Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today is an accomplished interior designer, entrepreneur, brand influencer, children’s book author, real estate investor, philanthropist, and TV personality, and you may probably recognize her from HGTV Dream Home. Breegan Jane, who has transitioned many times, is back on the show for a second time. She refers to it as “the gift of transitioning” because it’s making space for something new, something that will uplevel your business or get you closer to your goals. Listen in as Breegan offers more tips and come-to-Jesus moments with her ever-growing business.
Pick It Apart:
[2:29] Breegan shares her experience in general of all of the shifting she has done.
[6:00] Breegan shares her experience with the blog she started twelve years ago.
[10:15] Advice on taking risks and how Breegan has evolved.
[16:20] Breegan shares two of her come to Jesus moments she learned through her shifts.
[24:50] Working with partners and having contract employees.
[29:25] Staying true to what you want to do, not what others think you should do.
[35:07] Breegan’s CEO strategy to getting everything done efficiently.
[40:22] How Breegan incorporated her sons into her content.
[42:05] Breegan talks about her philanthropy work and the Makuno Project.
LuAnn Nigara and Breegan Jane's Ah-Ha Moments
“Breegan Jane, as a company, has gone through so many growing pains in the evolution of who I wanted to become,” Breegan Jane
“Sometimes when your business model changes, you could change with it but if it doesn’t work for you, then you can create your own lane,” - LuAnn Nigara
“The more we change to fit other people’s opinions, the more we lose ourselves and our value,” - Breegan Jane
More About Breegan Jane
Breegan Jane is an accomplished interior designer whose resume boasts enterprises that span the gamut, from custom music studios to international real estate projects and everything in between. Her design savvy is well sought after by clients in almost every industry.
As both a residential and commercial designer, Breegan focuses on the design-build aspect of every project she endeavors. Her unique experience continues to set her apart for exceptional design opportunities, including her most recent work on UNICA, a multimillion-dollar luxury estate in Bel Air, California.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #251: Adam Scougall : Managing a Successful Design Firm & a Full-Time Job
AWDB #362: Breegan Jane: Interior Designer, Podcaster, Entrepreneur
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by certified business and life coach Andrea Liebross, who is on a mission to help women entrepreneurs discover their inner potential and redefine success. Andrea is also the author of the bestselling book, “She Thinks Big” and host of the podcast, “Time to Level Up.” Today she is teaching us how to get out of the messy middle and move into the extraordinary with BIG THINKING. Tune in to learn Andrea’s 5 keys to becoming a big thinker. It’s all about TRUST!
Pick It Apart
[1:21] Andrea and discuss what it means to thinking big.
[6:09] Andrea introduce her acronym TRUST.
[17:50] LuAnn tells a story from Window Works about embracing uncertainty
[38:59] LuAnn and Andrea talk about how to move forward at a steady pace as a big thinker.
[48:00] Andrea shares that the messy middle occurs at different stages of your business, how to grow through these transitions, and why having a community is important to not getting stuck here.
LuAnn Nigara and Andrea Liebross's Ah-Ha Moments
“That future you all she's filled with is enthusiasm, and wisdom and knowledge. So big thinking comes from a different place than today. It comes from that future you.” - Andrea Liebross
“A big thinker isn't immune to limiting thoughts, a big thinker just understands, ‘oh, I can choose to put that one aside and have a different thought about this,’” - LuAnn Nigara
“There are times when you're set up in every way for a great opportunity, except the money. And if it's a really good calculated opportunity, you can't not do it because of the money.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You've got to have monetary support. You've got to have life support. You’ve got to have business support, and you also have to have time support—you have to have protected time.” Andrea Liebross
“[Big thinking] is like the big umbrella. And then you need the tools, the strategy, the system's below to support that big thinking.” - Andrea Liebross
“Your business is only going to grow at the rate that you're growing personally.” - Andrea Liebross
“The messy middle is always there, but it's navigating it with more efficiency and more clarity, and more more speed.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Andrea Liebross
After graduating from Dartmouth College and marrying the guy that lived down the hall, Andrea Liebross and her husband packed up the 1980s red Cadillac, left the northeast, and eventually made their way to the midwest city known for the Indianapolis 500. Over the last few decades, Andrea has started 3 successful businesses, all while raising two kids, now ages 20 and 17, and several giant puppies.
As a certified business and life coach, Andrea's known for helping high-achieving women make the shift from overwhelm to freedom in both their personal and professional life. Her goal is to guide these bold, ambitious women to create their own custom secret sauce for success by combining just two ingredients - the right mindset and solid systems. Andrea believes every problem is solvable and every dream is possible IF you make it all simple, doable and FUN (even the systems).
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
WCAA Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
AWDB #447: Alex Gourlay: You Can Overcome Your Limiting Mindset and Belief System
AWDB #474: Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm
AWDB #589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million
AWDB #797: Power Talk Friday: Andrea Liebross: What You Are Worth, in Dollars and Sense
AWDB #811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate
AWDB #948: The Power Talk Friday Tour: An Unforgettable Day of Insights and Inspiration
WTFP #99: Susan Day: How to Maintain Your Sales While Working a Finite Number of Weeks
Today on A Well-Designed business I am so happy to welcome Mona Nahm to the show. Mona is here sharing her incredible journey and her current work designing affordable housing. Mona truly understands how creating spaces with compassion at their core can empower people and allow them the safety and stability to reclaim their lives. Her glass-half-full spirit will leave you inspired. Listen now.
Pick It Apart:
[2:27] Mona shares her story of homelessness as a teenager.
[12:51] Mona and LuAnn reflect on the value of basic education, obtaining degrees, and street smarts.
[21:59] Mona explains how she realized that she wanted to directly impact lives, so she moved away from a career in film to interior design in her 40s.
[38:11] LuAnn asks Mona about her current work in affordable housing.
[59:58] Mona suggests showing up to community meetings to learn about affordable housing in your community if you are interested in this design avenue.
LuAnn Nigara and Mona Nahm's Ah-Ha Moments
“I just saw people with or without opportunities.” - Mona Nahm
“The circumstances that you were in can create that lack of worth, and that lack of esteem, and so, therefore, you don't value yourself and then, therefore, you don't come to a relationship where you expect to be valued. And guess what? When we don't come to a relationship expecting to be valued—we're not.” - LuAnn Nigara
“The stability of having a roof over your head gives you the opportunity to have the stability to get the job, and then the stability to save money and get yourself out…It all comes from, first, that safety—a place for them to have a home.” - Mona Nahm
“You have got to get the hope going, and the opportunities for enjoyment, so that you can aspire to do the next thing, right?” - LuAnn Nigara
“If you're so focused on the difference, you'll never see the similarities.” - Mona Nahm
“Go where you are rare.” - Mona Nahm
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #03: Things Every Designer Should Know to Run a Successful Design Business with Shannon Leddy
AWDB #29: Shannon Leddy Returns for Graduation Week- Best Tips for Landing Your 1st Job
#670: Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know
#773: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
Today on A Well-Designed Business, it is Power Talk Friday and I am joined by Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau. Brittany and Ava are the co-founders of Girls at Flourish, a full-service creative photography agency specializing in the luxury home industry. They help interior designers accurately represent their brand through their brand images, which sets them apart from the competition.
We are discussing everything that goes into your brand images, how often you should have photos done, what they should represent, an acceptable balance of real life and professionalism, and more.
Pick It Apart:
[2:50] Brittany and Ava share what it was like working with Rachel Bozsik.
[8:41] How Brittany and Ava do an interior designer's brand photography when it is somewhere like High Point Market.
[13:08] LuAnn shares how she felt and prepared for her recent branding shoot.
[17:35] Ava explains how they portray a good mixture of “put together” and real.
[23:53] Being intentional with your brand image to help you stand out in an oversaturated market.
[30:50] Examples of image identifiers some designers use to stand out.
[38:10] How to get involved with Girls at Flourish for a High Point session.
LuAnn Nigara, Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau's Ah-Ha Moments
“You should have a good mixture of “perfection” and realness in your photos to help build trust with clients,” - Brittany Bowen
“There are ways to show you’re human and also have a beautifully curated portfolio and headshot,” - Ava Vienneau
“Designers who stand out, consistently show up where you can't forget their face, color schemes, or style and that's the key to growth,” Brittany Bowen
More About Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau
Brittany Bowen:
Brittany has worked with a range of clients from established firms like Studio McGee to those who are up and coming industry leaders. With a degree in photography and over ten years of experience, she is dedicated to serving the up and comers in the interior design, real estate, and home professional world with elevated brand imagery.
Today, alongside her co-founder Ava (and very best friend) the duo exclusively supports luxury home professionals who are ready to level up their business and take worrying the stress about photography off their plate. Brittany brings an extra, special “VIP Magic” to her shoots - which is why when you hire Girls at Flourish you’ll have everything taken care of from behind the scenes session prep to the easiest photo shoot you’ll ever have.
In her life outside of photography, she consumes just about any piece of good home design or business advice she can— watching the best shows on HGTV, listening to design or business podcasts, reading books from the experts, and flipping through the pages of design magazines. She has a wonderful husband and two sweet boys, and enjoys travel, yoga, and trying out the latest restaurants.
Ava Vienneau:
Ava prides herself as a photographer representing clients featured in AD and Domino and the home industry's most talented interior designers and top performing realtors, helping them land larger clients, press and ultimately create more opportunities for their business with show stopping brand imagery.
With nearly 10 years of experience in her field and extensive training with renowned architectural and interior photographer, Lindsay Salazar, Ava brings a seasoned expertise to each client and project. Ava’s clients lovingly refer to her as their CPO (chief photography officer) as she uplevels their brand vision from ideation to real life.
When working with the team at Girls at Flourish, Ava brings a kind, generous and thoughtful understanding about how small businesses work and operate. She is passionate about ensuring the entire creative process is streamlined and seamless.
When she isn’t behind the camera, you can find her strolling through antique shops and art galleries, listening to business podcasts, and sipping the finest coffee around.
Read more about us and our offerings/schedule a consult call!
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #159: Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer
AWDB #160: Kelli Ellis – Live and Learn by the Rock Star Principles
AWDB #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients
AWDB #549: Corey Damen Jenkins #BLM: Time to Take the Baton
AWDB #669: Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging
AWDB #756: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
AWDB #766: Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement
AWDB #955: Power Talk Friday: Sharon Lipovsky: The Power of a Clear Vision in Your Business
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am happy to welcome back Adam Scougall, of Adam Scougall Design. If you have ever considered pivoting from your full-time job to interior design, this episode is for you. It’s always valuable to hear two sides to every story. A lot of my guests have pivoted successfully into starting a design firm.
Adam does have a successful design firm, but he pivoted right back into his full-time job while keeping design as a side hustle — and that couldn't have been a better choice for him.
Pick It Apart:
[5:00] No matter your level of expertise, always be open to new AHA moments.
[9:33] Adam explains why he preferred to stay in his corporate job while managing his firm as a side hustle.
[17:55] How Adam sourced out, so he could also work his corporate job.
[33:30] Adams advises how to make connections with other designers.
[37:37] Adam shares the types of AHA moments he provides during his podcast and with his one-on-one clients.
LuAnn Nigara and Adam Scougall's Ah-Ha Moments
“I learned that design was a way to express myself as a creative outlet, but I didn’t need it to be full financial support,” - Adam Scougall
“We don’t have to have someone else’s aspirational expectations on how to run a successful business, it’s what personal boundaries work for us,” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Adam Scougall
Adam’s story is one that is a little out of the box. We hear a lot about interior designers aspiring for luxury clients and an office full of staff. But Adam couldn’t imagine anything worse. After 18 years of leadership in his corporate life, he ventured out in 2018 to running his solo design biz full time. This lasted for 3.5 years before he returned to where he started. Corporate [with a buzzing design side hustle]
After working with a broad range of clients, some great and some a nightmare, Adam became tired of having to accept jobs that could make ends meet, as opposed to fulfilling his creative juices. Covid didn’t help financially, nor an always ‘pending’ recession, and after those years, Adam realized he did not wish to pursue a ‘be all and end all’ approach to his design career. He wanted stability, steadier finances and the ability to only take on design work that fulfilled both his own and client vision.
Adam now enjoys what we call a lifestyle business, balancing projects he only wants to take on whilst [now happily] holding down a full-time gig at his corporate firm of choice. He has also developed his own signature design implementation system that employs other designers to assist day to day, with Adam coming in only at key points in the project.
Adam recently launched his Podcast and YouTube show ‘So You Want to be an Interior Designer’ where he shares his experiences.
His aim for the show is to teach the thrills, reveal the spills and share how you can also create an Interior Design career that suits your lifestyle.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #251: Adam Scougall : Managing a Successful Design Firm & a Full Time Job
Today on A Well Designed Business we are doing things a little different in celebration of our Eighth Birthday. We are paying tribute to Kravet, Inc., our sponsor here on the podcast since the beginning with a trip down memory lane. We are kicking things off with a clip from my interview with Scott Kravet, when we were celebrating our 100th show, and continue through clips featuring 14 more designers and industry experts all sharing their sentiments on this iconic brand.
RSVP to SWDD Market Day HERE!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships
AWDB #34: Mary Fisher – Author, Artist, Advocate, Social Entrepreneur
AWDB #59: A Special Visit with the Sr. Director of Merchandising for CuratedKravet.com
AWDB #100: Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!
AWDB #122: Barclay Butera- Mix Talent + Opportunity + Business Savvy = Epic Interior Design Business
AWDB #173: Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc
AWDB #197: Joe Cariati Collection for Curated Kravet & Business Insights for Creatives
AWDB #360: David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited
AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman
AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc
AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
AWDB #446: Power Talk Friday: Jesse Lazarus: Technology & Innovations in the Design Industry
AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career
AWDB #697: Barry Lantz: Advice from a Seasoned Interior Designer
AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years
Today on A Well Designed Business we are doing things a little different in celebration of our Eighth Birthday. We are paying tribute to Kravet, Inc., our sponsor here on the podcast since the beginning with a trip down memory lane. We are kicking things off with a clip from my interview with Scott Kravet, when we were celebrating our 100th show, and continue through clips featuring 14 more designers and industry experts all sharing their sentiments on this iconic brand.
RSVP to SWDD Market Day HERE!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships
AWDB #34: Mary Fisher – Author, Artist, Advocate, Social Entrepreneur
AWDB #59: A Special Visit with the Sr. Director of Merchandising for CuratedKravet.com
AWDB #100: Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!
AWDB #122: Barclay Butera- Mix Talent + Opportunity + Business Savvy = Epic Interior Design Business
AWDB #173: Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc
AWDB #197: Joe Cariati Collection for Curated Kravet & Business Insights for Creatives
AWDB #360: David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited
AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman
AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc
AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
AWDB #446: Power Talk Friday: Jesse Lazarus: Technology & Innovations in the Design Industry
AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career
AWDB #697: Barry Lantz: Advice from a Seasoned Interior Designer
AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that Show Houses are big undertakings…but what if it wasn’t just one room—what if it was an entire house? Would it be worth it if it landed you in a major publication like Southern Living?
My guest today, Laura Hodges, recently designed the Idea House for Southern Living. And while she put in countless hours of blood, sweat, and tears, she absolutely believes that a show house can be worth the investment. Today, she’s here to share what it takes and what you can get from a show house experience.
Pick It Apart:
[5:25] Laura shares how she got started with the Southern Living show house, and what her responsibilities were.
[14:34] LuAnn and Laura dive deeper into the ROI for designers and vendor partners participating in such a large project.
[24:34] Laura shares more about the connections and partners she worked with.
[30:30] Laura reflects on the importance of diversity in the design process.
[37:00] Laura discusses the practical side of how she maintained her business while doing the show house.
LuAnn Nigara and Laura Hodges's Ah-Ha Moments
“We started with having the confidence to say yes to a major opportunity. But this is not for the meek of hard work. This is not even just doing a regular show house where you design one room, which is a monumental project to do.” -LuAnn
“It was really important to me that the design house was welcoming and accessible for a wide range of people, variety of cultures.” -Laura
More About Laura Hodges
Laura Hodges is an interior designer with a boutique design firm and retail shop in the Baltimore/Washington, DC area. With a focus on creating beautiful spaces that reflect her clients' taste, Laura's signature aesthetic is narrative, layered, classically tailored and modern, featuring unique vintage finds and curated art. Laura is also a brand ambassador for the Sustainable Furnishings Council, working to increase awareness for sustainable design.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
#912 Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Traci Connell, founder of The Gloss—a free online learning community for designers—breaks down her upcoming Mastermind program.
She also walks us through her proven framework for overcoming money mindset blocks and learning how to take calculated risks that pay off in your business.
Pick It Apart:
[1:40] Traci and LuAnn discuss why money mindset is what truly holds most business owners back from reaching their goals.
[11:13] Traci begins unpacking her RISK framework, discussing how important it is to view mistakes as learning opportunities.
[15:21] LuAnn and Traci discuss why investing in your business and in yourself is a key to success.
[23:48] Traci reflects on the value of knowing your numbers—and using those numbers to make smart business decisions.
[39:05] Traci breaks down her coaching programs and how they can benefit you.
LuAnn Nigara and Traci Connell's Ah-Ha Moments
“Our money mindset belief becomes a filter by which we consciously and unconsciously make decisions.” -LuAnn
“I’m so passionate about numbers because I want you to take a calculated risk, and to me the three components to doing that are having time, having money, and having a team of great people.” -Traci
“I had to find a way to set myself apart in order to become the expert and specialized and even charge higher design fees.” -Traci
More About Traci Connell
Since founding her eponymous firm, award-winning designer Traci Connell is an expert in delivering tailored interiors that are as luxurious as they are livable. With her keen eye for design, space planning and art, Connell brings understated glamour and elegance to a vast range of high-end residential interiors, commercial projects, vacation homes and custom site-specific requests. Her inspiration is attained from her explorations of the world of design, travel, art, nature and culture.
With a renewed appreciation for transforming homes into an ease of escape, Connell breaks through predictability with art curation, cutting edge technologies and custom artisan talents, weaving in special, unexpected elements into every design project. As one of the most trusted design firms in Dallas, she delivers an expertly perfected, streamlined system of service that simplifies and organizes the design process. Her impeccable eye for space planning and design, combined with the team’s in-depth knowledge of project management, proves invaluable for clients ranging from busy young families to empty nesters and those seeking vacation homes.
Connell’s philanthropic work within the Dallas design community includes the Dwell with Dignity “Thrift Studio” fundraiser, a design project aimed to raise money to combat homelessness in the city of Dallas and surrounding areas. She is currently serving on the ASID Texas Community Board.
Traci Connell Interiors has proudly been named a Kips Bay Decorator Show House Designer of 2021, D Home Best Designer in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and has been included on the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List in 2018, 2020 and 2021. The firm’s work has been recognized in national and regional media publications including Luxe Interiors + Design, Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home, Modern Luxury Interiors, D Home and AD Pro among many more.
Register for the Buy Wholesale for Profit intensive!
Today’s show is sponsored by The Gloss.
#525 Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success
#554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit
#909 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss
Today on the podcast I’m joined by Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso, for the second in our new series, Overheard. We’re taking a trip down memory lane and talking about what we wish we knew then—spilling the tea on times we’ve tripped up, and sharing the qualified advice and business-savvy gleaned from those tough times. Because whether you’re a beginning, rising or seasoned designer, there are always mistakes made along the way, but, more importantly, lessons learned.
Pick It Apart:
[9:02] Alex talks about the power of saying no.
[16:56] Kate talks about why setting baseline standards is important, as opposed to creating the client expectation of going above and beyond.
[29:57] Kate shares a cautionary tale about scaling.
[40:38] Erika tells about how she learned not to spend her client’s money as if it were her own money as a luxury designer.
[44:03] Jennifer shares her origin story and how it tested not only her business, but her marriage.
[56:35] Alex explains the hard-earned lesson of assumptions—when it comes to your team and your clients.
LuAnn Nigara, Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments
“If you find yourself in a position of not being able to define—if not your niche, at least your ideal client—then you might be in that pattern of the of the yes mode. And life gets a lot better, and the job gets a lot more fun, when you're able to identify your ideal clients.” - Kate O’Hara
“When you're giving somebody something for free, they need to know about it.” - LuAnn Nigara
“Document. Document. Document. Write everything down. And then don't just hold on to it, but make sure you share it, or it's in a place where it can be accessed [by your co-workers] if you're not available.” - Alex Alonso
“If you want a business to scale, neither you nor anyone else can be irreplaceable.” - Kate O’Hara
“You will arrive, but it may be via a different mode of transportation…I think keeping that in mind, prevents you from trying to model someone else's process and really staying true and authentic to making this business part of your lifestyle.” - Erika Ward
“What is meant to be is meant to be, and that was always meant to be part of my journey. So I can't hide my head in the sand about it. I just have to take my lumps and move on.” - Jennifer Stoner
“The larger you let your business grow into that, the more challenging it can be, I think, to steer a change, you know, the ship keeps getting bigger, it's a little less nimble now to turn and shift.” - Kate O’Hara
“There really is no perfect business. There are stagnant businesses. There are struggling businesses. But I think that if you have an abundance mindset—if you're open, if you're self reflective, if you're proactive—then you'll always find yourself on a path that's going to serve you.” - Kate O’Hara
More About Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso
Erika Ward
Erika Hollinshead Ward is an acclaimed and published interior and furniture designer, distinguished as the visionary behind Erika Ward Interiors—a design firm and showroom celebrated for seamlessly blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. With a passion for crafting timeless interiors and fostering lifestyle and wellness, Erika has become a sought-after figure among both discerning consumers and reputable brands.
Equipped with a robust background in business and finance, coupled with over a decade of experience in the interior design realm, Erika has emerged as a trailblazer in East Coast design, extending her influence to clients nationwide. Since the establishment of Erika Ward Interiors in 2006, the firm has experienced remarkable growth, leaving a trail of satisfied clients who attest to the team's meticulous attention to detail and client-centric approach. Impressively, more than eighty percent of Erika's business stems from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the enduring quality of her work.
Beyond her successful design ventures, Erika collaborates closely with renowned brands such as Home Depot, High Point Market, ADAC Atlanta, S.C. Johnson and Company, and Rowe Furniture, lending her voice as a spokesperson and brand ambassador in targeted marketing campaigns.
Yet, amidst her professional accomplishments, Erika finds her most fulfilling roles in her personal life—as a devoted wife to her husband, Chris, and a nurturing mother to their five children.
Kate O’Hara
CEO + Creative Director, O’Hara Interiors
Kate O’Hara is the CEO + creative director for O’Hara Interiors where she pioneered the interior design firm’s expansion to national markets and international clientele. Today, O’Hara Interiors is one of the most well-known interior design studios in the country whose award-winning work has been featured on the Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, Better Homes and Gardens and beyond.
Named one of Austin’s Social Influencers and Minnesota’s Top 32 Under 32 Marketing Professionals, Kate is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from social media, to women in business, to online branding.
Jennifer Stoner
Jennifer Stoner is the acclaimed design leader behind her eponymous full-service firm, Jennifer Stoner Interiors, headquartered in Richmond, VA and Charleston, SC. For close to two decades, she has been applauded as the “go to” luxury designer for prominent c-suite executives, entrepreneurs, and entertainers. From family estates to secluded weekend properties, her custom designed homes are always elegant yet approachable and personality driven. Today, her properties have captured the attention of Traditional Home, Aspire Design & Home, Forbes, and Home & Design. A noted tastemaker, Jennifer has been celebrated for her sophisticated, personality-driven style in both fashion and home. Today, she is often requested to speak at industry events educating fellow designers on creating signature business systems and VIP client experiences. Jennifer has been hand-picked to be a “Best of KBIS” judge at the upcoming 2023 KBIS in Las Vegas, NV, the industry’s leading Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
Jennifer started her career path with a business degree and law degree from the University of Florida. She went on to work as a litigator in one of the country’s largest firms and became in-house legal counsel for Mayo Clinic. While she loved the analytical side of practicing law and the project management aspects, her creative side of her soul was beckoning. She now puts her business and project management background to good use by developing signature business systems which allow her team to create VIP client experiences. Jennifer’s passion is evident in the new construction or renovation process. She enjoys being an integral member of the client’s design-build team from the very beginning, believing that the collaborative efforts of the architect, builder and interior designer will ultimately lead to the smoothest process for her clients and the best possible finished product.
Jennifer’s favorite pastime is travel and she loves to explore the globe while adding to her enviable rolodex of resources and artisans for her clients. Most recently she was selected as one of a small group of distinguished designers from the US to attend two global design events. She traveled to Valencia, Spain on a sponsored trip by Tile of Spain, to Cevisama, the leading luxury tile and stone exhibit. She was also included in a select group of kitchen designers to travel with the NKBA to the German Haus Fair, an international kitchen and bath showcase. These incredible experiences are valued by Jennifer because they allow her to bring more informed and advanced offerings to her select group of clientele.
Alex Alonso
The studio team collective is led by design principal Alex alonso. a maximalist at heart, after years in media and entertainment on both coasts and travels abroad he launched a studio that embraces a global perspective and celebrates the power of storytelling through spaces. reflecting a distinct design approach that is all about the mix, the result is a bold sensibility he calls “modern Victorian.”
Cuban-born Alex grew up under insanely humid Miami days. After attending Northwestern University and working in advertising in Chicago, Alex moved to Los Angeles where he worked in entertainment for many years. All along he perfected his craft in his true passion, design. His travels have taken him across five continents and function as a constant source of inspiration for his designs.
A voracious collector, Alex is drawn to anything with a story.
Alex was recently on Bravo Tv's hit design competition series, "Best Room Wins" where his "transitional" room design earned him a coveted spread in ElleDecor.com. His room was judged by design maven and host, Genevieve Gorder, Elle Decor Editor-in-Chief, Whitney Robinson and design icon, Jonathan Adler.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #6: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #184: Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm
AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #278: Erika Ward – Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd.
AWDB #612: Jennifer Stoner: The Power of the Logic-Based Conversation in Interior Design
AWDB #820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No
AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life
AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I am joined by Audrey Faust of Faust Consulting. Audrey is an accomplished finance expert with an accounting degree, an MBA, and a NeuroCoach certification. She works with women entrepreneurs to take charge of their finances. Audrey’s clients build wealth through her non-judgmental space for learning and growth.
Today’s episode is not your average finance conversation. In addition to some other tips, you may be relieved to know that Audrey gives one main strategy for building wealth that anyone, anywhere, at any time can do. And that is to change your money mindset.
Pick It Apart:
[3:10] Audrey explains why 80% of businesses that view their finances once a month are more successful.
[12:49] How your employees can block your growth.
[16:41] Audrey shares the first thing you can do to build wealth.
[27:27] The importance of showing your kids examples of abundance.
[31:08] Why your net worth is important in the process of building wealth.
[42:38] Tactics to start building wealth.
LuAnn Nigara and Audrey Faust's Ah-Ha Moments
“Businesses are 80% more successful if they look at their finances monthly,” - Audrey Faust
“What you focus on grows, whether it be your money or your wealth, it grows,” - Audrey Faust
More About Audrey Faust
Audrey Faust is an accomplished finance expert, dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to take charge of their finances. Audrey holds an accounting degree, an MBA, and a NeuroCoach certification, Audrey has successfully built her own multi-million-dollar wealth through various types of personal endeavors and investments.
She is committed to promoting financial literacy among women, she provides a supportive, non-judgmental space for learning and growth, which has led to clients achieving great success.
Audrey's vision extends beyond financial prosperity; she encourages women to attain comprehensive wealth, encompassing monetary success, time, and ultimate freedom.
She equips women with the necessary tools and wisdom to confidently build wealth. Audrey’s primary goal? To help women build genuine wealth and foster enduring peace of mind concerning their financial future.
When she's not working, Audrey cherishes her time with her husband, their three adult children, a grandchild, and her three four-legged friends. She loves to travel between her homes in Northeastern PA and Southwestern FL, soaking in each place's distinct charm.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers
AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth
WTFP: #254: Jessica Harling: Confronting or Firing Family Members in Your Business
WTFP 256: Jessica Harling: Firing a Family Member Part 2: 9 Tips to Make it as Painless as Possible
Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. My guest today, Nina Parvaresh, founder and principal of Concept-Me, is the definition of a go-getter.
After training as an architect in Paris, Nina began her career at the age of 23 by jumping foot-first into a full-scale design project in the Middle East, working primarily in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
Nina has faced many unique challenges, including working in a male-dominated space in a male-dominated part of the globe, taking on projects for powerful families in the Middle East, and navigating cultural differences as she worked in various parts of the world.
And yet, in many ways Nina struggles with the same things that many entrepreneurs do—trying to break away from the grind to focus on becoming the CEO.
Today, she’s here to talk about the unique aspects of global design work, the importance of knowing your clients and understanding the market, and how she hopes to grow her firm.
Pick It Apart:
[0:27] Nina shares her story of starting her firm in the Middle East and the challenges she faced along the way.
[06:55] Nina and LuAnn reflect on the importance of growth, learning, and evolution.
[13:46] Nina shares how she found herself facing such a large-scale project with no experience at the age of 23.
[17:36] Nina reflects on the mistakes she has made and the lessons she has learned.
[25:48] Nina and LuAnn discuss what it takes to lead a large team and how to free yourself up as the CEO.
LuAnn Nigara and Nina Parvaresh's Ah-Ha Moments
“It’s a testament to tuning into your intuition and your gut instinct. So many times we say, don’t put a pen to paper until you get paid—and that’s usually right. But there’s a difference between going for it and taking a risk versus just laying down and doing something for free.” -LuAnn
“This is not a job you can do individually. You need to be able to count on people as the years go by, and you need to be able to surround yourself with experts that are better than you.” -Nina
More About Nina Parvaresh
As an only child, I come from a family of strong women. With Persian roots, I was born and raised in Paris where I became an architect by training and made that my entrepreneurial pursuit. As a third-culture kid, I got to live in different cities from New York to Istanbul. This has engrained a global sense of belonging in me and fed my creative process of gathering inspiration. When I touched down in Jeddah at age 23, I was ready to grab the bull by the horns! I was excited about the opportunities I saw in the market and was hungry to make the best of it. My first project at such a young age is still one of my most important ones because it set the stage for what I’ve done since. So, in short, I remember the young excitement, the hungry ambition, and most importantly, the look on my first client’s face when I laid out my plans for their house on a 14-seater dining table and recognized that the designs exceeded their expectation!
Paris has always been home, but I also lived in New York and Istanbul, which is by far my favorite city! After that, I traveled a lot but was based in Jeddah and Dubai. I have always been drawn to cities that have soul, character and an element of chaotic order. Cities make their character through their architecture and their people. The reason I chose Dubai as my checkpoint right now is its great energy, its being a hub of so many global people and its cosmopolitan appeal. I tend to grasp the energy of different cities and I am drawn to the stories they tell.
As a boutique scale firm, my vision for Concept Me was to handle projects in a very holistic manner that takes the project from A to Z. Whatever we do is always focused on creating a unique personality for any space. Creativity is at the core of what we do, being able to bring life and soul to high-end residential projects. However, we also have a mission to be ‘client-centric’. My aim is to have clients that trust us blindly, tell us what they want, and then get peace of mind until we hand over the project they had seen in their mind’s eye. We’ve made this possible at Concept Me with our multi-disciplinary team and their international talent.
Essentially, I am juggling a bit too many roles at the moment, which is maybe natural in a boutique scale company environment. However, I am working on this, gradually! Primarily, however, one of the key elements of my role is client management. I take it upon me to understand my client’s mindstate, to reassure them, to direct their vision and to inform them of the rationale behind our design choices and how we can bring their space to life in the best way possible. The second key element is to be the final decision maker on all design choices.
As part of a multi-disciplnary team, one that is driven by creative input, it can become challenging to keep all the creative choices from different people consistent, so that’s where I come in so we can have a final, polished, cohesive space instead of a pastiche. And finally, one of the hats I wear is the business development hat, whereby I keep signing deals while heading the design department!
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #578 Lori Morris: When Working with the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes!
AWDB #639 Mina Duque: Starting an Interior Design Firm in a Foreign Melting Pot
AWDB #823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan
WTFP 255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy
WTFP 253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with Sharon Lipovsky, owner of Point Road Studios. Sharon aims to banish the world of limiting mindsets. Sharon has helped many interior designers attain their vision, including taking an aspiring interior designer from idea to seven figure business. Point Road Studios supports human development as a required step to growing both our influence and our bottom lines.
Pick It Apart:
[6:42] Sharon shares an example of her own experience making the mistake of working only towards the outcomes.
[17:32] Sharon explains her process of coaching clients on how to obtain their “best thinking.
[26:40] Sharon describes the “vision funnel” to get to your end goal.
[30:47] LuAnn and Sharon discuss the importance of listening to your inner voice.
[50:18] The importance of having a diversity of perspectives within your team.
[55:05] How Sharon works with interior designers.
LuAnn Nigara and Sharon Lipovsky's Ah-Ha Moments
“When we lead with vision we can look to the future to get inspired and also look to the past to recognize how your story may be both holding you back and propelling you towards your vision.” - Sharon Lipovsky
“To be able to take action we have to have our ‘best thinking’ of what our vision will look like. Use your vision, including the feelings you get from it, to make the right decisions to keep you on the right track.” - Sharon Lipovsky
“There has to be space for you to recognize when your intuition has gathered the correct data, but also honor and recognize how and when to act upon it.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Sharon LipovskyDriven by her personal mission to banish the world of limiting mindsets, Sharon believes that there is nothing stopping you. She leverages her champion listening superpower with clients to spark awareness, shift perspectives and energize the growth process. Her work is informed by her background as a sales and marketing executive, change agent and business owner.
Sharon partners with clients ranging from tech-savvy startups and founder-led enterprises to globally-recognized brands and corporate powerhouses. What unites the leaders and teams she supports is that they are reinventing the way we do business. Point Road clients celebrate that focusing on human development is a necessary step to growing both our impact and our bottom lines. Together we really can do more than the sum of our individual parts.
You can connect with Sharon every Wednesday on the Design Yourself podcast where she shares tips and inspiration for how to lead a well-designed life. As part of designing her own self, Sharon relocated in 2018 from her native Washington, DC to the Catskills of NY. You can read about her adventures in reimagining home in Dwell and the New York Times. When not stewarding the visions of her clients, you might find Sharon sowing seeds in the garden with her children, delighting in the creative cuisine of her husband or cold plunging with girlfriends.
Design Yourself Podcast: Apple Podcasts
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You've Defined Your Brand...Now What? - LuAnn Nigara
Book Your Vision Reading - For the next 4 weeks, you can use code “luann” for additional $100 savings!
Early Adopters of Remote Work, They Moved Upstate Before Covid - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Today I am joined by Brittany Farinas, owner of House of One. House of One is a multifaceted Miami-based interior design firm, specializing in curated luxury residential and commercial projects.
Brittany has taken leaps in her business right from the beginning, some leaps most designers are nervous to make. Working her tail off with two waitressing jobs and real estate, Brittany was able to invest in her business early on and achieve legitimacy and an increase in ROI ten-fold.
Pick It Apart:
[:55] Brittany explains why curating the business side is as important as curating the designs.
[11:34] LuAnn explains why she thinks design professionals shy away from investing in their business in the beginning.
[16:38] Brittany shares what she experienced regarding external support for her investment decisions, both positive and negative.
[21:08] Brittany shares her five-year plan, which includes staging.
[30:44] Brittany explains House of One.
[34:51] Shares her “come to Jesus” moments.
LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Farinas's Ah-Ha Moments
“Being good at owning a business is just as important as being good at the designing,” - Brittany Farinas
“We can all eventually reach success, but the differentiator is believing in ourselves and that we can do it as soon as possible,” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Brittany Farinas
House of One is a multifaceted Miami based interior design firm, specializing in curated luxury residential and commercial projects. By prioritizing creativity and an exceptional client experience, CEO and Creative Director Brittany Farinas is known for guaranteeing that every client experiences The Art of Living With Style.
With their promise to deliver a distinct style of seamless luxury living, HO1 creates fluid interiors through elaborate spatial planning and FF&E selection. Making it their mission to design spaces that tell a story and exceed the expectations of their clients through high quality 3D visualization, HO1 strives to create stunning, experiential properties while encouraging their clients to become creative collaborators.
At House of One, no design is ever the same. Brittany and her team are able to showcase this through custom furniture design, which is what the firm is most known for. Having designed some of the most notable interiors in South Florida and with works featured in AD Pro, Domino, Vogue Living, Wall Street Journal and Haute Residence to name a few, House of One has carved and solidified their place as one of the fastest growing and most influential firms in the interior design sphere.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB: #55: Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching
506: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: A Design Partnership
AWDB #544: Power Talk Friday: Natalie Norcross: 5 Things To Do To Get PR
AWDB #741: Leia Ward: Getting Started with Luxury Staging
AWDB: #849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by trained sex and relationship coach turned personal brand photographer Raj Banyopadhyay, of Series A Photography. We are discussing what personal branding means to him, how similar his process is to yours as an interior designer, and how he helps his clients uncover and embody their stories with powerful photos that help them connect with their audience.
Pick It Apart:
[8:06] Raj explains his mission as a photographer.
[11:06] Raj and LuAnn discuss the nuances of branding and having a personal brand, and how it relates to interior design.
[25:28] Raj and LuAnn discuss the importance of creating the moodboard for the photography session and why she got stumped with this step.
[34:57] LuAnn explains why the tiger is her spirit animal.
[42:46] Raj walks through what is going on behind the scenes during his photo shoots, how being a sex and relationship coach informs his photography, and the importance of attunement.
[52:57] LuAnn and Raj discuss shame and how it effects both personal and professional relationships.
[1:01:01] Raj his thoughts on influence and inclusivity in the historical context of photography and how that still impacts our thoughts today.
LuAnn Nigara and Raj Banyopadhyay's Ah-Ha Moments
“My goal as a photographer is, of course, to get beautiful pictures. But more importantly, is for you to feel safe in expressing yourself fully on camera…I love seeing the transformation that comes out in front of the camera and the transformation that they take out into the world of seeing themselves better, loving themselves better.” - Raj Bandyopadhyay
“I see personal brand, as the relationship that you've created with your audience.” - Raj Bandyopadhyay
“It's a difference between capturing a beautiful photograph of you, and actually capturing you. And it's a difference between creating a beautiful room that could be anywhere or creating a room that's for that specific client.” - LuAnn Nigara
“The stuff that comes up for us in front of the camera is exactly the stuff that comes up for us in the bedroom.” - Raj Bandyopadhyay
More About Raj Banyopadhyay
In 2016, Raj was a Data Scientist at a hot Silicon Valley startup; with a comfortable 6-figure salary, status that came from success in a sexy field, and only a mild sense of mid-life dissatisfaction.
Then his partner, his then-wife of 8 years, came out as transgender.
Seeing his partner find joy in his true self forced Raj to ask the question, “What do I need to change in my life to feel true to myself?”
That journey led him to training as a sex and relationship coach, pursuing his creative passion, and eventually, finding a fulfilling life as an artist and photographer in NYC.
Today, as a personal branding photographer, he helps coaches, speakers and entrepreneurs convey their full, multifaceted, vibrant stories on camera.
He's passionate about helping people feel safe to express themselves fully as human beings and to build a deep, genuine, lasting connection with their audience.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #26: Kae Whitaker- Branding Your Business- Finally I Understand It!
AWDB #125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
AWDB #516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand
AWDB #563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography
AWDB #752: Power Talk Friday: Kelsey Kurtis: Connection-Based Branding For Success
AWDB #759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
Today, on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Jennifer Ma of Dwell & Oak Interior Design Studio. Before she became an interior designer, Jennifer was a competitive swimmer, a chef, and a nursing student. She also worked in luxury beauty marketing and owned a kickboxing franchise.
Jennifer put her heart and soul into each venture, and took away valuable experiences that have helped her business thrive. She believes that with determination, you can pivot your career toward the lifestyle you've always envisioned. Listen now to hear her inspiring story.
Pick It Apart:
[1:46] Jennifer talks about her winding path from competitive swimming to culinary school and nursing school, along with the lessons each venture brought her.
[8:21] As Jennifer discusses what she makes time for in her business during downtime, LuAnn asks if she allows time for self-care.
[15:35] Jennifer shares an emotional story of learning resilience.
[21:39] Jennifer explains how the Good Guy Clause helped when she closed her fitness business.
[27:03] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss going viral on Instagram, and Jennifer shares her best advice for getting more engagement.
[42:04] Jennifer recounts how she learned the importance of client experience from her kickboxing business.
LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Ma's Ah-Ha Moments
“If I really, really don’t feel it in my heart and in my gut, that it’s okay to quit something after you’ve tried and put everything into it.” – Jennifer Ma
“What you put out there is what you're going to receive back.” – Jennifer Ma
“The fact that you can pull a very tangible life lesson out of each is, I think, the only way we get through things like this. It's the only way we get up in the morning and are willing to face the next possibly difficult thing that we have no idea that’s coming at us.” – LuAnn Nigara
“You have to show up for yourself, and you can do it. There is no straight path to your fulfilling career.” – Jennifer Ma
“The difference between success by intention and success by accident or success eluding us is that review—that consistent, constant review…each time you’re going through a phase of life.” – LuAnn Nigara
More About Jennifer Ma
After moving into a brand new build home in San Diego, Jennifer started an Instagram account to document her love for customizing and decorating her home. Jennifer's goal was simple: Create a space that was inspired, beautiful, & that her family loved to be in.
As Jennifer's online readership grew, so did her requests for interior design projects. Soon, she was being asked to design spaces--and entire homes--by online fans & followers from across the country. With that, Dwell & Oak was born; a full-scale design company grounded in Jen's firm belief that a home must be both beautiful and comfortable.
In the years prior to launching her design company, Jennifer had already built and owned a thriving kickboxing franchise business from the ground up after being 12 years in luxury beauty marketing in NYC. Her success came from her commitment to excellence and appreciation for the client experience. This same talent, attention to detail, and entrepreneurial "can do" attitude has all helped her interior design business grow.
Today, Jennifer remains committed to creating beautiful spaces that celebrate family, foster togetherness & connection, and are designed for everyday living.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
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AWDB #677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why
AWDB #455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
Today With Fernando Duque, Kelly O’Neil and Camia Brown:
Today on A Well-Designed Business we are back with another Duke Renders-sponsored show. We are hearing from two more interior designers who absolutely love working with Duke Renders; Kelly O’Neil, founder of Kelly O’Neil Design and Camia Brown, founder of Camia Brown Interiors. As soon as Kelly and Camia started using Duke Renders in their projects, they never looked back. They now use them for all of their projects. They are sharing all of the benefits 3D renderings have for their businesses and why they recommend d Duke Renders to everyone.
Pick It Apart
[3:54] Camia and Kelly share why they use renderings for all of their projects.
[11:01] Camia explains how having a rendering facilitates the process.
[16:56] Fernando shares how he has even used renderings for his own visuals.
[25:10] Camia shares a specific instance where a client was not budging on a design preference and how the rendering convinced him it didn’t look right.
[26:05] Kelly and Camia share the process of working with Duke Renders.
[34:12] Last thoughts and benefits to using Duke Renders in your design projects.
LuAnn Nigara, Fernando Duque, Kelly O’Neil and Camia Brown's Ah-Ha Moments
“Using Duke Renders for your design projects uplevels your business. It’s the next phase in technology,” - LuAnn Nigara
“When you have these high-quality renders from Duke Renders, there is this instantaneous trust because the clients can see that you saw their vision and customized it to them.” - Kelly O’Neil
“We listen to feedback from designers to make our process as structured as possible so they always know what to expect throughout their process,” Fernando Duque
More About Fernando Duque
Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies.
I co founded Duke Renders with my brother Enrique in March 2020 in the middle of COVID 19, since then it has been a skyrocket growth with more than 100 team members today and no outside investment.
We are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico.
We specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging.
We serve busy Interior Designers with 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings of their Creative Designs.
We make You and Your Clients feel Proud, Confident and Empowered at Every Single Step of the Design Process.
I live in Tulum with my wife Mina, our newborn daughter Penelope and our doggy Lulu.
Fun Facts:
1. I love going to the beach at 5am and do it every day!
2. Traveled the world backpacking for 2.5 years
3. Loves cooking Moroccan Food for his Moroccan Wife
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Duke Renders.
Other Shows Mentioned:
Other Shows Mentioned:
Today on A Well Designed Business, I am so happy to have our roundtable discussion with four amazing #smartladys. Leadership consultants Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan, and award-winning designers Traci Connell and Anastasia Harrison.
Both Traci and Anastasia worked with Eileen and Jennifer to improve and solidify their hiring process and it resulted in clear and successful results. They are here to share their hiring experiences, how they worked together, and offer actionable tips that you do not want to miss.
Pick It Apart:
[11:44] Anastasia explains her situation with knowing she has the wrong team members and what she did about it.
[15:15] Eileen walks us through what to do after learning the roles we need to fill and realizing the people in them don’t belong in those roles.
[19:37] Traci shares her experience with hiring designers and when she decided to reach out to Eileen and Jennifer for help.
[26:44] Jennifer shares her experience working with Traci and the pain points she had to face with the previous use of recruitment companies.
[34:54] Anastasia shares actionable steps for those having issues with hiring and team management.
[44:18] Jennifer talks about determining the accurate fit for the role you are hiring.
[47:48] Eileen provides some tools for the hiring process.
LuAnn Nigara and Anastasia Harrison, Traci Connell, Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan's Ah-Ha Moments
“Eileen let me know that I had to take hold of and understand the positions I needed to fill before hiring the people to fill them. At that point, I had people in seats, but they weren’t necessarily sitting in the right ones,” - Anastasia Harrison
“Everybody wants to be happy in a job that they are good at. Employers want their employees to be happy in a job that they are good at, but many times they are in the wrong place,” - Eileen Hahn
“You’re not just interviewing the candidate, they are interviewing you,” - Anastasia Harrison
“It is an honor to be able to hire someone to contribute to your business,” - Jennifer Tokatyan.
More About Anastasia Harrison, Traci Connell, Eileen Hahn and Jennifer Tokatyan
Anastasia Harrison:
Anastasia Harrison is a rarity in the design world – she is a trained architect and an award-winning designer. Her enthusiasm for both can be seen from concept to installation, and this energy fills each of her projects. As Owner and Principal Architect at AHD&Co, Anastasia leads a creative team best known for unconventional thinking and expertise, thus providing effortless designs.
She started her career working on large infrastructure projects in the NYC metro area and worked at the original World Trade Center for nearly a decade. She then moved to Europe to do design work for brands such as Donna Karen, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, and Prada. Once back in the US, her career focused on luxury residential and hospitality design, as Director of Sustainability in NYC for Gensler. Anastasia became a leader in sustainable design and offered a new standard for mindful living with speaking engagements across the nation.
In 2012, Anastasia shifted her career highlights and began working with high-profile clients on major architectural endeavors, designing legacy properties through her firm, AHD&Co. Her body of work now encompasses historic preservations, large-scale estate renovations, and new construction forever homes. Many of her clients return to her firm to seek her expertise when they secure an additional private residence or vacation home, building life-long relationships.
Anastasia lives in New Jersey with her husband and two Puggles and has three young adult daughters. One of her daughters has a rare connective tissue disorder, which led her to establish a charity for children in medical crisis, the New Jersey chapter of Savvy Giving By Design. Anastasia believes there is a greater purpose to what she does in her career. Time and again, she has found that architecture and design can do more than just create beautiful spaces – beautiful design can bring great joy and great respite into the home.
Traci Connell:
Since founding her eponymous firm, award-winning designer Traci Connell is an expert in delivering tailored interiors that are as luxurious as they are livable. With her keen eye for design, space planning and art, Connell brings understated glamour and elegance to a vast range of high-end residential interiors, commercial projects, vacation homes and custom site-specific requests. Her inspiration is attained from her explorations of the world of design, travel, art, nature and culture.
With a renewed appreciation for transforming homes into an ease of escape, Connell breaks through predictability with art curation, cutting edge technologies and custom artisan talents, weaving in special, unexpected elements into every design project. As one of the most trusted design firms in Dallas, she delivers an expertly perfected, streamlined system of service that simplifies and organizes the design process. Her impeccable eye for space planning and design, combined with the team’s in-depth knowledge of project management, proves invaluable for clients ranging from busy young families to empty nesters and those seeking vacation homes.
Connell’s philanthropic work within the Dallas design community includes the Dwell with Dignity “Thrift Studio” fundraiser, a design project aimed to raise money to combat homelessness in the city of Dallas and surrounding areas. She is currently serving on the ASID Texas Community Board.
Traci Connell Interiors has proudly been named a Kips Bay Decorator Show House Designer of 2021, D Home Best Designer in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and has been included on the Luxe Interiors + Design Gold List in 2018, 2020 and 2021. The firm’s work has been recognized in national and regional media publications including Luxe Interiors + Design, Wall Street Journal, Traditional Home, Modern Luxury Interiors, D Home and AD Pro among many more.
Eileen Hahn:
Eileen Hahn is a leadership consultant who works with firms like Anheuser-Busch, Ericson Worldwide, General Motors, Legoland, San Diego Padres, and interior design firms, as well as smaller entrepreneurial firms. She teaches leaders in these organizations how to hire and lead exceptional employees who bring fire and energy to their work, achieve high levels of performance, and generate financial results. Eileen’s work has improved productivity, profitability, and employee work passion. It has also brought the employees joy, peace, purpose, and prosperity.
Jennifer Tokatyan:
Jennifer Tokatyan is a leadership consultant and a consulting partner with Eileen B Hahn. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in small and large organizations across mul5ple industries in public, private and nonprofit sectors. She has worked with and for Fortune 500 companies as well as fast-paced entrepreneurial start-ups and Founder-led companies including interior design, hospitality, real estate, apparel, retail, manufacturing, non-profit and more.
Jennifer provides leadership, talent optimization, organizational development, strategic HR consulting and coaching to organizations seeking to grow their people and business, deliver on their brand promise, create the culture and environment where its people flourish and achieve exceptional results. She has several ac5ve interior design clients across the United States and was on the expert panel at LuAnn Nigara’s Power Talk Friday at High Point Market in October, 2022
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
#363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
#525: Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success
#554: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit
#589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million
#851: Power Talk Friday: Alexis Varbero: Making Connections that Matter
#909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss
The Job You Were Born For: 7 Steps to Align Your Work with Your Life Mission - Eileen Hahn
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with Jessica Lackey of Jessica Lackey Consulting. Her extensive experience in consulting and Fortune 500 operations leadership helps her guide businesses to grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, teams, and community. Listen in to learn what reaching the next level means to you and how to get there.
Pick It Apart:
[4:07] Jessica defines the starting point with her clients when they express that they want to reach “the next level."
[11:16] The first thing to remove yourself from when you want to scale.
[18:55] What to do once you have determined your goal.
[23:02] Strategies to determine the first “bottleneck” if you’re trying to scale on your own with no help from a consultant like Jessica.
[26:39] Jessica offers advice for when your clients are repeatedly clueless about what your pricing is and expect much less.
[36:06] Understanding what “leveling up” means to you.
LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Lackey's Ah-Ha Moments
“If you reach the next level where you have to rainmake to support that pipeline, are you designing anymore? If not, are you OK with that? People don’t expect the fact that their roles may completely shift,” - LuAnn Nigara.
“When you think about scaling your business, you need to think about how far you want to remove yourself from the business. So, the first step is to remove yourself from the backend stuff that isn’t your zone of genius,” - Jessica Lackey.
More About Jessica Lackey
Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who is on a mission to radically disrupt mainstream business culture in an effort to create sustainable businesses with a human-centric approach. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line…at all costs.
Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB #349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA
AWDB #827: Power Talk Friday: Bart Anestin: A Marketing Framework For Interior Designers
AWDB #873: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Design a Better Bottom Line With The Designer CPA
AWDB #909: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Normalizing Wealth With The Gloss
Today With LuAnn Nigara:
Today on A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn announces the return of the Power Talk Friday Tour! She makes some other announcements regarding LuAnn Live, and mentiones some of the dates for the PTF Tour: Dallas on Apr 5, 2024, NJ on Jun 7, 2024, Las Vegas on Aug 2, 2024 and finally, High Point on Oct 25, 2024.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Ericka Saurit, Jessica Duce, and Jane Dagmi, the masterminds behind the Vacation Rental Design Summit, happening this spring at High Point Market. According to my guests today, Vacation Rental Design is much more than beautiful spaces—it’s a scroll-stopping, memory-making, profit-building business model. And they want to teach you all about it.
We’re discussing what Vacation Rental Design is (and isn’t), what kind of designer it’s best suited for, along with the content and what to expect at this year’s summit, because the more educated and better prepared you are as a designer in this niche, the more value you’ll bring to vacation rental owners and property managers, who will want to use your services again and again.
Pick It Apart
[2:25] Jessica defines what Vacation Rental Design is (and isn’t).
[7:17] Ericka, Jessica, and Jane all share how serendipitous it has been finding one another and creating together.
[11:29] LuAnn asks what type of designer Vacation Rental Design suits best.
[15:10] Ericka speaks to some of the topics they cover and educate on at the Vacation Rental Design Summit, including marketing and branding.
[20:28] The guests explain what the upcoming Vacation Rental Design Summit is and the topics covered there.
[31:30] Jane covers the structure and schedule of the upcoming summit at High Point’s Spring Market.
[33:16] Jessica explains how this category of design has different needs from brands and vendors versus standard designers.
LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit's Ah-Ha Moments
“Vacation rental design is not staging, it's not residential design, it is unique…It has a lot of layers. But it also has, in my opinion, some of the greatest rewards for a designer for creativity.” – Jessica Duce
“Any one person can be inspired to “take an action” at any moment in time. But it's the taking of the action that is the key, right? Not just hearing and feeling the inspiration—you've got to move. And you have to move through fear often.” – LuAnn Nigara
“The more educated and the more prepared [vacation rental designers] are, the better of value they can sell, the more they can sell design as a sales tool [for the vacation rental owner].” – Ericka Saurit
“Designers are real arbiters of taste. They curate lifestyles for their clients. They can curate vacations. Their expertise goes beyond picking the furniture…[to] create more income that way. They are really curating that person's entire experience. That's a big responsibility and one to really accept and embrace if you're up for it.” – Jane Dagmi
More About Ericka Saurit
In 2020, after a 20 year global career in interior design and marketing, Ericka Saurit founded Saurit Creative with a mission to support and elevate brands across the entire home industry. Ericka believes that the more clients and customers who understand the value of working with a designer, the better world we’ll create for everyone.
Ericka began her career as an interior designer, working with ESI (now NBBJ) in New York and Ralph Appelbaum Associates in Beijing for numerous cultural and hospitality clients throughout Asia, the United States, and Europe, and transitioned to a career in marketing for home brands in 2012.
As a global brand marketing leader, she has overseen digital product development and brand strategy at Airbnb in San Francisco, created immersive physical and virtual brand experiences for Tag Heuer, Estee Lauder, and Procter & Gamble in addition to working with top home and lifestyle brands around the world.
Ericka is an inspiring and motivating public speaker—frequently invited to lead industry discussions on marketing, brand strategy, and storytelling at conferences in the US and abroad. A southerner at heart and traveler by trade, she maintains residence in both North Carolina and the south of France.
Download your free brand audit
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. My guest today, Morgan Molitor, was introduced to me by Brad Leavitt, a friend of the show and Power Talk Friday expert. Morgan and Brad, along with Nick Shiffer, founded the Contractor Coalition Summit, a conference for the construction industry.
Morgan is also the co-founder of construction2style, a full-service design-build firm, alongside her husband Jamie. And, as if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Morgan also runs a media company for designers and construction firms, and a separate nonprofit, along with creating online education workshops. Oh, and did I mention she has three young kids?
If that sounds essentially impossible to you, you aren’t alone. Today, Morgan breaks down how she manages to keep everything running smoothly and all the lessons she has learned along the way.
Pick It Apart
[1:04] Morgan breaks down all of the facets of her businesses and how they came to be.
[9:35] Morgan and LuAnn discuss the visionary vs. the implementer and how Morgan turns her ideas into reality.
[16:20] Morgan shares her processes and the way she prioritizes tasks.
[24:18] Morgan and LuAnn talk about work-life balance and maintaining connection when your spouse is your co-worker.
[33:56] Morgan talks about the Contractor Coalition Summit and what attendees can expect.
LuAnn Nigara and Morgan Molitor's Ah-Ha Moments
“You have to take one thing at a time and be present in the moment. Okay, I'm in business mode. I'm in mom mode. And you know, being a business owner and entrepreneur, clients can rock you, family can rock you. All these things that we deal with every day in our personal lives can rock you.” -Morgan
“You can have the ideas, you can see the vision, you can see where it's gonna go. But we need the person who says step one is this step two, is this step three is this. The visionary dreamer will be impacting the steps all along the way. But it's tough to get it done without the people who are getting it done.” -LuAnn
More About Morgan Molitor
Morgan is the other half and co-founder of construction2style, alongside her husband Jamie. Wife, mom of 3, content creator, marketing strategist, stylist and designer.
For over 10 years, they've been tearing houses apart and creating new dream spaces not only for their clients but for themselves. Starting c2s from the ground up as a DIY blog and have since evolved into a full- service design + build and small media company. They document it all from the construction side, to how to build a website, developing multiple streams of revenue, to how to build your brand while ensuring profitability, marketing courses, in person workshops, and more.
They also run a nonprofit called resilience2reform, giving those a voice who have reformed their lives and deserve a second chance. As well as is a partner in Contractor Coalition Summit, a four day in person national workshop geared towards Contractors for those looking to elevate their brand.
MN based but nationwide, Morgan graduated from college in Long Beach, CA with a fashion merchandising and marketing degree, she has now taken that creativity and knowledge to use within their multiple businesses, clients homes and websites.
Morgan oversees all content creation, manages the brand partnerships, is the writing guru, and overall creative director. She also heads up their online education courses and in- person marketing conferences. You can always find an infectious smile on Morgan’s face and hear her contagious laugh. She’s a forward thinker, risk taker, and nothing makes her happier than when she gets to play a small part in making people's dreams and lives thrive.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
#542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process
#560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book
#580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders
#615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process
#649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective
If you've ever contemplated hiring a PR representative, this episode is a must-listen! On this Power Talk Friday we’re joined by a friend of mine, Courtney Pisarik. If you have ever used a PR or had contact with one, then Courtney’s name might ring a bell, as she co-founded Ink PR Group following her successful starting career in the world of celebrity and entertainment PR, where she worked with A-list Hollywood talents and organizations. Her ability to help individuals and brands reach major milestones is deeply rooted in her industry relationships and ability to positively influence any situation.
Today she’ll be joining me to talk about what are those things you need to consider if you’re looking to hire a PR rep, starting with the most important question, the “why” of it.
LuAnn Nigara and Courtney Pisarik's Ah-Ha Moments
“You should not worry about the competition, you should appreciate the expertise.” - Courtney Pisarik
More About Courtney Pisarik
Courtney Pisarik co-founded Ink PR Group following her successful starting career in the world of celebrity and entertainment PR, where she worked with A-list Hollywood talents and organizations. Today, she’s taken her red carpet experience to the world of design, where she continuously helps launch some of the industry’s biggest stars including Bobby Berk, costar of Netflix’s Queer Eye, and Breegan Jane, HGTV host.
Courtney’s ability to help individuals and brands reach major milestones is deeply rooted in her industry relationships and ability to positively influence any situation. She approaches each client with a combination of enthusiasm, curiosity, and intelligence that results in award-winning and influential campaigns. At the end of the day, her hands-on approach and ability to craft powerful brand narratives is what ultimately drives these superior results.
Her expertise lies within a diverse group of services including media relations, brand development, and the ability to foster meaningful connections. With a focus on interior designers, architects, and brands in the home and lifestyle space, Ink PR Group’s reach is expansive and ever-evolving.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB 563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography
AWDB 97: Linda Holt- From Professional Photographer to Interior Designer and Accomplished Blogger
AWDB 343: Power Talk Friday: Raquel Langworthy: Partnering with Your Interiors Photographer
AWDB 51: Power Talk Friday with David D. Livingston-Professional Interior Photographer
The Designer Within - John McClain’s book
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Susan Lizan-Immerman, founder and CEO of MDesign Home Decor, 25+ year veteran businesswoman, and all-around #smartlady.
Susan started her business journey in the garment industry when it was very much a man’s world—but she didn’t let that stop her. Through valuable relationships and connections, as well as a real CEO mindset, that we should all aspire to, Susan grew multiple thriving businesses and created a longstanding career.
I am so excited to share with you my guest today, Susan Lizan-Immerman. Susan is a true seasoned veteran businesswoman.
Today, she’s sharing how she did it, and how you can cultivate that CEO mindset and create a successful interior design business.
Pick It Apart
[5:16] Susan shares her journey and how she learned that connections and networking are everything.
[11:42] LuAnn and Susan discuss the importance of joining organizations and building communities, no matter what level.
[15:35] Susan talks about the importance of mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee.
[19:52] Susan breaks down her latest venture, MDesign, and how it can benefit interior designers.
[36:10] Susan talks about what it takes to be an effective CEO.
LuAnn Nigara and Susan Lizan-Immerman's Ah-Ha Moments
“It took telling myself, how do I feel comfortable being uncomfortable? As soon as I start feeling uncomfortable, I have to submerge myself in that in order to feel comfortable.” -Susan
“You have to be prepared to get lucky. You're constantly preparing, you're doing all of the right things. You're making all of the best decisions you can each moment that you can, and then all of a sudden, something happens.” -LuAnn
More About Susan Lizan-Immerman
Conceiving, developing and executing the strategies and initiatives that drive revenue, growth, competitive market positioning, profits and shareholder value is what I do best. Throughout my career in senior executive and entrepreneurial roles with leaders in the apparel and home industry, I've earned a track record of success in achieving exceptional rather than expected results.
I'm recognized as one who possesses the experience, capabilities and judgment for taking a business to its next level of success or resolving the deficiencies that impede its ability to grow.
My management style can be described as "hands on" and decisive yet flexible. I value and reward creative thinking, initiative, teamwork, commitment and performance.
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
#831 Nate Berkus: The Importance of Creating An Exceptional Client Experience
Today With LuAnn Nigara:
Join me on the last show of 2023 to do a quick recap of the best episodes we had this year! From inspiring events like LuAnn Live 2023 to the launch of our docuseries, "The Making of A Well-Designed Business," it has been a journey of growth and connection. 2023 brought valuable lessons, including the importance of self-care. Stay tuned as we recap the top 10 most listened episodes of the year!
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
AWDB
840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life
842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity
847: Flashback Friday: Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success
844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success
843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers
849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design
846: Kellie Burke: If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Risking
845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating
TIE
179. Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Navigating Conflicting Messages About Money
181: Sandra Funk: A Million Dollar Mindset for Setting Boundaries and Standing in Your Space
177: Katie McDonald: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Self-Care
180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness
182: Amber de la Garza: The Power of Prioritization: Reimagining Productivity and Embracing Balance
183: Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You
178: Eileen Hahn: Unlocking Your Joy: Strategies for Personal and Professional Fulfillment
WTFP
161: Lynn Eastergard: Qualify Your Clients By Charging Consultation and Retainer Fees
167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You
134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter
122: Jill Ballew: Her System for Chasing Post Installation Issues
137: Richard Bernath: Networking for a More Profitable Window Treatment Business
169: Lori Ann Jones: Broke to Stoked! Building a Profitable Window Treatment Business, the Lean Way
164: Julie Wood: Let Passion and Enthusiasm Be Your Guide
The “3 Fives” Routine: 15- Minutes A Day To Uplevel Your Whole Life by Joshua Smith
Profit Insiders Academy with Nancy Ganzekaufer