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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: January, 2023
Jan 31, 2023

Today With Amy Youngblood

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s no secret that I love systems and processes. They are the absolute backbone to increasing your profitability. My guest today, Amy Youngblood, principal of Amy Youngblood Interiors, has a very specific process that has helped her not just increase her profitability and bring in more clients, but also to bring in the right clients. She’s taking us through her intake process and discussing why and how it works to ensure that she works with her ideal clients.

Pick It Apart

[0:57] Amy shares her story of why she realized she needed to make a change in her business. 

[7:07] Amy and LuAnn begin a deep-dive into Amy’s contact form.

[20:58] Amy highlights why it’s important to ensure that partners in a home are on the same page.

[43:58] Amy and LuAnn discuss the value of thinking outside of the box, even when you have systems and processes in place.

LuAnn Nigara and Amy Youngblood' Ah-Ha Moments

“What you’re saying is the first critical key in finding the happiness and joy in your business if it’s lacking is, are you working with the type of people and the type of projects that you enjoy.” - LuAnn Nigara

“What I love about this is that we’re having an inside conversation about our reaction to consumer’s responses. But even if you have ten inquiries a month, if you have two or three every month that are searching for designers but plan to shop on their own, it’s a disconnect of the garden variety consumer disconnecting with design. They think of it as a commodity industry of you just picking things out for them.” - LuAnn Nigara

“People want to hear back from you. Even if it’s not a good inquiry, I still respond back and say why, and I say it as respectfully as possible.” - Amy Youngblood

More About Amy Youngblood:

Amy began her career in interior design over 20 years ago. She has worked for several design firms, both residential and commercial. With a strong background as an accomplished artist, Amy fused her creative abilities along with her business and design experience to launch Amy Youngblood Interiors in 2009. Both Amy’s artwork and design commissions have been featured over the years in the local and national media. Amy’s appreciation of all styles has made her known for her clean-lined, yet comfortable, sophisticated look.

Born in Michigan, Amy received her Bachelor of Arts degree at DePauw University with a Major in Communications, and later received a degree in Interior Design at Mount Saint Joseph University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with an emphasis on Art History. Amy has since taught interior design courses at the Mount Saint Joseph University in addition to having served as President of the school’s ASID Chapter. Amy also serves on various charity boards and is a consultant and investor in the local fashion and design industry in Cincinnati. As past President of Cincinnati Business Network, Amy enjoys networking with and mentoring other entrepreneurial business owners. She is also an active member of the OTR Chamber of Commerce, a member of the ArtsWave's Women's Leadership Roundtable, a founding member of the Contemporary Arts Center's prestigious Women's group, and a regular expert guest on local television. In addition, Amy has been named one of "Ohio's Top Interior Designers" by The LuxPad, an international publication specializing in high-end interior design. Her work is also regularly featured on HGTV.com. Amy has also been a featured speaker at NeoCon, an honor of being chosen among hundreds of interior designers. 

When Amy is not growing her eponymous firm, she enjoys traveling with her husband Tom and two teenagers as well as exploring the food and culture of Cincinnati. An avid fitness buff, she can be found at her trainer's studio or at a Pilates class. She is also a fashion lover and integrates it into her designs. Check out Amy's fashion, style, and local events blog, Cincinnista. Amy continues to accept prestigious art commissions as her schedule allows. Please view her work at amyyoungbloodsportsart.com.

Amy Youngblood Interiors is certified as a Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S.

Connect with Amy Youngblood

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

AudiobookThe 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:

#372: Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients

#820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No

Jan 27, 2023

Today With Julia Marcum:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s show is a Flashback Friday, an episode from the archives that was so good, and so relevant, we wanted to share it with you again! I hope you enjoy Julia Marcum’s episode that originally aired as episode 480!

Julia started blogging more than ten years ago, and her readership has grown to include millions of people. In 2016, Chris left his day job to join Julia as a blogger on a full-time basis. With their blog, this remarkable couple shares their original, authentic, and sincere perspective on the daily coups and challenges of their DIY home renovations. People follow them to learn how to improve their space and to get inspiration, tips on trends, and motivation to get things done. 

In today’s episode, Julia explains that they know exactly why they’re doing what they do, and they know who they do it for.

LuAnn Nigara and Julia Marcum's Ah-Ha Moments

“There is zero downsides to growing your Instagram presence” - Julia Marcum

“Maximize whatever you already have on hand” - Julia Marcum

“Consistency is what really drives audiences, they want to know when and what they can expect from you” - Julia Marcum

More About Julia Marcum:

We’re a couple of progress-embracing home renovators, bloggers, brand ambassadors, and educators. We love: modern cottage design, s’mores around the fire pit, and our three cute kids (but not in that order).

We started this blog in 2009, the year after we got married. But it wasn’t always a business! Like most bloggers back then, we were all about showing off our home projects and cute pictures of our kids. Our budget for home improvements was $20/month, and we were DIYing our hearts out (with borrowed tools).

In 2015, we took Instagram by the horns and started photographing our home and our projects with a *real* camera. We started talking to our audience every day. We got really consistent with our content, and we took big, go-with-your-gut risks. 

A year later, Chris quit his day job, and we were pinching ourselves: We get to work on our house as a *job*. And we get to work right alongside each other. 

Looking back, I probably should have known that the girl who would beg the local bakery to let her design their store window (and get paid in cookies) would find a way to make a living out of making spaces beautiful — a truly sweet life.

Connect with Julia Marcum

Website

Instagram 

Good Influence Courses

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

AudiobookThe 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 Resources Mentioned:

Jessica Helgerson Instagram

Josh Young Instagram

Jan 24, 2023

Today With Kellie Burke:

Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Join me this week as I sit down with Kellie Burke, owner of Kellie Burke Interiors. One of Kellie's philosophies when designing a home is that "it should feel like a well-traveled home and not have a matching, store-bought look." Tune in to hear about her journey, the importance of failure, and the ups and downs of having a business.

LuAnn Nigara and Kellie Burke's Ah-Ha Moments

“The failure comes the lessons.” - LuAnn Nigara

“I think we mistakenly see all the beautiful things and believe that that is the business of it, and it’s not.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Kellie Burke:

Kellie studied design at Skidmore College in New York and overseas in Florence, Italy. While abroad, she soaked in the design principles associated with many different countries, including Portugal, Russia, Italy, France, Brussels, England, Estonia, and Scandinavia.

After working as a studio artist and a faux painter, Kellie established her West Hartford, Connecticut-based interior design firm, Kellie Burke Interiors, in 1995. The firm expanded to include a design studio filled with trendy, high-style home products and accessories. One of Kellie's philosophies when designing a home is that "it should feel like a well-traveled home and not have a matching, store-bought look." Instead, she gravitates toward an 'Old World' style with modern, functional accents. Kellie is also very aware of the needs of clients with families and coordinates her efforts to make sure her designs meet all of their practical needs.

Kellie was featured in OK Magazine in 2005 for designing Brooke Burke's Mediterranean Mansion. Hartford Magazine has named Kellie Burke' Best Interior Designer' in 2006 - 2015 Readers Poll. Kellie has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design, Hartford Magazine, New England Home, and was a national finalist in the 2015 Zillow Digs Design Awards.

Connect with Kellie Burke

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

AudiobookThe 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:

#844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success

Jan 20, 2023

Today’s Show is Sponsored by the “Interior Design Standard.”

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Design Standard”.

I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the “Interior Design Standard”, with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business.

Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann

Today With Sandra Funk:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Have you ever found yourself apologizing for delays due to elements that are completely out of your control (backorders, supply chain issues, labor shortage, etc.)? My guest today, Sandra Funk, believes it’s time to stop apologizing. 

Sandra shares her insights into why designers do this, why they need to stop, and how to take back control of your communication with your clients.

Pick It Apart

[1:30] Sandra picks apart why designers need to stop apologizing for things that are out of their control.

[7:28] LuAnn and Sandra discuss why setting expectations upfront is important.

[17:30] Sandra shares why and how she implements a restart fee when projects are delayed past a certain point. 

[26:30] Sandra highlights the value of templates in the Interior Design Standard.

[35:11] Sandra breaks down the upcoming opportunity to join the Interior Design Standard.

LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk's Ah-Ha Moments

“You need to communicate the facts, accept our new reality, and get strategic on how you are going to stretch what you thought was going to be a six-month project into a year-long project.” - Sandra Funk

“Just because it’s not the client’s fault, doesn’t mean it’s your fault or your responsibility to bear the burden of all the chips that fall because of whatever you’re dealing with.” - LuAnn Nigara

“You can’t change labor shortages, you can’t change supply chain issues, but you can change the way you describe it, the way you share the information, and the way you handle it internally, and that so much affects the way your client will handle it.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Sandra Funk:

Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us.

This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style.

House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition.

Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council.

Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design.

With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business.

Connect with Sandra Funk

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

Other Shows Mentioned:

#801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation

#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business

#660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”

#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems

#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm

#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

Jan 17, 2023

Today With John McClain:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined for the second time by John McClain. John is an accomplished interior designer, business coach, and author of The Designer Within. In this episode, he shares a bit about his back story with us—from crisis to conquest.

John is here to help you understand that you can learn and grow from your mistakes, and success can be born out of failure. John shares his dark night of the soul story with us, but it didn’t end there. He turned that rough patch into a catalyst to organize his business for the better. Since then he has implemented a “How We Work” document, detailed client contracts, flat fees, and non-negotiables because his business is worth it. He is worth it. And you are worth it.

Pick It Apart

[6:38] John shares his dark night of the soul story involving client credit cards, attorneys, a factory fire, and armed guards.

[20:35] John discusses the importance of knowing your company policies and non-negotiables, for example, he does not take credit card payments. 

[31:40] John and LuAnn discuss the importance of formal agreements and transparency with clients.

[35:41] LuAnn and John pick apart his pricing structure and flat fees, including his creative fee and project fulfillment fees.[57:29] John talks about the online courses for designers he offers, as well as his new book The Designer Within and the online course for homeowners that goes along with it.

LuAnn Nigara and John McClain's Ah-Ha Moments

“Until you've been through a serious business crisis, it's hard to know how it really cuts you in your gut.” – LuAnn Nigara 

“I don't care if you're a solopreneur or if you have 25 people working for you. Your company policy is your company policy. And that is what you have to stand by.” – John McClain

“A lot of people don't take the time to sit down and come up with the rules [of their business]. ” – John McClain

“You do have to take time—really getting clear with who you are, what you do, how you do it, why you do it, and your non-negotiables.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I want to be an advocate for other designers and out in the world, to really stand up for themselves. And to have a company philosophy, have a company vision have a company backbone that they can stand behind.” - John McClain

More About John McClain:

John McClain is an accomplished interior designer, business coach, speaker, on-air contributor, and writer who has turned his lifetime passion for interior design into an opportunity to do the same for others through his book, The Designer Within (available now at thedesignerwithin.co). John McClain Design has offices in Central Florida and Los Angeles, CA. His projects have received numerous awards and have appeared in many publications including Traditional Home and Elle Décor. John's design advice can also be seen regularly in print, television appearances, and online in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Us Weekly, and many more.

Connect with John McClain

Website 

Instagram

Book and Designer Courses

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:

#472: John McClain: Running His Firm from Two Coasts Makes Systems and Tools Critical

#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm

#801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation

#842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity

Jan 13, 2023

Today With Carla Titus:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business Podcast. Today we are joined by financial expert Carla Titus, founder and CEO of Wealth & Worth Within, a financial planning company offering fractional CFO services to transform business profitability. 

Carla helps us understand what a fractional CFO is and how this service can provide the financial support and insight many businesses need to achieve financial clarity and plan for a profitable future. She specializes in helping 6- and 7-figure businesses gain control of their numbers with a 5-step framework she calls 2C3P that tackles financial health from all sides. Listen in to find out more.

Pick It Apart

[3:08] Carla walks through the roles of bookkeeper, CPA and CFO and the conversations you as a business owner should be having with each.

[8:58] Carla and LuAnn discusses the goal of hiring a CFO and improving the financial picture of the company .

[15:19] Carla talks about changing your mindset and thinking like the CEO of your business by looking at five key components in a framework she calls 2C3P: Cashflow, Capacity, Planning, Pay Compensation, and Profit.

[24:42] LuAnn and Carla discuss the seasonality of business, and the importance of being in tune with this as a business owner.

[31:32] Carla lists her non-negotiables she helps business owners set as goals for a successful business: cash in the bank, profitability, and paying yourself.

LuAnn Nigara and Carla Titus' Ah-Ha Moments

“The beauty of bringing an expert into your business is that you do not need to know everything. That is the whole point of outsourcing your finances. You're bringing that knowledge, and also that person that's going to guide the process from beginning to end, [to] make you feel empowered and comfortable around your finances and your numbers.” – Carla Titus

 “Don’t overthink what you don’t know.” – LuAnn Nigara 

“There's times where you need to step into that CEO role and work on your business, not in your business.” – Carla Titus

“Managing the influx and outflows of cash really can help a business be more financially stable, but also feel completely in control of what's happening.” – Carla Titus 

“If you want to sell your business one day, if you want to run a successful long term company, there has to be a salary for someone that is in charge.” – Carla Titus

More About Carla Titus:

Finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and established online businesses fractional CFO consulting experience. Our company provides a vast array of on-demand CFO services that leverage our industry expertise. A well-rounded CFO team with Finance, Sales & Marketing, HR, Supply Chain, Online Business, Operations, Execution, Planning, and Tech background.

She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners. Wealth & Worth Within’s mission is to empower business owners to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind, so that they can get back to what they enjoy.

She is dedicated to imparting financial knowledge in order to properly manage finances and achieve profitable results. She has applied that expertise to businesses, helping them grow by creating simple yet effective systems to improve cash flow management and bottom-line results.

Connect with Carla Titus

Website

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#489: Power Talk Friday: Brad Clinard: Intentional Planning for Abundant Living

#719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s

#395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business

#464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner

#361: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Does Your Interior Design Business Need a CFO?

Jan 10, 2023

Today With Joshua Smith:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Joshua Smith, of Joshua Smith Inc. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day.

Join us for a great conversation about the power of meditation, the importance of being connected to your passion, and his amazing working philosophy!

LuAnn Nigara and Joshua Smith's Ah-Ha Moments

“It's the responsibility of the industry to educate the consumer” - LuAnn Nigara

“We’re wanting to do what we can to make sure that we’re leaving the world as best we can for our kids” - Joshua Smith

“You know what? I realize now that as an interior designer, you’re responsible for everything but you have control over nothing” - Joshua Smith

“It's not just how you want to space to look, it’s how you want your space to feel” - Joshua Smith

More About Joshua Smith:

Joshua graduated from the New York School of Interior Design and started his career in 2012. After Joshua graduated, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm that specialized in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. In 2013, Joshua Smith, Inc. was created and earned national recognition as featured in New York Times, Huffington Post, and Rizzoli’s 2019 book, “On Style”. 

With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc, offers full-service residential interior design – and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day.

Connect with Joshua Smith

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Blog

The “3 fives” routine

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

Jan 6, 2023

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today, I’m joined by my friend Nancy Ganzekaufer. Nancy is here to talk about her new program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind which is packed full of value. But also, Nancy is here to share how certain events in her life forced her to slow down and how she shares her lessons with others on the importance of a work-life balance.

Pick It Apart

[3:58] Nancy tells us what interior designers can expect from her Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program.

[13:00] LuAnn breaks down the process of joining Profit Insiders.  

[21:02] Nancy shares her past continued health scare and how she turned it into a positive. 

[43:24] The lesson of building a supportive and competent team. 

LuAnn Nigara and Nancy Ganzekaufer's Ah-Ha Moments

“Slow and steady is going to win the race. The small tweaks you make in your business can have huge outcomes.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer 

“You don’t want your business to be your entire life, you want your business to support your life” - Nancy Ganzekaufer

“Your inner being knows when it’s time to slow down and the universe will comply.” - LuAnn Nigara

“We do all put pressure on ourselves and we need to ask the question, “who can help?” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Nancy Ganzekaufer:

Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business Coach, Speaker, Body Language Trainer, and Author, named one of the Top 16 Coaches in New York in 2022! Nancy specializes in coaching interior design professionals in marketing strategies, sales, and systems, teaching them to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence. 

In addition to her own book Respond with Confidence: A Business Owner’s Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations, Nancy is an author in LuAnn Nigara’s book, The Making of A Well-Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action. Nancy has also been a 4-time guest on LuAnn’s podcast, A Well-Designed Business® and one of LuAnn’s past Power Talk Friday experts. 

Nancy is the founding President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Virtual Chapter, Executive IDS Board Member-at-Large, and was the first recipient of the IDS Outstanding Leadership Award for her 12 years of active participation in national leadership and her local chapter in Long Island, New York. 

Nancy specializes in coaching Interior Design industry professionals how to maximize their profitability while identifying and best serving their ideal clients with confidence. Through her proven techniques, Nancy has empowered thousands to know (and charge!) their worth, succeed in sales without feeling sales-y, and position themselves in their market with authenticity and authority.   

When Nancy is not coaching her clients, hosting a webinar, speaking at a conference, or engaging with her audience in one of her many social media platforms, she is spending quality time with her family, listening to music, hiking, playing pickleball with her friends, and traveling as much as she can.

Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer

Website

Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind program

Confident Interior Designer Membership Site

The KEY™: The Designer's Ultimate Pricing Tool

Interior Design Contract Templates

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn

YouTube

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:

#15: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich

#37: Lesley Myrick: Strategies I Used to Build My Business

#60: Power Talk Friday: Krista Coupar: Managing Work-Life Balance (The Key Questions to Ask Yourself)

#159: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: How to Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer

#256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients

#389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Designer Profit Formula

#584: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again

#766: Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement

#783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Today’s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Jan 3, 2023

Today With Jean Stoffer:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by the one and only Jean Stoffer. Jean is an award-winning independent designer, star of The Established Home on the Magnolia Network, and author of the newly released book Establishing Home. In our conversation, Jean offers a glimpse into her journey, showing us the joys of intertwining work and family, the benefits of an unhurried attitude, and the blessings each season of life has to offer.

Pick It Apart

[6:01] Jean discusses “being in the trenches” as she built her business from the ground up, learning cabinetry design, kitchen design, and troubleshooting at her own pace.

[10:10] LuAnn and Jean agree that cultural messages often pressure young designers to rush toward success, but both believe that isn’t always the right path. Jean discusses embracing the season you are in.

[16:50] Jean walks through the current family dynamic and everyone’s role in the Stoffer Home business.

[27:30] LuAnn and Jean talk about the importance of processes as you grow your business.

[48:00] Jean discusses working with the Magnolia Network and putting her work on television.

LuAnn Nigara and Jean Stoffer's Ah-Ha Moments

“Our value system and reputation are just so bedrock for me and our family.” - Jean Stoffer.

“I really believe there are seasons for things, and it’s great to embrace those and accept them.” - Jean Stoffer.

“I think as a society, we are putting pressure on moms to think that you can have it all. And you actually can, but not all in the same season is my belief.” - LuAnn Nigara.

“It's very important that the quality and all of the things connected with [your brand] remain as close as to your original vision and way of doing it.” - LuAnn Nigara.

More About Jean Stoffer:

Jean Stoffer is an award-winning Grand Rapids-based independent interior designer specializing in kitchen and bath designs. Each of her designs is custom suited for her clients' lives and how they hope to use their home. Jean is also the founder of Stoffer Home, a retail store featuring beautiful and functional items for the home, and Stoffer Home Cabinetry, the source for Jean's own line of quality, British-inspired flush inset cabinets. In December 2021, the Magnolia Network began airing The Established Home, a TV series featuring Jean and her design work.

Connect with Jean Stoffer

Website

Stoffer Home

Instagram 

Pinterest

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

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Other Shows Mentioned:

#625: Coco & Jack: Flexibility and Balance Between Interior Design and Family

#563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

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