Today With Joshua Smith:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Joshua Smith, of Joshua Smith Inc. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day.
Join us for a great conversation about the power of meditation, the importance of being connected to your passion, and his amazing working philosophy!
LuAnn Nigara and Joshua Smith's Ah-Ha Moments
“It's the responsibility of the industry to educate the consumer” - LuAnn Nigara
“We’re wanting to do what we can to make sure that we’re leaving the world as best we can for our kids” - Joshua Smith
“You know what? I realize now that as an interior designer, you’re responsible for everything but you have control over nothing” - Joshua Smith
“It's not just how you want to space to look, it’s how you want your space to feel” - Joshua Smith
More About Joshua Smith:
Joshua graduated from the New York School of Interior Design and started his career in 2012. After Joshua graduated, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm that specialized in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. In 2013, Joshua Smith, Inc. was created and earned national recognition as featured in New York Times, Huffington Post, and Rizzoli’s 2019 book, “On Style”.
With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc, offers full-service residential interior design – and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day.
Connect with Joshua Smith
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today, I’m joined by my friend Nancy Ganzekaufer. Nancy is here to talk about her new program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind which is packed full of value. But also, Nancy is here to share how certain events in her life forced her to slow down and how she shares her lessons with others on the importance of a work-life balance.
Pick It Apart
[3:58] Nancy tells us what interior designers can expect from her Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program.
[13:00] LuAnn breaks down the process of joining Profit Insiders.
[21:02] Nancy shares her past continued health scare and how she turned it into a positive.
[43:24] The lesson of building a supportive and competent team.
LuAnn Nigara and Nancy Ganzekaufer's Ah-Ha Moments
“Slow and steady is going to win the race. The small tweaks you make in your business can have huge outcomes.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer
“You don’t want your business to be your entire life, you want your business to support your life” - Nancy Ganzekaufer
“Your inner being knows when it’s time to slow down and the universe will comply.” - LuAnn Nigara
“We do all put pressure on ourselves and we need to ask the question, “who can help?” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Nancy Ganzekaufer:
Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business Coach, Speaker, Body Language Trainer, and Author, named one of the Top 16 Coaches in New York in 2022! Nancy specializes in coaching interior design professionals in marketing strategies, sales, and systems, teaching them to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence.
In addition to her own book Respond with Confidence: A Business Owner’s Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations, Nancy is an author in LuAnn Nigara’s book, The Making of A Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action. Nancy has also been a 4-time guest on LuAnn’s podcast, A Well-Designed Business® and one of LuAnn’s past Power Talk Friday experts.
Nancy is the founding President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Virtual Chapter, Executive IDS Board Member-at-Large, and was the first recipient of the IDS Outstanding Leadership Award for her 12 years of active participation in national leadership and her local chapter in Long Island, New York.
Nancy specializes in coaching Interior Design industry professionals how to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence. Through her proven techniques, Nancy has empowered thousands to know (and charge!) their worth, succeed in sales without feeling sales-y, and position themselves in their market with authenticity and authority.
When Nancy is not coaching her clients, hosting a webinar, speaking at a conference, or engaging with her audience in one of her many social media platforms, she is spending quality time with her family, listening to music, hiking, playing pickleball with her friends, and traveling as much as she can.
Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer
Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program
Confident Interior Designer Membership Site
The KEY™: The Designer's Ultimate Pricing Tool
Interior Design Contract Templates
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#15: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich
#37: Lesley Myrick: Strategies I Used to Build My Business
#60: Power Talk Friday: Krista Coupar: Managing Work-Life Balance (The Key Questions to Ask Yourself)
#159: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: How to Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer
#256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients
#389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Designer Profit Formula
#584: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again
#766: Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement
#783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Today’s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.
Today With Jean Stoffer:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by the one and only Jean Stoffer. Jean is an award-winning independent designer, star of The Established Home on the Magnolia Network, and author of the newly released book Establishing Home. In our conversation, Jean offers a glimpse into her journey, showing us the joys of intertwining work and family, the benefits of an unhurried attitude, and the blessings each season of life has to offer.
Pick It Apart
[6:01] Jean discusses “being in the trenches” as she built her business from the ground up, learning cabinetry design, kitchen design, and troubleshooting at her own pace.
[10:10] LuAnn and Jean agree that cultural messages often pressure young designers to rush toward success, but both believe that isn’t always the right path. Jean discusses embracing the season you are in.
[16:50] Jean walks through the current family dynamic and everyone’s role in the Stoffer Home business.
[27:30] LuAnn and Jean talk about the importance of processes as you grow your business.
[48:00] Jean discusses working with the Magnolia Network and putting her work on television.
LuAnn Nigara and Jean Stoffer's Ah-Ha Moments
“Our value system and reputation are just so bedrock for me and our family.” - Jean Stoffer.
“I really believe there are seasons for things, and it’s great to embrace those and accept them.” - Jean Stoffer.
“I think as a society, we are putting pressure on moms to think that you can have it all. And you actually can, but not all in the same season is my belief.” - LuAnn Nigara.
“It's very important that the quality and all of the things connected with [your brand] remain as close as to your original vision and way of doing it.” - LuAnn Nigara.
More About Jean Stoffer:
Jean Stoffer is an award-winning Grand Rapids-based independent interior designer specializing in kitchen and bath designs. Each of her designs is custom suited for her clients' lives and how they hope to use their home. Jean is also the founder of Stoffer Home, a retail store featuring beautiful and functional items for the home, and Stoffer Home Cabinetry, the source for Jean's own line of quality, British-inspired flush inset cabinets. In December 2021, the Magnolia Network began airing The Established Home, a TV series featuring Jean and her design work.
Connect with Jean Stoffer
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#625: Coco & Jack: Flexibility and Balance Between Interior Design and Family
#563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography
Today With Candice Olson:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Candice Olson's episode that originally aired as episode 74!
On today’s show, Candice talks about her journey and how she became successful!
More About Candice Olson:
With over 25 years experience as an Interior Designer, Candice Olson has imparted her distinctively timeless yet on-trend aesthetic on countless residential and commercial projects.
With the goal of showcasing the beauty, business and behind-the-scenes world of Interior Design and renovation, Candice launched her first hit TV show – Divine Design – on HGTV. After 8 seasons of number one ratings, Candice followed up with her second show – Candice Tells All – that delved deeper into Candice’s unique design inspiration and process. It also became a number one hit leading the NY Times to herald her as “the one to watch”!
With her shows broadcast in over 75 countries around the world, millions have come to know and love Candice’s signature style and trademark sense of humour. She is considered to be a pre-eminent design authority and has authored a series of six best-selling interior design books.
As Candice’s popularity grew so did the demand for her signature “Candice Olson Look”. This led to the creation of a broad collection of successful home fashion collections that reflect Candice’s distinctive, design style – an approach that is at once classic yet contemporary, sophisticated while accessible. The products embody Candice’s attitude of everyday elegance and are immensely popular amongst Interior designers and consumers alike.
Connect with Candice Olson
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#74: Candice Olson – How To Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years
Today With Regan Baker:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Regan Baker, of Regan Baker Design. Have you ever had that client where you thought, “we could be friends!” How about that client where you noticed and were impressed with their work ethic? Why not employ them? That’s what Regan did and with three employees that were once clients of hers, she admits she wouldn’t be where she is today without them.
Join us for a great conversation about strong leadership and building a team from places you don’t usually expect.
Pick It Apart
[4:39] Regan’s first experience turning a client into an employee.
[15:18] Regan’s experience of when her long term goals have changed as time goes on.
[24:34] The milestones were that developed the ROI in Regan’s business.
[29:01] How Regan got another client of hers, Lindsay, on board as an employee.
[34:19] How Regan realistically pays people like Allie and Lindsay.
LuAnn Nigara and Regan Baker's Ah-Ha Moments
“I’m a firm believe that you risk things for people who you think are going to help transform your business.” - Regan Baker
“If you don’t have those people to help guide you, then you can’t focus on the things you want to do.” - Regan Baker
“The people you invest in, even if you don’t have a role for them, you know that they can jump in and make it work.” - Regan Baker
“An effective director of operations doesn’t have to come from a design background. Business is business.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Regan Baker:
Regan Baker leads Regan Baker Design with 20 years of experience in Interior Architecture and Design. She firmly believes that design should be comfortable, modern, and personal, and strives to bring these aspects to every project she works on. After spending the first 7 years of her career at high-end hospitality and commercial firms, she began to understand her unique style and skillset were applicable on a more intimate scale in residential design. As a fashion-forward and design-savvy mom, she knows that personal style and lifestyle function are equally important features in a home, and believes in creating spaces that are an extension of who you are as an individual or family.
When not designing, you can find Regan outdoors either running or watching her sporty kids, and hanging with family and friends. After becoming a mother of twins over twelve years ago, her life has taken on a new priority: to inspire her children to do what they love and go after a passion in life. Regan laughs often, becomes friends with all her clients, and has a goal in life to be a nice person.
Connect with Regan Baker
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#150: Power Talk Friday: Krista Coupar is Back! 5 Steps to Make 2017 Successful!
#363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Design Team
#622: Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director
#823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan
Today With Nicole Gibbons:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Nicole Gibbons’ episode that originally aired as episode 411!
On today’s show, Nicole talks about how she created her career by design, how TV really doesn’t pay as much as you would expect, the way that Nicole helps people with their color choice, and so much more!
More About Nicole Gibbons:
Nicole Gibbons is an interior designer, tastemaker, blogger and on-air personality best known for her fashion-forward point of view on style for the home. As a highly sought after expert, Nicole has been featured in top media outlets such as HGTV, TLC, The Rachael Ray Show, InStyle, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, Good Housekeeping, Apartment Therapy, Lonny, People Magazine, Domino, Elle Decor and more. She can also be seen helping deserving families re-imagine their living spaces as a designer on the Emmy Award-winning TV show Home Made Simple airing Saturday mornings on OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Nicole has also collaborated on special projects with top home and lifestyle brands including American Express, Lowe’s Home Improvement, GODIVA, Target & Pier 1 Imports. Originally from Michigan, Nicole earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and lives in Harlem, a historic neighborhood in upper Manhattan. With a lifelong passion for design coupled with a fun, unpretentious approach to decorating and a strong media presence, this designer-to-watch is quickly earning a reputation as the voice of decorating for a new generation of passionate home enthusiasts.
Connect with Nicole Gibbons
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#411: Nicole Gibbons: Interior Designer, TV Personality, Founder and CEO of Clare
#406: Ashley Grigg, Lisa Mende and Jeanne Chung
#407: Century Furniture with Carrier & Co
#408: Visual Comfort with Lauren Rottet
Other Resources Mentioned:
Today With Susie Novak:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am speaking with Susie Novak, owner of Susie Novak Interiors on a variety of topics. One being what it’s like being a part of a mastermind group. Spoiler alert: it’s fantastic to be a part of a mastermind. And hey, why not start your own? Susie has a good size design team too, so we also talk team tips, sustainability and networking.
Pick It Apart
[1:50] Susie shares with us how she formed her mastermind group.
[11:20] How accountability plays a role in her mastermind.
[25:10] LuAnn and Susie discuss the importance of having diversity within a group.
[35:03] Susie shares tips on how to manage a big team.
[39:20] Tips on how to drum up more business.
[46:27] What sustainability means for Susie in her business.
LuAnn Nigara and Susie Novak's Ah-Ha Moments
“I think you find balance in unique ways.” - Susie Novak
“If you can put a room together, but also explain the global perspective of using higher quality pieces that are built to last and can be reupholstered, that's a win win for clients, our Earth and our profitability.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Susie Novak:
Susie’s aesthetic is a combination of California Modern with a British flair. Known for her love of clean neutrals, bold pops of color and modern sculptural forms, Susie’s work has been nationally and internationally recognized in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Modern Luxury Silicon Valley, WSJ and more.
Skilled at creating beautiful residential designs under a variety of budgets, styles, timeframes, and requirements, Susie guides her clients through every phase of the design process. Originally trained as an artist, Susie transitioned into the Interior Design world in 2016 after receiving her certification from the Interior Design and Architecture program at UC Berkeley. She calls Oakland, California home where she lives in a 1920’s Tudor remodel with her husband and two daughters. California is an abundant source of inspiration for a life in design and Susie is continually pulling ideas from her travels including many in her home state.
Connect with Susie Novak
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#296: Ruthie Staalsen: Find Your Mojo & Your Designer Bestie at an Industry Conference
#553: What Would Lu Do?: When Clients Don’t Understand the Value Of Full Service Design
#722: What Would Lu Do?: Feeling Undervalued and Taken Advantage Of
#784: Kelly Fridline: An Alternative Path- From Architecture to Coaching in Interior Design
Today With Michelle Nussbaumer:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Michelle Nussbaumer’s episode that originally aired as episode 124!
On today’s show, Michelle talks about her career, her opinions on the business, and her globetrotting lifestyle. Enjoy!
More About Michelle Nussbaumer:
Michelle is an interior designer, textile and furniture designer, an author and owns a beautiful shop: Ceylon et Cie located in the Dallas design district. Michelle’s journey includes a husband and four children and it starts in west Texas. She goes from New York, Rome, Los Angeles and all the way back to Texas. Her book for Rizzoli, Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home was released and it includes thirty years of interior design as well as her travels.
Connect with Michelle Nussbaumer
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#124: Michelle Nussbaumer- Owner & Lead Designer of Ceylon et Cie
Today With Paul Mencel:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today on the show we have Paul Mencel, a former rock star and the craftsman/entrepreneur behind the gorgeous handmade furnishings at Philadelphia Table Company. What started as a side job between his music tours has grown into a seven-figure business, and Paul is here to tell us how important it is to hire wisely, pay attention to the business end of operations, and price your goods and services appropriately in order to remain profitable.
Paul believes in asking for help when you need it, learning from your mistakes, and the power of mindset. He says that everything he knows about business he learned by being a rockstar, so this is a really fun conversation.
Pick It Apart
[4:28] Paul talks about being a working musician and starting his woodworking business to support himself in between tours and gigs, explaining how the business has grown to a team of six with Paul admitting he is now the least talented member of the team.
[9:10] Paul talks about learning and growing the business through trial and error, and how skills he learned during his career as a rock star transferred into his current business
[15:00] LuAnn explains about learning from mistakes instead of processing them as failures, prompting Paul to tell the story of his $100K “business school lesson”
[19:30] Paul and LuAnn discuss sustainable pricing, being willing to accept “no”, and knowing your value and worth
[29:35] Paul explains the abundance theory, relating his mindset shifts around the uniqueness and luxury of his products, his responsibility to his employees, and how these are both important parts of his pricing structure
[38:20] LuAnn shares her own perspective on the importance of operating within sustainable profit margins
LuAnn Nigara and Paul Mencel's Ah-Ha Moments
“We're trying to build something that's bigger than ourselves. And in order to do that, we need to hire people that are bigger than ourselves. So I give my team a ton of credit.” – Paul Mencel
“You kind of have to stay humble and admit what you don't know. And really just kind of ask for help when you need it.” – Paul Mencel
“That's how I was brought up too. Anytime I like made a mistake, or something, my dad would be like, well, that's a $500 lesson on how to not pop your tire…this is a $5,000 lesson in, you know, not to use this type of wood again.” - Paul Mencel
“The through line, the result [of getting more “no’s” than you are used to] is that the yes’s are your ideal client and they have a better appreciation, and they probably are much more enjoyable to work with.” – LuAnn Nigara
More About Paul Mencel:
Paul is a creator and a doer with a passion for teaching. He hopes to inspire and teach others how they too, are and can, be creators and doers.
Since a young age, he had always worked for myself in some capacity. Driven by the desire to control when and how he makes money, Paul was dedicated to building side hustles while working for various bosses. The first time he realized he could control the way he makes money was at the age of 14 as resident lawn mower in his neighborhood. He began to understand that the more effort and work he put in, the more money he could earn.
Managing his own hours and income allowed Paul the time to pursue his passion for music and play in a rock band, “Bel Heir”. While the band’s main focus was original music and touring, it also doubled as a cover band on Friday and Saturday nights. The band is what really got me excited about business creation in the long term. He was excited by the idea of growing a business in the creative industry, by figuring out how to book the next gig, get on that playlist, and tour with bands they had admired from afar. The drive for himself and his bandmates eventually led to a record deal with RCA records and a Publishing deal with Pulse Recordings. Although Paul did not realize it at the time, the rock band he pursued as a creative outlet was actually a thriving business, and their product was music and live performance.
While signed to RCA, the excitement of building the band as a business-led Paul to a career in music artist management, and he started one of my current businesses: LookUp Ent. With LookUp Ent. Paul earned several platinum plaques and landed a top10 radio hit, with the song “Roses” by The Chainsmokers (written and performed by his client and sister ROZES.)
In between touring and recording with his band he started another small side hustle: custom built furniture. At the time, Paul was building items just for mine and his wife’s apartment, as they could not afford the expensive items they wished to fill their first home. The furniture company, Philadelphia Table Company, grew quickly through word of mouth. Paul started building furniture for his friends, then his friends of friends and eventually to complete strangers. He started in his dad’s garage and within four years the company expanded to a 3,000 square foot warehouse with four full-time employees that they are quickly outgrowing. The company now grosses over a 3/4 of a million dollars a year and has become Paul’s main source of income.
Connect with Paul Mencel
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#814: Michelle Lynn: What Constitutes Billable Hours in an Interior Design Business
#672: Flash Back Friday: Tiffannie White, The Nappy Bohemian: Your “Only” and Lessons From a New Interior Designer
#337: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Set and Get Higher Fees
#696: Lisa Princic: Uncovering the Value Proposition in Your Interior Design Business
Today With Mikel Welch:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Mikel Welch’s episode that originally aired as episode 297!
On today's show, Mikel shares his really remarkable and encouraging success story. Listen in to hear about a turning point with Steve Harvey and other ways that doors keep on opening for Mikel.
More About Mikel Welch:
As a young boy growing up in Southfield, Michigan, Mikel Welch busied himself with the construction of sofas and dining tables using toy Legos for imaginary houses. It was evident to his family that an innate sense of creativity and a passion for design were embedded in Mikel from birth.
Today Welch runs a New York based interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs, and works as a host and design expert on Quibi's Murder House Flip. On camera, Mikel shows viewers tips and tricks for renovating homes, designing sophisticated spaces and creating luxury looks at affordable prices. Mikel is a former on-air personality of TLC’s Trading Spaces, and his designs have been featured on HGTV, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta and Good Morning America.
In January 2020, House Beautiful named Mikel as one of the 2020 NEXT WAVE designers. His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, People, The New York Times and several other shelter magazines. Mikel has also had the honor of designing lavish VIP green rooms for prominent personalities, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Faith Hill, Steve Harvey, Harry Connick Jr., Joan Rivers and Halle Berry.
Connect with Mikel Welch
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
Today With Christie Fleming:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Christie Fleming, principal of Lennon Nora Interior Design.
If you would have told me that there were any similarities between Occupational Therapy and interior design, I would have thought you were telling a joke. But for Christie, her experience as an OT led to her perfect niche, the one that let her leave her old career and strike out as the go-to designer for Aging in Place design.
Pick It Apart
[1:56] Christie shares how she went from occupational therapist to interior design.
[6:52] LuAnn and Christie discuss the value in working for another firm at the beginning of your career.
[14:03] Christie talks about how she stumbled onto her goldmine niche.
[17:45] Christie discusses Aging in Place Design and what it entails.
[35:58] Christie shares how she markets such a specific niche.
LuAnn Nigara and Christie Fleming's Ah-Ha Moments
“I’m a huge proponent of working for another firm. Some of the most successful designers I have interviewed stayed with other firms for 5 or 6 years. There’s a difference there when you work for another firm, even for just one year. You’re seeing more than you would have on your own.” -LuAnn
“I didn’t know how much OT and interior design truly overlap until I really got into the business aspect of it. I just knew that my area was so saturated and I wanted to figure out how to make myself stand out from other designers.” -Christie
“I get this question all the time. People will say, ‘I don’t know how to figure otu what my Fred Berns only or my transferable skill or my pot of gold.’ One of the big things is just to get quiet with yourself and to just really keep insisting on going through a mental inventory of all the things that make you you.” -LuAnn
More About Christie Fleming:
Christie Fleming is the Owner and Principal Designer of Lennon Nora Interior Design based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lennon Nora Interior Design is a full-service residential interior design firm with a focus on primary residences and vacation homes serving Philadelphia, PA, the Jersey Shore and all surrounding areas. Christie is a valued Allied Member of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Designer Society of America and is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist through the National Association of Home Builders. She has a unique healthcare background where she practiced as an Occupational Therapist for many years and has now created a successful interior design business where her clinical expertise has created a new avenue for potential design projects.
Connect with Christie Fleming
How to get your CAPS designation
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
#174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
#06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
Today With Nate Berkus:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday episode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Nate Berkus’ episode that originally aired as episode 433!
In today’s show, Nate describes how his love of organic, rich, earth-tones is incorporated in the color palette he designed for this collection. Nate’s travels have been the inspiration for this collection. Each of his exclusive fabrics possesses a global point of view and the fabric collection, as a whole, represents his distinctly individual perspective, which blends history, architecture, and artwork from all around the world. Listen in to find out about Nate’s approach to his business, his perspective on color and design, and how he came to work with Oprah.
More About Nate Berkus:
Since designer Nate Berkus established his award-winning interior design firm at the age of 24, his approachable and elevated philosophy has transformed countless homes around the world through his design work, home collections, books, television shows, and media appearances. Ever since Berkus’ first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2002, he has become one of the world’s most recognizable interior designers. His work has been featured in publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, VOGUE, InStyle, O Magazine and People. He is included on the ELLE DÉCOR “A-List” of the world’s top designers and was named to the AD100 list in 2018.
Connect with Nate Berkus
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
Today With Anne Gillyard:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Anne Gillyard, co-owner of grOH! Playrooms, a luxury educational design firm. Anne had humongous growth in her business after doing some self-reflection and making an investment in her business. After listening to A Well Designed Business, she learned about Rachael Bozsik and Darla Powell and decided to work with them. She shares what she has learned and how much her business has grown in just one year of making moves.
Pick It Apart
[18:04] The time Anne had her business before meeting Rachael.
[28:50] Anne’s journey working with Darla and Wingnut Social.
[40:10] Anne explains her role of reflection and how it plays a role in her success.
[43:55] Anne talks about what factors of an autopsy of a project that she reviews in order to achieve her goals.
LuAnn Nigara and Anne Gillyard's Ah-Ha Moments
“What Rachael helped me do was identify the messaging that resonates with my clients.” - Anne Gillyard
“When I identify the next thing that’s going to help me help my team and my brand grow, I seek an expert.” - Anne Gillyard
“Plan where you want to go. In order to know where you want to go, you have to figure out where you have been and what has and has not worked.” -LuAnn Nigara
More About Anne Gillyard:
Before becoming an innovative playroom designer, Anne earned a master’s degree in early childhood development and curriculum. She spent a decade teaching and training other educational professionals across the country, focusing on STEM learning, problem-based learning, Montessori-style classroom environments, social emotional skills, and 21st century learning. She also developed a national curriculum for play-based learning that continues to be taught in 45 states. During this time, she identified a disconnect between how children play at home and the critical thinking skills needed for success in school and as members of society. She saw the answer was in transforming the home play environment. Fueled by her passion for play and learning, Anne co-founded grOH! Playrooms in 2018.
Connect with Anne Gillyard
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#203: Darla Powell: How to Launch an Interior Design Firm
#301: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening
#630: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game
#651: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design
#759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
Today with Terri Taylor:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy.
Terri Taylor is back to keep inspiring every single one of us! Today we talk about how did the Interior Design Business Academy start, and tells us about the IDBA Coaching & Education programs!
More About Terri Taylor:
Terri Taylor is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at design conferences and showrooms throughout the country. She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including: business practices, sales, marketing, motivation, leadership, success and personal growth.
Ms. Taylor is nationally known as an interior design business expert and coach who teaches and mentors interior designers to help them create successful design businesses.
Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified for her NCIDQ certification in 1991. Terri is a professional member of ASID, IDS and NCIDQ.
Her Tucson-based design studio, Taylor Design Group, was a diversified design practice working in the areas of high-end residential design and remodeling, model home merchandising, hospitality and medical and professional offices. Her studio has been the recipient of ASID Arizona South Chapter Design Excellence Awards every year since 1986 and she received the ASID National Design Excellence Award in 2000. Terri’s design work has been published in regional and national design journals, including ASID ICON and Wall St. Journal. Terri retired from her studio practice in 2015.
Connect with Terri Taylor
Interior Design Business Podcast with Terri Taylor
Other Shows Mentioned:
#763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth
#602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Today's show is sponsored by Terri Taylor and The Interior Design Business Academy. Check out all the details on https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/
Today With Claire Ownby:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Claire Ownby of Ownby Design, makes running a large, successful firm look easy. But it only appears that way because she has worked so hard to create flawless systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly. She’s sharing how she does it, and how she stays true to herself in her business in the process.
Pick It Apart
[1:07] Claire shares how she has worked to perfect her systems.
[7:05] Claire gives insight into how she manages to produce high-quality work for so many projects within time and budget constraints.
[15:11] Claire and LuAnn discuss having tough conversations with team members.
[25:08] Claire breaks down the success of her firm.
[33:02] Claire discusses what’s next on the horizon.
LuAnn Nigara and Claire Ownby's Ah-Ha Moments
“Making sure that your team’s culture embodies appreciation of everybody else’s work is important, and that’s not something that just happens. It has to be talked about in every team meeting. It has to be demonstrated, not just by myself, but by my senior team members as well.” -Claire
“That’s the thing—when we have hard conversations, regardless of how hard it is, if we’ve done it with respect and care and all the things, even if in the moment there isn’t agreement, when it actually is the right thing to do, eventually there’s acknowledgement that comes back.” -LuAnn
More About Claire Ownby:
Ownby Design is an industry leading luxury interior design firm located in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Our mission is to always deliver a flawless product that is a true reflection of the client’s vision. We strive to transform everyday living spaces into one-of-a-kind indulgences, with a unique fusion of minimalism and lavishness. Our commitment to detail and budget-saving efficiency makes us one of the most sought after firms in the Valley.
Our team has been recognized with numerous industry and community awards for residential designs. We continually deliver beautiful and functional spaces that go beyond our client’s needs and expectations.
Connect with Claire Ownby
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching
#766 Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement
#658: Genevieve Trousdale: Genevieve Trousdale: Running Your Interior Design Business On Your Own Terms
#580 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders
#560 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book
#542 Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process
#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
Today With Bart Anestin:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Bart Anestin, owner and Creative Strategist of Creative Partner, a Toronto based studio and host of The More Life Podcast.
Marketing can be challenging with all of the other “hats” we have to wear as interior designers. Bart is here to help us with stress free strategies for design agencies, big and small, that will allow you to focus on your clients projects and not struggle with balancing working for your business while working ON your business.
Pick It Apart
[5:01] Bart shares the similarities that different designers/brands share across the board that he helps them with.
[14:00] Bart explains how clarity in your goals and vision helps your marketing.
[21:40] Bart explains how a digital roadmap can help when we get flustered on what and how many platforms we should be doing.
[29:40] How being clear on what you offer leads to confidence.
[39:33] Bart talks about his podcast The More Life.
LuAnn Nigara and Bart Anestin's Ah-Ha Moments
“Most businesses, big or small, don’t have a solid marketing strategy.” - Bart Anestin
“One of the values of our company is that we don’t talk about clients, we talk about people because we are helping someone. If we refer to them just as an “invoice” then it isn’t a genuine interaction. Look at it from how your business can help their business.” - Bart Anestin
“When you're confident in your messaging and your process, that's when you can implement a lot of different things because your marketing assets are there supporting everything else.” - Bart Anestin
“The branding and marketing world has been democratized because of social media.” - Bart Anestin
More About Bart Anestin:
Bart Anestin is the owner and Creative Strategist of Creative Partner, a Toronto based studio and host of The More Life Podcast. He’s passionate about helping brands tell their story in today’s connected world. Form, function, and awesome clients are the perfect recipe for design, brand alignment, and strategic digital marketing. Bart’s creative approach finds solutions that are mindful, intentional and beautifully crafted. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him at home chasing after his two kids and rewatching episodes of Seinfeld for the umpteenth time. #serenitynow
Connect with Bart Anestin
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#174: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours.
#746: Power Talk Friday: Daniela Furtado: How to Get SEO Traffic to Your Portfolio
Today With Tanya Smith-Shiflett:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchen & Bath Designs. Tanya has grown her design firm exponentially over five years, expanding to multiple showrooms, engaging in luxury collaborations, and working with high-end designers. Find out how she built her business and what’s next on the horizon for her.
Pick It Apart
[1:45] Tanya shares the story of how she transitioned from medical sales to kitchen and bath design
[7:12] Tanya discusses her expansion and her showrooms
[18:10] Tanya breaks down how she forged high-end collaborations with well-known luxury designers
[34:00] Tanya and LuAnn discuss Tanya’s collaboration process
[39:53] Tanya shares her “best practices” for working with other designers
LuAnn Nigara and Tanya Smith-Shiflett's Ah-Ha Moments
“The biggest thing about your pace is that you have to do you, just like in everything else. There’s a big movement in self-care, and I’m all for it. But at 60 years old, you’re not going to tell me I don’t know me.” -LuAnn
“That’s the thing with people that go for what they want. There’s a whole aspect of having courage and confidence and faith in yourself. But it has to be because you know you can actually deliver.” -LuAnn
More About Tanya Smith-Shiflett:
Tanya has always believed that the kitchen is, in fact, the heart of the home. She has always been passionate about balancing function and beauty in the rooms we use most. While working full-time in medical sales, she began helping her husband’s building company part-time with kitchen layouts. Her innate ability to create beautiful and functional kitchens promoted her to become a NKBA certified kitchen designer and founder of Unique Kitchens & Baths. Since 2005, Tanya has been in the kitchen design community, expanding her skills and honing her expertise. Today, she works closely with her in-house team of designers at UKB to create timeless spaces.
Connect with Tanya Smith-Shiflett
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#455 Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
#270 Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle
#236 Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!!
#758 Sallie Lord: Collaboration over Competition in the Interior Design Community
Today’s Show is Sponsored by the “The Design Paradigm”:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored show, I’m joined by Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. Cheryl has been coaching other designers to success since 2017. Now, she’s launching a program called The Design Paradigm to give business owners everywhere a strong, solid framework for a thriving business. Today, she’s sharing how to lay the foundation for your business to grow, succeed, and thrive.
Pick It Apart
[2:38] Cheryl discusses the places she sees most designers struggling today.
[13:20] Cheryl and LuAnn discuss why having an established process matters so much.
[16:58] Cheryl talks about the importance of weaving marketing into every phase of your business.
[20:22] Cheryl shares how defining your product opens the doors for your business.
[36:22] Cheryl breaks down the details of the Design Paradigm and how it can help your business.
LuAnn Nigara and Cheryl Clendenon's Ah-Ha Moments
“I think that sometimes in the excitement of these new programs or new approaches, we forget that we need to sell the creative vision and not the independent parts and pieces that make up the creative vision.” -Cheryl
“There’s a crisis in confidence in how to charge and how to determine fees—that’s a direct result of not understanding your product and the benefits you bring to the project.” -LuAnn
More About Cheryl Clendenon:
Cheryl is casual and funny about many things but serious about business and marketing.
22 years of full-time, non-stop running a successful business -with a team for 21 of those 22 years. Prior to that, she was the sales and marketing manager for 2 Gannett-owned radio stations where she learned at the feet of some of the best sales trainers in the country.
She was promoted to be the youngest manager in the company at the time and the youngest to be awarded salesperson of the year.
She will tell you sales, marketing, and running a small business are as much of a passion for her as design.
A well-known writer in the industry for several years and honored to be the 2021 Person of the Year from KBB Magazine. Her firm employs 9 people, has a retail boutique showroom, e-commerce, Candle Studio, and has been coaching since 2017.
Her approach is from a creative stance always- and is unapologetic about often saying what others think.
Her ideas and insights in running a business and then-- promoting it-- work for those who commit to leading, want to put the work in, are not afraid to go against conventions, and are passionate about growth in some way or another.
Liz brings a different dynamic to the party by being the VP of Everything at the firm and an accomplished designer in her own right. She and Cheryl are the yin and yang of the company.
Connect with Cheryl Clendenon
Other Shows Mentioned:
Today With Kaitlyn Wolfe:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we have on Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder, general contractor, and principal designer at Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based design-build firm that Kaitlyn has grown from the ground up.
Kaitlyn gives us a peek behind the curtain, speaking to what the past few years have been like for her business—one that started as a solo side hustle and has quickly grown to an award-winning firm with more than 15 employees. She shares how she strategized on the fly, but also how she has thoughtfully grown her team with intention and implemented organizational systems along the way.
Pick It Apart
[4:30] Kaitlyn shares how she fell in love with construction by working with interior designers, architects, and general contractors, all of which gave her well-rounded knowledge of the industry.
[12:51] Kaitlyn admits that things could have backfired but remained confident in herself.
[25:20] Kaitlyn shares how diversity within the team adds to each project.
[31:30] Kaitlyn explains what she has learned from growing her team.
[38:05] Kaitlyn discusses what open communication with her team looks like.
LuAnn Nigara and Kaitlyn Wolfe's Ah-Ha Moments
“…having more of the construction knowledge is super important. I think it helps you collaborate with builders more. I think it just helps you be a better designer.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe
“The reason we're changing so fast, or changing things all the time is because we're growing.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe
“I feel like I work for my team…Where can they grow? How can I provide opportunities for them? What are their goals and how can I help them get there within this company?” – Kaitlyn Wolfe
More About Kaitlyn Wolfe:
From an early age, I knew interior design was something that I absolutely loved and resonated with. In addition, my father was an electrical engineer so I was always helping with any home improvement project I could get my hands on. I was born in a small town outside of Dallas, Texas where I lived until I was 8 years old. My family picked up and moved us to London, England, where I lived until I was 11. Looking back, I think having exposure to European architecture at such a young age and traveling all over Europe, really shaped me. When we left London, we moved to a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I ended up staying in Pennsylvania until I decided to move to Arizona to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. I gained experience working for an interior designer and an architect, as well as a general contractor. I felt that my skills were really well-rounded and it was time to create something of my own. In 2016, I started Iconic Design+Build (although I started as KaityMac Interiors and re-branded in 2018). I worked on my own for the first few years and gained an assistant in 2019. I now have a team of 16 of us and I've really focused on cultivating the best team, the best work culture, and attracting the clients that we really feel aligned with. I pursued interior design and construction because I often noticed there was a lack of communication between the design and the build-on projects I had worked on. Getting my contractor's license allows us to execute the construction for our clients looking for a remodel or TI buildout and it allows us to communicate better with builders and architects that we partner with for custom home designs. We are a full-service luxury interior design firm as well as a general contractor, with projects ranging from residential to commercial. We design everything from residential remodels and new construction custom homes to boutique retail and hospitality spaces. We specialize in mixing styles such as Scandinavian, vintage, brutalist, industrial, minimalist, and mid-century modern spaces, all with an organic desert feeling. I want to inspire others to follow their passion and to design with intention. I pursued interior design when all odds were against me, but I knew that this was my purpose in life. When it comes to intention, I want people to see there was a reason for every single design detail and element we include in a space. We always focused on functionality for our client's, at the same time pushing them out of their comfort zones creatively. In my free time, I absolutely love vintage shopping, traveling, and visiting National Parks!
Connect with Kaitlyn Wolfe
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet
#363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
#589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling From 2 Million to 5 Million
Other Resources Mentioned:
Today With Fernando Duque:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s episode is sponsored by Duke Renders. They are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico, and specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging.
Fernando Duque is here today to talk about how they have built Duke Renders in 2 years to over 100 employees and more than 500 interior design accounts. Make sure to grab your pen and paper!
LuAnn Nigara and Fernando Duque's Ah-Ha Moments
"We were very clear that we needed to get in place a good management team in order to get where we wanted to go." - Fernando Duque.
"I think it was Tony Robbins who said that books are 10 or more years of an author's life compressed for 9.10 bucks." - Fernando Duque.
"I've mentioned Tony Robbins before, I'm a big Tony fan, and I love when he says that the secret of living is giving, I really like that phrase." - Fernando Duque.
"We are on a mission, we have a very clear mission of making this industry a better industry." - Fernando Duque.
More About Fernando Duque:
Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies.
I cofounded 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:
Connect with Fernando Duque
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
Other Resources Mentioned:
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Thank you to Duke Renders for sponsoring this show!
Today With Layton Campbell:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors on the show. Layton wasn’t always an owner of a successful design firm. He originally started out on Broadway in NYC and performed on cruise ships as a dancer and singer. He always had a passion for stage sets and the interiors of places which grew his desire to do interior design, an interest he already had. Ultimately, he moved back to his native Charlotte, NC and launched his own firm. While scary as it was, there were a lot of lessons Layton learned along the way, and shares with us today.
Pick It Apart
[7:30] Layton and LuAnn discuss how having prior experience in a career, like working for another design firm, will give you transferable skills.
[10:25] Layton goes into best practices of when he worked for another firm.
[22:40] How Layton approached going out onto his own.
[27:00] Layton talks about his How to Guide For Starting a Design Business From the Ground Up.
[34:07] How Layton approached marketing for his design firm.
LuAnn Nigara and Layton Campbell's Ah-Ha Moments
“Branching out on my own was terrifying because I was comfortable and you're putting yourself in uncharted territories, but you have to believe in yourself, your background, and the things you have learned and know that they will serve you.” - Layton Campbell
“When you think of marketing, think about the layering of it in various forms. That’s where it’s beneficial.” - Layton Campbell
More About Layton Campbell:
Layton Campbell is a true native Charlottean and proud of it. Many are surprised to learn that he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then moved to live in New York City for a little over a decade. While there, he studied his other passion: Interior Design at the prestigious Parsons School of Design.
His design studies beckoned Layton to travel extensively around the world in search of diverse craft and traditions. His professional design aesthetic has been demonstrably shaped by surrounding himself with the rich culture and styles of Russia, Asia, Australia, Europe and The Middle East.
After moving back to Charlotte and working as an Associate Designer, Layton launched JLayton Interiors in 2004. During this time, he also acted as lead buyer, designer and store manager for a popular Charlotte-based luxury gift, decor and furnishing retail boutique called Bella Casa from 2005 to 2011.
Layton's biggest sense of accomplishment is that he can work within a broad variety of design styles. Thus, his work does not have a routine standard appearance. Each project is an individually inspired expression of originality. His creative philosophy centers on juxtaposing a collection of varying styles for a genuine personalized result for each client. The only thing routine about his approach is that he wants to listen to his client’s needs and desires so that he can match and surpass their expectations.
Connect with Layton Campbell
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#12: How to Get Your Interior Design Projects Published With Ren Miller
#108: Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry: How to Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm
#134: Paula Grace: How Do I Build Trust With My Clients?
#167: Kelsey Grose – Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017
#203: Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm
#291: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
#323: Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships
#330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening
#433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet
#455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
#601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game
#677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why
#739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life
Other Resources Mentioned:
Today on A-Well Designed Business:
Today LuAnn recaps her experience at High Point Market this fall and her top takeaways from the Power Talk Friday Tour 2022.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Resources Mentioned:
Today With Alex Alonso:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined with Alex Alonso of mr. alex TATE Design. 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. What also is impressive is Alex’s knowledge that he is here to share. On multiple occasions he just knocked it out of the park for me in terms of when to turn down a client. Alex shares his ABCD approach that took him and his team months to formulate and now serves them, to be able to have their ideal clients and provide the best client experience.
Pick It Apart
[14:06] Do all of the ABCD’s of Alex’s ideal client have to check the “yes” box?
[26:39] How Alex responds when a client comes back after they were declined.
[29:58] The instances that Alex moves forward with a client if they don’t know or don’t share their budget.
LuAnn Nigara and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments
“The more honest you can be with yourself about what you can deliver, the better the client experience will be because you’ll have the confidence to speak with the client and say yes, this is or isn’t possible.” - Alex Alonso
“It’s really important as a firm to stand behind your word as a collective team.” - Alex Alonso
“There is a justification and rationalization when it comes to budget that a consumer can sink their teeth into.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Alex Alonso:
The studio team collective is lead 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 we 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.
Connect with Alex Alonso
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets
#482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big
#384: Sarah Magness: Practical Strategies for Talking Budgets
Today With Ebony Looney:
Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and today we are having a conversation about your website. Constructing, revamping, or anything you have to do with your business website can be pretty intimidating.
Ebony Looney, web designer, creative director, and owner of Make Me Over Eb is here to tell us how to optimize our website in search, common website mistakes, what to hire out for, what we must include, and more that will give you more confidence and clarity in building your website.
Pick It Apart
[6:00] Ebony gives advice on how to share your portfolio or show your work on your website.
[17:00] Mistakes people tend to make in constructing their website.
[20:30] How important is blogging for your business?
[34:15] How to attract tradesmen through your website.
LuAnn Nigara and Ebony Looney's Ah-Ha Moments
“The more I understand about your process before I have conversation with you, the better I can decide and believe if this will work for me.” - LuAnn Nigara
“Every business needs to blog.” - Ebony Looney
“People are looking you up and want to know if you know what you are doing and what makes you stand out.” - Ebony Looney
More About Ebony Looney:
Ebony is a Web Designer and Creative Director with 22+ years of experience making the web beautiful for B2B service providers. She has worked with agency owners, private sector and educational institutions such as Carbra Construction & Design, Benedict College & South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs. With a background in web design, development, fashion design and online marketing she believes that beautiful design is good business. She is happy to cover any website marketing related topic you think your audience would be most interested in.
Connect with Ebony Looney
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning a Website That Make Things Happen
#574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy
#64: Stephanie Hamilton: Reputation Marketing for Window Treatment Professionals
Other Resources Mentioned:
Today With Tanna Edler:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Tanna Edler, owner of TANNA BY DESIGN we learn the seven strategies she implemented to cut her work time in half, but doubling her income. This wasn’t always the case for Tanna. She worked eight years in business before she came to a realization that things had to change. She was overworking herself and doing the backend duties the “long way.” After attending Mydoma Studio’s 19 Hours, she was inspired to live by her new motto to “live easy.”
Pick It Apart
[2:17] Tanna shares the catalyst to her come to Jesus moment after 8 years as an interior designer.
[11:35] Tanna talks about the first strategy she used to improve her business.
[13.41] Tanna shares how she personally utilizes Mydoma’s Studio Management Tool.
[22:05] Tanna explains Mydoma’s Signature Discovery Call
[29:32] The fifth strategy of Marketing Team Outsourcing
[40:48] Tanna’s Education strategy and how Lu University was a huge contributor.
[47:50] How Tanna’s seven strategies have resulted in more time and more money.
LuAnn Nigara and Tanna Edler's Ah-Ha Moments
“Going into this, I thought that the design aspect was going to be the challenge. I thought I was going in with all of the business knowledge, but it was the complete opposite.” - Tanna Edler
“When you’re investing in a website redesign, you do need to know what your message is. What would be the point of the pretty if you're not talking to your ideal client from who you are.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You’re the epitome of understanding that no matter how good you are doing something there’s one little aha moment that unlocks a new level of awareness and strategy.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Tanna Edler:
Hello, I'm Tanna Edler, founder of TANNA BY DESIGN. I own a Full Service Interior Design firm, based near Yakima, Washington with projects nationwide. Specializing in residential and commercial, new construction and remodeling projects.
My philosophy is ‘live easy’. My superpower is creating a space that just feels right, matching the lifestyle goals of my clients. I do this by listening and problem solving. My gift is using the results of this discovery to transform their home or office, enabling my clients to live their best life.
Born in Montana, my namesake, and growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I have always had an affinity for nature. From a young age I was intrigued by simplicity and natural shapes. You will notice my designs are emphasized by ample windows, an open floor plan and the idea of bringing the outdoors in.
After graduating from Washington State University and spending over a decade in corporate human resources as a trainer and coach, working with companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, my creativity pulled me to pursue interior design full time in 2011. I brought along a skill set of client management and procedure solutions which assist me in operating my business and offering a seamless onboarding process for my new clients.
Today, I am the only interior designer in Yakima, Washington as well as Washington State to have been awarded IDS Designer of the Year, eight years and the first in the Pacific Northwest to have received the coveted IDS Impact Award for my charitable interior design contributions in my community.
Collaborating with the interior design industry elevates my craft and has enabled me to gain vendor relations, allowing for endless interior products at my fingertips. I also care about the future of our industry and have enjoyed serving on the Board as a Director for the Interior Design Society. Recently, I have added Business Coaching to my offerings, mentoring other Interior Designers as they strive for the same success.
While my passion is design, I also love to create through writing. For the last ten years I have enjoyed contributing as an interior design writer for NorthSound Life Magazine and their affiliates.
White glove service, everything in its place, no worries, no hassle is what I stand for and runs through my virtual design team members and trusted list of architects, contractors, and trades partners I work with.
Connect with Tanna Edler
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
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
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order 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
Other Resources Mentioned: