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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: March, 2023
Mar 31, 2023

Today With Terri Taylor:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today, I’m joined by my friend Terri Taylor for the 8th time. This episode is sponsored by her Interior Design Business Academy and specifically The Real Deal which takes place this May 10th, 11th, and 12th 2023. 

You know that Terri is an expert at coaching designers on how to be profitable on remodeling jobs. One of the factors of a successful remodel job is how you communicate and interact with your contractor. Today, she is sharing the five mistakes to avoid when working with a contractor. 

This information is just a taste of what Terri has in store for her upcoming Real Deal presentation. Her once-a-year three-day event is, in her own words, the recipe for a highly profitable remodeling job.

Pick It Apart

[23:38] A common occurrence for when a designer gets a lead on a remodel job.

[32:04] Terri explains what an exploratory agreement is and why you should have it.

[47:57] The last mistake designers make when working with a contractor- initiate the conversation.

[1:04:50] Terri talks about The Real Deal, when it is, and all of the value it will provide designers.

LuAnn Nigara and Terri Taylor's Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s not to say we don’t need the contractor and his prices, but we don’t need his prices in the first meeting.” - Terri Taylor

“If you initiate this conversation about who is going to buy and do what with the contractor, if it’s your job and you’re bringing them in you get to choose.” - Terri Taylor

More About Terri Taylor:

Terri Taylor is an award-winning interior designer turned business coach who teaches and mentors designers on how to create thriving businesses and own their worth.

Terri has more than 30 years of experience in the interior design and construction business. She’s been featured in regional and national design publications and is a sought-after guest speaker at national and international events. She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including business practices, sales, marketing, mindset, leadership, success, and personal growth.

As host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri brings her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step “recipes” for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success, to a growing audience of interior designers each week.

In 2009, Terri created the Interior Design Business Academy – an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of business strategies and systems along with powerful positive mindset practices to help interior designers create meaningful success. Over the past 10+ years, Terri has coached hundreds of designers to grow their businesses to 6- and 7-figures with grace and ease. She’s known as a straight-talking ‘technical expert’ when it comes to streamlining your design business.

Her value-packed events and coaching programs are all designed to move you and your design business to whole new levels of getting paid what you deserve. Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability - all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation.

Connect with Terri Taylor

Website

Podcast

Terri's FREE training webinar “Own that Remodeling Job and Get Paid what You are Worth” taking place live on March 31, April 3 and April 5 at 12pm ET

Instagram

Facebook

Other Shows Mentioned:

#548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets

#602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit

#662: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Stepping Into Profitable Kitchen Remodels. Sponsored Show: Interior Design Business Academy

#710: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Get Paid What You Are Worth. Sponsored By Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021

#763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth

#813: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Design Fees VS Hourly Billing- What Are Flat Fees the Way to Go?

#829: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor- Fly the Plane While You Build It!

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

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

Mar 28, 2023

Today With Hillaire Pickett Martin:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Hilaire Pickett Martin. Hilaire runs the day-to-day operations at Design Lines, an interior design firm started by her mother, Judy Pickett, in 1979. Hilaire is here to share how she finds operational gaps and implements technological frameworks to support the workflow at Design Lines, with helpful tips and applications you can utilize in your own business. Listen in and learn how to streamline your systems, save time, and maybe even take next Tuesday off.

Pick It Apart

[2:33] Hilaire talks about her background and coming to work for her mother’s design firm.

[6:48] Hilaire explains how she compartmentalizes the operational tasks and organizes processes by mapping them out and understanding the different steps involved to see where any gaps might be.

[11:57] LuAnn and Hilaire discuss the pros and cons of implementing new technology, some platforms Hilaire loves, and how the user experience can influence decisions.

[33:13] Hilaire explains how she compartmentalizes business tasks.

[43:18] Hilaire and LuAnn discuss designer outreach and Hilaire’s efforts with high school and college interior design programs.

LuAnn Nigara and Hillaire Pickett Martin's Ah-Ha Moments

“If something isn't working, break it down and figure out…what are the parts about this process that are working? But what are the parts that are not working or are just painful?” – LuAnn Nigara

“There’s simplicity in operations.” – Hilaire Pickett Martin

“If a new technology is not user intuitive or friendly—it ain't gonna win in my book.” – Hilaire Pickett Martin

“No one platform has to work for everything that we do.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Hillaire Pickett Martin:

Hilaire Pickett Martin is a graduate of Elon University. Since joining her mother at Design Lines in 2008, she has handled Design Lines’ communications and applies her enthusiasm and passion to promoting the firm. In 2013 Hilaire stepped into additionally overseeing all the accounting and day-to-day operations of Design Lines. Described as hard-working and very organized, Hilaire enjoys the team atmosphere at Design Lines, the pulling together everyone does to make a project a success. She is proud to work alongside and learn from her mother.

Connect with Hillaire Pickett Martin

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

WTFP #21: Vita’s Tip in Ten: How To Protect Yourself By Following Your Systems

Other Resources Mentioned:

Asana

Canva

Airtable

Milanote

DocuSign

Monday.com

Later

Mar 24, 2023

Today With Howard A. Lim:

Welcome to A Well Designed Business. What does it take to build a ten-figure world-class brand? Today, Howard A. Lim of HOW Creative is here to walk us through all of the steps and inner work needed to build a brand on this level. Even if you aren’t striving to be known around the world, Howard’s DNA of a brand that he teaches us will benefit you and take you where you want to be. Howard says that you must clearly define your Brand Architecture at the outset in order to sustain value, growth, and equity. So there’s some inner work to do first. Enjoy!

Pick It Apart

[7:11] Howard shares what we should be thinking about if we want to be a big brand name in the industry.

[13:55] Howard explains the importance of your vision and how it works. 

[17:45] Ideas so we can tap into our philosophy when we don’t have one. 

[30:54]  You’ve done all of the inner work and defined your brand, now how do we attract big brands and become known globally?

[39:08] If we become lucky enough to achieve multiple collaborations, what do we do to maintain those relationships?

[47:39] Quality always pays off.

LuAnn Nigara and Howard A. Lim's Ah-Ha Moments

“When you look at successful brands like Apple or Tesla the reason they are so powerful is because their brand is by design.” - Howard A. Lim

“ A brand is what others are saying, now what you are saying.” - Howard A. Lim

“We create the reality that surrounds us, so why not think big?” - Howard A. Lim

More About Howard A. Lim:

Business and Brand Architect™ Howard A. Lim designs businesses from the inside-out and has been a disruptive innovator since 1987, when he founded his full-service firm, HOW CREATIVE. Mr. Lim partners with business leaders to create influential, world-class businesses and brands using his unique, proprietary hybrid model of business development, branding, and customer engagement to attain exponential profits, growth, value, and new opportunities quickly and effectively. Representing companies of all types and sizes, including Apple, Disney, Paramount, DreamWorks, Xerox, Oracle, Mattel, and AT&T, Mr. Lim collaborates with clients globally to develop and execute leading, world-class businesses and brands while adding billions of dollars to his clients' profits.

Connect with Howard A. Lim

Website 

LinkedIn

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

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:

#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

#406: Power Talk Friday- Nicole Heymer- You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

#701: Kristen Rivoli- New Brand, New Year: How Rebranding Can Work for Interior Designers 

Mar 21, 2023

Today With Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of AphroChic—a media and design brand celebrating African Diaspora cultures through their lifestyle magazine, podcast, and product lines. Jeanine and Bryan are helping us relearn history as we dive into their latest book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home. This is essential reading, not only for designers, but for everyone, and the conversation we have around it is an important one so that we can be an active part of the change in this country.

Pick It Apart

[2:48] Janine talks about how the AphroChic blog was inspired by a gap she saw among home décor blogs at the time that left out people of color.

[15:20] Bryan explains that design is diverse by nature, and is a human thing to do so it happens in cultures all over the world, yet here in America, Eurocentric design is the only story that has been told for many years, forgetting the work of the rest of the world.

[27:27] LuAnn asks Bryan and Janine for some meaningful ways those in the interior design industry can be a part of positive change.

[40:37] LuAnn shares that she was called out as a racist, and shares that she later learned that systemic racism conditions you to not notice. This is the work that white people must do, learn the actual history so you see, you know the real truth. 

[44:58] Janine and Bryan discuss how their new book is a history book and sociology book hidden within a design book.

LuAnn Nigara and Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays' Ah-Ha Moments

“Every aspect of what we've done has started with seeing a gap, seeing a space where we haven't seen that representation, or that cultural story represented, and then working to fill it in, in some way.” - Jeanine Hays

“Design is diverse by nature because the world is diverse by nature.” - Bryan Mason

“Racism is itself a, not a single, monolithic, stagnant thing. It is living. It adapts, it changes from one situation to another.” - Bryan Mason

“True change happens when you really do understand the reality of what happened in history.” - LuAnn Nigara

“Systemic racism doesn’t just condition the oppressed, it conditions the oppressor.” - Bryan Mason

More About Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays:

Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason are the authors of REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects, and Soul. Their media and design brand AphroChic celebrates African Diaspora cultures through their lifestyle magazine, podcast, and product lines available through Perigold and 1st Dibs. The couple resides in upstate New York in their lovingly named “AphroFarmhouse.”

A powerful, visually stunning celebration of Black-owned homes, featuring inspiring interiors and family histories of notable Black Americans—including chef Alexander Smalls and actor Danielle Brooks.

In their new book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home (Clarkson Potter | November 15th, 2022 | $35.00 | Hardcover), Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason explore the Black family home and its role as a haven, heirloom, and cornerstone of Black culture and life. Sixteen gorgeous house tours invite you into the intimate spaces of actors and musicians, the creative studios of artists and curators, the “boss” offices of entrepreneurs and executives, and homes filled with pieces handed down from generations past.

The cultural context found throughout AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home sets it apart from other popular coffee-table design texts. With engaging text and beautiful photographs by the late Patrick Cline, this book amplifies many issues currently faced by African Americans, including gentrification, redlining, and more, highlighting the Black Family Home as a missing piece in the narrative of both interior design and American history. Showcasing the amazing diversity of the Black experience through striking art-and-heirloom-filled interiors; stories of family and community; and histories exploring the obstacles Black homeowners have faced for generations, this groundbreaking book honors the journey, recognizes the struggle, and celebrates the joy. 

Connect with Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

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

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:

#14: Malene Barnett: Success Secret – Build Relationships

#556: Kae Whitaker: #BLM Grace For Lack Of Understanding, Grace for Anger

#596: Jamel Williams: A Call to Create Opportunity and Change at the University Level

#573: Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something

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

#816: Elsie St. Leger: Addressing Racial Inequality in the Design Industry 

#732: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business

Other Resources Mentioned:

Wayfair Collaboration

Book: Reluctant Reformer by Robert Allen

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University.

This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries. These are the things that you need to learn but always wonder where do I go to learn this. 

Classes begin May 1st 2023 and registration will open April 2023. 

You can see our current roster for all of our 5 week courses, as well as our brand new 3 hour intensives at luannuniversity.com

This reminds me of Jude Charles and how he uses genuine storytelling to connect to his clients. This is a thing. Good humans practice this. Relating to their potential clients and wanting them to understand how their services can help them. Jude has developed a course for LU, Storytelling for Creatives. He can teach you how to turn your stories, your experiences into the insights and ideas that help you connect with your potential clients, in a way that is genuine for you and meaningful for them. The registration for Spring 2023 semester opens this April. Just some food for thought.

Go to luannuniversity.com to learn more.

Mar 17, 2023

Today With Darla Powell:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Darla Powell of Wingnut Social. If you’re an avid listener of the show, you know how much of a social media guru Darla is. Now, she has come out with a course called Instagram for Interior Designers which consists of everything you would learn about Instagram if you were to personally pick her brain.

Pick It Apart

[10:13] Darla tells us about her new course Instagram for Interior Designers.

[23:20] The importance of knowing yourself and your value proposition before tackling your social media strategy.

[31:00] Why you need to have your ducks in a row, for example having your website in order. 

[35:20] LuAnn and Darla talk about module two of Instagram for Interior Designers.

[53:25] Wingnut’s specific impact on client Anne Gillyard’s business grOH! Playrooms.

[59:25] How we can get the Instagram for Interior Designers course.

LuAnn Nigara and Darla Powell's Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s a no-brainer to me. You can’t not be investing in marketing. It’s a key component to business” - LuAnn Nigara

“You have to lock in your value proposition before doing anything, otherwise you’re just throwing stuff at the wall and hoping it sticks.” - Darla Powell 

“Regardless of what your marketing budget is, start small.” - Darla Powell

More About Darla Powell:

Darla Powell is more than just an award-winning interior designer, podcast host, social media speaker, and former police detective.

She’s also an adept unraveler of marketing secrets.

Her down-to-earth style delivers smart, actionable information that’s relevant to real business owners—because she is one.

Topics range from social media mastery (what really engages followers—it’s probably not what you think) to how to build your brand from the ground up (how did she go from retired cop to one of the top five interior designers in Miami in less than sixteen months—secrets will be revealed).

Connect with Darla Powell

Wingnut Academy: Instagram for Interior Designers

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

#830: Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Your Interior Design Business

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Today’s show is sponsored by Darla Powell and Wingut Academy. Check out all the details on https://wingnutsocial.com/instagram-for-interior-designers/

Mar 14, 2023

Today With Antonio Deloatch

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What’s the difference between a designer who thrives in business and one who doesn’t? It isn’t talent. It isn’t passion. It isn’t motivation. It’s simply the ability to commit and get things done. My guest today, Antonio Deloatch Jr, is one of those real action-takers—someone who I just have no doubt is going to be big and successful, not just as a designer, but at whatever he puts his mind to. It’s a combination of his outlook, his attitude, and his ability to put one foot in front of the other and make it happen. Today, he’s sharing his story and insights with us.

Pick It Apart

[3:39] Antonio shares his experience at the Black Interior Designer’s networking event.

[7:30] Antonio discusses how grassroots marketing worked for him. 

[21:00] LuAnn and Antonio talk about marketing opportunities that can make a difference. 

[25:11] Antonio shares his “why” and the pillars of his business.

[28:47] LuAnn and Antonio talk about how to make things happen for your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Antonio Deloatch's Ah-Ha Moments

“All you need is one. One good project could pay for my marketing plan for the year. It’s a low barrier to entry. If that’s $600 on pretty postcards, it’s not that expensive but could have a really big return.” - Antonio Deloatch

“There’s always good or bad in the era that you’re doing business. Just get over it, get on with it, and do business in your era.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Antonio Deloatch:

I’m a New Yorker with a love for the California sun…

Living in New York & Los Angeles with a global state of mind equals the best of both worlds. 

I get up every single day to change the way people live through art, light and design. For me, taking a non functional space and transforming it into the most popular room in the home, is a dream come true. I have tackled projects ranging from studio apartments in Hong Kong to million dollar estates in the Hamptons to sprawling ranch homes in Ojai CA. Each project is an exploration of you and how you will live in the space. 

My love for décor and design started early. I realized that I wanted to use my talents outside of the sales floor or cubicle. I started my design business in 2014 and my main goal still to this day is to bring quality, as well as affordable designs to any consumer.

Connect with Antonio Deloatch

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:

#524: Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough

#06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Mar 10, 2023

Today With Robyn White:

We all know that marketing matters. But so often when I’m talking to newer designers, I realize that marketing is misunderstood—especially when it comes to the luxury client. 

My guest today, Robyn White, understands that. Today, she’s here to talk about what marketing really is, how marketing for the luxury client is unique, and how to incorporate your personality and story into your messaging.

Pick It Apart

[2:26] Robyn and LuAnn reflect on what marketing really means.

[6:54] Robyn explains the difference in marketing to a luxury client.

[15:54] LuAnn and Robyn discuss how important it is for your website to show what makes you unique. 

[27:43] Robyn explains how to convey luxury through your website. 

[43:14] Robyn and LuAnn reflect on how important your website is.

LuAnn Nigara and Robyn White's Ah-Ha Moments

“The more marketing you do, the more you’ll start to realize that people don’t care that much about what you’re trying to sell to them, because it’s not about them. When you turn the tables and make your marketing about how you help them and what problems you solve, they become interested.” - Robyn White

“If I can read a page on your website and I can substitute any person’s name for this because there’s nothing so specific that is only you, then you haven’t done your job in explaining who you are or what it’s like to work with you.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Robyn White:

Robyn White is the owner and founder of RDW Design Studio, a boutique website design studio located on Cape Cod, MA. Robyn offers a refined website design experience for clients who value quality and want a strategic, sophisticated and simple website designed so they can book more premium clients.

Robyn specializes in helping interior designers, architects, stagers and organizers elevate their website so it reflects the high-quality work they provide and so their business has the online home it deserves. Through her impactful and strategic website design, she positions her clients as the premium choice by making the right first impression online.

She helps her busy clients go from overwhelmed to overjoyed with their websites by taking care of all the techie stuff without the techie talk. Through her supportive, streamlined and stress-free design process, Robyn designs websites that are not just beautiful, but allow her clients to show up online with confidence and attract their ideal clients.

Connect with Robyn White

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Get a Freebie!

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:

#466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

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

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

#841: Power Talk Friday - Nancy Ganzekaufer - The Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Mar 7, 2023

Today With Veronica Solomon:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Veronica Solomon of Casa Vilora Interiors. Veronica is an award-winning designer and business mentor who believes that knowing yourself, understanding your convictions, and trusting your purpose can impact your business for the best. She has turned self-awareness into her superpower, and she is here today to encourage you to do the same so that you can run your business with intention.

Pick It Apart

[6:14] Veronica shares that competition has never been something she has focused on in her business.

[13:01] Veronica talks about how she feels like she was predestined to become an interior designer, and because of that is is called to always show up as her true, authentic self.

[15:29] LuAnn and Veronica discuss what it means to develop a signature style. 

[23:55] Veronica shares why she will never complain about a client.

[38:03] LuAnn and Veronica discuss the importance of having your picture on your website because potential clients want to know who you are.

[45:42] Veronica and LuAnn talk about why it’s so important to address the business side of your business—to tighten up the present tktk of your business and also as you look to the future.

LuAnn Nigara and Veronica Solomon's Ah-Ha Moments

“There's no such thing as competition. You are who you are, and your client wants you, and that designer next to you can have your same process your same contract, and you're just not the same people.” -LuAnn Nigara

 “Be who you are, who you are meant to be.” – Veronica Solomon

“I will never complain about a client—no matter how bad it gets, no matter what they do—I'm not going to complain about them. Not to anyone or to myself.” – Veronica Solomon

More About Veronica Solomon:

Veronica brings over 13 years of expertise as leader of the Casa Vilora Interiors team. She has won many prestigious awards and has been featured in numerous publications and considered a design influencer and design business mentor. Her design point of view can be summed up as eclectic, classic, bold, timeless wit a touch of whimsy. The spaces she creates are known for their eclectic vibe and masterful use of color, pattern mix and textures. They are multi-layered and collected, blending classic with modern, old with new, high with low and a bold use of color, pattern, texture in ways that excite.

Veronica believes that each space should tell the story of the people who live there and should be their ideal version of luxurious living; whatever luxury means to them.

Connect with Veronica Solomon

Website

Instagram

Mentorship

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:

AWDB #50: Veronica Solomon – Powerful Marketing for your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook

AWDB #830 Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #488: Monica Wilcox: Systems Create Strength & Confidence

WTFP #143: Vita Vygovska: Market to Interior Designers by Building Relationships

AWDB #819: Power Talk Friday: Ebony Looney: Attract Clients Through Your Interior Design Business Website

AWDB #22: Fred Berns: How To Create a Killer Bio

AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns — Own Your “Only” Word & Tips To Discover Yours

Mar 3, 2023

Today With Shannon Lopez:

You’ve heard of the PPP, but did you know that there’s another government program waiting to give you as much, if not more money back? It’s called the ERC. Today, Shannon Lopez breaks down the program, who it’s for, how you can take advantage of it, and the deadlines you need to know.

Pick It Apart

[8:55] Shannon breaks down what the ERC is and why it matters.

[13:53] LuAnn and Shannon discuss the challenges of running a business at the beginning of the pandemic. 

[31:16] Shannon explains who qualifies for the ERC. 

[44:00] Shannon walks us through how her company can help. 

[53:53] Shannon and LuAnn talk about why this program isn’t more well-known.

LuAnn Nigara and Shannon Lopez's Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s so incredibly important. We’re really lucky that we have someone like you that really understands it and has spent the last two and a half years pivoting her business in order to become an expert at this.” - LuAnn Nigara

“This program is as financially impactful, if not more, than the PPP for most business owners. Whatever amount of money you got from the PPP, there’s a good chance that you will get that much, if not more, for this program.” - Shannon Lopez

More About Shannon Lopez:

Shannon Lopez is co-founder of ‘Be Better ERC Consulting’ and ‘Be Better Salon Accelerator’, a salon entrepreneur consulting firm. She’s a small business owner and an accomplished CFO with more than 25 years of experience.

As a business owner, consultant and educator, Shannon along with her business partner, Naomi Prusinski, are always looking for ways to create better results for their businesses and clients.

When they first learned about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), they conducted extensive research and have now helped hundreds of companies receive tens of millions of dollars in refunds so far!

Connect with Shannon Lopez

Website

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

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