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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: November, 2022
Nov 29, 2022

Today With Anne Gillyard:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Anne Gillyard, co-owner of grOH! Playrooms, a luxury educational design firm. Anne had humongous growth in her business after doing some self-reflection and making an investment in her business. After listening to A Well Designed Business, she learned about Rachael Bozsik and Darla Powell and decided to work with them. She shares what she has learned and how much her business has grown in just one year of making moves.

Pick It Apart

[18:04] The time Anne had her business before meeting Rachael. 

[28:50] Anne’s journey working with Darla and Wingnut Social. 

[40:10] Anne explains her role of reflection and how it plays a role in her success. 

[43:55] Anne talks about what factors of an autopsy of a project that she reviews in order to achieve her goals.

LuAnn Nigara and Anne Gillyard's Ah-Ha Moments

“What Rachael helped me do was identify the messaging that resonates with my clients.” - Anne Gillyard

“When I identify the next thing that’s going to help me help my team and my brand grow, I seek an expert.” - Anne Gillyard

“Plan where you want to go. In order to know where you want to go, you have to figure out where you have been and what has and has not worked.” -LuAnn Nigara

More About Anne Gillyard:

Before becoming an innovative playroom designer, Anne earned a master’s degree in early childhood development and curriculum. She spent a decade teaching and training other educational professionals across the country, focusing on STEM learning, problem-based learning, Montessori-style classroom environments, social emotional skills, and 21st century learning. She also developed a national curriculum for play-based learning that continues to be taught in 45 states. During this time, she identified a disconnect between how children play at home and the critical thinking skills needed for success in school and as members of society. She saw the answer was in transforming the home play environment. Fueled by her passion for play and learning, Anne co-founded grOH! Playrooms in 2018.

Connect with Anne Gillyard

Website 

Instagram

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#203: Darla Powell: How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

#301: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening

#630: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game

#651: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design

#759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

Nov 25, 2022

Today with Terri Taylor: 

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy.

Terri Taylor is back to keep inspiring every single one of us! Today we talk about how did the Interior Design Business Academy start, and tells us about the IDBA Coaching & Education programs!

More About Terri Taylor:

Terri Taylor is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at design conferences and showrooms throughout the country. She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including: business practices, sales, marketing, motivation, leadership, success and personal growth.

Ms. Taylor is nationally known as an interior design business expert and coach who teaches and mentors interior designers to help them create successful design businesses.

Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified for her NCIDQ certification in 1991. Terri is a professional member of ASID, IDS and NCIDQ.

Her Tucson-based design studio, Taylor Design Group, was a diversified design practice working in the areas of high-end residential design and remodeling, model home merchandising, hospitality and medical and professional offices. Her studio has been the recipient of ASID Arizona South Chapter Design Excellence Awards every year since 1986 and she received the ASID National Design Excellence Award in 2000.  Terri’s design work has been published in regional and national design journals, including ASID ICON and Wall St. Journal. Terri retired from her studio practice in 2015.

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.

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Today's show is sponsored by Terri Taylor and The Interior Design Business Academy. Check out all the details on https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/

Nov 22, 2022

Today With Claire Ownby:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Claire Ownby of Ownby Design, makes running a large, successful firm look easy. But it only appears that way because she has worked so hard to create flawless systems and processes that keep everything running smoothly. She’s sharing how she does it, and how she stays true to herself in her business in the process.

Pick It Apart

[1:07] Claire shares how she has worked to perfect her systems.

[7:05] Claire gives insight into how she manages to produce high-quality work for so many projects within time and budget constraints. 

[15:11] Claire and LuAnn discuss having tough conversations with team members. 

[25:08] Claire breaks down the success of her firm. 

[33:02] Claire discusses what’s next on the horizon.

LuAnn Nigara and Claire Ownby's Ah-Ha Moments

“Making sure that your team’s culture embodies appreciation of everybody else’s work is important, and that’s not something that just happens. It has to be talked about in every team meeting. It has to be demonstrated, not just by myself, but by my senior team members as well.” -Claire

“That’s the thing—when we have hard conversations, regardless of how hard it is, if we’ve done it with respect and care and all the things, even if in the moment there isn’t agreement, when it actually is the right thing to do, eventually there’s acknowledgement that comes back.” -LuAnn

More About Claire Ownby:

Ownby Design is an industry leading luxury interior design firm located in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Our mission is to always deliver a flawless product that is a true reflection of the client’s vision. We strive to transform everyday living spaces into one-of-a-kind indulgences, with a unique fusion of minimalism and lavishness. Our commitment to detail and budget-saving efficiency makes us one of the most sought after firms in the Valley.

Our team has been recognized with numerous industry and community awards for residential designs. We continually deliver beautiful and functional spaces that go beyond our client’s needs and expectations.

Connect with Claire Ownby

Website 

Instagram

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching

#766 Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement

#658: Genevieve Trousdale: Genevieve Trousdale: Running Your Interior Design Business On Your Own Terms

#580 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders

#560 Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

#542 Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

#615 Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process

#649 Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

Nov 18, 2022

Today With Bart Anestin:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Bart Anestin, owner and Creative Strategist of Creative Partner, a Toronto based studio and host of The More Life Podcast. 

Marketing can be challenging with all of the other “hats” we have to wear as interior designers. Bart is here to help us with stress free strategies for design agencies, big and small, that will allow you to focus on your clients projects and not struggle with balancing working for your business while working ON your business.

Pick It Apart

[5:01] Bart shares the similarities that different designers/brands share across the board that he helps them with.

[14:00] Bart explains how clarity in your goals and vision helps your marketing.

[21:40] Bart explains how a digital roadmap can help when we get flustered on what and how many platforms we should be doing.

[29:40] How being clear on what you offer leads to confidence. 

[39:33] Bart talks about his podcast The More Life.

LuAnn Nigara and Bart Anestin's Ah-Ha Moments

“Most businesses, big or small, don’t have a solid marketing strategy.” - Bart Anestin

“One of the values of our company is that we don’t talk about clients, we talk about people because we are helping someone. If we refer to them just as an “invoice” then it isn’t a genuine interaction. Look at it from how your business can help their business.” - Bart Anestin

“When you're confident in your messaging and your process, that's when you can implement a lot of different things because your marketing assets are there supporting everything else.” - Bart Anestin

“The branding and marketing world has been democratized because of social media.” - Bart Anestin

More About Bart Anestin:

Bart Anestin is the owner and Creative Strategist of Creative Partner, a Toronto based studio and host of The More Life Podcast. He’s passionate about helping brands tell their story in today’s connected world. Form, function, and awesome clients are the perfect recipe for design, brand alignment, and strategic digital marketing. Bart’s creative approach finds solutions that are mindful, intentional and beautifully crafted. When he’s not at work, you’ll find him at home chasing after his two kids and rewatching episodes of Seinfeld for the umpteenth time. #serenitynow

Connect with Bart Anestin

Website 

Instagram

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#174: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours.

#746: Power Talk Friday: Daniela Furtado: How to Get SEO Traffic to Your Portfolio

Window Treatments for Profit: #87 Joe Gebara: Living Life to its Fullest and Run a Successful Window Treatment Business

Nov 15, 2022

Today With Tanya Smith-Shiflett:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m joined by Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchen & Bath Designs. Tanya has grown her design firm exponentially over five years, expanding to multiple showrooms, engaging in luxury collaborations, and working with high-end designers. Find out how she built her business and what’s next on the horizon for her.

Pick It Apart

[1:45] Tanya shares the story of how she transitioned from medical sales to kitchen and bath design

[7:12] Tanya discusses her expansion and her showrooms

[18:10] Tanya breaks down how she forged high-end collaborations with well-known luxury designers

[34:00] Tanya and LuAnn discuss Tanya’s collaboration process

[39:53] Tanya shares her “best practices” for working with other designers

LuAnn Nigara and Tanya Smith-Shiflett's Ah-Ha Moments

“The biggest thing about your pace is that you have to do you, just like in everything else. There’s a big movement in self-care, and I’m all for it. But at 60 years old, you’re not going to tell me I don’t know me.” -LuAnn

“That’s the thing with people that go for what they want. There’s a whole aspect of having courage and confidence and faith in yourself. But it has to be because you know you can actually deliver.” -LuAnn

More About Tanya Smith-Shiflett:

Tanya has always believed that the kitchen is, in fact, the heart of the home. She has always been passionate about balancing function and beauty in the rooms we use most. While working full-time in medical sales, she began helping her husband’s building company part-time with kitchen layouts. Her innate ability to create beautiful and functional kitchens promoted her to become a NKBA certified kitchen designer and founder of Unique Kitchens & Baths. Since 2005, Tanya has been in the kitchen design community, expanding her skills and honing her expertise. Today, she works closely with her in-house team of designers at UKB to create timeless spaces.

Connect with Tanya Smith-Shiflett

Website 

Instagram 

Classes hosted by Tanya!

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#455 Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business

#270 Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

#236 Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!!

#758 Sallie Lord: Collaboration over Competition in the Interior Design Community

Nov 11, 2022

Today’s Show is Sponsored by the “The Design Paradigm”:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored show, I’m joined by Cheryl Clendenon of In Detail Interiors. Cheryl has been coaching other designers to success since 2017. Now, she’s launching a program called The Design Paradigm to give business owners everywhere a strong, solid framework for a thriving business. Today, she’s sharing how to lay the foundation for your business to grow, succeed, and thrive.

Pick It Apart

[2:38] Cheryl discusses the places she sees most designers struggling today. 

[13:20] Cheryl and LuAnn discuss why having an established process matters so much. 

[16:58] Cheryl talks about the importance of weaving marketing into every phase of your business. 

[20:22] Cheryl shares how defining your product opens the doors for your business. 

[36:22] Cheryl breaks down the details of the Design Paradigm and how it can help your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Cheryl Clendenon's Ah-Ha Moments

“I think that sometimes in the excitement of these new programs or new approaches, we forget that we need to sell the creative vision and not the independent parts and pieces that make up the creative vision.” -Cheryl

“There’s a crisis in confidence in how to charge and how to determine fees—that’s a direct result of not understanding your product and the benefits you bring to the project.” -LuAnn

More About Cheryl Clendenon:

Cheryl is casual and funny about many things but serious about business and marketing.

22 years of full-time, non-stop running a successful business -with a team for 21 of those 22 years. Prior to that, she was the sales and marketing manager for 2 Gannett-owned radio stations where she learned at the feet of some of the best sales trainers in the country. 

She was promoted to be the youngest manager in the company at the time and the youngest to be awarded salesperson of the year. 

She will tell you sales, marketing, and running a small business are as much of a passion for her as design. 

A well-known writer in the industry for several years and honored to be the 2021 Person of the Year from KBB Magazine. Her firm employs 9 people, has a retail boutique showroom, e-commerce, Candle Studio, and has been coaching since 2017. 

Her approach is from a creative stance always- and is unapologetic about often saying what others think. 

Her ideas and insights in running a business and then-- promoting it-- work for those who commit to leading, want to put the work in, are not afraid to go against conventions, and are passionate about growth in some way or another. 

Liz brings a different dynamic to the party by being the VP of Everything at the firm and an accomplished designer in her own right. She and Cheryl are the yin and yang of the company. 

Connect with Cheryl Clendenon

The Design Paradigm

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

Other Shows Mentioned:

#482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big

Nov 8, 2022

Today With Kaitlyn Wolfe:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we have on Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder, general contractor, and principal designer at Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based design-build firm that Kaitlyn has grown from the ground up.

Kaitlyn gives us a peek behind the curtain, speaking to what the past few years have been like for her business—one that started as a solo side hustle and has quickly grown to an award-winning firm with more than 15 employees. She shares how she strategized on the fly, but also how she has thoughtfully grown her team with intention and implemented organizational systems along the way.

Pick It Apart

[4:30] Kaitlyn shares how she fell in love with construction by working with interior designers, architects, and general contractors, all of which gave her well-rounded knowledge of the industry.

[12:51] Kaitlyn admits that things could have backfired but remained confident in herself.

[25:20] Kaitlyn shares how diversity within the team adds to each project.

[31:30] Kaitlyn explains what she has learned from growing her team.

[38:05] Kaitlyn discusses what open communication with her team looks like.

LuAnn Nigara and Kaitlyn Wolfe's Ah-Ha Moments

“…having more of the construction knowledge is super important. I think it helps you collaborate with builders more. I think it just helps you be a better designer.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe

“The reason we're changing so fast, or changing things all the time is because we're growing.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe

 “I feel like I work for my team…Where can they grow? How can I provide opportunities for them? What are their goals and how can I help them get there within this company?” – Kaitlyn Wolfe

More About Kaitlyn Wolfe:

From an early age, I knew interior design was something that I absolutely loved and resonated with. In addition, my father was an electrical engineer so I was always helping with any home improvement project I could get my hands on. I was born in a small town outside of Dallas, Texas where I lived until I was 8 years old. My family picked up and moved us to London, England, where I lived until I was 11. Looking back, I think having exposure to European architecture at such a young age and traveling all over Europe, really shaped me. When we left London, we moved to a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I ended up staying in Pennsylvania until I decided to move to Arizona to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. I gained experience working for an interior designer and an architect, as well as a general contractor. I felt that my skills were really well-rounded and it was time to create something of my own. In 2016, I started Iconic Design+Build (although I started as KaityMac Interiors and re-branded in 2018). I worked on my own for the first few years and gained an assistant in 2019. I now have a team of 16 of us and I've really focused on cultivating the best team, the best work culture, and attracting the clients that we really feel aligned with. I pursued interior design and construction because I often noticed there was a lack of communication between the design and the build-on projects I had worked on. Getting my contractor's license allows us to execute the construction for our clients looking for a remodel or TI buildout and it allows us to communicate better with builders and architects that we partner with for custom home designs. We are a full-service luxury interior design firm as well as a general contractor, with projects ranging from residential to commercial. We design everything from residential remodels and new construction custom homes to boutique retail and hospitality spaces. We specialize in mixing styles such as Scandinavian, vintage, brutalist, industrial, minimalist, and mid-century modern spaces, all with an organic desert feeling. I want to inspire others to follow their passion and to design with intention. I pursued interior design when all odds were against me, but I knew that this was my purpose in life. When it comes to intention, I want people to see there was a reason for every single design detail and element we include in a space. We always focused on functionality for our client's, at the same time pushing them out of their comfort zones creatively. In my free time, I absolutely love vintage shopping, traveling, and visiting National Parks!

Connect with Kaitlyn Wolfe

Website

Instagram

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet

#663: Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business

#363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

#589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling From 2 Million to 5 Million

Other Resources Mentioned:

Traction: Get A Grip On Your Business by Gino Wickman

Nov 4, 2022

Today With Fernando Duque:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s episode is sponsored by Duke Renders. They are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico, and specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging. 

Fernando Duque is here today to talk about how they have built Duke Renders in 2 years to over 100 employees and more than 500 interior design accounts. Make sure to grab your pen and paper!

LuAnn Nigara and Fernando Duque's Ah-Ha Moments

"We were very clear that we needed to get in place a good management team in order to get where we wanted to go." - Fernando Duque.

"I think it was Tony Robbins who said that books are 10 or more years of an author's life compressed for 9.10 bucks." - Fernando Duque.

"I've mentioned Tony Robbins before, I'm a big Tony fan, and I love when he says that the secret of living is giving, I really like that phrase." - Fernando Duque.

"We are on a mission, we have a very clear mission of making this industry a better industry." - Fernando Duque.

More About Fernando Duque:

Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies.

I cofounded Duke Renders with my brother Enrique in March 2020 in the middle of COVID 19, since then it has been a skyrocket growth with more than 100 team members today and no outside investment. 

We are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. We specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging. 

We serve busy Interior Designers with 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings of their Creative Designs. 

We make You and Your Clients feel Proud, Confident and Empowered at Every Single Step of the Design Process. 

I live in Tulum with my wife Mina, our newborn daughter Penelope and our doggy Lulu. 

Fun Facts: 

  1. I love going to the beach at 5am and do it every day! 
  2. Traveled the world backpacking for 2.5 years 
  3. Loves cooking Moroccan Food for his Moroccan Wife

Connect with Fernando Duque

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#722: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business

Other Resources Mentioned:

Duke Renders

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Thank you to Duke Renders for sponsoring this show!

Nov 1, 2022

Today With Layton Campbell:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors on the show. Layton wasn’t always an owner of a successful design firm. He originally started out on Broadway in NYC and performed on cruise ships as a dancer and singer. He always had a passion for stage sets and the interiors of places which grew his desire to do interior design, an interest he already had. Ultimately, he moved back to his native Charlotte, NC and launched his own firm. While scary as it was, there were a lot of lessons Layton learned along the way, and shares with us today.

Pick It Apart

[7:30] Layton and LuAnn discuss how having prior experience in a career, like working for another design firm, will give you transferable skills.

[10:25] Layton goes into best practices of when he worked for another firm.  

[22:40] How Layton approached going out onto his own.

[27:00] Layton talks about his How to Guide For Starting a Design Business From the Ground Up.

[34:07] How Layton approached marketing for his design firm.

LuAnn Nigara and Layton Campbell's Ah-Ha Moments

“Branching out on my own was terrifying because I was comfortable and you're putting yourself in uncharted territories, but you have to believe in yourself, your background, and the things you have learned and know that they will serve you.” - Layton Campbell

“When you think of marketing, think about the layering of it in various forms. That’s where it’s beneficial.” - Layton Campbell

More About Layton Campbell:

Layton Campbell is a true native Charlottean and proud of it. Many are surprised to learn that he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then moved to live in New York City for a little over a decade. While there, he studied his other passion: Interior Design at the prestigious Parsons School of Design.

His design studies beckoned Layton to travel extensively around the world in search of diverse craft and traditions. His professional design aesthetic has been demonstrably shaped by surrounding himself with the rich culture and styles of Russia, Asia, Australia, Europe and The Middle East.

After moving back to Charlotte and working as an Associate Designer, Layton launched JLayton Interiors in 2004. During this time, he also acted as lead buyer, designer and store manager for a popular Charlotte-based luxury gift, decor and furnishing retail boutique called Bella Casa from 2005 to 2011.

Layton's biggest sense of accomplishment is that he can work within a broad variety of design styles. Thus, his work does not have a routine standard appearance. Each project is an individually inspired expression of originality. His creative philosophy centers on juxtaposing a collection of varying styles for a genuine personalized result for each client. The only thing routine about his approach is that he wants to listen to his client’s needs and desires so that he can match and surpass their expectations.

Connect with Layton Campbell

Website 

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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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

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Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#12: How to Get Your Interior Design Projects Published With Ren Miller

#108: Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry: How to Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm 

#134: Paula Grace: How Do I Build Trust With My Clients?

#167: Kelsey Grose – Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017

#203: ​​Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

#291: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design 

#323: Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships

#330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening

#433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet

#455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business 

#601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game

#677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why

#739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life

#796: Allison Handler: From Fashion Designer to Interior Designer: Earning $1 Million Gross in Her First Year

Other Resources Mentioned:

Steal the Show: A Podcast By Heroic Public Speaking

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