do it all. And you were never meant to.

You are so capable. You can achieve incredible things - but only when you focus on what actually moves you forward.

Hindsight taught me that it's ok to ask for help, to delegate, to leave the office early, to rest. Because when you have the right systems, processes and people in place, you'll have the freedom to build the business - and life - you really want.

Ready to stop doing it all yourself? Let's chat. Link's in the bio.

08/18/2025

Hi, I’m Malena

I spent 15 years running a successful (and exhausting) home staging + interior design firm on the East Coast — 12+ hour days, 6 days a week, crying in my car between installs and client calls.

I made the mistakes, worked with dream clients and disasters, and learned everything the hard way.
Two years ago, I sold the business, moved to SoCal, and made it my mission to help other designers + stagers do it differently.

Now I partner with creatives like you to streamline your business, build simple, repeatable systems, and elevate your client experience — so you can work less, earn more, and actually enjoy your business.

✨ Less chaos, more clarity
✨ Better clients, better boundaries
✨ Freedom, not burnout

Let’s build your business to feel as beautiful on the inside as the spaces you design.
Let's Chat - Click the link in the bio to schedule a complementary call.

08/17/2025

Where vision meets experience - Launching soon.

08/15/2025

04/08/2024

"For a house to be successful, the objects in it must communicate with one another, respond and balance one another." - Andre Putman