Today With Michelle Wiebe:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday epsiode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Michelle Wiebe's episode that originally aired as episode 148!
On the show today, we have Michelle Wiebe! Michelle is the principal of Studio M in Tampa, Florida. The specialty of Michelle’s firm is luxury residential new construction. I know we have talked to quite a few designers in this field I haven’t really picked their brain as much as I did with Michelle today.
Her firm in addition to luxury residential, new construction they also do family condominiums, corporate headquarters, medical offices and small-scale hospitality spaces. Michelle is a busy lady! In addition to all of this, she serves on the board of interior design at Florida State University her Almer mater. She also serves on the high point market authority board and she goes all over the country speaking on design social media. She is the editor of Impression, the Studio M design blog.
Pick it Apart:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today With LuAnn Nigara:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a solo show. I am sharing my thoughts on the biggest piece of business advice I have to offer from my long career as a business owner.
There are so many things you need to learn to run a well-designed business. If you’re a longtime listener than you can probably name many of them by now. But today, I am sharing my absolute greatest takeaway that you need to know.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#575 Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year!
#467 Taylor Spellman: Hard Truths on Why You Need to Manage the 80% Business
#398 Courtney McLeod: Defined Process = Success in Your Interior Design Business
#781 Flash Back Friday: Lori Morris: When Working with the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes!
#683 Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design
#412 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: How to Deliver a High-End Client Experience
#663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business
#516 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand
#626 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design
#718 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos
#724 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals
#125 Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
#317 Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
#466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?
#589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million
#622 Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director
#634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire
#669 Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging
Window Treatments for Profit Podcast Episode #25 Rick Baker: Preserving Your Values as You Grow Your Window Treatment Business
Other Resources Mentioned:
Finances Podcast Episodes Collection
Hiring Podcast Episodes Collection
Window Treatments for Profit Podcast
LuAnn and Friends Facebook Group
Nancy Ganzekaufer’s Facebook Group
Veronica Soloman’s Facebook Group
Claire Jefford's Facebook Group
Cheryl Clendenon’s Facebook Group
The Wingnut Social Media Lab Facbeook Group
IDS Conference coming up this August 2022
Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat October 2022
The Power Talk Friday Tour this October at High Point Market
Today With Adam Urbanski:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday epsiode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Adam Urbanski's episode that originally aired as episode 280!
Today's guest is Adam Urbanski, aka The Millionaire Marketing Mentor and he’s a real headliner in Online Marketing and Podcast circles! There are so many ways that Adam could really help and influence all LuAnn’s Designer friends to get that extra ‘something’ to tweak their businesses, so today, she’s decided to go with Adam’s Dream Business Design Process. Listen in to find out how this process helps Designers to identify what they want to sell the most and also how to sell to the most clients.
Adam, who has been in business for seventeen years now, is really the ‘go-to guy’ for Coaches, Consultants and other Service Professionals who want to attract more clients, convert more high-value sales, build an authority brand, or grow a Lifestyle Business that has more impact and generates more income. Adam’s clients have often doubled, tripled and even ten times-ed their businesses, some of them in as little as ninety days! All of this and Adam started out with only $194 and limited English and he still managed to turn his first business into a seven-figure business in less than ten years! LuAnn knows that she’s in the presence of a true expert with Adam, so she’s very grateful that he’s on the show today! Listen in now, as Adam shares some really hot tips with you, to help you to become a way better business strategist!
Pick it apart:
Becoming a master of, and being known for a very specific approach.
What his six question worksheet allows you to zero in on.
How he discovered his ideal clients.
That 90% of his clients are women and this happened by design!
That marketing is really all about listening.
Adam talks you through his six questions and how to best approach working with them.
Finding your specific magic, as a Designer.
Thinking about your dream income, per client.
Identifying your dream project.
Identifying the characteristics of your dream client.
What you’d need to do in order to execute your project in the best possible way. (i.e. identifying your Superpower)
Really understanding the expectations that you have to meet with your project.
Expressing what you’re really good at to your client.
Establishing systems for really clear processes in your business.
Knowing that everything is changing all the time, so you need to maintain a constant process of evaluation with your clients.
Asking yourself how much money you’d like to make from each project, per year.
Examining which three to six marketing activities you really need to focus on- to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
That you should really become a one track pony, in order to not lose sight of your core competencies.
Connect with Adam Urbanski:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
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
Today With Meredith Huck:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined with fellow Jersey girl Meredith Huck, Founder of House of Huck. Meredith and I were chatting on Instagram, and it ended up with one of those instances in which I saw value in her being a guest on the show.
Meredith has successfully achieved a net amount of six figures within her first ten months of business. She is here to give my audience three helpful tips for those who are twiddling their thumbs about starting their design business. Don’t worry, we get it. But I know that you will find value and information that will give you the confidence you are desiring to go for it!
More About Meredith Huck:
Meredith and her husband live in Coastal Connecticut with their two young children. She is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of Connecticut and enjoys supporting her clients to turn average houses into spectacular homes.
Pick it apart:
[5:18] Meredith elaborates on her first lesson that you don’t need a creative background to succeed in a creative business.
[20:17] Meredith starts to explain how you can make more money in your first year than you had in corporate if you are organized and disciplined.
[35:17] Meredith shares her lessons of process and systems in her first year.
[45:00] Meredith explains how you can be creative in the beginning if you don’t have the money to invest in the business.
LuAnn and Meredith Huck's Ah-Ha Moments:
“Whatever you want to be, you don’t necessarily need to have had experience in that trade.” - Meredith Huck
“As a designer, you should be striving for as many trade resources as possible.” - LuAnn Nigara
“The wisdom and experience of your first year in business is like the memory of childbirth pain, it fades over time. It becomes hard to remember how hard the first couple of years can be.- LuAnn Nigara
Connect with Meredith Huck:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#6- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward.
#182- Christie Leu- Christie Leu Interiors: Creating Your Own Mini Designer Summit.
#234- Kimberly Kay Interiors- A New Designer & Her 1st Five Months in Business.
#278- Erika Ward- Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd.
#297- Mikel Welch- Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man.
#455- Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
#463- Sara Lynn Brennan- Package Your Design Services For Profit and Clarity.
#607- Sara Lynn Brennan- Project Management With Specific Deliverables and Deadlines.
#677- Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why
#678- Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts With Processes.
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today we are going to talk about unleveling to new, different, bigger, and better projects. These are the projects that you want to do but currently are not doing because you don't have the experience yet. Let's talk about it!
Power Talk Friday Tour Fall 2022
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
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
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today with Kelly Fridline:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For many of you, running a successful and profitable interior design firm is the ultimate goal. But sometimes, the goal might look different. Perhaps you’ve thought about coaching, course creation, or another avenue besides a traditional firm. There are many career paths in the industry, and all of them require adjusting, evaluation, learning, and making mistakes. Today, Kelly Fridline joins me to discuss what it looks like to take a unique career path and what she has learned as she has carved out her businesses.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Kelly Fridline’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Humility is key, but so is being really proud of what your gifts are.” -Kelly Fridline
“No matter how many podcasts you listen to or how great your business coach is, there is still that learning experience where you’re going to make some really stupid decisions, and you’re going to learn from them.” -Kelly Fridline
“It’s such a personal thing. I have to believe with the body of experience and education you have, if it really mattered to you, you’d sit and pass the darn test. But it doesn’t. And until it really matters to you, so what?” -LuAnn Nigara
More about Kelly Fridline:
Kelly Fridline is an entrepreneur at heart, but a designer through and through. Since establishing Kelly Fridline Design, LLC in 2017, she’s learned the importance of flexibility in not only design, but business planning and goals. In the almost five years she’s been in business her focus has changed from primarily interior design, to Virtual Design Assistance and Renderings, totraining fellow creatives in the art of professionally presenting and documenting their projects, and finally assisting and mentoring fellow virtual assistants in business and attracting clients.
With a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design and almost a decade of professional design, construction, and virtual collaboration experience, Kelly brings a unique insight to the interior design industry.
Using these experiences, this past year Kelly founded The Virtual Design Mentor and Liaise for Interior Design.
In addition to her own business, Kelly resides in the Metro-Detroit area with her husband, son, and two dogs.
Connect with Kelly Fridline
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#389 Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula
#256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients
#159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer
#779 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: What Should the CEO of an Interior Design Firm Be Doing?
#440 Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program
#419 Tobi Fairley- Say No to Busy and Yes to Health, Wealth and Joy
A big thank you to today's sponsor
Kravet’s commitment to innovation and ability to bring in new technology works to make life easier for you as a designer. Their website makes finding quality home furnishings easy for you. And, the advanced color search 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.
Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and this show is sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers. She is back to talk about the importance of analyzing your profitability. More specifically, Nancy is here to discuss the importance of knowing your numbers for the jobs that are already completed. The whole point of our business right? Tune in to learn if how your pricing your projects is benefitting or hidduring your business, and how Nancy can help.
More About Nancy Ganzekaufer:
Nancy Ganzekaufer is a focused, motivated, and dedicated Interior Designer Business Coach. Through her work, Nancy empowers creative entrepreneurs to build the life and business they have always wanted and deserve. As a mom of three young adults and a successful business owner, Nancy understands the unique challenges entrepreneurs face when pursuing their dreams of growing a profitable business. She leads by example through her hard work, encouragement, and most of all, her no-BS leadership style. In addition to Business Coaching, Nancy is a National Board member of the Interior Design Society (IDS) and the Current and Founding President of the IDS Virtual Chapter.
Pick it apart:
[8:12] Nancy starts to tell us what she teaches the designers that she works with about pricing for profitability.
[13:19] Nancy walks us through how she helps an interior designer look at their projects for profitability.
[23:40] Nancy talks more about her Profitability Analyzer.
[35:05] Nancy tells us about her Profit Insiders For Interior Designers year-long program.
LuAnn and Nancy Ganzekaufer Ah-Ha Moments:
“Using the Profitability Analyzer will help you see where you may still have a weak spot or service model that you are currently selling over and over again thinking that it’s great, but isn’t actually viable for you to make the money you need to make.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer
“The only way we actually know that we are consistently pricing for profitability is if we are consistently reviewing the projects.” - LuAnn Nigara
“Once you start running your business by numbers, you’re going to run the business like a CEO, not just by emotion.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer
“As you grow your company you have to consistently keep learning.” - LuAnn Nigara
Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer:
Profit Insiders for Interior Designers
Interior Design Business Forum Facebook Group
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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:
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich
#37: Lesley Myrick- Strategies I Used to Build My Business
#159: Power Talk Friday- Nancy Ganzekaufer- How to Get Confident and Clear On What You Offer
#256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients
#389: Power Talk Friday- Nancy Ganzekaufer- The Interior Design Profit Formula
#584: Lesley Myrick- Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again
#766: Lesley Myrick- Offering Interior Design Without Procurement
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Today;s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.
Today with Pamela Durkin:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today with Pamela Durkin, author of Elevate and owner of Pamela Durkin Designs, we are discussing how to time block our tasks. Pamela is coughing up some great strategies on how we can set specific blocks of time for specific tasks that will help us, get this, “Get more done in one day then you used to get done in an entire week.”
Pick it apart:
[2:00] Pamela talks to us about time blocking to increase productivity.
[8:30] Pamela takes us to the next level of getting a weeks’ worth of things done in a day.
[11:15] Pamela explains a strategy for completing the potential tasks we get from when we check all of our emails.
[26:00] Pamela and LuAnn discuss the importance of communicating to your clients your time expectancy.
LuAnn and Pamela Durkin’s Ah-Ha moments:
“We need concentrated time to accomplish anything. We need to be aware of the fact that bouncing around to different tasks can hurt our productivity. ” - Pamela Durkin
“If we can think about where we are spending our time and how that relates to money in our business, then you ask yourself if you should even be doing those things.” - Pamela Durkin
“Time blocking is more than being efficient, it’s understanding that we have finite hours in the day and if we’re not making enough money by putting these blocks of time in, then maybe we are not charging enough.” - Pamela Durkin
“We are imperfectly perfect and always a work in progress. We should always give ourselves a pat on the back for our progress. As long as we are trying and moving forward, it’s all good.” - Pamela Durkin
More about Pamela Durkin:
Pamela Durkin, ASID, LEED AP ID+C
Design is powerful and Pamela wants designers to step into that power. After 30 years in the high-end design business, she is now helping other designers create a business they love through her In Demand Designer Program. She teaches them how to be magnetic and attract the best clients. This method makes owning a design business easier and more fulfilling. Her book, Elevate! can be found on Amazon.
Pamela Durkin has been a professional interior designer for over 30 years. She is a past-president of ASID Florida South Chapter and served on the Board of Architecture and Design in NJ. She lives in Naples, FL and in her spare time, loves spending time on the beach and learning new moves in her home dance studio.
Connect with Pamela Durkin
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#577- Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat.
#607- Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines.
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Lori Morris, one of the most passionate and driven people LuAnn has ever come across, joins the show today to share what it takes to grow your business to the level of attracting luxury clients and delivering the level of service and design that they expect.
Even as Lori’s business has grown so large, she maintains creative control and has a hand in every project they tackle. If you want to attract those luxury clients, if you want to work on these magnificent homes, if you want to offer that truly above and beyond level of service, then stay tuned to LuAnn and Lori’s conversation for takeaways that you can apply to your business to help reach your goals.
Not one to merely dip her toe in the water, Lori Morris is an ‘all or nothing’ designer whose artistry is rooted in tradition, unconventional ideas and fearless execution of perfection. Reinventing the standard of design since 1987, her work can be found in some of the most high-end properties across Canada and North America, including Miami, Dallas, St. Louis and San Francisco, with each project delivering a unique, timeless look with an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort and style.
Leading an extensive team of professionals in-house and abroad, Lori Morris is a full-service firm offering a complete design and build turnkey solution for any project. Lori’s ‘no rules’ design philosophy has evolved into her own signature LMD style, which she coins “Sexy French.” In every space, you’ll find a seamless melding of sensory, form and function, with materials sourced from artisans across the world that provide intricate molding, artful flooring, and walls that use some of the most exotic and rare marbles. Leading by way of example for strength and confidence, Lori continues to be revered as one of the most coveted designers in the interior design world, empowering others by embracing her role as a role model for all women entrepreneurs.
Lori is an “all or nothing” designer who works on high-end properties across Canada and North America. She delivers an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort, and style with every project. Lori is a true artist who prides herself on creating a unique feeling for every one of her clients. Tune in to learn about her ‘no rules’ design philosophy, which has evolved into her own signature style, and her advice on attracting luxury clients and scaling your business toward high-end projects.
Show Highlights:
Connect with Lori!
Lori’s Website
Lori’s Instagram
Lori’s Twitter
Lori’s Facebook
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today with Rydhima Brar:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, Rydhima Brar of R/terior Studio shares her story and her journey to design with us. From her childhood in Kuwait, to her corporate career in LA, to launching her own firm at the beginning of the pandemic, to amazing growth and press attention—Rydhima shares how her story, and how storytelling in general, laid the foundation for her design career.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Rydhima Brar’s Ah-Ha moments:
“My world just turned upside down. It was a scary thing—my journey was terrifying. But during that time when I was home, a rebirth happened. I gave birth to my daughter and I gave birth to my business. That’s when I decide to really pursue my passion and remove myself from a place of fear and anxiety and into a sense of calm. Design became a place of refuge for me.” -Rydhima Brar
“That is the key. When you are determined, then you make things happen. It’s not a passive thing—starting a business. It’s not just an idea you put on paper that unfolds in front of you. It’s waking up everyday, recommitting to taking action, to being determined, to being undeterred, to believing in yourself and knowing that you’re worth it, that you’re worth doing this career.” -LuAnn Nigara
More about Rydhima Brar:
Rydhima Brar grew up in Kuwait, where her childhood was filled with breathtaking design & architecture, helping out with her father’s construction business. In 1990, the effects of the Gulf War drew Rydhima and her family to leave their home in the cover of night for another country. Returning to Kuwait after the war, I experienced the rebuilding of our home, and the rebirth of a nation. As her father then rebuilt his business, she helped him organize his building materials and sample libraries, always complaining but secretly loving every minute of it.
As a young adult, she then took to New York City to begin a career in Business and Finance, yet her love for design never left her. After several years, it was a move to L.A. that sparked the next evolution for her career, now shifting toward design, a transition that was gradual yet inevitable. Starting with her own condo, she rediscovered her love for an approachable + functional + luxe aesthetic, using bold color and unique pieces throughout. Friends were impressed with the result and Rydhima then began to help design their spaces.
A few projects later, she found herself fully immersed in the world of professional design, where she felt she belonged. She then balanced going back to school while working on projects, and the pages of the new chapter were lled with new experiences and challenges, which eventually led to the most recent chapter, the birth of her own business, R/terior Studio.
FUN FACT
Rydhima has a blog dedicated to discovering what your favorite cocktail says about your interior design style! Rydhima believes that craft cocktails, much like interiors, need to be carefully crafted with attention to every detail to become a masterpiece—Each ingredient, or design element, has a purpose, and when paired well with other ingredients, the result is sophisticated, balanced, and bold. Check-out the blog HERE.
Connect with Rydhima Brar
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#739 Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life
#771 Power Talk Friday: Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street. To Succeed, Identify a Gap in the Marketplace
#743 Chanae Richards: An Unconventional Path to an Interior Design Business
#573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something
#397 Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now?: Cheryl Luckett: Dwell By Cheryl
#291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years
#562 Rasheeda Gray: #BLM 2020 The Year of Vision
#23 Rio Hamilton – Media Expert and Author of the Wildly Popular Industry Blog, Mon Oncle
#614 Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: Creating Another Revenue Stream for Your Interior Design Business
#47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count
#669 Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging
#677 Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why
#455 Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
#601 Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game
#330 Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening
#203 Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with long-time friend of the show and Power Talk Friday expert Madeleine MacRae.
I often hear from listeners and designers who understand that the old adage, “You have to work on your business, not in your business,” is true if they want to grow and scale. But they don’t always understand what that actually looks like. Madeleine breaks down the CEO-level activities that let you scale at each stage of business.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Madeleine MacRae's Ah-Ha Moments
“It's really important to remember that growth eats capital. So sometimes we get this idea of “I just want to become I want to go to owner operator, and then I want to go to owner manager, then I want to go to CEO” overlooks the fact that you're having to take that profit that your business is generating and reinvest into different things. learning, all of the things that you have to decide if you want to take it on.” -Madeleine MacRae
“If you don't have secured lead flow and you don't know how to turn that faucet on higher, you will never be able to move out of solopreneurship.” -Madeleine MacRae
“To look back and think about the growth and the pain and the struggle and the rewards of each of the levels as I've worked my way through the different various stages and still stay in—it's a crazy feeling to be in the various stages at the same time with different companies.” -LuAnn Nigara
Connect with Madeleine MacRae
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#315 Madeleine MacRae: Invest 5 Days to Improve Your Sales Skills
#283 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: Set Clear Goals in 5 Steps
#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
#222 Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way
#658 Genevieve Trousdale: Genevieve Trousdale: Running Your Interior Design Business On Your Own Terms
#663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business
#760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals
#634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire
Books Mentioned:
The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn
Now Discover Your Strengths, by Donald O. Clifton and Marcus Buckingham
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Kirsch is your source for custom drapery hardware and window coverings. With a history of innovation and extensive industry knowledge, Kirsch can set you up with what you need for your next project. Visit kirsch.com to learn more.
Today with Deborah Main:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business.
Today’s episode is a little bit different than the usual business acumen. We’re diving into Deborah Main’s story of how she became The Pillow Goddess. Deborah is the epitome of an inspirational story—of resiliency, of overcoming hardship, and chronic illness, and of art and creativity serving as an outlet in times of suffering.
Deborah’s story serves as motivation, inspiration, and absolute proof that art and design can heal and bring joy in even the toughest of times.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Deborah Main’s Ah-Ha moments:
“You mention it as part of your journey, ‘Oh I answered an open call for designers and made some pillows and applied to Austin Fashion Week’ as if they are things you just do in the course of your day. I’ve got to believe that it took a lot of courage and guts to actually do it.” -LuAnn Nigara
“I was very sick at the time, and my husband thought I was crazy but he supported me. He easily could have said, ‘Oh you’re obviously feeling better—why don’t you just do the dishes and make me some food?’ But he just saw what was happening. He saw me opening up and lighting up and he was so happy to see that that he never questioned me—he just wanted me to keep doing pillows.” -Deborah Main
More about Deborah Main:
Deborah Main is The Pillow Goddess, a dynamic, innovative design leader who has helped individuals and businesses create beautiful, distinctive high-end spaces for 18 years.
Based in Austin, Texas, Deborah’s experience and deep appreciation for design, textiles, the home furnishings industry, and a wide variety of interiors and home products gives her a fully-rounded understanding of what it takes to provide an exceptional luxurious look and feel to both personal environments and commercial spaces. She provides interior designers with high-quality products for their clients, while also helping retailers and brands differentiate their products/services from their competitors.
Deborah’s private clients are some of the leading high-end specialty boutiques, national e-commerce sites, interior design businesses, and home brands in the United States. She has helped them provide value to their customers and environments – building brand awareness in the process – which has allowed them to position themselves as the exclusive and unsurpassed option for luxury clientele.
Connect with Deborah Main
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation.
#454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer.
#638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken.
#640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire.
#654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business.
#721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask.
#723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review.
#725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing.
#727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More!
Thank you to today's sponsor!
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Other Shows Mentioned:
#540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development
#32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development
#41 Cheryl Janis
#423 Tiffannie White
#715 Kathleen Jennison
Sassy Says #45 Tiffannie White
Sass Says #31 Cheryl Janis
Learn more about Desi’s masterclass “The Focus Fix” starting June 7th, 2022
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha Moments
“Ask yourself ‘Why do I think that my clients are worthy of my time and attention but my business is not?’” -Desi Creswell
“There will never be a time where you magically have a week where you don’t receive any emails or phone calls or have any deadlines.” -Desi Creswell
“What you want us to recognize is, we don’t just do it on Tuesday because we put it in our calendar to do it. We do it because on Wednesday we will be so glad we took the first steps.” -LuAnn Nigara
Connect with Desi Creswell
Learn more about Desi’s masterclass “The Focus Fix” starting June 7th, 2022
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#698 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm
#557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset
#475 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time
#753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business
A Big Thank You to Today's 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.
Today with Sonal Kotecha:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we have on Sonal Kotecha, founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm.
Sonal and I were going back and forth on Instagram and she was telling me all of the lessons that she had learned from the show. As we were chatting, a light bulb went off and I knew I had to have her on as a guest. I am so appreciative of her sharing her lessons that I know you will benefit from hearing her story. Enjoy!
Pick it apart:
[6:38] Sonal tells us about the first big lesson she learned from A Well-Designed Business.
[17:30] Sonal explains her second lesson from the podcast regarding your talent as a designer is not enough for success.
[27:49] Sonal and LuAnn discuss the third lesson Sonal learned.
[42:25] Sonal elaborates on her fourth lesson.
[50:22] Lesson 5- we all need a “Vin” man.
[54:40] Last lesson of work-life balance is key.
LuAnn and Sonal Kotecha’s Ah-Ha moments:
“The discovery call is a sales presentation and the way we choose to discuss something, like trade discounts, will impact not only that conversation, but all of the following conversations.” - LuAnn Nigara
“We know what we are good at and we lean into that, and we hire people for the areas that we aren’t “good.” - LuAnn Nigara
“We need to strategically prepare for situations when we are not being driven by a state of emergency.” - Sonal Kotecha
More about Sonal Kotecha:
Sonal Kotecha is the founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm, dedicated to providing a stellar design service for her clients in the Middle East and beyond.
She calls herself a child of the world – after growing up as a second generation Indian in the United Kingdom, to parents born and raised in Kenya – she moved and set up her own home base in Dubai at the young age of 24, where she continues to live with her husband from yet another corner of the world, South Africa – and she credits this diverse background as being the reason she is able to connect on a deeper level to people & clients from all over the world.
She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design from Nottingham Trent University in 2007. Shortly after graduating, fate led her on a one-way ticket to Dubai, where she built up experience working both as an in-house designer for a private developer, then for a multi-disciplinary interior design studio, before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship and starting Rumah Interiors in 2017.
Sonal likes to keep her ear to the ground when it comes to movements in her local property industry and has witnessed first-hand the astronomical leap in residential projects in Dubai over the last 12 months. Sparked by a post-pandemic heightened appreciation for a well-designed home environment, and several new UAE’s government backed initiatives, such as more accessible residency visa options, an influx of new residents moved into the country that she has proudly called home for the last 12years. As a result, the floodgates to new projects opened up, and she had to quickly adapt from being a one-woman show, to a small team of powerful [female] design professionals, who could take on multiple projects in parallel from concept through to completion. She realized that some of her old processes & contracts were no longer viable, and then along came A Well Designed Business Podcast – and in the conversations, she found answers to the questions that had been keeping her awake at night…
Connect with Sonal Kotecha
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation.
#454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer.
#638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken.
#640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire.
#654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business.
#721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask.
#723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review.
#725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing.
#727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More!
Thank you to today's sponsor!
Did you happen to go to the new Kravet Showroom in HP last month? They unveiled the Kravet Home. Kravet has furniture, rugs, lighting accessories and fabric for every room in your house, including your outdoor rooms. The new showroom in the Steel Building is beautifully set up as a home. From the foyer as you enter, all the way through the living room, great room, dining room, bedroom, home office suite and the outdoor patio space. It is a treat to see the fabrics, wallpapers, sofas, desks everything all displayed just as you would specify them in your projects. And the rooms have been designed by some of your favorite designers. Thom Filicia, Carrier & Co and Mabley Handler to name a few. So if you are planning to go to HP in the fall, be sure to put Kravet on your list of must see stops. And in the meantime, go to kravet.com and get your trade acct set up today. No opening minimum orders, no yearly minimums and true trade pricing, so you can make money. Check it out and tell them I sent you.
Today with Vita Vygovska
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 3 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer.
Today, we are covering profit, and what designers can expect when selling window treatments.
More About Vita Vygovska
Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives.
Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com
Connect with Vita Vygovska:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point
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
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.
Today with Rick Campos:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Interior Designer and fellow podcaster Rick Campos of Design Biz Survival Guide. I had the absolute honor of turning the tables on Rick and putting him in the hot seat for his 4 year anniversary episode. I am delighted to share this with you today and thank you again Rick for the tremendous honor of making me apart of this milestone.
More about Rick Campos:
Rick Campos is a self proclaimed “recovering interior designer” with fifteen years of experience in the design industry. Formerly Director of Business Development for a notable Orange County design firm, his daily interactions with architects, builders, vendors and clients contributes to a broad perspective of the design industry. In 2018 Rick traded in his tape measure for a microphone and launched Design Biz Survival Guide - a podcast about life and business for interior design professionals - with the intention of informing and inspiring the design community. In 2019 Rick integrated freelance consulting into the platform with an emphasis on “the business of design” exclusively for the interior design community. He has since helped numerous design entrepreneurs grow their business to new levels. The platform has since evolved to include annual business development retreats, learning opportunities, networking events, and an online community. “My mission is to be the source of information and inspiration to interior design entrepreneurs that I needed when I launched my own design business back in 2007. To promote and further develop a design community that supports and empowers fellow design professionals on their journey in life and business.”
Connect with Lesley Myrick
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today with Corinne Bentzen and Melanie Kaplan:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Corinne Bentzen and Melanie Kaplan from The Company Store. We’re talking about the importance of staying on color trends, seasonal rotations of products, how the brand stays dedicated to premium quality, and their commitment to sustainability.
Pick it apart:
[18:34] Melanie shares her background in design and textiles, including experience in cotton mills that laid the foundation of her expertise.
[23:27] Melanie discusses how her team plays into the success of the brand.
[26:30] Melanie talks about the company’s design process and valuable partnerships.
[31:30] Corinne and Melanie share how seasonal rotation and constant innovation keep the brand’s designs fresh and relevant.
[44:23] Corinne and Melanie talk about how they maintain their commitment to artisanal quality.
Ah-Ha Moments:
“We have global design partners all over the world. It’s been my experience that partnership is so much a part of the success of the brand. We have great suppliers that understand our mission. We have design people that are so talented and understand the direction and vision of The Company Store. It’s an ongoing process. We think about the lifestyle, we think about the quality it needs to represent. We never shortcut anything in this brand.” -Melanie Kaplan
“We are the color authority. We have never, ever been afraid of color. In fact, we love it, and that’s a distinction of The Company Store.” -Melanie Kaplan
“That is the type of support that an interior designer needs, when you’re going to recommend bedding—people are going to sleep on this. Comfort is key and critical, and it can be judged way more harshly than walking on an area rug, for example. When I think about everything that goes into your products, I know I would not want to learn all of the things, so it’s nice that designers can just go to the website and order swatches.” -LuAnn Nigara
Connect with The Company Store
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.
More about Melanie Kaplan:
Following a graduate program in Textile Design and Science at Fashion Institute of Technology, Melanie Kaplan launched a career in design and development of home furnishings products that spans a range from decorative fabrics to finished consumer products, from bed ensembles to lifestyle furniture, from children’s garments to kitchen textiles.
From Design Director for a decorative fabrics company, Melanie transitioned to Vice President of Product Design and Development at a bedding producer, where she first worked directly with major retailers to develop their programs.
As Senior VP of Design for home furnishings at Dan River, a storied American textile company, Melanie’s ability to translate art and concept to commercially successful design led Dan River to a spot as an innovative leading supplier to the retail home furnishings market.
In 2007, Melanie moved to the retail world as the Chief Creative Officer for Hanover Direct Inc., where she headed all design, product development, sourcing and image development for the company’s key brands, including The Company Store.
Since The Home Depot’s acquisition of The Company Store in 2017, Melanie continues in a leadership role. As Product Development Senior Merchant, her energy, expertise and leadership continue to inspire colleagues on all sides of the global supply chain to the American home furnishings consumer.
A native New Yorker, Melanie commits free time and resources to organizations committed to improving the lives of individuals, children and families affected by various hardships.
What's new with LuAnn Nigara
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
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Thank you to The Company Store for sponsoring this show!
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Have you ever had a project where you felt undervalued and taken advantage of? A situation where someone else was taking credit for your work? What about mixing work and family?
These factors create a spiderweb of entanglements and equal a ticking time bomb of emotions and feelings. Today's episode comes from a listener who, while highly skilled, talented, and experienced, has found herself in a situation where she has mixed family and business in a high dollar project in which she is not getting the compensation or recognition for her contributions.
Listen in as I break down the situation, the challenges, and what Lu would do.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Today with Michelle Feeney:
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. On this Power Talk Friday I am talking to Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street. Floral Street is a modern British fragrance that is both sustainable and eco-friendly.
You’re probably wondering why I had Michelle on. Well despite her not being in interior design ,Michelle has provided me with a couple of aha moments that I want to bring to my listeners. She is an intelligent and accomplished business person and I can’t wait for you to hear about her experience to the top, how her fragrances make her customers feel, and how taking a break to stay at home gave her the information she needed to jump back in!
Pick it apart:
[1:00] Michelle and LuAnn talk about the correlation between how a floral scent should make you feel on your body, but also when you walk into a room.
[13:18] Michelle talks about starting Floral Street at 53-years old.
[27:18] Michelle tells us how Floral Street breaks the mold in the sustainability of the fragrances ingredients and packaging.
[32:37] Tiffany talks about how to make your brand a cult brand through partnerships.
LuAnn and Michelle Feeney's Ah-Ha Moments
“Interior designers focus on how clients want to feel in a space. They should extend that into, not only how the products in the room contribute to the “feel,” but also how the room is scented.” -LuAnn Nigara
“Many people fear how to get investments from the “big boys”with the money, but what they lack are the ideas and passion that you have.” - Michelle Feeney
“It’s important to take yourself out of that everyday and look in, to see how your idea could fit into the modern world.” - Michelle Feeney
“If you are an individual and you are trying to build your brand, who you associate with becomes really important. There’s strength in numbers because they can help you tell your story.” - Michelle Feeney
Connect with Floral Street
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#32- Robin Baron- The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks With Us About PR and Brand Development
#540- Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Brand Development
Today with Tiffany Cassidy:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Tiffany Cassidy, co-founder and principal designer of Lagnappe Custom Interiors. Tiffany and I discuss the fear some have about niching down your business and how Tiffany powered through her own fear. Every guest that has been on the show that has chosen a niche has said that it was the best decision they made for their business. Tiffany couldn't agree more and she has done such a wonderful job at combining her past experiences with what she’s learned from coach Tobi Fairley to niche into her luxury vacation rental design business. Please join us to learn about Tiffany’s niching journey and the versatile services that Lagnappe Custom Interiors has to offer.
Pick it apart:
[6:13] Tiffany starts to tell us about when she decided to niche her design firm down and how she went about it.
[16:30] Tiffany explains her initial resistance in niching down.
[20:15] Additional services that Lagnappe Interiors offers, also for those who want to DIY.
[32:45] Tiffany tells us more about her Designer for a Day Program and Master Plan program.
LuAnn and Tiffany Cassidy’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Part of my resistance to niche down was wanting to keep my options open. It felt scary to limit, but learned it wasn’t limiting at all because people would come to me for help.” - Tiffany Cassidy
“I encourage other designers to niche down because it frees up your mind in so many ways and helps you grow your business in a specific manner.” - Tiffany Cassidy
As designers when we are doing full service projects working with project managers and contractors, when we make our project book we should ask ourselves what are all of the potential questions they could ask us.” - Tiffany Cassidy
More about Tiffany Cassidy:
A native of California with both a degree in chemistry and a highly creative side, Tiffany has been designing beautiful homes and commercial spaces in the U.S. Virgin Islands for her long list of clients since 2002. She marries her artistic and scientific sides together by transforming the intangible into breathtaking, cohesive and highly functional designs delivered in systematic and organized bliss. Tiffany considers it a privilege to be invited into other people’s homes to help them transform their personal spaces and her goal is to not only make your home prettier but in doing so, make your life better.
Connect with Lesley Myrick
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#15- Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich
#174- Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
#368- Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design
#440- Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program
#753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business
#372 Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients
#584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again
#37 Lesley Myrick – Strategies I Used to Build My Business
Today with Leah Neaderthal:
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. As you probably know, I am as extroverted as they come—a trait which I believe plays into my sales success. But extroversion isn’t necessary to be a good salesperson. In fact, my guest today, Leah Neaderthal, would say that introverts possess several qualities that make them natural sales superstars—if they know how to tap into them and use them. She’s sharing how to do just that, teaching introverts how to sell with strength and confidence.
Pick it apart:
[2:00] Leah shares why being an introvert is actually a sales superpower.
[5:39] LuAnn and Leah discuss the importance of tapping into what your client is saying, even if they aren’t actually saying it.
[7:39] Leah talks about diving deep into the value you are bringing to your clients.
[18:02] Leah and LuAnn discuss the strength of saying no.
[25:46] Leah points out ways that we unknowingly get clients to say no.
[35:07] Leah shares two mindset shifts for selling to mid-size companies or corporate clients.
LuAnn and Leah Neaderthal's Ah-Ha Moments
“To all the introverts out there—I see you, I validate you, I am you. I do want to let you know that the things that make you an introvert and make you the way you are actually are your superpower when it comes to selling.” -Leah Neaderthal
“The most successful salespeople are people who listen, who ask a question, stop talking, and observe. People aren’t always saying expressly in words exactly what they intend to say. By asking questions, listening, and observing, we start to uncover the nuggets that show what the pain point of our client actually is. We have to know these things to come up with the solution for them to make selling to them easy.” -LuAnn Nigara
Connect with Leah Neaderthal
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#598 Judith Taylor – How an Introvert Networks in an Extroverted Industry
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Kravet is always focused on making things easier for you. With Kravet’s website, finding the exact products you need is easier than ever. You can create tailored searches that yield the exact results you need, which in turn helps you create the best experience for your clients. Visit kravet.com today to get started.
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show with Kate Lester Interiors, we’re taking a look at the Harman collection—a line of beautiful vintage reproduction rugs, inspired by Kate’s travels and passions. In collaboration with Jaipur Living, Kate launched the Harman collection to bring the beauty of one-of-a-kind elaborate vintage rugs to modern designs for all levels of clients.
Pick it apart:
[1:29] Kate shares the story of how she and Jaipur Living came together to launch the Harman collection.
[7:33] Kate gives insight into what reproductive vintage pieces are and why they are desirable.
[13:03] Kate discusses her vision for the collection and how it came to fruition.
[18:50] Kate tells LuAnn about the Turkish roots of the collection’s name and its symbolism for the project.
[24:03] Kate discusses the inspiration and design process used for the rugs.
[32:38] Kate shares how her background in marketing helps her stand stronger in her business.
More About Kate Lester:
Kate Lester is the creative director and CEO of Kate Lester Interiors & Kate Lester HOME. With a diversely talented design team in her studio, and two retail stores in Southern California, – Kate is thrilled to be spreading her unique design vision with the masses. Her style ethos is all about creating spaces that weave classic lines, vintage finds, modern moments, and an infusion of at least “one weird thing”. Kate attended USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business, and went on to study Design and Architecture at Otis College in Los Angeles. Her industry experience includes working for some of Hollywood’s most famous designers before launching her own firm in 2010. Thriving at the intersection of livable luxury, humor, and realism- Kate believes that the homes she designs should always be carefully crafted, thoughtfully curated, and a direct reflection of the people who inhabit them. When not designing, Kate can be found in Southern California dragging her family to flea markets, running on the beach, or hesitantly participating in a plethora of extreme sports with her extremely persuasive (and brave) husband and daughter.
Connect with Jaipur Living
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#526 Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary
#757 Jaipur Living, Nitesh Chaudhary
Today with Monica Froese:
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Over the last few years, more and more designers have started finding ways to build passive income streams into their businesses, through e-design options, curated shoppable lists, and more. Today, we’re talking more about this idea—how you can create digital products to help solve problems for your clients, attract new ones, and add an income stream to your business.
Pick it apart:
[1:28] Monica shares her journey, from corporate marketer to mom blogger to digital product aficionado.
[19:15] Monica gives insight into how interior designers can use digital products to solve problems for their clients.
[36:31] LuAnn and Monica discuss how to create a pillar of content to help your clients along the buyer journey, without investing all of your time into content creation.
[42:48] LuAnn shares her biggest takeaway from the conversation.
LuAnn and Monica Froese's Ah-Ha Moments
“I am great at teaching people how to read their numbers to get better conversions. I’ve been told by my students that I make intimidating numbers seem easy. I think it comes from my lack of emotions to numbers—they are just numbers. They tell you a story and you just have to be able to read the story that they tell.” -Monica Froese
“Here comes the courage—to say, ‘this is all great, but I don’t want to do this anymore. It isn’t filling my soul, it isn’t feeding my mission on the planet.’” -LuAnn Nigara
Connect with Monica Froese
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#701 Kristen Rivoli: New Brand, New Year: How Rebranding Can Work for Interior Designers
#736 Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
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.
Today with Lesley Myrick:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. E-design has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. My guest today, Lesley Myrick has gone that route as well. But she missed the connection aspect of creating designs specifically for clients. So she forged her own service, the Design Master Plan, that offers a high-level customer experience, with everything but the procurement. Today, Lesley talks about finding the pieces of business she values the most and letting everything else go.
Pick it apart:
LuAnn and Lesley Myrick’s Ah-Ha moments:
“You are seasoned enough to explain the scope and the deliverables at the beginning with clarity—that’s key. Number 2, you have priced the job profitably so when you want to be generous you can. And number 3, you are delivering a fully executed plan in detail at the beginning.” -LuAnn
“That’s why connection matters so much. I need to be able to have these honest conversations. And they’re not conversations meant to scare people off or freak them out, but we need to have enough of a connection and trust where I can say these things and it’s not met with hesitation or frustration.” -Lesley
“So it’s just eliminating the middle and end phase…but the deliverable and the service and the quality of the first phase is not compromised in any way.” -LuAnn
More about Lesley Myrick:
Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, organized, and enthusiastic interior designer in the Atlanta, Georgia area (and she works with clients all over the US and Canada, too). Lesley is originally from Canada and has lived and worked in Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, California; Waco, Texas; and now Macon, Georgia. She earned an honors diploma in interior design from Sheridan College in 2005 and launched Lesley Myrick Art + Design in 2015. She works with high-achieving women who are ambitious, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth. Lesley helps these driven women bust out of boring homes and helps new interior designers launch kickass businesses they love.
Connect with Lesley Myrick
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Revel Woods: With Revel Woods, you’re getting premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and lifestyle needs. They are dedicated to helping you help your clients find the right flooring for their needs. You can use the industry expertise at Revel Woods to help your clients feel that wow factor. Visit www.revelwoods.com today to find out more!
Other Shows Mentioned:
#722 Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business
#753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business
#372 Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients
#584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again
#37 Lesley Myrick – Strategies I Used to Build My Business
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am talking with Connie Vanderzanden, who has developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System. This interview is not only with a professional financial coach whose superpower is money, but it’s with someone who has financially hit rock bottom herself in her previous bookkeeping business, only to rise back up and take control of her finances and her money story. Now she’s here to share how she did it and to offer additional tips, support, and hope towards our finances.
If you want to change your emotions about money, feel empowered by it, and take full control of your financial situation in your business, this episode is where it’s at. Enjoy!
Pick it apart:
[3:57] Connie tells us about the business she used to be in and what made her open her eyes.
[7:40] Connie explains how she got into her financial situation and debt that caused her to change.
[13:00] We learn the tangible obstacles that may keep us from being open to a money mindset shift.
[20:40] Connie tells us what steps to take if we are feeling like we want to give up on our business due to debt.
[27:00] Connie gives us an overview of her Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System.
[40:40] Connie and LuAnn give tips on when you want to hire a team
LuAnn and Connie's Ah-Ha Moments
“A lot of the times when I am working with people with debt, it’s acknowledging their shame and guilt around it and addressing it and forming a new relationship with it.” - Connie Vanderzanden
“Debt can be used well in a business as long as we’re intentional about how we’re going to use it and how we’re going to pay it back.” - Connie Vanderzanden
“There’s empowerment in a choice once you can see the black and white and see where you are spending it, to make better choices.” - Connie Vanderzanden
“Your safe environment should begin with your financial person.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Connie Vanderzand:
Connie Vanderzanden is on a mission to help entrepreneurs live the lifestyles they desire by learning the simple steps, structure, and discipline to create and save money. With 35 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience, a variety of industry knowledge, and her own real-life business growth journey since 2001, Connie developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System, focusing on cash flow planning that creates profitable and sustainable businesses. Connie is a true Oregonian, born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she spends time with her husband of 35 years and their “fur kid”.
Connect with Connie Vanderzand
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned
#464- Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances
#575- Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year
A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:
Sarah Daniele, the CEO of Mydoma Studio, is an interior designer. When she was still a practicing designer she wanted a better way to manage her projects. She wanted clear communication with her clients and her trades. She wanted all of her invoices in one place. She wanted time tracking and she wanted to be as efficient and organized as possible— so she created Mydoma Studio.
Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesigned business to start your trial now. Get your time and your sanity back.