Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today is Ali Stein, owner of Grabler Brand. This is the first time you have heard from Ali on the show, but not the first time you have heard about her on the show. Back when I had Regan Baker on, if you remember, she raved about Ali. Over seven years Ali helped grow the Regan Baker Design team from 5 to 20 employees and she helped increase their revenue by 1200%. Ali was the Director of Operations and she oversaw HR, Performance Management, Finance, Business Development, Marketing, Project Management, and more.
Ali now has her own business, Grabler Brand, where she advises creatives as a business strategigist and operations advisor.
This smart lady is joining me on the show to give tips to designers on how they can land their next clients.
Pick It Apart:
[7:55] Ali starts the conversation by explaining how to get your next client.
[8:35] Tip number one to gaining new clients.
[15:45] Why Ali thinks it’s important to cultivate authentic relationships and how to do that.
[24:20] Pushing yourself a little to make relationships, even if you are an introvert.
[36:19] Ali advises to put yourself out there and ask for help.
LuAnn Nigara and Ali Stein's Ah-Ha Moments
“It is important to give clients that next level experience and not to rush through the process.” - Ali Stein
“When you can establish a working relationship with someone, that can be a strong engine in developing future business.” Ali Stein
“If you are an introvert, there is a way you can be in a room with 25 or 250 people and connect with two or three of them in a meaningful way.” LuAnn Nigara
More About Ali Stein
Ali Grabler Stein brings nearly 20 years of experience to Grabler Brand, a business strategy and operations advisory for the design and build industry.
Early in her career Ali worked at Google and then as one of the first 50 employees at Facebook (now Meta). There she helped grow the community from 6 million to over 1 billion users during her 10 year tenure. She played various roles in User Operations, Product and Partner Management, and had the opportunity to lead both small and large teams. Ali then went in-house at Regan Baker Design, a full-service interior design and styling firm, to serve as the Director of Operations where she oversaw Human Resources, Performance Management, Finance, Business Development, Marketing, Project Management and more. She helped grow the team from five to nearly 20 employees and grew revenue significantly. At Grabler Brand her goal is to be a sounding board, ally and guide as creatives navigate their business growth and subsequent twists and turns.
As someone who has managed both small and large teams, Ali has a strong sense for the inner workings of a successful business. From her industry knowledge to her experience with internal processes and marketing, Ali helps business owners and teams work towards becoming the businesses they want to be.
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 #392: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner
AWDB #683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design
AWDB #838: Regan Baker: Building A Team That Supports Your Core Values
AWDB ·798: Brook Perdigon: Turning a Creative Passion Into a Thriving Business
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I have a two-for-one as I am joined by best friends and business partners Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, co-owners of Pure Salt Interiors. If you have ever been interested in partnering with another brand, this episode is for you. I couldn’t wait to have Aly and Leigh on today to pick this apart because I know that a lot of designers are interested in forming partnerships, but have no idea how to find them, how to start them, who to start them with, all of the things. Today, Aly and Leigh answer these questions and more.
Pick It Apart:
[:55] Aly and Leigh share their backgrounds and how long they’ve known each other.
[11:33] Leigh explains why they seek partnerships on a grand scale in their business.
[17:35] Explain how they form their partnerships from the initial connection.
[21:33] Share their first opportunity to partner with Mo Money.
[32:27] Things that Aly and Leigh learned that they didn’t realize from collaborating with a partner.
[41:23] How Pure Salt partnered up with Leftbank.
[52:23] Leigh and Aly share their “why” for forming so many partnerships.
[54:20] What is the process in terms of crafting a contract with your new partner?
[58:00] What should you have ready to bring to the table before approaching a brand for a partnership?
LuAnn Nigara, Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln's Ah-Ha Moments
“It is one thing when it comes to creating a product people love, but there is a slew of different things to consider for them to sell well.” - Aly Morford.
“It is important to lean into your partner's knowledge, opinions, and expertise as well.” - Leigh Lincoln.
More About Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln
Founded in 2016 by best friends and business partners, Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, Pure Salt creates inspired spaces, products, and experiences that encourage people to live deeply in each moment through clean, functional, family-friendly design through its design studio, Newport Beach retail store, and eponymous Pure Salt Shoppe.
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
Cheryl Luckett about Wildwood Collection - “A Well-Designed Business” A Documentary Series
Check out Kravet Inc. and use our code AWDB10 for 10% on any order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper, or trim
AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #160: Kelli Ellis – Live and Learn by the Rock Star Principles
AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development
AWDB #573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something
AWDB #882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability
Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Overheard episode, I’m joined by Charles Pavarini III, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola. We rarely talk about design itself on the podcast—we’re much more focused on the business sode of things. But the conversation about creativity has popped up several times over the years in discussions I have had with many of you.
I have often wondered, is creativity something you just have or you don’t? And if you do have it, how do you know, and how do you channel it into your work?
What is it that makes some spaces just truly, unquestionably impressive? And is there a formula, a process, or a system for developing that? Or is it just innate? Today, I turn to the experts to answer these questions.
Pick It Apart:
[5:57] Charles, Leyden, and Maria share their viewpoints on where creativity comes from and how to harness it.
[18:55] We discuss the teaching side of creativity and how to draw it out of students.
[30:18] We unpack how to find the balance between your own creativity and the client’s needs and budget.
[42:32] Charles, Leyden, and Maria share their advice for upcoming designers who want to develop their creative skills.
LuAnn Nigara, Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola's Ah-Ha Moments
“I think that the designer has something that the layperson does not have…and when you can unclutter your head with specifics—that’s when inspiration comes.” -Charles
“We teach students to open and receive the creativity that’s already stirring inside them, but they just don’t know how to release it. We also take that and help them understand how to put it into the actual design of a room.” -Maria
“I think for artists, shame is a major component—you have to get beyond it and allow yourself to express yourself. I think the most creative people are the bravest people I know.” -Leyden
More About Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola
Leyden Lewis:
Leyden Lewis’ received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from Parsons School of Design, The New School. He has continued to teach at the Parsons School of Design at The New School, as well as the New York School of Interior Design throughout his career.
Leyden’s design aesthetic is at once rooted in a rich classical Modernism coupled with ancient traditions and methodologies. He operates from a deep interest in art and the history of design to tell a new and modern stories.
Leyden Lewis Design Studio has created and curated poetic and culturally sensitive spaces for over thirty years. Our practice engages with the cultures of the past and present, and allows for a fluid integration between art, architecture, and design.
As a fine artist, Leyden has exhibited at the Studio Museum in Harlem and at NYU’s 80WSE.
Leyden is a Founding Member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG).
Charles Pavarini:
Pavarini’s years of experience, former career in theater, and extraordinary creativity have made him a trend-setting Interior Designer. Recognized for Residential and Commercial Architectural Interior Design, his work is consistently highlighted with intricate lighting design elements and brilliant technological innovation. His design sensibility incorporates an International Style based in Classicism and a theatrical component in less-than typical ways. Lighting is a focus within his work and he currently serves on the board of directors of the Designers Lighting Forum of New York. His book Lighting Beyond Edison: Brilliant Residential Lighting Techniques in the Age of LED’s was recently published by Schiffer Publications. A Recipient of 34 Design awards including an Interior Design B.O.Y Award, a LUMEN Award, and IFDA’s Circle of Excellence Award, confirms his influence and leadership within the Interior Design Profession.
Maria Viola:
Maria adds a unique perspective that stems from her expertise with color, custom designs and knowledge of design history. Developing long-lasting relationships has enabled her to take clients through multiple projects.
Maria received her Master's degree in Interior Architecture and Design from Drexel University. She has taught extensively at the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design at Drexel University, remaining grounded in academia but alive to new trends.
Her work has ranged from custom furniture designs to office spaces to the renovation of entire residences. As part of Philadelphia's new guard of interior designers, she has the ability to combine modern and traditional - balancing scale and proportion - always with a twist that raises it above the ordinary. With humor, knowledge, and the ability to uncover a client's own sense of style, she partners with clients to affect change in their lives.
Maria is active in the American Society of Interior Designers, PA East Chapter and is Past President of its Board of Directors. She is the past recipient of two Chapter Awards; the Educator Award and the Presidential Citation and an IDA Philadelphia award for custom design of gates for a client’s home. Maria also sits on the board of Bartram’s Garden, Philadelphia and co-chairs its annual Twilight In The Garden Fundraising event.
Charles’ Book: Lighting beyond Edison: Brilliant Residential Lighting Techniques in the Age of LEDs
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 for 2024
AWDB #587: Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest
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