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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: February, 2023
Feb 28, 2023

Today With Enrique Crespo:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Enrique Crespo of Crespo Design Group. Enrique is here to share how developing a Type A personality approach can ensure success, especially in an industry as creative as interior design. Type A personalities are organized, ambitious, and like to have an agenda. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be one to become one. Over the years, Enrique has refined this mindset and honed the skills to guide and grow his firm, and he shares those stories with us today.

Pick It Apart

[1:57] Enrique explains how Type A personality traits can help maintain a well-run business through organization, which allows you to offer a higher level of luxury service.

[8:50] LuAnn and Enrique discuss how he invested in his business by hiring someone who specializes in interior design processes, and how he tailored that structure to the specific needs of his firm, along with other ways he invests in his business.

[10:30] Enrique talks about how he has hired several senior designers that all have different personality types and he tries to match them with clients and projects accordingly.

[19:01] Enrique and LuAnn discuss working with luxury clients and Enrique explains why listening and understanding, yet maintaining authority as the designer is important, and how he learned those lessons the hard way.

[28:25] Enrique reveals how he exposes his team to luxury and gives them opportunities to experience luxury so they can better understand the level of service they are expected to maintain.

LuAnn Nigara and Enrique Crespo's Ah-Ha Moments

“Creativity happens in the gray areas. However, finances happen in black and white. And you need to know how to manage your finances to run a successful business.” - Enrique Crespo

“When you're dealing with people's money in their homes, it gets really personal.” - Enrique Crespo

“When you swim in that luxury lane, to your point, that's what the client expects. And if you don't deliver, there's another firm that can do it for them.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Enrique Crespo:

At a young age, Enrique was inspired by his favorite uncle, Enrique Gutierrez, a prolific architect who was the first to bring Cuban-inspired architecture to Miami. His home was filled with antiques, African artifacts, modern pieces and an incredible collection of contemporary Latin American art. It was a collected home, now a hallmark of Enrique’s personal taste.

Originally from South Tampa, Enrique graduated from the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design with an emphasis in art history and architectural history. Studying architectural history deepened Enrique’s knowledge of design and broadened his approach to his craft. Art and architecture through the ages, and its influence on design and space, is ingrained in his work. In 1999, Enrique launched Crespo Design Group in his hometown of Tampa, which soon became the sought-after design firm for discerning clients in Florida’s most desirable neighborhoods. The Group made its mark on everything from high-profile beach properties, to island escapes to mountain retreats. In 2021, he expanded his practice to Los Angeles to better serve his clients on the West Coast.

Enrique built his firm to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for his clients. He is a collaborator who prides himself on listening to clients, understanding their needs, and delivering the lifestyle they have always imagined. Every detail is intentional and chosen to reflect the style, spirit and nature of the client. Whether the goal is eclectic modern estate or sophisticated mountain retreat, Enrique is passionate about exceptional design.

An avid equestrian, Enrique can often be found at the barn at the Tampa Yacht Club and Country Club riding horses or at Stovall House when he’s not designing or traveling. Enrique currently sits on the board of the Tampa Museum and is Chair of the Collections Committee; the board of the Henry B. Plant Museum; the Board of Tampa Bay Businesses for Community and the Arts; and is Chair of the Tampa Museum of Art's CITY Fashion Event. Enrique spends his time between Tampa and Los Angeles. He shares his home in Tampa with his husband Russell and their two French Bulldogs, Coco and Josephine.

Connect with Enrique Crespo

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:

#853: Power Talk Friday: Brittany Murphy: Hiring An SEO Specialist For Your Interior Design Firm

#844: John McClain: Turn Failure Into Success

#849 Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design

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

#578: Lori Morris: When Working With the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes!

#678: Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts with Processes

Feb 24, 2023

Today With Hunter Lowder:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We’ve all heard that we should free ourselves up for CEO-level tasks. But knowing we should and actually following through with it are very different things. It can be hard for entrepreneurs who feel like they have to carry everything in their business. Sometimes, the operations get jumbled along the way. My guest today, Hunter Lowder, runs a business that steps in and serves as fractional COO to get designers back on track. She’s sharing how we can let go, how to find the right person for the job, and how the process of bringing someone in actually works.

Pick It Apart

[1:48] LuAnn and Hunter discuss what bringing in an outside COO looks like and how it can work. 

[5:15] Hunter shares why business owners often experience overwhelm. 

[10:33] Hunter and LuAnn discuss the importance of mission, vision, and values when bringing someone into the COO role. 

[18:23] Hunter shares two tips for people who might need assistance in their operations. 

[33:15] Hunter discusses the different ways she supports business owners.

LuAnn Nigara and Hunter Lowder's Ah-Ha Moments

“I think everybody talks about creativity and visionaries…but then there’s the side like me who are operations and systems. We are kind of like the fun police, telling people, it’s great that you love what you do—here’s how we make it sustainable.” - Hunter Lowder

“The original entrepreneur gets it going…but now the business is growing and decisions need to be made on the daily. The whole organization is accustomed to the CEO being the decision-maker. But there’s this level where the CEO is seeing the next level for the business but is stuck in the weeds of the day-to-day decision making.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Hunter Lowder:

Hunter Lowder is co-owner of Tortoise & The Bear, a business strategy, operations, and mindset coaching company that supports visionaries in bringing their wild and crazy dreams to life. Coupling her past business experience as CEO of a multi-million dollar company with mindful coaching approaches, Hunter helps service-based business owners create and prioritize a strategic plan to grow their impact and move their business forward in a sustainable way. 

After suffering severe burnout as a CEO, Hunter is passionate about building a business in alignment with her values. When she’s not helping clients fine tune their operations, she’s likely dancing and singing karaoke with her husband, feeding her son’s football team, or hanging out at the beach with her fur babies.

Connect with Hunter Lowder

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

TikTok

FREE Customer Journey Audit

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:

#607: Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines

#385: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: The Productivity Specialist

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

#634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

Feb 21, 2023

Today With Lindye Galloway:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Lindye Galloway, of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Lindye is here to share the inspiring story of how she followed her heart, creating a business model for her e-commerce shop and Designed by Lindye collection that does good for others by giving a portion of the profits to provide microloans to entrepreneurs in underserved parts of the world. Lindye encourages us to find meaning through our own business ventures by exploring our whys and living our truths.

Pick It Apart

[1:39] Lindye tells the story of how she and her husband Winn started the e-commerce shop alongside her design studio in 2020 as a way to make a meaningful impact and help others.

[17:47] Lindye and LuAnn examine the logistics of running an e-commerce site.

[22:08] Lindye talks about the importance of offering unique, custom products in her shop to set it apart from other e-commerce sites. 

[28:00] LuAnn explains the importance of having your mission, vision and values established and how that can impact the success of your business.

[32:35] LuAnn and Lindye discuss knowing your truth and recognizing that your truth can shift during different seasons of life.

[36:21] Lindye reveals why she doesn’t believe the common phrase “if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life.”

LuAnn Nigara and Lindye Galloway's Ah-Ha Moments

“I wanted to somehow find a way to help people, I want it to be able to create a business that, yes, could serve me and my family and create a lifestyle, but also that could have more meaning.” -Lindye Galloway

“[Prepare] yourself to know that there's going to be so many logistics involved and allowing that to be okay on the journey.” – Lindye Galloway

“In everything that we do here in our studio, and in our shop that it's a part of our  core values is generosity. And that comes with each other. And that comes also with giving away.” – Lindye Galloway

“As you go up the ladder and the people that actually build the business that they want to build, whether it's big or small, it's because they've decided what it is first that is important to them.” – LuAnn Nigara

“There will always be days that feel like work. And if you know what your truth is, you're gonna get through those days.” – Lindye Galloway

More About Lindye Galloway:

Lindye Galloway is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. As an interior design tastemaker, she delivers an effortless take on a California style that perfectly juxtaposes a tailored sophistication in a laid-back setting. 

Entrepreneurial in spirit, what started as a solo passion project, has quickly grown into a successful interior design studio and team serving an exclusive list of clientele across the US each year. 

Lindye joined forces with her husband, Winn, to launch The Lindye Galloway Shop. This online destination for home furnishing and decor was launched to help design-lovers easily achieve their own take on The Lindye Galloway Studio’s signature California style and sophistication in their own homes.

Connect with Lindye Galloway

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:

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

#545: Laurel Smith: Permission to Succeed

#717: Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

#840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

 

Feb 17, 2023

Today With Brittany Murphy:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Brittany Murphy of One Thing Marketing joining me. Just when you think you are starting to understand SEO, Google switches up the algorithm. 

SEO is a very important element to our businesses. A lot of us wonder; how do we incorporate SEO? Who do we hire that we can trust to help us? These are very important and common questions and Brittany is here to answer them, and then some. Enjoy!

Pick It Apart

[2:19] Brittany starts us off by explaining SEO and what it means.

[8:34] What to look for in finding a reputable SEO company. 

[12:16] What should you be seeing from a marketing company to know they are getting you results. 

[31:11] Brittany gets into some DIY tips for those who want to try improving SEO themselves.

LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Murphy's Ah-Ha Moments

“Google has gotten a lot smarter to prioritize resourceful articles from websites they trust. SEO is how you build that trust.” - Brittany Murphy

“Whether you’re dealing with an SEO specialist, or a CPA, or a bookkeeper, whoever it is, if you aren’t feeling like they are meeting you where you are and aren’t sincere, listen to your inside voice and move on.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Brittany Murphy:

For almost a decade, Brittany has created over 300 digital marketing strategies for clients all across the US. As a partner for online marketing agency, One Thing Marketing, Brittany focuses on helping home service business owners get their phones to ring with new leads. 

Since 2018, her team has niched into specializing for trade and home service business which has allowed them to perfect their proven process and strategies for optimizing clients’ websites and Google presence. 

Through her strategies, background in blue collar, and experienced team, Brittany has helped local businesses increase their revenue by at least of 30% every year, year over year.

Connect with Brittany Murphy

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn 

YouTube

Twitter

9 Marketing Strategies Proven To Increase Leads

30-minute Strategy Session!

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:

#371: Power Talk Friday: Jason Berkowitz: Optimize the SEO of Your Interior Design Website

#626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design 

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

Feb 14, 2023

Today With Nicole Salceda:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I’m joined by Nicole Salceda! Her career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She is going to share with us how she built the amazing team that is behind her brand, the “not so pretty” things she had to overcome during the first years in business, and how she manages her Instagram account of over 295,000 followers.

LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Salceda's Ah-Ha Moments

“The error isn’t in investing in your business, the error was in understanding how, where, and when the tracking of it.” - LuAnn Nigara

“It was time for me to find the right people, get them in the right seats so I could really scale this business” - Nicole Salceda

“Once an entrepreneur fully owns their finances, the whole business changes” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Nicole Salceda:

Nicole Salceda's career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She left her job as an elementary school teacher to see those spaces come to life firsthand. What started as a handful of clients quickly became a rapidly growing portfolio full of homes in her signature warm minimalist style. Now, having been through a dream home remodel of her own, she has even more perspective when it comes to the client experience. 

Nicole and team—each member hand-picked for their talent—work closely to create inspiring spaces. They assemble elements that are old, new, handmade, and thrifted for homes that are understated, but far from boring. Each refined detail is a testament to Nicole's distinct penchant for bringing a room together—to her eye for pretty.

Connect with Nicole Salceda

Website

Eye For Pretty At Home

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:

#823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan

#433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet

#507: Barclay Butera: 25 Years of Beautiful Design

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

Feb 10, 2023

Today With Alexis Varbero:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Alexis Varbero, we discuss how she expanded the family-owned business Schwartz Design Showroom. How? Well many ways, but one way that is no stranger of a topic to the show, is by building relationships.

Alexis strengthened the relationships her mom started to form with interior designers when she owned the business. A big way she was successfully able to do this was how she built and maintained positive relationships with her manufacturers. Listen in to see how fostering relationships in your business can go full circle.

Pick It Apart

[2:44] Alexis shares the history of Schwartz Design Showroom starting with her mom and grandfather.

[12:11] Alexis explains how she is that support for the design teams she works with. 

[15:30] The importance of building a supportive team.

[37:50] How a designer from outside of New Jersey can work with Schwartz Design Showroom.

LuAnn Nigara and Alexis Varbero's Ah-Ha Moments

“I want people to see Schwartz Design Showroom as a place that takes care of all of their needs. We want to leave them the time to focus on their business and clients.” - Alexis Varbero

“Our best relationships are the relationships we have with the manufacturer, to the reps. to the client, so we can continuously support the designer.” - Alexis Varbero

“We are that part of your team that are thinking about the “what ifs” to give you peace of mind.” - Alexis Varbero

More About Alexis Varbero:

In 2004, Schwartz Design Showroom CEO Alexis Varbero left her high-profile career with Bobbi Brown to take the helm of her family-run business. Opened by her grandfather, Morris Schwartz in 1947, SDS celebrates its 75th year in business this November 2022. The New Jersey– and Connecticut-based business is known as one of the most comprehensive trade-only interiors showrooms in the Tri-State area. Varbero has increased the company’s footprint by expanding its Stamford showroom for a total of 7,000 square feet and opening a new 12,000 square foot location in NJ, Fulton Street Design Center, which will house Schwartz Design Showroom along with other companies slated to provide additional resources for designers. In addition, Varbero opened a third showroom location in September called The Barn at Schwartz Design Showroom. The Barn is located in Peapack Gladstone, NJ and will serve as a satellite location catering to designers in Somerset, Morris and Hunterdon Counties. 

Today, Alexis stays ahead of the curve by being ever-present in the market and attending an array of trade shows and fashion events spanning High Point Market to New York Fashion Week. Above all, transparency is paramount: Every brand carried is linked on the showroom’s website, so that design professionals can feel comfortable with each product and its pricing structure. Alexis is constantly adding to the roster of cutting-edge manufacturers providing interior designers access to the industries finest brands, while simultaneously acting as the designer’s back end office. “First and foremost, we are your partner and your team,” says Varbero. “Customer service is our highest priority.”

Connect with Alexis Varbero

Website

Instagram

Example of supporting up and coming manufacturers - Society of Wonderland Textile and Wallcovering Designer

Other Shows Mentioned:

#823: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan

#838: Regan Baker: Building a Team That Supports Your Core Values

Feb 7, 2023

Today With Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb on the show. They met on Instagram and are now design besties—together hosting the Hot Young Designers Club podcast, where they explore the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design world.

Shaun and Rebecca are here today to inspire community, not competition, between fellow designers, and we’re talking about relationships, boundaries, rates, and red flags. We hope that you join us.

Pick It Apart

[4:28] Rebecca and Shaun talk about how they met and became friends

[11:50] Rebecca explains how the peer-to-peer mentorship between her and Shaun works and why it is helpful to have this relationship

[22:32] LuAnn digs into how Shaun and Rebecca run the back end of their businesses

[27:29] Rebecca explains how she uses automation to create boundaries with her clients

[38:50] Rebecca and Shaun discuss rates and how they have both experiments with hourly rates and flat fees.

[51:24] Shaun talks about dispelling the myth that designers can’t create a sustainable living for themselves

LuAnn Nigara and Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb's Ah-Ha Moments

“We attract the type of clients that are attracted to our personality type and the type of business that we run. I think that's why there's so much room for all of us, because there's so many different kinds of people.” - Rebecca Plumb

“I’ve learned a lot about my personality in this business.” - Rebecca Plumb

“One of the biggest things that's come from developing relationships with Rebecca and other designers and creatives is this dispelling of the myth that designers can't create sustainable livings for themselves…It is possible to create a decent quality of life for ourselves that still has room to grow.” - Shaun Crha

“When you run it like a business you can do your creative all day long.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb:

Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) came to interior design after other career paths. They met through Instagram while completing the popular One Room Challenge and turned their online banter into a real-life friendship while attending the semi-annual Las Vegas Market. They bring a sense of humor and irreverence to running their design businesses that spills over into the podcast. Their advice always come from a place of helpfulness delivered by your big sister and gay best friend.

Connect with Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb

Website

Instagram 

Apple Podcasts

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:

#790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions

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

#826: Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Finding Success & Switching Careers with Confidence

#822: Layton Campbell: The Drama of Interior Design: A Former Broadway Performer Sets the Stage for Building a Design Business

#814: Michelle Lynne: What Constitutes Billable Hours in an Interior Design Business?

Feb 3, 2023

Today With Staci Davidson:

Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am joined by Staci Davidson, owner of Everything but Design, where she does just that. Staci is capable of taking on every aspect of an interior design business, from accounting and bookkeeping to consulting and customer service, freeing up her clients so that they can get back to what they do best: Design. Staci is here to talk about her experience and the value that outsourcing your back-end operations can bring to your business, boosting not only your confidence, but your profits.

Pick It Apart

[3:39] Staci recounts her experience as an operations manager and bookkeeper for a residential design firm, handling “everything but design” in the business and growing it to a multimillion-dollar firm.

[10:47] Staci and LuAnn discuss the services Everything but Design offers beyond just bookkeeping, and Staci explains how outsourcing administrative tasks to someone that understands the design industry allows her clients to focus more on their designs, builds confidence, and ultimately generate more revenue 

[22:22] LuAnn and Staci talk about the importance of systems and processes, and how the way a project is managed can be more important than the beauty of the design to clients 

[29:20] Staci explains how she uses best practices as a bookkeeper to help business owners analyze their margins, adjust prices, and gain profits

[42:01] Staci and LuAnn talk about the importance of systems and standards, especially when communicating with clients by setting expectations beforehand

LuAnn Nigara and Staci Davidson's Ah-Ha Moments

“You need someone that has your back, and they aren't just pushing data, they're ensuring that it's accurate and advising you on next steps, best practices, ways to save money, or improvements into your process.” - Staci Davidson

“When a designer is in their lane, and focusing on the design, all of the other things fall into place.” – LuAnn Nigara

“When you have really satisfied clients who feel like they were taken care of, the referrals are going to come in.” – Staci Davidson

“Really feeling confident in yourself, your design, and your processes will elevate your business so much.” – Staci Davidson

More About Staci Davidson:

Staci discovered her love for the business of Interior Design in 2016 when she was hired as the Operations Manager of a residential design firm. She quickly realized so much more went into running a successful design business. Her true passion is freeing up the designer, taking over all aspects of the business and allowing the owners to focus on creating amazing spaces their clients will cherish for years to come. 

She has done blog posts for Design Manager and has been asked to speak at High Point on best practices for running a successful business.

Offering a wide variety of services, Staci and her team can do Everything but Design!

Connect with Staci Davidson

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

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

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Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB Episode 349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA

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

AWDB Episode 843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers

AWDB Episode 845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating

WTFP Episode 125: Debra Scarpa: The Power of a Visionary & Integrator Relationship

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Interior Design Standard with Sandra Funk

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