To-The-Trade S2E41 How eDesign Tribe Founder Jenna Gaidusek is Revolutionizing Interior Design

Show Summary:

In this insightful episode of To-The-Trade, Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson sit down with Jenna Gaidusek, an interior designer, entrepreneur, and founder of the eDesign Tribe and eDesign U. Jenna shares her journey from working as an interior designer and military spouse to building one of the most influential virtual design communities and education platforms.

The episode explores how Jenna identified a gap in the industry, specifically in virtual design education and community, and built a successful network that helps designers navigate the digital world. She shares how her experience of moving frequently due to her husband’s military career motivated her to create an online business model that offers stability, freedom, and scalability.

Jenna stresses the importance of authenticity and transparency in both design work and online business. She shares her insights on building a loyal community, the value of data and user feedback, and why she’s passionate about giving designers the tools they need to succeed, on their terms. She also discusses her newer ventures, including MyDoma and collaborations that aim to centralize and streamline the design business workflow.

The conversation discusses how she balances technology, education, and creativity, as well as the mindset shifts designers need to adopt when moving into eDesign or managing their businesses. Jenna’s approach is both empowering and practical; she openly discusses financial matters, client acquisition, and automation.

Throughout the episode, she shares practical strategies for marketing, lead generation, and creating sustainable business practices for creatives. Her message to designers: you don’t have to follow the “old-school” approach. You can build a business that matches your lifestyle, values, and creative passions.

Jenna also considers what success means today, not just in terms of revenue, but also in autonomy, confidence, and the influence one has by teaching others. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with humility and vision, makes this episode a must-listen for designers looking to scale, pivot, or thrive in a changing industry.