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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: Page 33
Feb 6, 2017

On the show, today it is kind of a departure for the podcast because I am going to be speaking with an interior design student: Ashleigh Esprit. Ashleigh is a student Gwinnett Technical College in Atlanta, Georgia and she is working on her associates degree in interior design. She will complete her associates degree in the spring of 2017 and then attend Brunel University in the fall to get her masters in interior design. She has had great success in her internships and working with a great company, Sherwin Williams. She is very passionate about design and very passionate about her colleagues. She has started a blog, The Life of an Interior Design Student. In the interview, you will learn how Ashleigh and I came to know each other and what I have learned about her to make me respect her. 

Show Notes:

  • Why did Ashleigh start a blog for interior design students?
  • What are some of the struggles that she has experienced that other students have as well?
  • How does Ashleigh overcome her times when she is having trouble staying inspired?
  • What made Ashleigh want to be involved in the interior design business and study more about interior design?
  • Are there any classes that Ashleigh thinks are more beneficial than others?
  • Does Ashleigh think internships are important?
  • Is there anything that she thinks should be included in the interior design curriculum that isn’t explained well enough already?
  • Is Ashleigh a part of ASID?
  • What are Ashleigh’s goals for her career in interior design?
  • What are some other blogs that she has connected with?
  • Has Ashleigh learned anything from doing her blog: The Life of an Interior Design Student?

Resources:

The Life of an Interior Design Student

www.lifeofanidstudent.blogspot.com

Feb 3, 2017

On this power talk Friday I am happy to say that I have Heather Ann Havenwood! Heather Ann Havenwood is the CEO of Havenwood Worldwide. She is the head chief sexy boss, she is an entrepreneur and a top authority in internet marketing, business strategies, and marketing.

What I found that is very interesting about Heather is that she started her first online business in 1999. If you think about that in 1999 nobody really had computers in their homes. In 2006, she took a company that she developed and grew it to an online marketing, publishing company from ground zero to over one million dollars in sales in under twelve months!

Show Notes:

  • What is Heather’s nitch?
  • What should you promote first for your business?
  • What are some of the differences between men and women’s approaches when it comes to getting what they want in business?
  • When or should you become friends with clients?
  • Why are consistency and commitment important?
  • What is H2H and why is it important?
  • Why is it important to google your name every occasionally?
  • Why does everyone fail to succeed?
  • Why did she write her book: Sexy Boss: How the Empowerment of Women is Changing the Rule Book of Sex, Money, and Business?
  • Why are testimonials important to your business?
  • How do you get testimonials?
  • What is Heather’s podcast about?

Resources:

Sexy boss: How the Empowerment of Women is Changing the Rule Book of Sex, Money, and Success

The Win with Heather Havenwood

www.heatherhavenwood.com

Feb 1, 2017

I have Paula Grace with me today! Paula Grace comes to interior design as a second career. Before coming to interior design, she earned master degrees in clinical social work and business administration. She held a directorship in a large behavioral health program and was a senior instructor at the graduate level in a prestigious university medical center. This is exactly why I was so intrigued to bring Paula on the show! In addition to designing interiors, she also designs furniture and area rugs which are available to the trade. Paula Grace also consults and shares her knowledge with us her design colleagues on how to build strong professional relationships with clients, staff and vendors.

Show Notes:

  • What are the steps that an interior designer should start out with when trying to build a good relationship with clients?
  • What should a designer talk about in the first meeting with a client?
  • Why is it so important to stick to your original plan?
  • What are some clues that you as a designer have not explained clearly enough what you are about? 
  • What are the four “c”s?
  • How can designers reinforce to their clients that they made the right decision?
  • How can you stay out of the “friend zone”?
  • How can you deal with a person’s bad experience from a previous project?
  • How can you as a leader decide if your staff members are happy in their work environment?
  • What is the organization culture assessment instrument?
  • What is the reveal and heal process?
  • How do the relationships with your clients relate to your relationships with your staff members?
  • How can you keep a great designer happy at a small firm?
  • How open should you be when owning your own business?

Resources: 

www.paulagracedesigns.com 

www.windowworks-nj.com/podcast-birthday-party 

www.chairish.com

Jan 30, 2017

Gillian Rose is a Canadian transplant whose New York-based interior design and color consultancy firm draws on several years of professional experience in design practice, as well as formal training from Parcel School of Design. As a color scientist, Gillian works to ensure the positive integration of people and their environments. Her consultation process includes supporting the function of space, avoiding the over and under-stimulating spaces based on personality, and avoiding negative emotional and physiological response to the built environment. Gillian is an accredited member of the association of Color Associates of North America and she uses the psychological and physiological impact of color on the human experience to bring exceptional creativity and tailored edge to her design projects.

Show Notes:

  • What are the names that Gillian and fellow color scientists refer to themselves as?
  • How many businesses does Gillian have?
  • How does her business The Science of Color help businesses?
  • What does Gillian mean that color is part of our DNA?
  • In what ways does color affect introverts and extroverts?
  • Does instinct play a role in picking colors?
  • Is it possible for people to be living in the wrong colors?
  • When should you create different spaces when colors are not working all the same?
  • Is there such a thing as a general color reaction?
  • Are there certain colors that appeal to our libido?
  • Are the colors that appeal to women and men different?
  • What is the color assessment test?
  • Where should you look to decide what color to use for a space?
  • Who was Gillian’s mentor?
  • What and where is the association of paint color collection?
  • What are clear colors?

Resources:

www.gillianrosedesign.com 

www.thescienceofcolor.com 

www.finepaintsofeurope.com

Jan 27, 2017

Today I have Cathi Hargaden on this power talk Friday! Interestingly enough for you interior designers, she is a feng shui expert. She has been practicing and teaching this for over twenty years.  She has taught this at workshops, universities, demonstrations at retail stores, hospitals, homes etc. She has traveled to several countries doing this for small businesses. I know you are all thinking we already know about feng shui and how to teach this. What we are going to talk to Cathi about is how feng shui relates to our business and success.

Show Notes:

  • What ways can you bring tenacity to your business?
  • What is so important about what “sits behind you”?
  • What should be in front of you at your workspace?
  • How can you make your environment project what kind of person you are?
  • How should your desk be arranged in your workplace?
  • How can plants help your work environment?
  • How can you put power into your workspace?
  • In what way, should an interior designer’s layout their personal space?
  • What sort of help or tools does Cathi have to declutter?
  • How do you identify what elements you need more of?
  • What does water flow represent?
  • What is the power of signs?
  • How does space clearing relate to safety?
  • How many different kinds of feng shui are there?

Resources:

www.wealthyspaces.com

www.facebook.com/wealthyspaces

Jan 25, 2017

Welcome back! On the show today I have Barbara Sallick! She is the Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of Design for Waterworks, and Author of ‘The Perfect Bath’. In 1978, Barbara and her husband Robert Sallick founded Waterworks, a luxury kitchen and bath brand in Danbury, Connecticut.

The two are dedicated to bringing the European style to the American bath market. In the years to follow Waterworks has transformed the kitchen and bath market. Barbara has applied her education and lifelong love for art, antiques, travel and the principles for architecture and decoration to educate those around her and to elevate the bath to a room that is as beautiful, personal, inviting as it is practical.

Today on the show Barbara is going to share with us the steps to confidentially design and execute a perfect bath project.

Show Notes:

  • What sort of things does Waterworks help a person do?
  • When should you have experts help you with your bathroom?
  • Who do you need to have on your team when starting on a bathroom project?
  • What is an architecture trim?
  • Why is important to work with the right sales consultant for you?
  • Why should you not be intimidated when walking into Waterworks?
  • When should you bring your client to the showroom?
  • How much homework should you do before you bring a client to the showroom?
  • What sort of lingo should you have when coming to Waterworks?
  • What sort of customer service does Waterworks have?
  • When should you call the client service department when working with Waterworks?
  • When did Barbara and her husband pivot their business, Waterworks?
  • Why was this pivot such an important decision for more success for the business?
  • What is her new book, The Perfect Bath about?

Resources:

www.waterworks.com

www.windowworks-nj.com/barbara

The Perfect Bath

Waterworks: Inventing Bath Style

Jan 23, 2017

On the show, today I have Kate O’ Hara of Martha O’ Hara Interiors. She is another guest that has been requested by a listener! Kate O’ Hara is the director of business and marketing development at the Minneapolis, Minnesota and Austin, Texas-based interior design firm Martha O’ Hara Interiors.

After pioneering the local firms’ expansion to national markets and international clientele. Kate was named one of Minnesota’s the top thirty-two under thirty-two marketing professionals. She has played a leading role growing and refining Martha O’ Hara marketing strategy and social media presence.

You will hear Kate talk about how they have over 200000 followers on Facebook and how they rated as a top industry expert on houzz.com. These things happened under Kate’s leadership. Her mother Martha runs their award winning interior design team which has been featured in local and national media.

Show Notes:

  • How did Martha O’ Hara Interiors get started?
  • What are some things that have made Martha O’ Hara Interiors successful?
  • What should be on the hiring criteria?
  • What is the interview all about?
  • How many times should you “meet” someone before hiring them?
  • What is the most important investment for the business?
  • How does the hiring process work through Martha O’ Hara Interiors?
  • How does the Houzz.com platform work for promoting business?
  • How can you get more reviews on Houzz.com?
  • What are some things you can do to get more followers?
  • How does Martha O’Hara Interiors prepare for the questions going to be asked on Houzz.com?
  • Any response is better than no response!
  • How does different social media platforms work together for a better presence?

Resources:

www.houzz.com

www.oharainteriors.com

www.instagram.com/oharainteriorsofficial

www.facebook.com 

Jan 20, 2017

On this power talk Friday I am happy to say that I have finally brought a lawyer to you! I have been thinking about it for a while and I have Kwame Christian with us today! Kwame is part of the American Negotiation Institute and a fellow podcaster. He is the host of negotiation of entrepreneurs and he is very passionate about teaching business professionals like us to negotiate and be more persuasive. I love negotiation almost as much as I love sales! Kwame has a lot of great advice and tips you don’t want to miss out on.

Show Notes:

  • What is Kwame’s definition of negotiation?
  • Who do we negotiate with the most?
  • What is a “date test” and why is it important?
  • How can negotiation help be a better communicator?
  • How can persuasion help you be a better business person?
  • What are the three things you need to be a good negotiator?
  • What is the difference between an open-ended and a close ended question?
  • When should you find out someone’s push points?
  • Where do you as a business person need to find confidence first?
  • What is the first step for negotiation?
  • How has society shaped women on how to get what they want?
  • What is the art of concession?
  • When and how should you say yes and no?
  • Why should you say no?
  • What is a no sandwich?

Resources:

www.americannegotiationinstitute.com 

www.linkedin.com

www.kchristianlaw.com

Kwame's Podcast:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negotiation-for-entrepreneurs/id1101679010?mt=2
 
About Kwame:
http://americannegotiationinstitute.com/about/
Jan 18, 2017

Today on the show we have Grace McNamara. Grace has owned and produced window fashion Vision magazine since 1986. Vision is the business publication for the window covering industry in North America. I can certainly attest to this, we have subscribed to this magazine since the very beginning of our business! It is always full from cover to cover of useful information. In addition, Grace also produces the international window coverings expo, the industries national trade show and educational conference. Also, in 1990 Grace developed the window fashion certified professionals program. The longest ongoing training for window coverings professionals. Grace is a member of the international furnishings and design association and a press member of ASID and IIDA.

Show Notes:

  • What two areas has Grace niched her business in?
  • Why did Grace choose window treatments?
  • Is there anyone else that addresses this market the way that Grace does?
  • How did she come across the cake design business?
  • What was the practical and emotional situations when deciding to buy a business?
  • Why is confidence so important when running a business?
  • What is IWCE (International Window Coverings Expo)?
  • Where is, the IWCE going to be held?
  • What is going to be offered at IWCE that would be helpful to businesses?
  • Who are some of the speakers that will be at IWCE?
  • How many seminars does Grace have available for the Expo?
  • How does she come up with the topics for the Expo?
  • How do you register for the Expo seminars?
  • Why did Grace decide to have the Expo in Charlotte this year?
  • How many attendees are there generally at the expos?

Resources:

www.iwce-vision.com

www.wf-vision.com

http://windowworks-nj.com/join-luann-nigara-for-opening-ceremonies-iwce-2017/

Jan 16, 2017

I have another outstanding show for you today! Corey Damen Jenkins is with me today and he is no exception to the amazing people I have been meeting. What you will learn from Corey Damen is that he is one of the good guys. He is the kind of person that everyone would agree is very open, sincere, humble and giving. What you may or may not know about Corey is that he is the principal of Corey Damen Jenkins Associates which is located in Birmingham, Michigan. 

In 2011, television audiences voted him the winning design star of HGTV’s Show House Showdown. Since then it has been a whirlwind of accomplishments! Today we are going to talk about how his lifelong dream came true in 2016 with his launch of his first couture collection of furniture, Corey Damen Jenkins exclusively for Leathercraft. This collection was nominated for the prestigious 2017 Arts Award for the Best Product Design. Once you start to listen to this episode it will be no surprise to you that Corey Damen believes in giving back to the design community. His firm generously donates to several charities.

Show Notes:

  • What was the process like to get Corey Damen to decide to get on HGTV’s Show House Showdown?
  • What were the reasons that Corey Damen was cast for HGTV’s Show House Showdown?
  • How has Corey Damen learned to deal with his past insecurities and reconstruct the way he deals with things?
  • How does he get the most out of his projects?
  • Does he use PR firms?
  • When working with a PR firm how should a design firm behave and be organized?
  • How did Corey Damen decide to design his furniture through Leathercraft?
  • What is Leathercraft?
  • How did Corey Damen decide what fabrics to use on his furniture collection?
  • Who did Corey Damen name a piece of his furniture in his new collection after?
  • How does he come up with his designs for his furniture?

Resources:

His website:

http://coreydamenjenkins.com

 

His Leathercraft Furniture line:

http://coreydamenjenkins.com/collections/

 

The Kate Spade Collection for Kravet which was mentioned in the episode:

http://www.kravet.com/products/collections/kate-spade-new-york/

 

Jan 13, 2017

On this power talk Friday I am excited to say that Kimberley Seldon with me again on the show. If you remember she was just on the show about a month ago, and she has her interior design business but she also has Business of Design where she teaches interior designers how to run their businesses more effectively and more profitably. Kimberley’s Business of Design is one of our happy sponsors here!

Show Notes:

  • How long did it take Kimberley to write her third book?
  • When does her third book come out?
  • Does Kimberley like flat fees?
  • What are the steps to turning your business’s business model around?
  • What systems should be in place when you decide to “try”?
  • Should the fees or the client wish list change?
  • Make sure to document!
  • Does a designer have to track everything even though they have a flat fee?
  • Are there projects that have no deficiencies?
  • How should a designer expect to be paid?
  • How can you make yourself sound professional and confident when talking about money?
  • How can you tell when you have a mature pier?
  • What happens when a client misses payments?
  • How many times should you talk or ask about money?
  • How should you deal with a change in a project?
  • How should the client be billed when something does change in a project?
  • When is Kimberley’s newest webinar?
  • Is Kimberley’s Webinar free?

Resources:

Volume One: Have the Professional Life You’ve Always Wanted
http://businessofdesign.com/product/business-of-design-volume-1/

Volume Two: Make Every Project Satisfying for Both you and your Client
http://businessofdesign.com/product/business-of-design-volume-2/


How to Win the Flat Fee Game
http://businessofdesign.com/events/win-the-flat-fee-game/

 
Kimberley's website:

www.kimberleyseldon.com

www.businessofdesign.com

"Join today and start to turn your business in the right direction. And a reminder Basic membership is free and you'll receive a free download of Kimberley's book 10 Profit Drivers for signing up."
 
 
The new book coming 1/31/17
 
Jan 11, 2017

On the show today I am so excited to introduce you all to Nicole Heymer! Nicole is the owner of Curio Electro Boutique Web Design Agency that specializes in branding, content strategy and web design and development for interior design firms and other innovative businesses. She has been helping more interior designers bring in more leads and increase their visibility online since 2011! I know we have talked about branding on the show more than a couple times, but this is such an important aspect of your business in this age of social media. I promise there is more to learn about branding.

Show Notes:

  • Why is branding so important for interior designers?
  • How does Nicole divide the ways to look at branding?
  • What are the benefits of having a brand?
  • How can you let people know what you really want or enjoy to design?
  • Can you have too much “language” on your about me page?
  • Give the reasons why!
  • How does a client determine “your worth” and what to pay an interior designer?
  • How should you pick your colors?
  • Why are colors and what they mean so important?
  • How do you figure out your message?
  • What is the bare minimum you can do when starting out?
  • Why is font important?
  • What should be included in your branding guidelines?
  • Is it worth it to hire a photographer if possible?
  • What can you do to let people know you can do what they want, even when you have no projects yet?
  • How can a designer “beef up” their website when starting out?
  • How can a designer use blogging to express their brand?
  • When should and shouldn’t a designer use a blog?
  • What else could be used for good website content?
  • What makes you different?

Resources:

www.curioelectro.com

http://curioelectro.com/interior-design-branding

 
Jan 9, 2017

Today one the show I am talking with Michelle Nussbaumer. Michelle is an interior designer, textile and furniture designer, an author and owns a beautiful shop: Ceylon et Cie located in the Dallas design district. Michelle’s journey includes a husband and four children and it starts in west Texas. She goes from New York, Rome, Los Angeles and all the way back to Texas. Recently her book for Rizzoli, Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home was released and it includes thirty years of interior design as well as her travels. Today Michelle and I talk about her career, her opinions on the business and her globetrotting lifestyle.

Show Notes:

  • How does Michelle keep up with everything she has going on?
  • Does Michelle have different teams or organizations for each project?
  • Where did Michelle just sign a licensing agreement?
  • How are her schedules set up and what system(s) does she use?
  • Is her business a family business?
  • How big is her team and who does what?
  • How does she try to make all of her home designs feel?
  • What is Michelle’s business model for designs?
  • What advice would Michelle give to a brand-new designer fresh out of school?
  • What has her experience been with interns?
  • Can a person do a trial run to decide if you want to work at a design firm?
  • How did she decide to write a book?
  • How did she decide what her book, Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home would be about?
  • How did Michelle find her agent for her book?
  • What is the process like when writing a book?
  • What about her fabric business?
  • Will her fabrics be in showrooms?

Resources:

www.ceylonetcie.com

To purchase Michelle's book:
 
http://www.rizzoliusa.com/book.php?isbn=9780847848911

Wanderlust: Interiors That Bring the World Home

Jan 6, 2017

Welcome back to another power talk Friday! I’m happy to let you know I have Marianne Cherico back with me! If you remember episode 75 Marianne and I talked about her philosophy on asking “what would the CEO do?” in order to get yourself organized daily, weekly and yearly.

Just to give you a reminder of who Marianne is and what she does she has owned and operated a successful home staging business since 2005. She also spent 27 years in the real estate business and 17 of those years she was part of a top producing New England real estate team.

Marianne has coached many home stagers all over the country on how to up-level their business by developing both mindset skills and strategy. She helps home stagers own their magnificent and create their life and a business that sets their souls on fire.

Show Notes:

  • What do home stagers, in particular, seem to struggle with?
  • What is the inner and outer game?
  • How is the outer game affected by the inner game?
  • How does she decide how and what a client needs to do to prioritize?
  • What does she suggest clients do to get more business?
  • What is Marianne’s tele summit: your home staging business on fire going to be about?
  • Who are some of the speakers that will be on the tele summit and what are some of the topics will they be discussing?
  • How does it work to be a part of tele summit?
  • Is it free to be a part of tele summit?
  • Who should listen to the tele summit?

Resources:

www.windowworks-nj.com 

www.coachingbymarianne.com

http://tinyurl.com/stagingsummit-luann

Jan 4, 2017

I am happy to tell you all that I have Barclay Butera on the show today! Barclay Butera is the creative force behind the Barclay Butera design firm and the showrooms located in New Port Beach, California, West Hollywood, California, Corona Del Moore, California and Park City Utah. Butera is renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous coastal chic interiors. His passion for interior design began two decades ago! You will learn today how it has grown into an impressive lifestyle enterprise that in addition to his interior design business he also has licensing with some of the industries most respected partners including Kravet, Bradburn Gallery Home, Eastern Ascents, Highland House Furniture, Left Bank Art and several others. Not to mention he has five coffee table books.

Show Notes:

  • When did Barclay realize that he wanted to be in the interior design business?
  • How old was Barclay when he started his first business?
  • Was Barclay organized enough that his second location was as successful as his first?
  • How many designers does he have working for him?
  • How is the company set up?
  • Is there a management program or does Barclay oversee everything?
  • How does he handle things at corporate if he is not present at the corporate office?
  • Who handles the licensing for his business: Barclay Butera Interior Design?
  • What is it like to work with Kravet?
  • What happens at the different showrooms?
  • How many projects does Barclay Butera Interior Design company do a year?
  • What kind of system does he have to work up the ranks?
  • When does Barclay have time to write five coffee table books?
  • Why did Barclay decide to write a book?
  • What would be his advice be to someone who wanted to accomplish as much in business as he has?
  • What would he say is something that he has seen that prevents a company from running well?

Resources:

www.kravet.com

www.barclaybutera.com

Jan 2, 2017

Today on the show I am happy to welcome Charrisse Johnston, chair of ASID National! She is also the principal and the firm-wide practice leader of Steinberg Architects. Steinberg Architects has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Shanghai. Charrisse was previously the senior associate and studio operations leader at Gensler where she managed and designed K-12, higher education, and workplace projects. Before that, she was Vice President of corporate planning for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter where she oversaw the companies consolidated financial and strategic planning efforts. Today we talk about all kinds of things including her career path which also includes both behavioral psychology and a successful wedding planning business. We will also talk about how she was introduced to ASID as a student in California. Charrisse is smart, down to earth and an inspiring leader.

Show Notes:

  • Would Charrisse say that entrepreneurs have a better start out with a financial background?
  • What is Charrisse’s niche in Steinberg Architects?
  • How old is the Steinberg Architects business?
  • How does design work for an “after the fact” work?
  • Has Steinberg started a trend for architectural firms to start offering architectural design as well interior design?
  • What is evidence-based design?
  • Where can you find more information on evidence-based designs?
  • Why did the position names change?
  • How successful was Charrisse’s student chapter when she was president?
  • How did she gain her position as chair of ASID national?
  • What are some programs and benefits that ASID National has to offer for new designers and for seasoned designers?
  • How is ASID National using health and wellness in design?
  • How is ASID helping designers with designs for people who have to leave their home and move to an assisted living home?
  • What new events are coming out in 2017 at ASID National?
  • What are some government issues that ASID is trying to work on?

Resources:

www.steinbergarchitects.com 

www.gensler.com 

www.informedesign.org 

www.asid.org

Dec 30, 2016

Guess what? This is our six month anniversary! I have two very special shows for you this week. The first show we are going to meet one of the masterminds behind the fabulous curatedkravet.com platform. Curatedkravet.com is celebrating a few milestones of its own. This spring marked the one year anniversary of the hugely successful curatedkravet.com!

Our special guest today is Will Hunt Lewis, Senior Director of Merchandising of curatedkravet.com! In this position, he oversees all business done with merchandising and product development for all product category. Today Will Hunt and I are going to talk all curatedkravet.com from quality, delivering times, to the designers that curate the rooms.

Show Notes:

  • How long has Will Hunt been with Kravet?
  • What were the vision/goals for curatedkravet.com?
  • What are some of the best features of curatedkravet.com?
  • What kind of products are on the website?
  • How are the products sourced?
  • What does he love best about the website?
  • How is customer service handled?
  • How are designers found for the website?
  • What is a “magalog”?

Resources:
www.curatedkravet.com
Code for 10% off: ckpodcast
www.facebook.com/windowworksnj

 

Dec 28, 2016

On the show today you are going to meet Sarah Daniele! Sarah was recommended to me by a previous guest and my friend, Rachel Moriarty. So, who is Sarah Daniele? She is a very smart, take- the- bull- by- the- horns type person, interior designer and also happens to be the co-founder and CEO of Mydoma Studio!  Sarah has a degree in interior design, has worked for others and then eventually started her own business, Mydoma Studio. Her business focuses on residential renovations, add-ons, kitchen, and bath. Today she is going to share with us a little about her career.

Show Notes:

  • When did Sarah start her new software?
  • What were her guidelines for her new software system?
  • Was her software originally for other designers?
  • When did she decide to let other designers use her program?
  • What changes were made to her software program to fit other designers?
  • How did she know that other designers would need a different program than herself?
  • How did she build her beta team to test the new product?
  • Is Mydoma Studio an accounting software?
  • Where did the name Mydoma Studio come from?
  • How did she decide the “look” of her website?
  • What is the usability of Mydoma  Studio?
  • What is Mydoma Studio and what can it help designers do with clients?
  • What is the process to sign up for Sarah’s program on Mydoma Studio?
  • What is a product catalog builder?
  • What does it mean when the product catalog builder is global?
  • How does a designer get the client on board using Mydoma Studio?
  • Would the client still have access to their studio after the project is finished?
  • How are the invoices incorporated in the program?
  • Is there a way for the designer to view the project like they are the client?
  • What is the targeted audience for Mydoma Studio?
  • How are the fees decided?

For the rest of the show notes, please visit our resource center: Window Works 

Dec 26, 2016

Have you heard of Chairish yet? If you haven’t yet I am so happy to introduce you to this brand and Anna Brockway: one of the founders of this brand! Listen in to Anna’s story of how she started her company only three and a half years ago and it already has 150000 items available on the site

Show Notes:

  • What is Chairish?
  • Why did she start the business?
  • What is the Chairish pink book?
  • Is it a business or a feature?
  • Research the market!
  • What kind of special features does the Chairish site have?

For the rest of the show notes, please visit our Resource Center-- Window Works

 

Dec 23, 2016

Deborah Rosenberg is here with us today on Power Talk Friday. If you remember Deborah was first on the show on episode 82. Deborah is the founder of an ultra-luxury design firm, Dimare Design and www.certifiedcrueltyfree.net. She is a leader in cruelty-free and wellness healthy design. During episode 82 she talks about her passion for animal’s rights and how she has skewed her interior design firm to stand firmly behind this passion of hers to be cruelty-free. Deborah believes that luxury design should look good, feel good and do good. 

Deborah has also been on TLC as a featured designer; she has appeared on the Today Show; she writes articles and lectures on humane and wellness design. If you haven’t listened to episode 82 you need to go back and listen to it because you will get full details of how she runs her business and her great business principles. She mentioned in that episode that she was working on a certification program for interior designers, if you have a passion to bring this to your business as well. The course is launching!

You can read the full show notes at www.windowworks-nj.com/deborah-rosenburg

Dec 21, 2016

On the show, today we are lucky to have Amanda Gates with us! Amanda is the principal of Gates Interior Design, a Feng Shui practitioner, a podcaster, an award-winning blogger and very soon a published author. She has been seamlessly marrying interior design and Feng shui for over 17 years to help her high-end clients awaken their souls and rejuvenate their spirit all through the art of intentional design. She is best known for her classic design with a modern twist and was selected by Nashville Home and Garden Magazine as one of the top designers to watch. Her designs and educational blog which was named top 25 interior design blogs in the world! Amanda is quite accomplished and is very generous to share her advice.

Show Notes:

  • How does she incorporate her design with the phrase “good design enhances your lifestyle but intentional design enhances your quality of life?”
  • What does intentional design mean?
  • What is BTB?
  • How long has Amanda been studying Feng Shui?
  • How does she divide Feng shui and interior design in her business or does she?
  • How does Amanda figure out if she has found “her people”?
  • Hoes she figure out if a person is not a client for her?
  • How did her blog get started?
  • How many elements are in Feng shui?
  • When is her book, Detoxing Clutter with Feng Shui” coming out?
  • What is her book about?
  • How can you get your blog known?
  • What are some tips to starting a blog?
  • How can a podcast appeal to potential clients?
  • Why is it important to work with a coach?
  • Why is it important to join a mastermind?
  • Why is it important to look for a coach outside of your business industry and shop around?
  • Be cautious of the advice you take when starting out!
  • How do you figure out who you should work with?

Resources:

“Detoxing Clutter with Feng Shui”

 

Her website:
https://gatesinteriordesign.com
 
Her Blog- Rated Top 25 in the World for Interior Design:
https://gatesinteriordesign.com/blog/
 
Her Podcast:
Design 101
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/design-101-designing-your/id505550006?mt=2

 

Dec 19, 2016

Julianne Taylor is the founder and creative director of Taylor Burke Home: a luxury home décor brand offering bold, unexpected and sophisticated in furniture and lighting. Since launching Taylor Burke Home in 2012 Julianne has quickly emerged one of the home décor’s most prominent female entrepreneurs. She is also known in the industry as a trend setter and taste maker. She has a BFA in interior design from the University of Georgia and a Masters in Human Resources from the University of South Carolina. 

Show Notes:

  • What famous show did Julianne appear on?
  • How did Taylor Burke Home come into thoughts?
  • What were the biggest factors getting Taylor Burke Home going?
  • How did she do a proof of concept to make sure her business was going to be successful?
  • How much money do you need to start your business?
  • What is “SCORE” and how can it help when starting a business?
  • Be careful of the dream killers!
  • What made Atlanta the place to debut?
  • What sort of products does Julianne have at Taylor Burke Home?
  • How many female entrepreneurs did Julianne interview for her book, DesignHER?
  • What was the experience like interviewing these ladies for her book?
  • Are there certain things that Julianne would say female entrepreneurs would go through when running a business?
  • What nickname did she get working in her business?
  • What advice would she give to other female entrepreneurs starting out or planning to start a business?

Resources:

www.score.org 

www.taylorburkehome.com 

“DesignHER”

info@taylorburkehome.com 

1-800-860-5821

www.amazon.com

Dec 16, 2016

I’m so glad you tuned into power talk Friday! We have Kae Whitaker with us again! This is Kae’s third time on the show. If you have missed her first two shows you need to know she is a Houston-based branding and business developing strategist. Her company caters to personal coaches, personal brands, interior designers and event industry professionals. Kae’s personal coaching focuses on the whole brand. She understands very clearly that in order for you to be successful that all the pieces within your brand company have to line up. With over ten years of sales and marketing development she understands the way consumers think, what makes them want to buy your product or service. She has dedicated herself to helping creative businesses become more profitable and more productive. We are going to do an end of year planning. This is going to be a two-parter. Kae is going to talk to us about looking back on our year and what we need to evaluate to make good decisions moving forward. Krista Coupar is going to be talking to us on the following show. She is going to talk us about planning for the new year.

Show Notes:

  • What is one of the first things to look at when looking back on the year?
  • What are some things that will get in the way of accomplishing goals for the year?
  • What are some other markers to look at at the end of the year?
  • Who should you be looking at when evaluating for the year besides internally in your business?
  • What social platform is best for your business?
  • Take good notes!
  • How can you evaluate the “processes” that were used throughout the year?
  • Are there any tools that may be more helpful than the ones you are using?
  • What could be the reason you are unhappy with your job and how can you fix this?

Resources:

www.kaewhitaker.com

www.facebook.com/kaewhitaker

www.Instagram.com/kaewhitaker

www.parascope.com/kaewhitaker

Dec 14, 2016

Today’s show was a departure for me. It was recorded live at the Javits Center at the boutique design show in New York. If you are unfamiliar with BDNY let me give you some background. Boutique design New York is the leading trade fair and conference for hospitality design industry. Fall of 2016 marked the seventh year in a row that designers, architects, and other industry professionals gathered together for the two-day event November 13th and 14th. If you are currently designing for hospitality, contract or commercial or you aspire to work in the industry this is the show to attend. There are rows and rows of booths full of samples and sales representatives waiting to tell you about their latest products and services. 

The first interview is with Irina Peer. Irena is the director of design and merchandise for the Robert Allen Group. Robert Allen was showcasing two of its latest collections: Looks Natural and Performance Upholstery. They also gave an exclusive sneak peek at 701 Velvet, their new line they launched the next day. 

The second interview we are going to meet Robert Duban and Karen Keating from Kravet! In this interview, you will learn about the options you have in hospitality and health care industries. Did you know that Kravet is the only company to have guaranteed in stock crypton fabrics? I'll let Robert and Karen tell you what else is new at Kravet.

My next chat is with the vice president of JF Fabrics, Tony located in Toronto. They are going to talk about their new line and their crypton collection and how it has value for residential and commercial applications.

Do you remember episode 16 of the podcast with Charles Pavarini III of Pavarini Design Associates? If you do, you will remember that Charles and Randall were busy designing a new line of lawn furniture.  

Show Notes:

  • What is special about the Robert Allen performance book?
  • What some features that a person in hospitality would not like to miss from the Robert Allen Group?
  • What kind of research did Irina do for these collections?
  • What are some qualities that the 701 Velvet collection have?
  • What are some of the new introductions to the collections from Kravet?
  • What does every product/collection at Kravet have?
  • How many people are working to get these designs going for Kravet?
  • What would Robert and Karen want everyone to know that could not come to their booth at BDNY?
  • Where do they get their inspiration?
  • What is going on in the contract line for JF Fabrics?
  • What is the great thing in the fabric in the crypton home collection at JF Fabric?
  • What sort of products do Charles and Randall use for their new lawn furniture collection?
  • How was the journey getting the final product for their lawn furniture?
  • Where are, their products made?
  • Can you buy just one piece or do you have to buy in bulk?
  • Are Charles and Randall the only lawn furniture company of their kind?

Resources:

www.pavarinidesign.com 

www.olfoutdoor.com 

www.robertallendesign.com 

www.kravet.com 

www.jffabrics.com 

 

Dec 12, 2016

I am so grateful to have Kimberley Seldon on the show today. She has been requested by more than one guest that has been on the show. Kimberley is not only going to further beautiful luxury design, but also help by teaching interior designers how to emulate you and have a fabulous business. Kimberley is a brilliant and talented woman of many trades. She is an interior designer, editor, keynote speaker, broadcast personality and runs her online platform “Business of Design” where she teaches professional development to designers, decorators, stagers and stylists! 

Show Notes:

  • When did Kimberley have her “come to Jesus” moment in her career?
  • What caused her to have a “come to Jesus” moment?
  • Is it possible that interior designers make mistakes?
  • Should you bill the client if a mistake happens outside the company?
  • What were some of the challenges working with her own business coach and transitioning with her coach?
  • How did she make her paperwork not suck?
  • Why is it important to have good paperwork?
  • How do you present yourself when you are a brand new interior designer?
  • What are some things you should not do when first starting out?
  • “The wrong client will never turn into the right client.”
  • Should you charge for your consultation?
  • How much should you charge for your consultations?
  • What is Business of Design and what does it offer?
  • Is there a book coming in the near future?
  • If there is a book what would it be about?
  • What does her business look like on the inside?
  • How many courses does Kimberley offer?
  • What is the difference between the free membership and paid membership for her courses?

Resources:

 www.businessofdesign.com/awdbpodcast 

www.businessofdesign.com 

www.kimberleyseldon.com 

 

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