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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful interior design business. Design school doesn't always teach you the critical business skills to be sure your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well Designed Business is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 35 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices.
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Now displaying: 2021
Dec 31, 2021

Today with Chelsie Butler: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Today I am joined by Chelsie Butler. Chelsie is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

I think we can all agree that to be featured in a magazine would be amazing! Today, Chelsie explains not only the benefits of being published in a trade magazine, but also the best practices on how to approach a trade magazine. I think you’ll be excited to learn all of the opportunities available to designers that Kitchen & Bath Business offers. From the KBB Person of the Year to being a guest on the podcast to being a judge at their awards program, Kitchen & Bath Business is much more accessible than you would think, to market your business. 

Pick it apart:

[1:55] Chelsie explains to LuAnn the criteria and qualifications of how someone can become KBB’s Person of the Year.

 

[9:20] This is where Chelsie and LuAnn start to pick apart all of the benefits of being published in a trade magazine.

 

[18:40] Chelsie explains how the case is not always KBB finding the designer and doing a Q&A, but that a designer can pitch themselves, a topic, AND write the article.

 

[28:45] Chelsie and LuAnn offer information and reassurance about nominating yourself for an awards program or Person of the Year.

 

[35:15] Chelsie talks about the editorial advisory board and how you can be involved in that.


LuAnn and Chelsie Butler’s Ah-Ha moments:

“In terms of being published in a trade magazine, you’re able to elevate yourself among your peers.” - Chelsie Butler

 

“When you submit yourself for the magazine, it’s not just the end result of being selected, which is exciting, but it’s also the creation of the relationships with the editors, writers, other designers etc. Sometimes the benefit is truly the building of the relationship because you can trace back so many other benefits that result from the relationship.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“We want to show the pretty projects and pictures, but we want the audience to come away learning something. The more information we can get from the designers, the more likely we will be able to feature your project.” - Chelsie Butler

 

“We’re open to the designer actually writing the article and then I will edit it. We’ve worked with designers where there has been a lot of editing, and then after several more articles there is minimal editing. We’ve worked with designers where there is minimal editing right off the bat.” - Chelsie Butler

 

“As a content creator, you are putting a magazine out, you are putting the podcast out, you are putting the webinar out, you are probably spending 60% of your week looking for people and ideas. So anybody that puts their hand up and expresses interest, that is a win win. It’s an opportunity for the person and less research that you have to do.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“When submitting your project, professional photos are what we are looking for if you have that.” - Chelsie Butler

Connect with Chelsie Butler

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Twitter 

LinkedIn

More About Chelsie Butler:

Chelsie Butler is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. She has been an editor for various trade magazines in the Atlanta area since graduating from the University of Florida with a journalism degree in 1993. Titles relevant to her current position have included Atlanta Home Improvement, Commercial Construction, Hospitality Construction and Commercial Kitchens magazines, as well as Design:Retail, a KBB sister publication. She has participated in panels at multiple industry events, including Coverings, KBIS and ICFF, and during her time in her current position, the magazine has won two prestigious Azbee awards and one from Trade Association Business Publications International. Besides her career, another of Chelsie’s passions is volunteering at local animal rescue shelters, which she has been involved with for 10 years.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma:

There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains - no matter how well you've weathered the storm, no doubt you've felt the effects somehow.

But instead of continuing to run up-hill, it's time to pause, and join me, and Mydoma, for 19H: The Re-think on January 19th, 2022.

This one-day seminar put on by Mydoma Studio will have you rethink your mindset, rethink your business model, and rethink your marketing with a number of presentations that come with fresh, actionable advice, and helpful tools and templates.

Just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event. Get your ticket at:
http://mydomastudio.com/19hluann

Dec 28, 2021

Today with Ippolita Rostagno

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Ippolita Rostagno, founder of her eponymous 20 year-old jewelry brand, and co-founder of the luxury e-tailer, Artemest.com.

While taking a leave of absence from her jewelry company, Ippolita learned to trust her professional intuition through all of her challenges, from people saying “no,” to certain technological challenges.  

Ippolita and I discussed the, “Come to Jesus” moments she faced with her jewelry business and while building Artemest.com. We discuss the importance of recognizing “failure,” to fail quickly, and to listen to your intuition. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to temporarily leave IPPOLITA Jewelry. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to buy back her jewelry company, grow it, while also growing Artemest from 60 artisans to 2000. This is a good one, folks!

Pick it apart:

 

  • [9:15] Ippolita explains how she gained the trust of the artisans in Italy who had resistance to sell online in addition to questioning how the beauty and detail of their craft could be portrayed.
  • [17:50] Ippolita talks about how instinct and knowledge let her know that there are potential customers for these artisans and where there is demand. 
  • [21:57] Surprising lessons that Ippolita has learned along the way.
  •  [31:00] Ippolita and LuAnn discuss how not giving up, reflecting, and being persistent will lead to success, with examples.
  • [42:00] Ippolita explains how Artemest works.

LuAnn and Ippolita Rostagno’s Ah-Ha moments:

“If you just start to research your industry, you can make choices along the way that really inform your path.” - Ippolita Rostagno

 

“Execution is everything!” - Ippolita Rostagno

 

“We say all the time, if you’re not making any mistakes then you’re just playing it too safe and you really aren’t stretching yourself in any way, shape or form. But it’s easy to forget that all of us make mistakes, no matter how amazing, we look at Artemest and think how everything must have been so easy.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“Living a life that is full of love and satisfaction is very important and I think it looks different for everyone. You can't be motivated by money, you have to be motivated by your passion. It's all going to take a lot of work. Being an entrepreneur means that you have a certain kind of courage to not align yourself to any one process; that you're willing to find a solution. Put your money where your mouth is, devoting your time, energy, and resources to making your dream come true.” - Ippolita Rostagno

 

“It’s a good reminder that when we look at two of your businesses, how lucky they are, but there was a lot of intentional strategizing to make them happen. We can take those lessons to our own businesses; interior design firms, architecture firms, photography firms….” - LuAnn Nigara

More about Ippolita Rostagno:

Born and raised in the hills of Florence, Ippolita has always been inspired by the richness and simplicity of Italian culture. As a young girl, she discovered her love for jewelry in the shops and stalls of Ponte Vecchio. An artist first and a designer second, Ippolita studied sculpture and ceramics for five years at the Istituto D’Arte in Florence. After working in bronze and stone on large-scale works, Ippolita was inspired to apply her aesthetic to the world of adornment when she launched her eponymous jewelry collection in 1999 in New York with Bergdorf Goodman. A reverence for women and the female body has informed her style and her design vocabulary from the start. Her highly personal approach to fine jewelry is expressed in the sculptural nature of the organic shapes of her precious metals. A proprietary blend of 18K Gold and other precious metals creates a distinctive “green” hue, flattering to all skin types while her 925 Silver is a color with a brilliance all its own. The stone cuts Ippolita uses are characterized by their artfully random, larger-than-normal facets that conspire to create plays of light and shadow against the skin. Ippolita’s jewelry is an encounter with beauty. That beauty is an experience shared – between seller and buyer, wearer and creator, lover and loved one, devotee and neophyte. It is generous, participatory, outward-facing, welcoming, and open to all. “Beauty in our everyday lives brings joy to the human experience and fosters a culture of care.” 

 

“Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”

 

“I want to sculpt feminine ease using shape and form in organic unity. Celebrating raw materials while also revealing evidence of the maker’s hand. All the while investing in wearable certainty.”

 

“Wear the mark of the maker. Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”

Connect with Ippolita Rostagno:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

# 40 Meryl Santopietro- How to Re-invent, Revitalize Your Firm, Even After 20 Years. 

 

# 540 Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Product Development

Dec 24, 2021

Today with Erica Courdae: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Erica Courdae, diversity and inclusion coach, is packed with simple, actionable advice ensuring our conversations and workplaces reflect a sense of kindness and inclusion. She also shares what to do when we get it all wrong as we continue to learn and grow alongside our fellow humans.

Pick it apart:

[10:10] Erica explains simultaneous realities

[13:38] Erica explains what true conversation is

[15:31] LuAnn covers a critical sales mistake

[24:44] Erica shares how she works with businesses

[39:10] Erica advises about how to communicate DEI efforts with a new, diverse hire

[44:28] Erica explains what she means by “operating on demographics without psychographics doesn’t work”


LuAnn and Erica Courdae’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You’re not expected to know it all or have access to everything. You just have to be willing to stay in action.” - Erica Courdae

 

“We are all processing through our own lens. There has to be a space of understanding.” - Erica Courdae

 

“It’s not okay to assume that somebody wants to be a part of something that you didn’t give them the opportunity to opt-out of.” - Erica Courdae

 

“There are learning opportunities in being less than perfect. If you get it all right, you’re not continuing to grow.” - Erica Courdae

Connect with Erica Courdae

Website

Facebook

Podcast

Instagram

Pause on the Play Podcast Community

Salon Instagram

LinkedIn

Salon Website

Erica’s FREE Imperfect Ally's Evaluation Checklist

More About Erica Courdae:

Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur and certified coach, her work is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her into communities and onto national stages as a speaker and educator at noteworthy industry events like AltSummit, ShePodcasts Live, and Being Boss.

Erica is also the owner of an inclusive beauty salon, Silver Immersion, and the host of Pause on the Play, a podcast that features open dialogue on topics like company culture, visibility, and mindset. She lives in Maryland with her two children.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet: Window Works has been having quality conversations with Kravet since the beginning. Their people know how to listen and how to deliver a premium experience and premium fabrics for both their buyer and for the end customer. For 10% off, go to kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10

 

Dec 21, 2021

Today with Chloe Mackintosh

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m chatting with Chloe Mackintosh, the principal designer and creator of Boxwood Avenue. 

Chloe and I discuss her journey from owning an Etsy shop in college, to developing a thriving blog, e-commerce / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. Moving to a town of 99 people, Chloe explains how she built a team of 12 people to help her conduct her business and formulate a proper “system and process.”

Pick it apart:

 

  • [8:06] Chloe talks about how she shut down The Shop for one year and, while she is very grateful for the business that she received at the time, it’s ok to follow your intuition and put the ball down so you can put things in order and work on your other goals. 

 

  • [28:07] Chloe discusses the importance of setting clear business and financial goals and how to strategize and budget in order to achieve those goals. 
  • [39:47] Chloe and LuAnn discuss systems and processes and how digital platforms like Asana, along with their team, have been key in organizing their businesses and systems and processes. Examples and Chloe’s daily business routine included. 
  • [48:36] Chloe shares her who, when and what in terms of her content creation process for Boxwood Avenue.
  • [57:30] Chloe admits how assistance with systems and processes has made her more confident in conducting her business and how, “Not passing on discounts” is important as a designer.

LuAnn and Chloe Mackintosh’s Ah-Ha moments:

“ That’s so sweet that you’ve noticed my belief of: If not you, then who? I would agree with you. It has helped me power through many things over the years as well. If you’re not going to do it, somebody else is? What trait, skill, asset...do they have that you don’t have? Figure it out. You can get what you need to have, to do it.” -LuAnn  Nigara

 

“ To build a business out at the size that you built it out, it’s again recognizing that different things are not your superpower. Surround yourself with people who understand those things respect you as you respect them back and also share your goals.” -LuAnn Nigara

 

“Going above and beyond is important because one referral can lead to 5 referrals, that can lead to a really incredible project. Our biggest project came from Facebook, so don’t be afraid to showcase work that you are proud of, but also remember that focusing on the client’s experience and doing the best that you can do will grow your business.” -Chloe Mackintosh

 

“The confidence that having great systems and processes and Renee’s help with our deliverables allows me to present myself better to clients and vendors. The confidence has been a big turn-around.” -Chloe Mackintosh

More about Chloe Mackintosh:

Chloe Mackintosh is the founder and creative director of Boxwood Avenue. She is a designer, shop owner, and blogger. She began her journey at 17 years old with an Etsy shop and has since built her business into a thriving blog, e-com / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. With a growing social footprint of over 10 million impressions per month and 250,000 followers across social platforms, Chloe now leads a team of 12, all from a town with a population of 99. 

Chloe has been featured by many publications including Domino and Country Living, she is a Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker and former contributor to Martha Stewart. In addition, she leads retreats for small business owners each in Sonoma, CA at the Boxwood Avenue Creative Business Retreat and is a speaker at The Haven List Workshop for Interior Designers. With clients spanning from coast to coast, she has worked hard to develop a solid foundation of systems and processes. Today she will share how she went from not knowing what a “system or process” was to leaning on them to scale her business.

Connect with Chloe Mackintosh:

Boxwood Avenue Website

Shop Boxwood Avenue

Boxwood Avenue Design

Instagram

Facebook 

YouTube

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

Dec 17, 2021

Today with Corinne Bentzen: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today is a sponsored show with The Company Store, a premier source of luxury down bedding and home products. Corinne Bentzen, CEO of The Company Store, shares the company history, their commitment to quality, focus on responsible manufacturing, and understanding that the customer comes first.

Pick it apart:

  • [9:54] Corinne share the mission of The Company Store


    [13:22] Corinne tells about her suppliers and responsibly created products


    [17:48] Corinne tells about how the pandemic has affected the company


    [22:22] Corinne advises designers on helping clients understand the quality of The Company Store products


    [25:00] Corinne shares how The Company Store works with the trade


    [30:43] Corinne speaks about how designers can set up a trade account


LuAnn and Corinne Bentzen’s Ah-Ha moments:

“We have a responsibility to make great choices for our customers.” - Corinne Bentzen

 

“Your home has never mattered more than now.” - Corinne Bentzen

“There’s no better gift than leaving the client with a great night’s sleep.” - Corinne Bentzen

Connect with Corinne Bentzen

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

Twitter

More About Corinne Bentzen:

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Corinne Bentzen began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she built brand identity for premium brands before taking the leap across the pond to join Tiffany & Co. in New York. There she put her strategic thinking, strong decision making, and leadership skills to work, ultimately leading her to The Company Store where she breathed new life into the 110-year-old home goods retailer acquired by The Home Depot in 2018. Not one to shy from a challenge, Corinne most recently took over the leadership of Home Depot’s HD Home, in addition to her leadership role at The Company Store. An avid skier and cyclist, Corinne lives in Connecticut where she enjoys an active family life with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog Rosie.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Thank you to The Company Store for sponsoring this show!

 

Dec 14, 2021

Today with Erica Reiner

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors niched down and rebranded after a few years in business. Learn what prompted her big change, what she does when the scarcity mindset strikes, and how her business has changed since she stopped trying to be everything to everyone.

Pick it apart:

[4:04] Erica shares what prompted her rebrand

[10:15] Erica shares her struggle with her scarcity mindset

[24:50] Erica advises about sourcing green products

[34:28] Erica tells about variable standards for green products

[42:50] Erica shares her thoughts about the link between environmental and social justice

[49:42] Erica and LuAnn speak about niching and overcoming the scarcity mindset

LuAnn and Erica Reiner’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Set up expectations early and often.” - Erica Reiner

“You have to figure out what is important to you and what is going to motivate you when it gets tricky and tough”. - Erica Reiner

“If you do something from your heart and explain your reasons why, no one can compete with that.”  - LuAnn Nigara

More about Erica Reiner:

Erica Reiner is the owner / principal designer of Eco Method Interiors, where her company helps people transform their space, health, and the planet. As an inspired interior designer specializing in cleaner and greener spaces, Erica truly can’t decide if she likes working best in residential, commercial or short-term rental sectors with all the fun that comes with each. Erica and her team are hired by clients for full service interior design, online E-design, and event styling. Since 2015, Erica has helped clients create more joy, expression, health and wellbeing through transformational design that goes deeper than aesthetics using the “Eco Method” way. Erica loves sharing her knowledge and has been featured in Better homes and Gardens, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Reader's digest and more. Looking forward, Erica is working towards leading the home decor and design industry into a greener, cleaner place. In her spare time, she's hanging with her husband Reed and rescue mutt, Hank.

Connect with Erica Reiner:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

I’ve been doing business with Kravet through Window Works for decades so I wanted to share their statement on their furniture sustainability: At Kravet Inc. we are committed to providing quality product with limited environmental impact, pairing beauty and heirloom quality materials with sustainability to support both the planet and our future generations. The Kravet Inc. legacy is impenetrably bound to environmental awareness. 

 

On their website, at kravet.com/furniture-sustainability, they list all their sustainability efforts. Here’s a quick sampling: 

 

  • Nearly all waste products are sustainably recycled at Kravet Furniture factories.
  • Greater than 80% of the metal upholstery springs in Kravet Furniture come from recycled metal products.
  • The foam padding in Kravet Furniture contains the highest possible content of soy in an effort to reduce petroleum-based substances. 

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

Susan Inglis: episode 670

Mike Peterson: episode 569

Deborah Rosenberg, Dimare Design: episodes 82, 117, 212, 218

Lane McNab: episodes 205, 699

Asha Jaipur Living: episode 526

Dec 10, 2021

Today with Danielle Hayden: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting takes us through what she’s learned from years of helping female entrepreneurs understand their money, heal from damaging money mindsets and make smart business decisions. Learn what financial considerations to pay special attention to at each stage of your growing business.

Pick it apart:

[9:38] Danielle explains her mission of helping business owners understand their numbers

[14:31] Danielle shares what CFO tasks are

[18:37] Danielle explains how deeply her team understands her clients

[23:44] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 100k in revenue

[33:11] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 250k in revenue

[35:53] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 500k in revenue

[39:11] Danielle talks about options for a managing the business while staying close to design

[42:15] Danielle talk about planning at the 2 million gross revenue level

[45:11] Danielle shares her monthly give back event where individual staff members bring ideas and causes 

[48:41] Danielle shares about her system for unbiased/inclusive hiring

[56:45] Danielle talks about her Five Day Bootcamp

 

LuAnn and Danielle Hayden’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You cannot get to a million dollars working in your business five days a week.” - Danielle Hayden

More About Danielle Hayden:

Danielle Hayden is a reformed corporate CFO (chief financial officer) who is on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. After spending 10+ years in the boardroom as a corporate finance officer, Danielle is now in her sweet spot as the co-owner of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education and as the author of the Profit Planner book series. When Danielle isn’t crunching numbers on her clients’ behalf or crafting the next iteration of the Profit Planner, you can find her hanging with her two kids as she inspires them to lead their fullest lives or doing any, and almost every fitness-related activity ranging from Spartan races to pilates.

Connect with Danielle Hayden

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Mydoma Studio: Mydoma’s workflow software helps you keep your projects organized from beginning to end, and also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 622

 

 

Dec 7, 2021

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini-series! During this series, I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end.

To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on. 

In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today I am going to encourage you to review your technology, subscriptions and memberships, and insurances. 

You know what the Vin Man says, sometimes it’s not what you make, it’s what you don’t spend. So, let’s see if we can save you from some unnecessary spending in 2022, shall we?

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 719

Episode 721

Episode 723

Episode 725

Dec 3, 2021

Today with Tanya Dalton: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday! Tanya Dalton, best-selling author, speaker, productivity expert, and growth strategist for female leaders is here to share a helpful goal framework that leaves space for life’s ups and downs, celebrates progress, and prevents you from getting discouraged and quitting.

Pick it apart:

[4:16] Tanya shares the mindfulness exercise she uses during her commute

[9:27] Tanya summarizes her new book

[11:58] Tanya walks through her IMPACT goal framework

[25:05] Tanya shares her email-checking system

[31:05] Tanya details her customer service system that includes auto-FAQs and using templated responses/multiple inboxes

[38:30] LuAnn explains Sara Brennan’s calendar hack for new client consultations

[43:58] Tanya covers quick tips on implementing habit stacking

 

LuAnn and Tanya Dalton’ Ah-Ha moments:

“It’s a choice to have an extraordinary life.” - Tanya Dalton

 

“The goal isn’t the goal. Goals are the vehicle to get you the life you want.” - Tanya Dalton

 

More About Tanya Dalton:

Tanya Dalton is a best-selling author, speaker, nationally recognized productivity expert, and serves as a growth strategist for female leaders.

In addition to her first book, The Joy of Missing Out, being named one of the Top 10 Business Books of the year by Fortune Magazine, Tanya’s podcast, The Intentional Advantage has received millions of downloads from listeners around the world.

She is also a featured expert on several networks including NBC and Fox and is a VIP contributor for Entrepreneur.com. Tanya has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications including Forbes, Inc, Fast Company,and Real Simple. She has been awarded the elite Enterprising Women Award and has been named the Female Entrepreneur to Watch for the state of North Carolina.

Tanya is also the founder + CEO of inkWELL Press Productivity Co. a multi-million dollar company providing tools that work as a catalyst in helping women do less while achieving maximum success.

Connect with Tanya Dalton

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Twitter

Buy Tanya’s Book

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10.

Nov 30, 2021

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini-series! Over the next few weeks, I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end.

To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on. 

In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today we are talking about our marketing plan for 2022. I am going to kick this off with a line from one of my partners at Exciting Windows!, Steve Wishnow. "Always be marketing." No matter what kind of firm you have, no matter how large or how small or how busy or slow you are—always be marketing. Let's get to it!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Nov 26, 2021

Today with Jude Charles: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It's Power Talk Friday and Jude Charles is back on the show! Today, Jude shares the final part of his video storytelling framework - Dramatic Leverage. Jude shares some of his 70 ideas for distributing your brand videos so you can help people understand who you are, how you can help them, and why they want to choose you for their next project.

Pick it apart:

[5:36] Jude shares the story of lipstick brand found Keyshia Ka’oir

 

[14:15] Jude recaps why story is so important to building your brand

 

[26:40] Jude share the re-engagement tactic he uses to get more projects

 

[29:52] Jude relays the story of a business coach he worked with on her testimonials

 

[33:18] Jude offers his advice for interior designers who want to create videos 

LuAnn and Jude Charles’ Ah-Ha moments:

“What you want more than anything is to resonate with your audience.” - Jude Charles

 

“We have gold in our hands but we’re searching for silver.” - Jude Charles

 

“Think bigger and go deeper”. - Jude Charles

 

“It is not optional to be in business and not tell your story.” - Jude Charles

 

More About Jude Charles:

Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business.

 

Connect with Jude Charles

Website 

LinkedIn

Jude's Book

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#516

#626

#718

Nov 23, 2021

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! We are continuing the year-end review mini series! Over the next few weeks I will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year-end.

To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on. 

In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today we are going to do a revenue generator review. 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Nov 19, 2021

Today with Duke Renders: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today’s sponsored show with Fernando Duque of Duke Renders is valuable on multiple levels.  Not only will you get a unique insight into what the world of high-quality 3D rendering offers you and how Duke Renders can help you take advantage of it, but you’ll also hear from an expert business owner who knows what it takes to grow a business to full fruition within just a year.

Pick it apart:

  • [8:12] Fernando shares the story of how helping his wife led to the creation of Duke Renders. 
  • [13:45] LuAnn and Fernando discuss the importance of core values and how sticking to them makes business decisions easier. 
  • [31:39] Fernando highlights the process of designers working with Duke Renders, from start to finish. 
  • [48:27] Fernando points out what makes Duke Renders different and why you should work with them. 
  • [51:48] Fernando shares the company’s referral system and previews the Black Friday offer you need to take advantage of.


LuAnn and Fernando Duque’s Ah-Ha moments:

“It’s all about core values and how to build a company from the very beginning with a nice set of rules that you live by. For us, it’s very simple. Some of our core values are that we are a client-centric company and we have to pay attention to detail because we’re serving such a specific industry. We like to have our fair share of fun too. Being a client-centric company means that we put the client first in everything that we do. I know it sounds like everyone does that focusing on creating the best experience for our clients is what we focus on. That comes with brand loyalty, and that’s why our clients keep coming back.” -Fernando Duque

 

“I love what you said—if you’re going to do something through the filter of your values, it saves you so much time. That’s something I say over and over and over again. It’s why a designer has to set their mission, their vision, and their core values.” -LuAnn Nigara

 

“That line, ‘We didn’t know much about rendering but we knew how to build a business’ is the premise of the podcast...It’s like we say all the time—you don’t need to hire someone with a skillset; you need to hire someone with ethics, who shares your core values...You’re going to teach them the rest, but you can’t teach them character. This is the same thing to me with the business. You didn’t need to know about rendering. You needed to know about business.” -LuAnn  Nigara

 

“The trick to building a healthy company is that the minute you find out there’s someone better than you, hire them and spread the culture of your company. For us, we started hiring better 3D artists from very early on. That’s why we have grown so fast and been able to serve more people.” -Fernando Duque

Connect with Duke Renders

Website

Referral Program

Quote Your Project

Email: info@dukerenders.com

Instagram

Facebook

More About Duke Renders:

Fernando is a serial entrepreneur, born in Venezuela, with a bachelor in Economics and an MBA from Babson College. He has a passion for starting companies and making them grow, Duke Renders being the 5th in his career. He lives in Tulum, Mexico with his beautiful wife Mina (who you can listen to in episode 639) and their new baby Company B Penelope. io Duke Renders is a 3D Rendering Studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. They serve busy interior designers with 100% accurate photo-realistic 3D renderings. Their goal is to make you and your clients feel proud, confident and empowered at every step of the design process. They have clients such as Intercontinental Hotel Group, Kate Rumson, Eneia White, Mikel Welch, Lindsey Brooke and over 300+ more. They created the renderings for the Obsidian Experience by BADG (Black Artist Designers Guild) and their work has been featured in Forbes, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and now the Luann Nigara's Podcast.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

www.luannnigara.com/cob

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Thank you to Duke Renders for sponsoring this show!

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count

#639 Mina Duque: Starting an Interior Design Firm in a Foreign Melting Pot

 

#297 Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man

 

#703 Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity

Nov 16, 2021

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today starts a series that over the next few weeks will pick apart areas in your business that I want to encourage you to address as we approach year end.

To run a profitable business that supports you financially, professionally, and personally, you have to first know where you are, to then understand where you are going. I always say you have to run the autopsy of every project, and your business is no different than any other project you work on. 

In this series, we will run the autopsy of our entire year and today we are going to start with a session on the questions you need to ask yourself and your team when starting the autopsy process.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Nov 13, 2021

On Today’s Flashback Friday

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Flashback episode, we revisit episode 41 with Cheryl Janis. After an accident left her searching for help in the world of natural medicine, Cheryl realized that there was a powerful niche waiting for her—designing for boutique visionaries in the holistic health world. Niching opened up a world of possibility for her, and brought more joy to her business than she had experienced in her 19 years of design. 

Pick it apart:

    • [5:45] Cheryl shares her story of how a frightening accident and a difficult recovery led to her niche.
    • [13:08] Cheryl highlights the positives her niche brought to her business. 
    • [20:20] LuAnn and Cheryl pick apart the scary parts of niching and how Cheryl overcame them. 
    • [27:23] Cheryl explains evidence-based design and how it helped her improve as a designer. 
    • [56:08] Cheryl shares how “snail mail” gives her a unique opportunity to connect with clients.

LuAnn and Cheryl's Ah-Ha moments:

“All this creativity that felt bottled up when I was a generalist suddenly started to explode, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with that.” -Cheryl Janis

“When something is gnawing at you, and you’re not happy in what you do, you want to find that thing that does make you happy. Sometimes that’s difficult. Sometimes it takes years to do.” -Cheryl Janis

“I think it’s terrific, and it could be executed by anyone to any niche. It could be bathrooms, kitchens, nursery, commercial, lawyers offices. The point is, find the thing that when you’re doing and creating that space, you’re not looking at the clock. It’s what projects you are drawn to.” -LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Cheryl Janis

Website

Instagram  

LinkedIn

Pinterest

Cheryl's Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revelwoods is a family run business, led by John Dupra. They are a hyper-personalized concierge service providing wood flooring at wholesale prices to you, the interior designer. Go to revelwoods.com to find out how you can add profit to your projects by making the wood floor purchase part of your proposal. Revelwoods wants to help you be the wood flooring expert. Their design trade program is designed to help you succeed, to help you be the best resource for your client as well as helping you navigate this territory with your contractor. They know the business, the typical distribution channel and they know how you can make more money and be the expert in the room. Go to revelwoods.com and see how it works.  

Other Shows Mentioned:

#41 Cheryl Janis: Create Clarity for Your Interior Design Firm and Watch Your Profits Grow

 

#15 Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich

Nov 9, 2021

Today with Peter Lang, Kim Merlitti, and Michele Williams

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Our financial Power Talk Friday experts, Michele Williams, Peter Lang, and Kim Merlitti are talking about year-end cleanup and planning for the new year. They cover what your balance sheet should look like, what tax strategies you can consider, what to look for in a financial professional, and why mindset matters.

Pick it apart:

[21:26] Kim shares about what’s included in the balance sheet cleanup

[28:16] Peter elaborated on the balance sheet cleanup

[31:41] Michele shares more about what issues she sees in clients’ balance sheets

[35:37] Peter talks about how to account for pending installations

[42:48] Michele explains how the Profit First account separation can help understand your revenue better

[55:08] Kim advises on cash planning with your tax accountant

[1:01:53] Kim shares how she helps clients project earnings

[1:03:56] Michele talks about how she helps clients build a three to five-year plan

[1:06:34] Michele shares how she helps clients who have empty pipelines

[1:14:11] Peter advises on the PPP and Covid grants and tax deferment options

LuAnn, Peter, Kim, and Michele's  Ah-Ha moments:

“The balance sheet should be a perfect representation of your financial state at that moment.” - Michele Williams

“It’s the day-to-day that moves us forward in any plan - it’s not just the big moment. It’s every single day being committed to the goal.” - Michele Williams

“When you put it down on paper, it happens.”  - LuAnn Nigara

More about Peter, Kim, and Michele:

Peter Lang

Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers.  

Kim Merlitti

Kimberly Merlitti owns KMM Consulting based out of Washington, D.C. Kimberly has 20 years of experience working in accounting for companies such as Swinerton Builders, WRNS Studio and Martin Group. She has her Masters in Accounting from Golden Gate University. Located in Washington D.C. her clientele includes a diverse group of service based companies, with a main focus on small interior design, construction and architectural firms. The goal of her firm is to make the businesses she works for as profitable as they can be by educating them on accounting, cash flow management, tax deductions, project reporting, and business management.

Michele Williams

Michele is the founder of Scarlet Thread and Consulting in Atlanta, Georgia. Today we will learn about Michele’s background which includes the financial software industry as well as a business in soft window treatment fabricator. She also has a BS in business administration, a diploma in Christian life coaching and she is one of the few certified profit first coaches in the United States. Michele was also the communication director and editor in chief of the Drapery and Designs Professional Magazine from 2009 to 2012. She is a member of The Design Collective in Atlanta, the Designers Work Club Council and the Window Covering Association of America. 

Connect with Peter, Kim, and Michelle:

Peter Lang

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Kim Merlitti

Website

Instagram

Michele Williams

Website 

Instagram

Facebook

Podcastd

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

#164

#368

#284

Nov 5, 2021

Today with Jude Charles: 

We’re welcoming Jude Charles back to the show! Jude Charles, the video brand strategist, is back and this time, he’s walking us through how to take that special, differentiating moment and express it through a three-part documentary-style video series he calls “dramatic demonstration”.

Pick it apart:

[8:09] Jude recaps the why behind his storytelling framework

 

[14:20] Jude gives an example of how he did a storytelling video for an interior design client

 

[18:09] Jude reviews the three-part documentary video series for LuAnn’s podcast

 

[22:10] Jude shares the five demonstrations necessary for a good video documentary series


LuAnn and Jude Charles’ Ah-Ha moments:

“Hearing something said 1000x is not as powerful as seeing it once.” - Jude Charles

 

“The whole point is answering the question: why should I do business with you vs. every other option that is available?” - Jude Charles

 

“You are the sum of everything you’ve done.” - LuAnn Nigara

 

“It’s not just about creating a cool video. It’s about telling your story and getting people connected to you on a deeper level.” - Jude Charles

 

More About Jude Charles:

Jude Charles is a story-driven filmmaker, brand strategist & speaker. For over 13 years, he has been producing documentaries & videos for purpose-driven entrepreneurs. He lives and breathes YOUR brand. He digs deep to find the compelling stories that no one else knows & then leverages those stories to scale your business.

 

Connect with Jude Charles

Website 

LinkedIn

Jude's Book

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet is a fifth generation family business that distributes top quality fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpets and accessories. To view their selection, visit Kravet.com and make sure to use coupon code AWDB10.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#516

#626

Nov 2, 2021

Today with Susan Wintersteen

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Susan Wintersteen, one of my first-year podcast guests, is back on A Well-Designed Business, to share tips on business growth and the importance of a mastermind community to get to the next step. As a business owner rock star, Susan has mastered the art of hiring people who create a positive workplace and support the functions of the business as a whole.

Listen in to learn how you can use elements of Susan’s hiring processes to level up your own business - using the predictive index, strong interviews, and detailed skill sets to get good, competent people in the right roles. Susan has applied these same hiring standards to her Savvy Giving by Design nonprofit, which is looking to raise $50,000 this year to support room makeovers for children in medical crises.

Pick it apart:

[8:46] Susan explains how some employees can divert energy from growing the business, and how important it is to find efficient people who are happy to work in that job. 

 

[13:00] Are you hiring exceptional people, or are you settling?

 

[18:00] Susan shares her tips on how to take suggestions and make your own decisions for how you are going to grow your business. Gather information, weigh the trustfulness of the source, and DO it!

 

[19:30] Join a Mastermind or get a coach to get insight from people who are succeeding in their industries at the highest level.

 

[20:40] Savvy Giving, an all volunteer-based foundation, explained.

 

[23:47] With the goal of getting into as many rooms as possible, Susan set up a “pop up designer program” to get local interior designers to volunteer and aligned with Make A Wish to maximize the outreach effort.

 

[27:00] Susan explains - What is Savvy Giving by Design?

 

[35:55] Savvy Giving by Design brings in the light and the joy to families in crisis. 

 

[39:28] The design and function of the space is essential, and we receive support through our “Fund a Need” page to gather inventory for the room.  

 

[43:34] Beyond the aesthetics - what do the children need to heal?

 

[46:50] LuAnn’s podcast is about making sure interior designers have the skills, the opportunity, to better themselves, to be a better business, and be profitable.

 

[47:40] Adding a nonprofit “layer” to your business, and partnering with Make A Wish for the greatest impact.

 

[52:13] A roadmap for success - How Susan trains volunteer interior designers for Savvy Giving wellness design standards, logistics, and processes.

 

[57:55] Duplicating Savvy Giving at scale.

 

[58:48] The same hiring principles used to find the right employees apply to running a nonprofit. 

 

[1:00:18] Designers have so much talent to give and can make an impact on a young person.

 

[1:02:01] Savvy Giving raises the majority of its funds on Giving Tuesday. Looking to raise $50,000 on November 30th this year.

LuAnn and Susan Wintersteen’s Ah-Ha moments:

“I didn’t come this far to let it slip through my fingers.” - Susan Wintersteen

“I don’t need my team to know all the answers, I just need to know that they know where to look for them.” - Susan Wintersteen

“Marketing is not your problem. You need to get your team squared away so you can work in harmony.” - LuAnn Nigara

“You don’t always have to know the answer, but you have to be willing to go find the answers. And you have to be willing to search for it and ask for it. You have to use your voice and ask for it.” - LuAnn Nigara

“You have to be willing to invest in yourself.” - LuAnn Nigara

“A well-designed space can contribute to up to 30% of our healing.” - Susan Wintersteen

“Make an impact that will make them happy and healthy.” - LuAnn Nigara

“Focus on the basic needs first, then put the pretty in.” Susan Wintersteen

“When you grow and scale your business, there are going to be pivots, and it’s important to roll with reality.” - LuAnn

“Build something beyond you. Something that will have a life of its own and continue to grow and flourish and have longevity.” - Susan Wintersteen

“Go big or go home.” - Susan Wintersteen

More about Susan Wintersteen:

Susan believes in the transformative power of good design, and also, good chocolate—each day her vice is a good piece of Sees. Appreciating these special moments, whether savoring chocolate or spending time near the water with her husband of 30-plus years, her five daughters and dogs (the dogs are male—had to even the score a bit!), makes Susan a more empathic designer who is in tune with the needs of her clients and community. 

In all areas of life, Susan likes to have fun and isn’t afraid to push boundaries, and that translates into her exuberant designs. She has carefully curated a team of designers for their expertise and commitment to creativity. Savvy’s work embodies the laid-back California vibe while incorporating unique, personal touches. Susan prides herself on being a straight shooter with a sharp wit, and she is fluent in the language of sarcasm. Her clients know what to expect, as she engages them closely throughout the entire creative and construction process. 

about sAVVY 

In 2002 Susan founded Savvy Interiors, a full-service interior design firm in San Diego specializing in luxury full service kitchens and baths, where she serves as Principal and CEO. Savvy is the only design firm in North County San Diego that holds a General Contractors license for remodeling, making the entire process a much easier, more seamless experience for her clients. From the spaces where you hide from your kids (bathroom), binge Netflix (living room), or lose your socks (laundry room), Savvy has solutions that improve the look and function of its clients’ homes. 

 

giving back 

Not only is Susan in tune with her clients’ needs, but she also uses her expertise to help her community. In 2014, Susan learned about a local teen who had been diagnosed with cancer. Moved by the story, she volunteered to make over the teen’s room into a unique, comfortable space that promotes healing. The joy this transformation brought to the teen moved Susan to found the nonprofit Savvy Giving by Design, which has expanded to a national network of interior designers helping children and their families through a medical crisis by utilizing the power of design and creating rooms to heal.

Connect with Susan Wintersteen:

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

In honor of children in medical crisis, and as a way to give thanks for our own health, our families, and our successful businesses, please think about contributing to Savvy Giving by Design this Giving Tuesday. If you are listening in real time, that date is Tuesday Nov 30. If you are listening in the future any day can be “giving Tuesday”. If you are moved by Susan and her work, reach out, donate and possibly consider running a pop-up Savvy Giving room for a deserving child in your community.  To fill out an inquiry form go to SavvyGivingbyDesign.org or message Susan Wintersteen on Instagram.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at www.revelwoods.com.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

#164

#368

#284

Oct 29, 2021

Today with Fay + Belle:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s show is sponsored by Fay + Belle, a full-service luxury rug collection that offers authentic vintage and fully customizable rugs for design firms in the United States and Canada. 

The company was founded by sister-in-law duo, Kate O’Hara and Kaley O’Hara. Kate is the principal of Martha O’Hara Interiors, and has appeared on the show before. But when she noticed that acquiring custom rugs was a difficult process, she decided to find a way to streamline it for herself. Today, Kate and Kaley share their story and explain how Fay + Belle can help you.

Pick it apart:

    • [4:00] Kate and Kaley share the background on how Fay + Belle came to be. 
    • [11:00] Kate and Kaley discuss what sets Fay + Belle apart and what makes them compelling. 
    • [12:30] LuAnn asks about the pain points designers face when ordering custom or vintage rugs.
    • [27:11] Kaley discusses her sales background and how that plays into the success of the brand. 
    • [31:20] Kate and Kaley share the details on the ordering process and how it is streamlined to help you.

LuAnn and Fay + Belle’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You hear people say ‘by designers, for designers,’ which I love. But Fay + Belle is by designers and battle-tested by them. It served us for many years before we opened it up to other designers. It wasn’t serving a problem we saw that we thought theoretically might help designers. We built this selfishly for ourselves and then thought, ‘it works, let’s open this up to other designers.’”

 

“I hate the word trend, but it seems on-trend with sustainability and being ecologically forward. You’re repurposing things and get it back into the marketplace so it’s not sitting in a landfill.” -LuAnn

 

“You have the advantage of doing so many projects and overseeing a company that puts out so much production in a year. So what you experience in a quarter, a smaller firm might experience in a year. The volume that you do puts you in a place to understand and see what’s happening in the trends and rugs.” -LuAnn

More About Fay + Belle:

Fay + Belle is a full-service luxury rug collection that offers authentic vintage and fully customizable rugs for design firms in the United States and Canada.

Run by sister-in-law duo Kate + Kaley O’Hara, the company has found success in the industry since its founding in 2016. Kate, Co-Founder + Owner, positioned the rug brand for a luxury market and expanded its products into a successful e-commerce business. Kaley, Head of Sales + Designer Liaison, expanded the company’s interior design influence by growing a successful social media presence and developing meaningful relationships with designers across the US.

 

Today, Fay + Belle works with some of the most well-known interior designers in the country and has been featured in publications such as Austin Monthly and MidWest Homes.

Connect with Fay + Belle:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

If you have found yourself hung up with stock and delivery, having to waste hours searching through various platforms for antique and vintage rugs, or a clunky ordering process that tanks your productivity, then Fay + Belle is your answer. 

So go to their website, fayandbellerugs.com, and set up your trade account. And remember, if you use the code welldesigned10, you’ll get an extra 10% off. 

Thanks again to Kate and Kaley for sponsoring this episode and sharing their story and insights with us. 

Oct 26, 2021

Today with Kathleen Jennison

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Some of us come into this business because we’re naturally-born creatives that never imagined doing anything else. Others spend time in the corporate world but embrace an inner passion. But my guest today is unique—for Kathleen Jennison, a brain injury changed the way her mind functioned and opened the door for a new path as an interior designer. Today, she’s sharing her journey and the lessons she learned along the way. 

Pick it apart:

[6:34] Kathleen shares her journey through trauma and how she grew her design talents from it. 

[15:32] Kathleen discusses her decision to start her own business and how systems and organization helped her. 

[22:39] Kathleen describes the way her business grew and the big decisions and leaps of faith she had to take as it did. 

[40:38] LuAnn and Kathleen discuss evaluating projects and profitability. 

[52:39] Kathleen discusses how marketing is always important, even when your business is thriving.

LuAnn and Kathleen Jennison’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You have to be willing to take a risk. Some people are risk-averse and some people aren’t. There’s nothing wrong with having a home office and working by yourself, because you can still be successful, but it just depends on what you want to do and how you want to feel.” -Kathleen Jennison

 

“I look at the profitability on the project before I even present it to my client. I do a spreadsheet and see if there are adjustments I need to make ahead of time. Maybe there’s a coffee table we specified that they can find on the internet for cheaper...so let’s pick a different coffee table that is available to the trade only so we can increase our profit on it before we present it to the client.” -Kathleen Jennison

 

“I love that you brought out the very real point of always be marketing, but as you are building the business and you’re fine-tuning who your ideal client is, you want to always be evaluating that marketing. So we’re not going to start whatever we’re doing, but as your pipeline gets consistently full we can say, ‘Maybe we have 15 active projects in the pipeline but are they all our ideal clients?’ When you do have those projects in your pipeline you can be a little bit riskier in your marketing and start speaking just to the ideal client.” -LuAnn Nigara

More about Kathleen Jennison:

About KTJ Design Co.

Kathleen Jennison | Owner & Lead Designer

Hello! I’m Kathleen Jennison, and I offer interior design services for forward-thinking homeowners, regardless of whether they know what their style is. I specialize in helping people just like you create an environment with resources and materials appropriate for their needs and budget. As a full service interior designer, I use the Meticulous Method, providing plans with complete interior design specifications for both new and existing properties. My goal is to thrill and delight each client with every project.

In addition to my suite of interior design services, I also own a general contracting company. Because of this, I’m happy to provide general contracting services for your project as needed. I also welcome partnerships with any professional who is serving your project, including architects, other general contractors, and landscape designers. This multifaceted approach helps me provide creative and technical solutions while also enhancing the quality of life for my clients.  

Before becoming an interior designer, I enjoyed a long career as a Certified Public Accountant and was an auditor of many large corporations. This highly analytical and technical career coupled with my (second) Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design ensures that I am well-equipped to handle any challenges that might arise during a project.

A traumatic brain injury propelled this talented interior designer to unexpected heights. . . .

 When you are introduced to a person’s life story, you often can’t help but believe certain things happen by design. In some instances, this can be applied both literally and figuratively. For me, an unexpected and traumatic circumstance gave me one of two options: live my life by design or live it by default. I chose the former and have never looked back.

Up until 15 years agoI used to be a hard-charging, successful CPA. However, my career hit a detour when a car accident in which I was involved in 2006 suddenly changed the trajectory of my ambitions. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident, my analytical mindset pivoted in a new direction. While my analytical processing did not necessarily diminish, it took somewhat of a back seat to this new, creative and innovative mindset that surprised me. However, I have not taken this for granted and, as a result, discovered a new purpose for my life that has opened more doors than I could ever imagine.

    Before the accident, I was completely engrained in being an accountant. After the accident, I struggled for a couple of years. I had been on medical leave for about six months and went back to my CPA job too early.

  After the car wreck, I was in the hospital for 17 days and subsequently went back and forth for additional surgeries and treatments. In all, I suffered from short-term memory issues, lost the vision in my right eye, and sustained multiple fractures, including my skull, eye orbit, hand, thigh and all of her toes. I found it extremely challenging for a while to cope with my disabilities. I endured extensive rehabilitation and even had to attend driving school to learn how to drive with just one eye, an issue to which she has had to bravely adapt.

Before my accident, being in the accounting profession translated to a very competitive and fast-paced environment for me. I traveled the country meeting with CEOs of big companies, specializing in auditing work. It was a high-pressure position but I thrived in it. However, the brain damage I sustained from the accident made it challenging to navigate within my profession as easily as I once did. I did manage to work for a year at my job, and my employer was super great about it.

  Recurring headaches and issues with cognitive rehabilitation measures, along loss of vision in my eye, forced meto re-evaluate my professional goals. At the urging of my ophthalmologist, who advised me that putting pen to paper helps retrain the brain and aids in depth perception, I enrolled in an art class. This just so happened to pave the way to an unchartered, yet equally exciting, territory for me.

  “I had this desire to draw and paint, which I thought was rather strange for me. As such, I enrolled in the Art Institute of California - Sacramento and took a Basic Drafting and Color Theory Class. This provided the first steppingstone on my new journey. Moving slowly but deliberately, I eventually quit my CPA job and began to acquire enough course credits over a period of a few years to ultimately earn a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, which was a great complement to her previous Bachelor’s degree in Business.

  By 2011, I was eager to find a new job, sending out myriad resumes to potential employers. My efforts, though, appeared to be somewhat futile. As a result, I looked within myself to discover my next plan of action.

  I realized I knew all about business and figured I could just start my own.

  Fortunately, I began a personal project during my rehabilitation that created an initial customer base for me. While I was in school, I started a blog about my injury and subsequent recovery. Several of my former CPA clients and colleagues followed me in that space. When I announced my new business through that platform, many of them hired her to do interior design work.

  Initially,I opened a furniture boutique eight years ago called The Shoppe at KTJ Design Co, located in an old candy factory in midtown Stockton in the Fremont Corridor. From there my business began to grow, and today I have found myself in demand and continually inspired to flex my creative muscles.

  Through interior design I have happily discovered my analytical abilities transition seamlessly and are highly applicable to the work I now do.

  With interior design, we draft plans and rely on geometry and dimensioning, along with laying out and organizing projects. My experience as an accountant plays into that. I can visualize spaces easily. However, I still stumble on my words sometimes.

  Along with the assistance and talent of my lead designer, Sandra Van Slack, I continue to expand her portfolio and is affiliated with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). I have also served as past President of the ASID Central California/Nevada chapter, of which she is a current member. She is also a member of the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI) and the National Kitchen and Bath (NKB) Sacramento chapters.

  When not tending to my business, I enjoys practicing yoga and experiencing adventures in travel. I also enjoys spending time with my husband, Bob, our two sons and our two granddaughters. A native Californian, Kathleen has moved about the state during her life but has found strong roots in the Central Valley.

  In addition to operating her business, which also includes a general contracting company, I delight readers regularly with my “Ask the Expert “column for HERLIFE Magazine. My expertise, insight and creative genius inspire, entertain and educate readers about all things interior design.

  I intend to keep on doing what I am doing for as long as I can. I love what I do and believe we have a pretty good system in place. I am happy with where I am today. I have good people around me. I like to think the Universe was correcting itself for me. I probably would’ve burnt out otherwise. I truly believe things happen for a reason.

Connect with Kathleen Jennison:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma Studio: Mydoma’s workflow software helps you keep your projects organized from beginning to end, and also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

 

Other Shows Mentioned:

#06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Oct 22, 2021

Today with Braden Drake:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Braden Drake of Unf*uck Your Biz podcast is a California tax attorney specializing in helping creatives made sense of business finances and tax law. He’s sharing all about business entities, business insurance, and CPA service structures. He’s sharing his lighthearted and easy-to-follow education style that empowers creatives to understanding the foundational principles of money and business tax law.

Pick it apart:

  • [12:15] Braden shares the non-negotiable insurance a business should have

    [18:02] LuAnn asks Braden about how to handle business registration and nexus for businesses that work and do business in multiples states

    [23:34] Braden breaks down LLCs, Corporations, and S Corps

    [27:44] Braden reviews a simple math example of when it makes sense to be an S Corp

    [36:42] Braden explains the different business models of CPAs

    [42:31] Braden shares about his upcoming educational program

LuAnn and Braden Drake’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You get what you pay for - are you paying for consulting services?” - Braden Drake

More About Braden Drake:

Braden is a California licensed attorney and tax professional. His tagline is your gay best friend here to help you get your legal and tax shit legit. Braden works primarily with service based, creative small business owners through his courses where he educates on contracts, business entities, cash flow, systems and taxes.

Connect with Braden Drake:

Website 

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Podcast

Book

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods: your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

 

Oct 19, 2021

Today with Geoff Siebold

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re diving into the world of luxury carpets. While most of us don’t understand the intricate inner workings of carpets, my guest today, Geoff Siebold of Stanton Carpet, thinks that we should, and I agree with him. In this episode, Geoff explains to me what we need to understand about the practicality of different carpet types so that we can steer our clients in the right direction and offer them more value through our own knowledge and expertise.

Pick it apart:

  • [4:15] Geoff discusses how the environment and lifestyle of your clients affect carpet choice, and what “practical luxury” means. 
  • [10:49] Geoff highlights how synthetic carpets have improved over time, offering more choices for your clients. 
  • [22:00] Geoff gives us a deep-dive into the construction of carpets and what it means for your clients. 
  • [33:10] Geoff and LuAnn discuss how different traffic areas impact carpet choices, and talk about a special tool to help your clients. 
  • [44:57] Geoff reminds us of the factors that affect a carpet’s performance.

LuAnn and Geoff Siebold's Ah-Ha moments:

“It’s important to understand your environment….One of the catchphrases for Stanton is ‘practical luxury.’ It’s having a product that looks fantastic but is suited either with fiber or construction to withstand everyday maintenance. There certainly is a time and a place for the luxury setting, whether it’s a master suite, or you’re an empty nester and there isn’t a lot of traffic or pets. But as a general rule, you want to make sure that if it’s a space with a lot of traffic, it’s a durable construction.” -Geoff Siebold

 

“What you’re saying is that companies like yours, Stanton, the big products, if your mission is to educate the sales staff and support staff at the designer trade room, then we only have to say to them, ‘I want more information beyond the look the style, the feel, I want to really understand what it is that I should know about carpeting so that I am an informed person when I go to do my projects.’” -LuAnn Nigara

 

“I think many of the designers that are bold enough, and brave enough, and assertive enough to bring knowledge to the table, those are the ones that add value. It’s not ‘whatever the end-user wants, the end-user gets,’ it’s got to be one of those things where not only do we know what’s best for the interior in terms of color, style, and pattern, but now we need to talk about the actual practical living that you’re going to have to accommodate to get this type of product. That upfront management of expectations is so important.” -Geoff Siebold

More about Geoff Siebold:

Geoff Siebold has been passionately engaged in the luxury carpet and area rug market for over 22 years. He began his career as a manufacturer's sales agent representing high-end carpet and rug brands throughout the Midwestern United States. He was responsible for cultivating business from designers, architectural firms and wholesale-direct showrooms. Within a year, he was hired by one of the manufacturers to become their Midwest Regional V.P. of sales. He was the youngest manager in the company's history. From there he moved on to be a National Director of Dealer Sales for a prominent luxury area rug manufacturer. In early 2007, Geoff returned to his agency roots and once again represented the best domestic and international manufacturers and distributors in the luxury carpet market. 

 

Then, in 2014, Stanton Carpet hired him to be their National Sales manager for Antrim Carpet and ultimately the National V.P. of premiere brands including Antrim, Rosecore and Crescent Carpets. Geoff has extensive experience helping designers curate products and leverage technologies in order to grow business and add value to their clients. He has also developed specific training programs aimed at helping designers better understand fiber, construction and application of luxury carpets.

Connect with Stanton Carpet:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet: Kravet is committed to helping you serve your clients. Their new website redesign makes finding quality home furnishings even easier for you. With the new redesign, you can quickly access all of your tools, like your account settings, price lists, current and past orders, and more. The product has also been enhanced to offer more tailored results to get you what you're looking for quicker. Designers can now also search more specifically by color with Kravet's new advanced color search, which allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order! 

Other Shows Mentioned:

#608 Power Talk Friday: Christopher Wallace: Leverage Industry Partners to Improve Your Client Experience

# 705 Jessica Mann-Amato

 

Oct 15, 2021

Today with Molly Schoneveld:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Some of you aspire to be a designer that helps people in your community live better, feel better, and appreciate their spaces more. Others want to design for the high-end client, creating luxury spaces. But others want something a little bit different—to become celebrity designers featured on television and in major publications. Today, publicist Molly Schoneveld is going to share with us how you structure your career to strategically build up your persona and work toward that celebrity status. 

Pick it apart:

  • [1:21] Molly shares what your number one job is when you desire to be a celebrity designer. 
  • [15:21] Molly and LuAnn discuss the importance of having a signature style and investing in quality photography for your portfolio.
  • [27:03] Molly explains why niching is even more important if you want to become a celebrity designer. 
  • [30:30] Molly lays out the steps to getting featured in the media as a designer. 
  • [42:54] Molly shares what it takes to reach out for collaborations and cross-promotions to help grow your online presence.

LuAnn and Molly Schoneveld’s Ah-Ha moments:

“What do you want to be known for? ONe of the commonalities between people who want to be on television and those who just want successful firms is that if you want to be known, you have to hone your own style.” -Molly

 

“Having a point of view or a signature style...we all know designer colleagues that will design a beautiful Mediterranean home, or a Scandinavian design, or whatever it is, but what you’re saying is that if you’re going to be a celebrity designer, you have to dive into a niche.” -LuAnn

 

“Certainly you can get publicity without a niche, if your projects are of a certain caliber. Getting your project placed is one thing. Trying to really build your personal brand and your studio brand is something else. So having a point of view is really the thing you need, if you want to take it to the next level.” -Molly

More About Molly Schoneveld:

Molly Schoneveld founded The Storied Group in 2008 (under the name SW PR SHOP) to offer a unique point of view at the intersection of entertainment, design, and luxury lifestyle. She has over 15 years of experience in PR and marketing, beginning her PR career at PMK/HBH (now Rogers & Cowan PMK), where she worked with A-list talent, as well as on Oscar campaigns for directors, producers and films.

In 2007, she left PMK to launch her sister-in-law's maternity line called Schone Maternity.
The line was enormously successful, being touted by O, The Oprah Magazine as "the really good guy of the month" for their dedication to fair labor factories and support of artisans across the globe. It was working with Rebecca that ignited Molly's entrepreneurial spirit, and while she loved the gratification of watching this new line prosper, she missed the diversity of working with more than one client. It wasn't long before she formed a partnership with a former PMK/HBH colleague Jennifer Weaver to begin SW PR Shop.

The two grew the business together for nine years until Jennifer moved out of state. Molly took over the company and rebranded under the name The Storied Group.

Career highlights Include putting the Interior design firm Hammer and Spear on the map as a design destination In the downtown L.A. Arts District, and helping to transform Golden Door, which had become a tired brand that was once a pioneer In the wellness industry, back Into what Conde Nast Traveler called In 2019, "The Most Iconic Spa."

Molly has worked with such design talent as Drew Scott of Lone Fox Home, Kishani Perera, Hammer and Spear, Lisa Gilmore Design, Marie Flanigan Interiors, The Habitat Collective, Tracie Butler, and many others.

Her first job was working for producer Brian Grazer at Imagine Entertainment, the year he won the Oscar for A BEAUTIFUL MIND.

Molly has built a solid reputation providing great attention and care to every client and has proven success in getting results. She has secured cover and feature stories in domestic and international publications, including Architectural Digest, WSJ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Veranda, InStyle, House Beautiful, Departures, New York Times, Robb Report, Sunset, as well as numerous television segments with a national audience.

Connect with Molly Schoneveld:

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet is always focused on making things easier for you. With Kravet’s new website, finding the products you need is easier than ever. Designers can now search for more tailored results so you can get the exact search results you need, which in turn helps you create the best experience for your clients. Visit kravet.com today and try the new advanced search options for yourself.

Other Shows Mentioned: 

#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years

 

#648 Marie Flanigan: Leveraging Relationships and Making Decisions in Interior Design

Oct 12, 2021

Today with Christine Platt

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Christine Platt, the author of The Afrominimalists Guide to Living with Less offers a fresh take on minimalism, why it’s not just a one-day throw-out marathon, and what it takes to get to the core of how we got overwhelmed with clutter in the first place.

Pick it apart:

[7:58] Christine shares where to start your journey of discovery

 

[14:35] Christine describes her one day, one year challenge

 

[18:16] Christine shares what minimalism means for her

 

[23:40] Christine shares about buy-nothing groups as a way to release your items

 

[45:35] Christine summarizes her theory of minimalism

LuAnn and Christine Platt’s Ah-Ha moments:

“For me, minimalism is really just about being a more mindful, intentional consumer - just having the things you need and love in your life.” - Christine Platt

 

“It’s good for your own mental health - clutter takes up physical space and mental space.” - Christine Platt

 

“Our natural way of being is always to just have enough.” - Christine Platt

 

“We have to learn to be content with enough.” - Christine Platt

More about Chrsitine Platt:

Christine Platt is a modern-day renaissance woman also known as The Afrominimalist. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies, M.A. in African-American Studies, and J.D. in General Law. An award-winning author of over two dozen literary works, Christine’s most recent book, THE AFROMINIMALIST’S GUIDE TO LIVING WITH LESS is a radical re-envisioning of minimalism that focuses on authenticity over aesthetics. A resource for anyone seeking to discover the truth behind their overconsumption as well as how to let go of what no longer serves them, The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living with Less encourages us to be intentional, mindful consumers so our lives are filled with only those things we need, use, and love. Visit her online at TheAfrominimalist or on Instagram @afrominimalist.

Connect with Christine Platt:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma: To learn about how it can uplevel your professionalism and organization, go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness and scroll down to the designer testimonial videos. Also on that site, my listeners can click to receive 20% off Mydoma for 3 months.

Oct 8, 2021
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 and specifically the Interior Design Business Academy 2021 Summit, which is happening Wednesday, November 3rd through to Friday, November 5, 2021.

 

Overhaul Your Interior Design Business in 3 Days to
Finally Get Paid What You are Worth

Event dates:
Nov 3-5 2021

This event will run from 10:00 am EST to 6:00 pm and it is entirely virtual.

This is an intimate group to maximize the attention given to each and every attendee.

  • Day 1: Wednesday, November 3rd, 11AM - 7PM ET 
  • Day 2: Thursday, November 4th, 11AM - 7PM ET
  • Day 3: Friday November 5th, 11AM - 7PM ET 

In today’s conversation, Terri Taylor not only shares all the details of the outstanding Summit she has planned for you, but she shares valuable tips for running your firm.

The summit is open to all interior design business owners, not just IDBA coaching members, so be sure to check it out at Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021

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.

In 2009, Ms. Taylor created Design Biz Blueprint (now Interior Design Business Academy); an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of design business strategies and systems, and powerful positive mindset to help interior designers create meaningful success. She’s inspired thousands of interior design entrepreneurs through her speaking engagements, seminars, on-line education, and coaching.

Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation.

Connect with Terri:

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Website

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 548

Episode 602

Episode 662

 

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