Inside R|6.0: Sally Stent’s Journey from Design Passion to Business Acumen

Within our creative business incubator program, we welcome a diverse range of creative disciplines, and interior designer Sally Stent is a great example of how transformative this experience can be. With her business, Eco Interiors, Sally brings a deep passion for art, design, and nature into every space she touches. But like many creatives, she found herself struggling to piece together the puzzle of how a business truly works. Enter R|6.0, the program that connected the dots and gave her the tools to elevate her business to the next level.

Sally came into the incubator wanting to bridge the gap between her design expertise and running a sustainable business. Over the course of the program, she gained clarity, hired the right people to handle the tech and numbers, and walked away with a business that not only reflects her vision but also works.

For Sally, the incubator was a game-changer, offering insider tips, practical strategies, and support from guest speakers that shifted her mindset and her business trajectory. As she now carves out her niche in biophilic design—where nature, art, and interiors blend seamlessly—Sally’s excited to continue learning, collaborating, and bringing beauty and well-being into people's homes.

Who is Sally Stent?

I’m a passionate lover of art, design, and nature. My family has always been amazing in business, and I aspire to follow in their footsteps—though they’re big shoes to fill!

What is Eco Interiors?

My business is a continuous refinement of the research and training I completed during my Masters of Design Futures at QCA, focusing on how we adapt to the rapid technological changes in the world while preserving our human qualities and well-being within our homes. I provide design and styling services for residential and commercial projects across the country. I’ve had the privilege of working with award-winning architects, and my work has been featured in The Design Files, Green Magazine, and soon in Dwell Magazine

What inspired you to apply for R|6.0?

I hadn't cracked 'how a business works'. It was all a mystical jigsaw of unrelated topics and skills that I couldn't connect together.

What was the value of R|6.0 to your business?

The guest speakers gave us the secret sauce to business, all the answers actually—now, I just need to apply it to my audience and mission.

Can you share a breakthrough moment from the program that really stood out?

I saw that numbers confuse me. I immediately hired someone to set up the procedures my business needed, then soon after, I hired someone to do the back-end web and tech systems. Now I have a business that works and I can reach the right people.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in the program next year?

Plan to have enough time and energy in your life to act on the lessons, topics and info from each week.

What exciting plans do you have for your business?

I have niched down into biophilic design within art, furniture, and interiors. I’m eager to further my education in this field and collaborate with global experts. Time and time again, I see how this design approach enhances health, beauty, and well-being in people’s homes.

Stay connected with Sally online or on socials.

R|6.0 is delivered annually as part of The Refinery, SCCA’s platform of professional development programs designed to support creative practitioners working at the intersection of art, technology, environment and design.

This program is supported by Major Partners: the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council through the Arts and Heritage Levy, and the University of the Sunshine Coast; and Program Partners: SunCentral and the MET, and The Events Centre, Caloundra.

Learn more about The Refinery programs currently open for applications.

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