From Solo Designer to CEO: Building a Thriving Luxury Design Firm with Courtney Otte [episode 83]

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I’m thrilled to welcome one of my longtime clients, Courtney Otte, to the podcast today. Courtney is a powerhouse juggling life as a mom of three young kids, a military wife, and the creative force behind Modern Hive Interior Design in Omaha, Nebraska.

In this episode, we dive into how Courtney built a luxury design firm all while growing a family amidst military deployments. We chat about the importance of adapting to life’s various seasons, the art of effective delegation, and why adaptability is essential for navigating the dual roles of a business owner and a parent.

Meet Courtney:

Courtney is a mom of three young children, a military wife, and the Founder & Principal Designer of The Modern Hive Interior Design. Her love for design began at an early age, but it was during her time working with a custom home builder that she fully realized the impact thoughtful, intentional design has on the way people live and feel in their homes.

In 2012, Courtney founded The Modern Hive with a clear vision: to create effortless, livable luxury for busy homeowners who value beauty, comfort, and precision in every detail. Over more than a decade of entrepreneurship, she has built The Modern Hive into a sought-after luxury design firm, blending artistry with strategy to deliver truly turnkey experiences.

Beyond her role as a business owner and designer, Courtney embraces the dynamic rhythm of motherhood and military life. Rather than striving for a perfect work–life balance, she leans into the seasons of each role—knowing that when one area requires more attention, another may step back temporarily. This perspective allows her to remain grounded in what matters most: creating both a meaningful family life and a business that transforms the way people experience home.

In this episode, From Solo Designer to CEO: Building a Thriving Luxury Design Firm with Courtney Otte, we cover:

  • The necessity of adapting to life’s ever-changing seasons and mastering delegation to ensure both your family and business flourish
  • The power of understanding business and personal life cycles, which can lead to confident decision-making and sustainable growth
  • How Courtney’s personal growth and professional achievements, like building a thriving design firm, are deeply interconnected

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More about the Profitable Women podcast:

If you find yourself avoiding conversations about money, are burnt out from working all the time and wondering where your cash goes, and are tired of not paying yourself consistently, you are in the right place. 

Profitable Women is for those who don’t want to choose between their career and motherhood. It is to educate you on the financial side of running a profitable and sustainable business. It is a safe place where you are seen and heard in your fears as a business owner. It is where we talk about the money stories that are showing up in your everyday business decisions. It is where we allow ourselves to get curious about the numbers and welcome financial abundance in our lives.  We will talk mindset, financial strategy, and numbers, all with the goal of aligning our business to our life. If you believe in what you do and want to make it sustainable while building wealth, Profitable Women is the podcast for you! 

Your host, Sheila Hansen, is a CPA, coach, and business mentor who supports female business owners to make confident financial decisions. In addition to solo episodes, we will hear from other expert female guests who are out there supporting women with the work they do.

As profitable women, we are in this together!

Find more resources at hansenllc.net, and be sure to follow Sheila on IG @Sheila.Hansen.CPA

[Disclaimer: Any opinions, recommendations, and tips offered on this podcast or other social media forms do not constitute individual tax or accounting advice. This content is designed to provide education and awareness of financial topics and responsibility for the benefit of the general public. Please consult a professional before implementing any of the suggestions made by Sheila or Sheila Hansen, LLC]

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