SE02E23 Everyone Says Focus, She Did the Opposite | Susan M. Jamieson
By Scout · April 30, 2026 · 49:59 read
Category: But First, Principles
Show: But First, Principles
Today’s Guest: Susan M. Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe Guest Links: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesonsusan/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesonsusan/)
Today’s Guest: Susan M. Jamieson of Bridget Beari Designs
Don’t forget! Like – Comment – Subscribe
Guest Links:
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesonsusan/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesonsusan/)
This Episode:
In this conversation, Susan M. Jamieson, Founder & Principal at Bridget Beari Designs, shares her journey through the interior design industry, highlighting how intuition, creativity, and resilience shape entrepreneurial success. She discusses the importance of trusting your instincts, building strong client relationships, and navigating the realities of business challenges. Susan explores the balance between creativity and strategy, emphasizing leadership, team dynamics, and the value of hiring the right people.
She also dives into business diversification, why going beyond traditional advice can unlock new opportunities, and how her retail store complements her design work. Susan shares insights into color psychology, the growing role of AI in design, and why human touch remains irreplaceable. She reflects on the importance of service as a core driver of profitability and how personalization is shaping the future of interior design, especially in evolving spaces like rentals. She closes by emphasizing growth through experience, community involvement, and the ongoing evolution of both business and personal creativity.
Key Takeaways
Trust your instincts when executing your business vision
Diversification can create new opportunities despite conventional advice
Building a brand can be more valuable than personal branding
Strong client relationships are built through trust and repeat business
Giving back to the community is a vital part of business
Mistakes are inevitable but manageable with the right mindset
Customer service is essential for long-term success
Leadership requires understanding multiple business functions
Hiring the right team is critical to growth
Balance creativity with strategic thinking
The book is aimed at homeowners, especially first-time buyers
Color choices are influenced by personal style and psychology
AI can support design but cannot replace human intuition
Service is key to profitability in the design industry
Understanding client needs drives success
Personalization is shaping trends, especially in rental spaces
Color psychology plays a major role in design decisions
Diversification opens doors to innovation
Learning from past projects fuels growth
Entrepreneurship encourages creativity and personal development
But First, Principles with Colin Davis
Real stories. Real principles. Real growth for business owners.
Each episode reveals the mindset, systems, and turning points behind small business success so you can grow without burning out.
This season, Season 2, we are featuring innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.
Helpful Links
Want practical tools to build a business that actually works?
Visit: [https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com](https://www.firstprinciplescoaching.com)
Ready for clarity, structure, and momentum in your business?
Email Colin: [colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com](mailto:colin@firstprinciplescoaching.com)
About Colin
Colin Davis is a business and leadership coach with a background in ministry, psychology, and organizational leadership. A former missionary and monk turned entrepreneur, he helps small business owners create focus, build systems, and achieve lasting growth through First Principles Coaching. He lives in Virginia with his wife and children.
Keywords
Susan M. Jamieson, Bridget Beari Designs, interior design, entrepreneurship, business challenges, client relationships, problem solving, team dynamics, leadership, retail store, product design, business diversification, color psychology, home decor, DIY, paint, wallpaper, trends
Cast: innovative entrepreneurs shaping the Richmond region and beyond.