Charging What You’re Worth: Wisdom from East Hampton’s Dyan Lyons

Small Business Confidence in the Hamptons

Over coffee with East Hampton interior designer Dyan Lyons—a creative force behind DLD Design—I was struck by her quiet resolve and knack for lifting others up. Dyan’s advice wasn’t couched in business jargon or motivational talk. Instead, she offered a simple but powerful mantra: “have faith to charge what you are worth.”

Who Is Dyan Lyons?

Dyan isn’t just another designer lost in the rush of Hamptons home renovations. She’s the principal behind DLD Design, an interior design firm specializing in residential and outdoor living spaces throughout the Hamptons, New York City, Palm Beach, and Los Angeles. Dyan lives in Springs with her family and their Great Dane, Hank—a big, friendly dog who’s part of the family. She has over 25 years of experience in the field and a background spanning fashion buying for Saks Fifth Avenue and management roles for Gap Inc. and The Limited Brands. In every project, her attention to detail and sensitivity to clients’ stories are what set her apart.

“Have Faith to Charge What You Are Worth”

It’s easy, especially in close-knit towns like East Hampton, to undersell your creativity or lower prices just to fit in. But as Dyan reminds fellow entrepreneurs, the work we do is valuable. Interior design is more than paint swatches and furniture layouts—it’s personal storytelling, and every project deserves to be compensated accordingly.

She admitted that sometimes the hardest part is believing in your own value. The Hamptons is full of talent, and it’s easy to second-guess fees. But Dyan’s approach is simple: your experience and the quality you bring mean something. “Have faith to charge what you are worth” is a reminder to stop worrying about being the cheapest and focus on being the best.

Lessons for Hamptons Entrepreneurs

• Know your worth. Whether you’re running an architecture firm, a café, or a boutique, the time and effort you’ve invested aren’t extras—they’re essential to what you offer.

• Support local. Dyan isn’t just part of the East Hampton business scene professionally; she’s part of the community, with her family by her side. She believes that when local businesses stand behind their value, everyone benefits.

• Don’t lower your price just because someone asks. Every decision and detail you bring to your work adds up—and that counts.

Inspiration for Your Own Business

It’s not always easy to set your prices confidently or push for what you deserve. But hearing from people like Dyan who live and work right here, balancing family and craft, can be a real boost. Charging what you’re worth isn’t about being arrogant; it’s about respecting your skills and your business.

If you’re running a small, brick-and-mortar business in the Hamptons—or anywhere—you might take a page from Dyan’s book: trust yourself, build your community, and have faith that your hard work is worth its price.