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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 4
Jul 14, 2023

Today With Sandra Funk:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that thriving in business takes a specific mindset. But what is the millionaire mindset, really? How can we break out of fear mode and start doing what it takes today to take our business where we want to be?

In today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to chat about the Interior Design Standard and the millionaire mindset for designers. 

Pick It Apart

[7:54] Sandra and LuAnn discuss why waiting for the “right time” hurts designers. 

[21:26] Sandra and LuAnn talk about the importance of investing in your business.

[40:07] Sandra and LuAnn share the value of setting expectations with your clients. 

[45:44] Sandra shares how important it is to have a process for estimates—and to stick to it. 

[49:36] Sandra shares details about the upcoming session of the Interior Design Standard. 

LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk's Ah-Ha Moments

“When we're not process driven, and we don't have it documented, then we are making up the conversation.” -LuAnn

“There are so many designers who are doing this designer discount and charging 10% or 20%, or even 30% markup. I tracked it people—that is break-even. 35% markup is break-even.” -Sandra

More About Sandra Funk

Sandra Funk is a trusted advisor and the celebrated design leader who built the boutique firm, House of Funk and her proven process, the Interior Design Standard. Over 30 national press outlets - Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, to name a few - have recognized Sandra for her award-winning designs and innate entrepreneurial spirit. 

Despite her business degree, a background in business process consulting and a design education from Parsons, it took Sandra over a decade - and the help of several experts - to develop and fine-tune her business model for a thriving interior design firm. 

Today, Sandra is deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.

Connect with Sandra Funk

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jul 11, 2023

Today With Jessica Duce:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Jessica Duce, principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers is back on to talk about her Vacation Rental Design Summit she held in spring 2023 at High Point. We talk about the importance of noticing gaps in the industry and how she used them to her, and everyone’s benefit, in more ways than one. We also learn about the membership program she and her partners started, and everything else Jessica has been up to since she was last on!

Pick It Apart

[1:45] Jessica fills us in on why she was so passionate to create the Vacation rental Design Summit.

[5:00] Jessica explains that there are, in fact, differences between vacation rental design and regular design.

[13:09] Jessica shares what the new summit consisted of for both new and old vacation rental designers.

[24:20] Jessica talks about the membership program her and her partners launched at the summit.

[36: Jessica tells us about the evolution of Vacation Rental Designers since she was last on the podcast.

LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Duce's Ah-Ha Moments

“People want to stay somewhere that doesn't look like their home.” - Jessica Duce

“Brands want to be apart of a rental, so guests or designers that they bring in can experience these brands there instead of in a showhouse.” - Jessica Duce

More About Jessica Duce

In business for almost 20 years, interior designer Jessica Duce brings her creativity and expertise to both residential and commercial projects. With Houston as homebase, she works with clients across the country which she says affords a unique perspective on regional design trends and needs. The principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers, she saw the latter as a much-needed niche service bringing value to short-term rental property homeowners who require a unique mix of budget and modern style. Together with business partner and real estate consultant Julia Harmon, they are creating new opportunities for designers and owners in that space.

As an accomplished speaker and presenter, Jessica has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts, and she has been featured in community lifestyle publications as well as trade magazines including Business of Home, Furniture Today, Designers Today and KBIS magazine. Most recently, she announced her role as key strategist in the inaugural Vacation Rental Design Summit to be held in conjunction with High Point Market in April 2023. Jessica is the incoming President for IDS Houston as well as National IDS membership. Additionally, Jessica is proud of her ongoing relationship with Modenus and its Design Hounds Influencer program.

Connect with Jessica Duce

Vacation Rental Designers

Website

Instagram

Vacation Rental Design Summit

Instagram

Jessica Duce

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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:

#32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development

#305: Elizabeth Scruggs- The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business®

#368: Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design

#540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

 

Jul 7, 2023

Today With Michelle Clayton:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday. I am sitting down with Michelle Clayton, the Brand Strategist, and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. Michelle wanted to come on and first of all, give us some great actionable branding tips, but also to debunk the misconception that using Fiverr or Pinterest for your logo is a good idea. Spoiler alert, it’s not. Michelle will explain why and what you should be doing for your brand. 

Pick It Apart

[3:25] Michelle tells us the first place we should turn to when considering a rebrand.

[14:58] Michelle explains the difference between your brand logo made from someone on Fiverr compared to a professionally made logo.

[30:45] Michelle and LuAnn discuss brand consistency among all of your platforms.

[39:49] Additional actions you should skip when formulating your brand. 

[46:20] Michelle explains that re-branding or tweaking your current brand doesn’t mean changing yourself.

LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Clayton's Ah-Ha Moments

“If you present your brand one way on Instagram, and a completely different, or old, way on your website and they just don’t line up, it’s a hard no for me.” - LuAnn Nigara

“People need that consistency in their brand across all platforms, whatever that is for your business.” - Michelle Clayton

“You need to make it easy for people when they are checking you out, and give them the path of least resistance.” - Michelle Clayton

“Everyone has a brand and the beauty is you can love and keep developing the one you have or if it isn’t working for you anymore, you can always change it.” - Michelle Clayton

More About Michelle Clayton

Michelle Clayton is the Brand Strategist and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. She captures their personality and expertise in a clear, cohesive brand that feels just like them and attracts more ideal clients, so they can confidently go after their next big thing.

With a design degree and 30 years in the industry, Michelle’s experience ranges from in-house art departments to non-profits to two of Calgary’s largest advertising agencies. Through, Let Her Fly, she now brings that same level of expertise and eye for detail to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Michelle loves helping women create a brand that looks as professional as they are—one that fits like their favorite t-shirt and attracts more ideal clients. She knows first-hand the insecurity that comes from outgrowing your brand, and the positive impact the right one has on your confidence and your bottom line.

Through strategic design, insightful articles, guest interviews, and online and in-person workshops, she breaks down the mystery of great design, the difference it makes, and how everyone can build a brand that feels good and delights their audience.

In 1995, Michelle traded Southern sweet tea and lightning bugs for true love in the Great White North. She speaks fluent American and Canadian, accurately using “toboggan” in either context. Home is in Calgary with her husband, two teen daughters, a hairy rescue pup, and a bottomless London Fog.

Connect with Michelle Clayton

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Podcast

Spotify playlist of guest episodes on podcasts

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

#125: Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business, Yes Again. Do Not Miss This One!

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

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

#492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success

#609: Lisa Haude: Rebranding to Express Who You Really Are

#882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability

Jul 4, 2023

Today With Sharon L. Sherman:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Sharon L. Sherman, founder of Thyme and Place Design. Sharon has been practicing award-winning kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years, is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers, New Jersey chapter, and was named 2022 Innovator of the Year by Kitchen Bath Design News magazine. She has worked with every personality out there and is here to discuss personality traits. 

We delve into the four personality types she categorizes: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. We talk about their traits, how to recognize them, and how to work with each one best for successful outcomes every time.

Pick It Apart

[2:09] Sharon explains that everyone has a different idea of what a difficult client is, but by understanding our own personality traits we can better understand and work with all types of clients.

[9:30] Sharon introduces the four personality types she has defined: fire, air, earth and water. 

[11:28] LuAnn and Sharon discuss the traits of the fire personality and how to handle them.

[19:26] Sharon describes the air personality as expressive, friendly, and appreciative, but also need to be appreciated.

[25:56] Sharon explains that those with the earth personality are stable and grounded and comfortable like your favorite pair of jeans.

[29:56] Sharon and LuAnn talk about the water personality, which tends to be analytical and organized.

[38:36] Sharon and LuAnn how to determine personality types and work with each one better.

LuAnn Nigara and Sharon L. Sherman's Ah-Ha Moments

“There's really no such thing as a difficult client. It just sounds like a match that's not well matched.” – LuAnn Nigara

“To resolve a problem—that's when we have to step out and detach and start to observe and see and to, quite frankly, employ those sales skills.” – LuAnn Nigara

“Clients make our world go round. Without them, we're no longer in business..” – Sharon L. Sherman

“If you understand how to speak to your clients, and how to ask them questions, and listen to what they're saying…you start to see who that person is going to be.” – Sharon L. Sherman

“If anybody right now has a recent interaction with any client that went negatively—just now think about the different personalities and try and identify what personality they are. Probably, you handled it from your personality. And if that ends up being true, then that is really a very foundational reason why the problem escalates—because you're handling something from your perspective as opposed to the way they need it handled, not because it was an unsolvable problem.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I didn't let fear overcome my love for what I'm doing.” - Sharon L. Sherman

More About Sharon L. Sherman

Sharon is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She’s been practicing kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years and is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers – New Jersey chapter. 

Her award-winning designs and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Design Milk, Bergen NJ magazine, Kitchen & Bath Design News, Woman’s Day, Country Decorating, Design NJ, New Jersey Home Magazine, 201 Magazine, The Best of Bergen, as well as several books.

Her blog “Tips from the Trade” appears in digital form on DesignNJ.com and KBBonline.com. She has also appeared on HGTV’s My Big Amazing Renovation and episodes of House Smarts with Lou Manfredini.  In 2022, she was a featured *Voices From The Industry* speaker at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s international convention and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Kitchen Bath & Business magazine and has received the 2022 Innovator of the Year award from Kitchen Bath Design News magazine. 

Connect with Sharon L. Sherman

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Book

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

#762: Laura Martin Bovard: Do You Run Your Interior Design Business From Ego or Soul?

#808: Hailey Kolbe: How to Vet Inquiries, Spot Red Flags, and Attract Your Ideal Client

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

#848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client

Other Resources Mentioned:

Chairman of the Board

Make a Friend 7-step sales process

Jun 30, 2023

Today With Judy Brower Fancher:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am joined by Judy Brower Fancher, of Brower, Miller & Cole Art Consulting. Judy is certified in interior design, and while she isn’t currently working as one, she knows that most interior designers are not trained, nor confident, in selecting art for their clients. Judy is here to help my audience understand that buying those color Xeroxes is never the answer, and some tangible tips for those unfamiliar with the art world. 

Pick It Apart

[2:32] Judy explains what she means about the difference between xerox art and real art.

[9:17]  Just explains how the budget for art should be separate from the design budget.

[20:58] Tangible benefits for an interior designer when they add art into their projects. 

[25:46] Judy lets us know where we can go to source art.

[42:12] How the relationship works between the designer and an art consultant.

LuAnn Nigara and Judy Brower Fancher's Ah-Ha Moments

“Art should be emotional. It should feel as passionate as your first kiss.” - Judy Brower

“As trusted professionals who are supplying, educating, and sourcing art for our clients, we should have some education on it and know what we are doing.” - LuAnn Nigara

“The art really adds to the luxury feel of the project and is part of showing the good taste of the home.” - Just Brower

More About Judy Brower Fancher

With two decades of experience traveling the globe to understand the art, architecture, fashion and design of various parts of the world, Judy Brower Fancher brings her own love of international cultures, mixed cultures and all things unique and remarkable to her design and storytelling skills.

Her company mission is to create the final layer on spaces that make people whole through reflecting both their current lives and their cultural heritage, while assisting clients and the interior design trade to bring fantastic original art into their lives and their interior designs.

Judy’s background includes:
Purchasing art in galleries in more than 25 countries around the globe 25-plus years working with architects, developers and interior design firms Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UCLA
Minor in Art History
Graduate of the Interior Design Institute

Attending conferences for:

Global original art
Global luxury interior design custom materials and installation global furniture and accessories
Global real estate and architecture trends

Judy believes that with a highly personalized final layer, a home or workplace can embrace more than one background and tell a compelling story to those who visit. In addition, incorporating cultural elements adds beauty that never goes out of style.

Connect with Judy Brower Fancher

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Why acquire art through an art consultant

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#755: Power Talk Friday: Liz Beaman Delman: Fine Art is an Asset, Not an Accessory

#881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business

#239: Katharine Earnhardt – How to Advise Your Clients on Art

#413: Leslie Price: Evolution of a Career in Interior Design

Jun 27, 2023

Today With Lucy Penfield:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Long-time listeners of the show will know that I rarely get into the pretty, the actual designs, or even the creative process itself. For the most part, I’m focused on the business—not what happens in the creative mind, but the systems and processes and moving parts on the outside of that. 

But every once in a while, I make an exception—and today’s episode is one of those. When you hear my guest, Lucy Penfield, speak, you’ll understand why. She’s going to share her creative insight into the design process—and why she relates it to an anthropological discovery. 

Pick It Apart

[3:50] Lucy explains why designing is like an anthropological dig. 

[13:43] Lucy shares how going back to school helped her redefine her design process

[part 2 12:55] Lucy details her six-step process and how creativity plays a role at every level

[19:23] LuAnn reflects on the authenticity in Lucy’s process

LuAnn Nigara and Lucy Penfield's Ah-Ha Moments

“We discover what is at the core, what's at the soul for our clients, and sometimes they have their ideas and their inspiration, but what's deeper than that? So I think so often we look at the top surface, the top layer, maybe the frosting, but what's really underneath it all? And so as an anthropologist, I think we uncover.” -Lucy

“I love that you said peeling away the onion, and it's almost like you could look in a room and keep discovering things in that room when you're designing at that more elevated level.” -LuAnn

“You can get up in the morning and be ho-hum, or you can show up. I think the fun is we have an opportunity to grow.” -Lucy 

More About Lucy Penfield

Lucy Penfield is a passionate, blue sky thinker whose approach to interior design is unparalleled. Her enchantment and zeal for design have followed her throughout her career as an interior designer, lifestyle product innovator, and art aficionado. Lucy loves the magic of transforming space and creating joy for her clients.

As an award-winning interior designer, Lucy is recognized nationally for her sophisticat- ed design style, passion for color, and client-centric methodologies. Her custom, six-step approach to bespoike interiors is anthropological and digs further to uncover true meaning for her clients. With degrees in art history, interior design, and design thinking, Lucy is a dynamic, progressive thought leader. She encourages her clients and team to push the bounds of their realms. From sketching textile and wallcovering collec- tions to designing custom homes, lakeside cottages, and city condos, Lucy garners inspiration from the diverstiy in her work and conquering new challenges.

Lucy has great love for her community and is actively involved with non-profit organiza- tions. Beyond her design ventures, she finds joy in cooking exotic dishes, throwing fabulous dinner parties, traveling with her family and exploring new adventures.

Lucy's design style is radiant, art-infused, and dazzling.

Connect with Lucy Penfield

Website

Instagram

Houzz

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

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

Jun 23, 2023

Today With Cathy Heflin:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that Pinterest is a valuable tool for designers. But how you use it matters. It’s about so much more than just tossing up pretty pictures like on Instagram—in fact, in many ways, it seems like it’s more of a search engine than another social media platform. 

We have so many marketing tools that we can add to our toolbox. Today, my guest, Cathy Heflin, is here to teach more about how Pinterest can help businesses grow, and how to put it to work for your business. 

Pick It Apart

[2:46] Cathy and LuAnn discuss how Pinterest offers more opportunities for businesses than other social media platforms. 

[10:16] Cathy shares how Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website. 

[25:50] Cathy describes how to get started with Pinterest.

[31:29] Cathy explains why using a scheduler can help you invest less time and still make the most of Pinterest. 

[40:09] Cathy shares how to find the best SEO keywords on Pinterest. 

LuAnn Nigara and Cathy Heflin's Ah-Ha Moments

“We have to view Pinterest as a search engine like Google and YouTube, which automatically puts it into way more valuable real estate for our brains, our energy, our money, and our advertising or marketing dollars.” -LuAnn

“Done is better than perfect. Get that content up so that you can start to have something to pin to and have places to send your clients.” -Cathy

More About Cathy Heflin

Cathy Heflin is a Pinterest Marketing Consultant and Strategist. She launched her Pinterest consulting business after personally experiencing how powerful Pinterest was as a driver of traffic to her own blog and online home decor shop. She offers organic and paid ad Pinterest Marketing strategies to help brands grow brand awareness, increase website traffic, increase sales, and grow their email list subscribers.

Connect with Cathy Heflin

Website

Instagram

Pinterest

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#574 Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy

#750 Power Talk Friday: Erin Harding: Paid Pinterest Campaigns for Interior Designers

#587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

#487 Power Talk Friday: Vanessa Shepherd: Pinterest Strategies to Grow Your Interior Design Business

#331 Power Talk Friday: Kate Ahl: Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm

#292 Power Talk Friday: Summer Tannhauser – How to Leverage Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm

#223 Allison Fannin – Pinterest Tips for your Interior Design Firm

Jun 20, 2023

Today With Brittany Steptoe-Wright:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Brittany Steptoe-Wright, owner of BSW Design. BSW Design is a certified Vegan Design Firm. Brittany holds design, animals, and the environment near and dear to her heart, so everything they source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. BSW Design also focuses on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or highly recycled content, Brittany’s aim is to bring ethically sound products into her client’s home. Tune in to learn more about this important and ever-growing topic, so join in and make our world a better place one client at a time.

Pick It Apart

[1:00] Brittany gets right into what inspired her to take Deborah Resenberg’s course.

[8:42] How Brittany believes what you put into your home promotes a certain energy and karma.

[19:15] How Brittany navigates when pieces that are cruelty-free aren’t sustainable as well. 

[27:00] Lessons that Brittany discusses on her podcast, The CEO Podcast.

[32:50] How Brittany’s construction firm and design firm work together. 

[43:35] What Brittany does if a client comes to them thinking they don’t need a designer. 

LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Steptoe-Wright's Ah-Ha Moments

“You don’t have to use animal by-products in your home design. You can eat meat, but it doesn't have to be black and white. You can have a cruelty-free home and not be vegan.” - Brittany Steptoe-Wright

“This is the essence of creating the core of a highly successful business because you are living and breathing what you believe.” - LuAnn Nigara

“When the luxury consumer pushes the designer or builder back and says that they don’t need a designer in the middle, explain why you think they do need one and then let them make the decision.” - LuAnn Nigara 

More About Brittany Steptoe-Wright

As a designer, I feel my job is first and foremost to make the home a better place for living. I always start the design process from a place of function and lifestyle before moving into aesthetics. Our motto, Consciously Curated Interiors, encompasses both our attention to the family’s lifestyle, as well as our personal commitment to the environmental impact of everything we do. My love for design, animals, and the environment has fostered a unique sense of purpose in my business. We are a certified Vegan Design firm, meaning that everything we source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. We also put a large focus on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or a high recycled content, we attempt to bring ethically sound products into the home for the families we work with. Knowing that the pieces you surround yourself with have a story that is supportive of humanity, animals, and the environment brings a loving and high vibe energy into the home, which makes it all the more magical to live in.

Connect with Brittany Steptoe-Wright

Website

Carpentry Website

Instagram

Pinterest

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#82: Deborah Rosenberg: Tailoring Your Interior Design Firm to Your Core Beliefs

#117: Power Talk Friday: Deborah Rosenberg: Cruelty Free Design Certification is Here

#137: Michele Williams- Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management

#180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matter to You  

#218: Marketing & Resources for Cruelty Free Design

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

#580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget and Builders

#615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process

#649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

#809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line

WTFP:

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: An Easy Tool to Increase Your Productivity

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: You Are the Leader in the Room

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska:Entrepreneurship is Hard: Do this to Make it Easier

Jun 16, 2023

Today With Renee Bush:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s common for business owners to feel burnt out, lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to go next. Today, Renee Bush of Tandem is sharing her insights on how to reignite the spark when you just don’t know how to move forward. 

Pick It Apart

[14:21] Renee shares why creative businesses are so different from other industries, and why inspiration matters to us. 

[26:33] Renee discusses the value of having a “north star” guiding you in your business. 

[30:59] Renee breaks down the three pillars of taking control of how your brand is perceived. 

[35:40] Renee and LuAnn discuss how to attract clients that align with your values. 

LuAnn Nigara and Renee Bush’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I started figuring out that we need to solve all of this first and create a North Star that then we can use to make decisions. That really set me on a path of helping designers figure out their North Star. Who am I? What do I want? Why do I do what I do? How do I do it? What's my superpower? Who am I trying to work with? All these key things that then become that Northstar business framework that then we use to make decisions.” -Renee

“When we have the right client, who is excited to follow our process because they see our value, that brings profitability. They go through the process the way we ask because they get it.” -Renee

More About Renee Bush

Tandem designs premium brands and solves strategic business problems for interior designers. Everything they do is centered on a strategy to help differentiate you in the market and to define and serve your ideal client. Their goal is to help you identify and define who you are as a business and to give you all the tools and resources you need to manage your premium brand effectively.

Working in the design industry for the last decade, Renee initially ran and managed a multi-disciplinary graphic design studio and helped build it from the ground up. From there she began working at Studio McGee as the Director of Design Operations where she worked to build out and refine all of the design operations and processes. It was there that Renee found her love for the Interior Design industry and her driving purpose of helping creative entrepreneurs succeed using quality branding, strategic thinking, and streamlined processes. 

Renee has worked with dozens of interior design entrepreneurs to strategize, problem-solve, and refine their brands and business operations. Some of her clients include Boxwood Avenue, High Street Homes, Light & Dwell Interiors, Susannah Holmberg Interiors, and more. With her experience in the design world and a Master's in Business Administration, Renee excels at getting straight to the heart of any issue and always has a creative solution up her sleeve. 

Connect with Renee Bush 

Website

Instagram 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#236 Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!!

#606 Phoebe Oldrey: How a Niche Can Give New Life to Your Business

#720 Flash Back Friday: Cheryl Janis: Defining and Owning Your Niche

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

Jun 13, 2023

Today With Victoria Larson:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by textile and wallpaper designer Victoria Larson. After creating gorgeous hand-screen-printed textile collections and dreamy wallpaper patterns for more than a decade, Victoria made a plan to leave the textiles behind (but in good hands) and focus solely on the wallpaper, which allowed her to reenergize her brand and grow with intention.

Good businesses are grown strategically, and believe it or not, sometimes, we have to shrink in order to grow. In this episode, Victoria shares her story. We talk about finding creative solutions, leaving a legacy, and gaining creativity by crunching numbers, and so much more. 

Pick It Apart

[0:51] Victoria explains how she scaled back the fabric side of her business in order to focus on her wallpapers

[11:43] LuAnn and Victoria discuss the importance of relationships, especially with licensing partners.

[19:35] Victoria speaks about how she got into the money mindset and how that has helped her have more time to be creative.

[33:49] LuAnn asks Victoria to elaborate on some of the lessons learned through her transition.

[37:50] LuAnn and Victoria talk about SOPs and why they should always be changing.

[39:26] Victoria and LuAnn discuss how to make a solopreneur business sellable.

LuAnn Nigara and Victoria Larson's Ah-Ha Moments

“One thing I've learned is you have to, for the most part, take emotion out of running a business, and you have to look at it more like a CEO.” – Victoria Larson

“I support the business, but the business has to support me.” – Victoria Larson

“If you don't mind the systems and the money, you're going to quickly find you can't afford to do what you love anymore.” – Victoria Larson

“There's the payoff every day of the week for paying attention to the system and process, because every day of the week you make more money, you have more joy, you have a better outcome, your client experiences better your product delivery is better. So there's all the payoff all the way along, but then there's also, ‘Hey, I have options at the end of this line.’” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Victoria Larson

Victoria is a creator and weaver of tales through textile and pattern design. She works through the lens of the beauty and soul of the sea; art for art’s sake; fine materials and craftsmen; and the uplifting effect of design on the human spirit.

After choosing to stay home with her twin girls, Victoria fell back in love with painting and block printing and eventually launched her first collection of hand-screen-printed fabrics in 2010.  Later she added wallpaper and printed grasscloth. The collection is a fusion of a life-long love of painting, art, and design.

Raised on and around the Chesapeake Bay, it’s no surprise many of Victoria’s designs are inspired by the water light. Later, she accompanied her professional Sailor husband to coastal towns all over the world, her sketchbook in hand. Her designs capture the joy of childhood summer days, the soul of the sea, and the simple beauty of natural patterns.

Victoria also licenses designs for fabric company, Stout Textiles, and home brand, Cailini Coastal. In addition, she has licensed white-label designs to tabletop and swimwear companies.

As VLT’s CEO, she does more than just make pretty things. With a business degree from U of MD, College Park, and a certificate from The MD Institute College of Art, she’s obsessed with how to marry design and business.

Most days you will find her in the coastal town of Annapolis with her husband and rescue doodle. The girls have grown and flown.

Connect with Victoria Larson

Website

Instagram 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #173 Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc

AWDB #360 David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited

AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc
AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career
AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years
AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

Jun 9, 2023

Today With Stacey Brown Randall:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Stacey Brown Randall, a business referral whiz who is here to help us understand referral marketing strategies and to share her methods of generating referrals naturally—without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking. 

Stacey is the host of the Roadmap to Referrals Podcast and the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, as well as my co-author in A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1).

In this episode we talk about systems and strategies, the client experience, and how to find key referral moments throughout your interactions that will make you the designer your clients refer over-and-over again.

Pick It Apart

[3:40] Stacey explains her approach to getting fabulous referrals and how it’s different then what most of us were taught.

[11:56] Stacey speaks to the referral ecosystem and why having a process and a strategy works.

[18:55] Stacey and LuAnn discuss the importance of seeing things from the client’s perspective as they move from new to active to alumni.

[28:37] Stacey advises to create an expectation map to guide everyone through the client experience.

[35:00] LuAnn talks about the vortex phase of a project that is full of pain points for the client and Stacey’s role in helping to remedy that with her advice. 

[43:27] Stacey talks about how following her process led one of her coaching clients to both of their largest referrals to date.

LuAnn Nigara and Stacey Brown Randall’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I want referrals to, just as much as the next person, but I don't want to feel awkward and uncomfortable, and feel like I'm off brand by trying to generate them.” – Stacey Brown Randall

“‘Natural’ doesn’t mean no work.” – LuAnn Nigara

“You have to understand what's going through the mind of your client in each of the stages as they move from new to active to alumni.” – Stacey Brown Randall

“I believe you deserve referrals. But you aren't owed them.” – Stacey Brown Randall

“Just like you can design a room, you can design a business that generates referrals.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Stacey Brown Randall

Stacey Brown Randall is the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, host of the Roadmap to Referrals podcast and national speaker.

Stacey teaches business owners how to generate referrals naturally… without manipulating, incentivizing or even asking.   

She has been featured in national publications like Entrepreneur magazine, Investor Business Daily, Forbes, and more. She is also the co-author of Luann Nigara’s book, A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1).

She received her Master’s in Organizational Communication and is married with three kids.

Connect with Stacey Brown Randall 

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Roadmap to Referrals Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #69: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall – Take Control Of Your Business – Employee Management

AWDB #93: Power Talk Friday- Stacey Brown Randall- How To Create an Awesome Client Experience!

AWDB #364: Janelle Photopoulos: Leading, Not Simply Running, Your Interior Design Firm

AWDB #426: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generating Business Referrals…Without Asking

AWDB #867: Power Talk Friday: Casey Gromer: Do You Need a Fractional Integrator?

Jun 6, 2023

Today With Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Running a business is hard. Running one through economic downturns and recessions is tougher. My guests today, Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller of Toledo Geller, have been running their firm together for 17 years. They’ve seen ups and downs in the financial climate—and through it all, they’ve pivoted, built up their network, and come out stronger than before. Today, they’re sharing what you can do in your business to come through even the toughest of economic climates.

Pick It Apart

[3:58] Jessica and Virginia share what they’re most proud of in their business over the years. 

[17:03] Jessica and Virginia discuss how they’ve always ensured they had a strong pipeline of clients.

[26:40] Jessica, Virginia, and LuAnn talk about the importance of flexibility in business. 

[43:28] Jessica and Virginia share their onboarding process for their operations manager.

 LuAnn Nigara, Virginia Toledo, and Jessica Geller’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you have a business model that you are looking to scale and you have a staff, you feel responsible to keep employed and fed at the end of the day as well as your own family.” -Virginia 

“It's clear in observing you all these years, that there is a bond and there is respect and admiration. You couldn't have survived all these years, you couldn't build a team of eight women behind you without it.” -LuAnn

“It shows the importance of flexibility. If we just said that we were one thing, and we followed one path, and that was it, we probably would never have made it this far.” -Jessica

More About Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller

Toledo Geller is a boutique firm that excels at delivering turn-key, custom residences for singles, couples and families who value exceptional design.

Virginia and Jessica’s approach begins with a deep dive into how each client dreams of living. Getting to know their clients intimately, thoroughly understanding their wish lists and worries, allows Toledo Geller to create a unique, luxury living space that truly reflects who they are—and what they love.

With their mastery of both the design and construction process, Toledo Geller partners with architects and builders from the blueprint stage to completion, providing project management and development oversight. The team works tirelessly to ensure the integrity of each project from start to finish—intent on not just meeting, but exceeding, clients’ expectations.

Toledo Geller was founded over a decade ago and they have been declared House Beautiful’s “Next Wave,” and have been finalists in Innovations in Interior Design, “Ones to Watch” and “Rising Stars” by industry magazines and associations.

VIRGINIA TOLEDO:

Virginia founded Toledo Geller in 2006 after recognizing a need in the luxury residential market for a firm with specialized knowledge in both the design and construction process. Formally trained in interior design, she also gained invaluable experience working along side her father, a general contractor, on construction sites.

A native of Brooklyn, Virginia is a mother who loves historical fiction and entertaining in her 1920’s Craftsman style New Jersey home, which she is constantly updating.

JESSICA GELLER:

The experience of renovating a children’s hospital playroom sparked Jessica’s decision to switch careers from social work to interior design. Her intuitive design sensibility is both innate and learned from experience in the field, and she gravitates towards the perfectly imperfect—such as introducing a color that seems “off” but magically completes the design.

A mother of three, Jessica moved to Essex Fells within a year of renovating her 1850s Hoboken townhouse to embark on transforming a 1920s center hall colonial into the perfect cozy home for spending time with her family.

Connect with Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller 

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#349 Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA

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

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

#663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business

Jun 2, 2023

Today With Aubre Fox:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Aubre Fox we answer everything you’ve ever wondered about working with Revel Woods. As the first point of contact and an interior designer herself, Aubre takes us through all of the steps and benefits to getting your flooring through Revel Woods. She also talks about their new showroom packages, which she is very passionate about. 

Pick It Apart

[1:24] Aubre starts us off talking a little about herself and how she got into Revel Woods. 

[6:10] What is the process when a designer wants to work with Revel Woods?

[26:34] How the backend works with how you get your commission.

[28:28] Aubre breaks down the types of products Revel Woods offers. 

[44:37] Aubre tells us about Revel Woods new showroom package.

LuAnn Nigara and Aubre Fox's Ah-Ha Moments

“As designers when you are working with any person in their technical realm, you have to understand when you’re having a technical conversation, there is no one helping to decide if this is aesthetically a good idea.” - LuAnn Nigara

“I love working with designers because it gives me the opportunity to educate them.” - Aubre Fox

“That’s how a well designed business runs, it looks at all the different revenue streams that are available to that particular business that makes sense for that business model.” - LuAnn Nigara 

More About Aubre Fox

Aubre Fox is an Interior Designer and CEO of A Fox Interiors. Aubre has been committed to creating a space where other women can collaborate, inspire and empower one another. Being in the Design world for over 13 years she has used her creativity and “business building spirit” to inspire and encourage other women to chase their dreams.

Connect with Aubre Fox

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Other Shows Mentioned:

#329: Power Talk Friday: John Dupra: Revel Woods Launches New To The Trade Program

#452: Power Talk Friday: Revel Woods & American OEM: A Hardwood Flooring Company With Heart 

#865: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal When Working With Contractors On A Remodel

May 30, 2023

Today With Bria Hammel:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am welcoming back Bria Hammel. Bria is the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. Bria was on before giving tips on how to scale your interior design business. And let me say, she is still a #smartlady. Bria has perfected her process for her out of state clients, as well as her team, to make the experience as easy and seamless as possible. Today she is sharing how, and the changes that her businesses have experienced since her last visit.

Pick It Apart

[1:35] Bria shares what she and her business, Bria Hammell Interiors, have been up to since her last visit.

[16:50] Bria talks about how she knew to incorporate prices that match a longer time getting projects finished. 

[19:00] How EOS has been a lifesaver for Bria’s business and how they use it. 

[23:31] Bria shares how she got her integrator.

[31:23] Bria explains how she meets for her out-of state clients, having a husband and being a mom of two.

[35:08] Bria shares the pitfalls she does encounter and how she handles them. 

[48:03] Bria’s post project feedback process.

[51:45] Bria’s specification book for the builders.

LuAnn Nigara and Bria Hammel’s Ah-Ha Moments

“EOS has been such a lifesaver for me because it forces us to sit down weekly and determine what is and isn’t working, and identify problems and come up with solutions.” - Bria Hammel

“EOS is the reason we can handle some of this out of state work. It has made us have the structure that we live and breathe by and our clients can see that. So being able to bring them through such a structured process shows them that it doesn't matter if we're in the same city as them or not. We have all that structure. And that all comes from us.” - Bria Hammel

“That's what clients want. They want to know that they’re in good hands. And when they come to you as a designer, and you're in good hands, they will trust you with more.” LuAnn Nigara

More About Bria Hammel

Bria is the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. She leads a fresh, talented team of women who are dedicated to designing beautiful, inviting homes for clients. For Bria, every project is about creating a home filled with surprising, thoughtful spaces that lead to unexpected moments. She has an incredible eye for detail and has a passion for designing spaces that tell her clients’ stories.

Bria’s work has been featured in national publications such as Traditional Home, HGTV Magazine, Forbes, Oprah Daily, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, and as well as many other local magazines. Most recently, Bria was named in Traditional Home's 2022 Rising Stars of Design, a huge honor to her team and firm. Her roster of past accomplishments are nothing short of amazing as well— Brooke & Lou's flagship store in Edina, MN, received House Beautiful's Best Home Stores in America 2022, received 2nd Place in Sub-Zero Wolf's Kitchen Design Contest in the Traditional category in 2019, was a finalist for an International Design Award, was selected as a 2018 Style Spotter for High Point Market Authority, and awarded the “Fresh Faces of Design” award in 2015 and 2018 from HGTV.

Bria has been fortunate enough to travel the world, which has given her a unique perspective on how people live, as well as a deep understanding of how different spaces can come together in incredible ways.

Connect with Bria Hammel 

Website 

Brooke and Lou

Instagram

Brooke and Lou Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#474- Bria Hammel: Keys To Scaling Your Interior Design Firm

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

 

#866- McCall Dulkys: Building a Successful Design Business From Around the World

 

#867- Power Talk Friday: Casey Gromer: Do You Need a Fractional Integrator?

 

May 26, 2023

Today With Katie McDonald:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I'm joined by Katie McDonald, certified holistic health coach, raw food chef and instructor at b.nourished. Katie’s motto is self-care is not fluff and it isn’t selfish. That is exactly what she helps her clients through so they can both take care of their business and take care of themselves. Katie has worked with several interior designers over the years and has discovered that in service to their clients and their craft, they ignore their own wellbeing, dismissing their needs, and even their own spaces. If this sounds like you, then you will enjoy this episode.

Pick It Apart

[2:00] What started Katie on her belief that self-care is not fluff and not selfish.

[6:01] Katie explains what to look for in yourself to determine if you are on the brink of needing self-care.

[19:07] The areas she focuses on with her clients because there isn’t one model that works for everyone.

[24:30] The art of concept and considerations.

[31:31] Katies shares the aha moments she and her clients have while working together. 

[37:15] Katie’s relation to interior designers and how your home supports your self-care.

LuAnn Nigara and Katie McDonald’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I eventually hit the point where I realized that I can’t do this anymore and had to start embracing that if I wanted to get things done, I had to take care of myself.” - Katie McDonald

“When we slow our role, we become conscious participants in our life.” - Katie McDonald

“The best way to gain a competitive edge is to take care of yourself consistently.” - Katie McDonald

More About Katie McDonald

Over a decade ago, the demands of Katie McDonald’s corporate career occupied her every waking moment. She was left feeling depleted and depressed—suffering from spiraling mental and physical health crises that threatened her life.

Left with no choice but to transform her body-mind relationship, Katie abandoned her corporate job and finally started applying her knowledge of self-care, alternative health, and plant-based nutrition.

Since then, Katie has been on a revitalizing journey of lifelong self-care.

Fully recovered from years of self-neglect, Katie now helps fellow doers embrace self-care so they can do more and be more while leading healthier, more intentional, and more nourished lives.

Katie leads with tough love to inspire, empower, and challenge audiences. She dispels the destructive myth that self-care is an obstacle to productivity and teaches that self-care is, in fact, a tool to create a more powerful and impactful legacy.

Connect with Katie McDonald 

Website

Katie McDonald’s coaching website to schedule your complimentary 30 minute self-care strategy session

Katie McDonald’s planners (get 15% off with code LUANN)

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#778: Deborah Main: A Journey Through Illness to Interior Design

#811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

#858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower

Sass Says

 

May 23, 2023

Today With Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, AKA the Brownstone Boys. Barry and Jordan are designers, DIY-ers, renovators, and restorers who followed their passions and serendipitously fell into a flourishing business together.

In 2018, Jordan and Barry bought a brownstone in Brooklyn and started The Brownstone Boys blog the day they closed on the house, and that’s just the beginning of their adventure. Today they are renovating their way across Brooklyn and New York City, one brownstone at a time. 

In our interview, The Brownstone Boys share how they grew their business organically, how they are implementing systems and processes, and how to balance work and life when you’re in business with your partner.

Pick It Apart

[2:33] Jordan talks about the significance of his and Barry’s second date—a bike ride through Brooklyn neighborhoods where they realized they shared a love of brownstones.

[10:44] Jordan explains how The Brownstone Boys blog began and how that led to their first clients.

[20:13] LuAnn makes a point about how fundamental business questions and processes are imperative to successful businesses.

[35:43] Barry discusses how the business has grown organically over the last few years, but now they are intentionally restructuring and building in systems and processes to help it run smoother as they grow and pivot to different platforms. 

[41:01 LuAnn asks Jordan and Barry to share lessons they have learned through their business and partnership. 

[52:09] Jordan shares big news about his and Barry’s future.

LuAnn Nigara and The Brownstone Boys’ Ah-Ha Moments

“I think a lot of that has to do with listening…And no matter how many systems we implement, I still want that one-on-one authentic relationship with our client.” – Jordan Slocum

“We started our business, and it happened very organically…And right now we're at a point in the business that we're going back and really building in some structure that we should have a long time ago.” – Barry Bordelon

“We're business partners, but we're also life partners. And I think something that I'm really excited for with the new processes is separating—or trying to separate—work from our home life.” – Jordan Slocum 

“There are difficult times. But I think it's just really cool to be building a business with a partner and to be going through this together and to have this thing that's our own.” - Barry Bordelon

More About The Brownstone Boys

We’re Jordan & Barry, AKA The Brownstone Boys.

We’re designers, DIY-ers, renovators, and restorers. We have a passion for old homes and everything that comes along with them: the details, the quirks, the character, and especially the parts that need lots of love. We have a ton of respect for all of those gorgeous original details and love restoring them but we are not afraid to add some modern touches.

We bought our 130 year old historic Brooklyn brownstone in 2018 and we’ve been slowly restoring it ever since. We started our blog and Instagram account the day we closed on the house. When we started our journey we found it hard to find the right information, but some of the best real estate, renovation, and design advice that we did find was on other helpful and creative blogs. So we decided to share our experiences as well. We are so fortunate and thankful that other people found it helpful…and maybe a little entertaining! We enjoyed sharing our journey and answering the thousands of questions we received. Eventually, we started helping people more and more with design advice, contractor & architect recommendations, and generally holding the hands of others who were trying to navigate renovating a historic home in New York and even around the world.

Some people that reached out really seemed like they needed more help than just a recommendation or suggestion, so we thought long and hard about it and nervously asked someone one day, “Would you like us to help you do it?” And like that, we had our first client. That quickly led to a second, then a third, and now we are full time Brownstone Boys designing and renovating our way across Brooklyn and NYC. We have found our true passion and pinch ourselves everyday that it’s also now our careers.

Connect with The Brownstone Boys

Website

Instagram 

Youtube

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #271: Power Talk Friday: Husband & Wife Teams- This Week is LuAnn & Vin Nigara

AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

AWDB #692: Power Talk Friday: Fiona Mostyn: Leveraging Your Blog to Bolster Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #786: Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed

AWDB #864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager

AWDB #879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation

 

May 19, 2023

Today With Sarah Daniele:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by software designer Sarah Daniele. Sarah is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio, an all-in-one project management solution for interior designers. Sarah is a professionally educated interior designer, and she is passionate about building tools and technology that help other designers grow their businesses. 

Through Mydoma, Sarah has a unique, top-level perspective on industry trends, and she is here to help us interpret those insights and share her predictions for what’s to come. We talk about task management software, virtual team members, advances in 3D rendering and virtual staging, and the benefits of adding convenience to clients and projects with technology.

Pick It Apart

[1:47] Sarah and LuAnn discuss how the design industry is undergoing a digital transformation.

[9:17] Sara emphasizes the importance of keeping communication all in one place and how easy that is with the Mydoma app.

[20:13] LuAnn asks Sarah to talk about her feelings and thoughts on VA’s and virtual team members in relation to the interior design industry.

[27:37] Sarah gets excited as she discusses the trends she is seeing in 3D rendering.

[40:32] Sarah and LuAnn discuss virtual staging and its role in the industry.

[52:48] Sarah mentions that many designers are adopting online payment strategies and how this is a necessary service for convenience and luxury.

LuAnn Nigara and Sarah Daniele's Ah-Ha Moments

“When you get a digital transformation, you have to sift through what's right for your business for what you're trying to achieve.” – Sarah Daniele

“Communication is at the heart of the interior design business. If you are not on top of your communication with your vendors, then you are not able to keep on top of your communication with your consumers. And if you are not communicating with your consumers, and you're just like every other Tom, Dick and Harry out there, that's not giving good service.” – LuAnn Nigara 

“Rendering does that—3D visualization, shows them the future.” – Sarah Daniele

“You can't be fearful you got to go in you got to jump in and you got to try. And you know what? Learning something new is hard sometimes.” – Sarah Daniele

“The epitome of the cornerstone of customer service to the luxury market is making it convenient for [the client]. Whether it’s an appointment, a payment, a selection—it’s all about them.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Sarah Daniele

Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the premier platform for interior designers; a workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast.

Connect with Sarah Daniele

Website

Instagram 

Get 20% off Mydoma for 3 months!

Other Shows Mentioned:

#91: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio

#177: Power Talk Friday- Sarah Daniele, CEO of Mydoma Studio is back to tell us what’ s new for you at Mydoma Studio!

#555: Sarah Daniele: 19H The Blueprint, Create Resiliency in Your Business

#375: Power Talk Friday: Bonnie Fahy: How to Hire a Virtual Assistant for Your Interior Design Business

#618: Jenna Gaidusek: How to Build an Online Business in Interior Design

#770: Tiffany Cassidy: Niching into Vacation Home Design

#864: Hilaire Pickett Martin: Lesson From an Interior Design Operations Manager

May 16, 2023

Today With Brad Leavitt:

Today we’re doing a Throwback Tuesday with Brad Leavitt! Brad is the President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. He’s also one of the speakers at LuAnn Live 2023, which is why we couldn’t miss the chance to bring one of his shows back.

In today’s episode, we’ll learn what is his perspective on working alongside interior designers for his project and how this has made his life easier! 

More About Brad Leavitt

Brad Leavitt is President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. AFT Construction, as known throughout the industry, is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad was awarded as an “Icon” in the AZ building industry by Sources for Design in October, 2019. He was also recognized as a 2022 Phoenix Titan 100. The Titan 100 program recognizes Phoenix’s Top 100 CEO’s & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Collectively, the Phoenix 2022 Titans have a combined total of annual revenue of $32B and employ more than 85,000 individuals. 

Brad Leavitt is an energetic public speaker and ambassador for many national brands including Kohler, Louisiana Pacific, Rinnai. Pella, Subzero-Wolf, Buildertrend, Cambria, and Elkay. Brad completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from BYU in 2005 and worked on notable projects around Phoenix, including the Omni Montelucia in Paradise Valley.

His Podcast, “The AFT Construction Podcast”, is focused on bringing value to its listeners, no matter their industry. The topics are focused on marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, organization, building science and construction. AFT has continued to exceed industry standards and create strong client relationships based on integrity, reliability and quality. Brad is married to Ashley Leavitt. Together, they have 6 children, 5 girls and 1 boy.  Brad is active with all 6 of his children, serves in his local community, and loves all sports

Connect with Brad Leavitt

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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:

#542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

#560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

#580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders

#615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process

#649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

May 12, 2023

Today With Jisun Sunny Fisher:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I often talk about the power of mindset. Limiting beliefs are tied to almost every issue you can have in your business, and in all of my years of coaching and helping other business owners, I can say that almost every single time, the key came down to mindset. Today, I’m joined by psychologist and happiness coach Jisun Sunny Fisher. She works at the intersection of spirituality and science, helping courageous leaders remember their true north and re-discover what makes them fall in love with life again. Jisun is sharing with us why the brain is the blueprint for success and what you can do to harness it. 

Pick It Apart

[3:48] Jisun shares why the brain is the blueprint for success (and why “success” might not mean what you think it does)

[10:01] Jisun breaks down the brain science behind limiting beliefs and how your mind works

[15:00] LuAnn shares her own insight into the power of visualization

[30:50] Jisun reveals 3 questions to ask yourself to begin to unlock your blueprint to success

[43:03] Jisun discusses how to take your answers to those questions and start to rewire your brain

LuAnn Nigara and Jisun Fisher's Ah-Ha Moments

“If we take the time to do the reflection, that we might have defined success by what our mothers, our fathers, our friends, our husbands, our wives, our peers have called it—that seems very logical to me that we could all fall prey to doing that. But what I think I heard you in there is that it sounds like then additionally, our brain at a subconscious level, has two things happening. It has our true desire unconscious there, but also has built on those other people's desires for us.” -LuAnn

“Underneath the beta frequency is the alpha frequency. This is when you're relaxed, and you want to read a story you have have a cup of tea in front of you, and you're just in the state of relaxation. That's the Alpha frequency. The frequency underneath that is the theta. And the theta frequency is where all the magic happens.” -Jisun

More About Jisun Sunny Fisher

Jisun Sunny Fisher, PhD, MA, CHt, CAPP, is a licensed psychologist, published author, and happiness coach who helps courageous leaders remember their true north and re-discover what makes them fall in love with life again. Through her powerful and unique guidance, clients learn to master their narratives, break old patterns, and turn their weaknesses into superpowers. They learn to embody absolute clarity, unshakeable confidence, and ultimate conviction.

Dr. J received her graduate degrees from Columbia University and the University of Connecticut. She is also certified in Positive Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Hypnosis. Dr. J’s thought leadership has been featured in Yahoo!Life, Thrive Global, Bustle, Goalcast, and more.

Dr. J loves hiking with her pups, dabbling on the piano, reading tarot for growth and healing, and making annual trips to her beloved land of Hawai’i. If you catch her in the kitchen cooking, run the other way!

Her book, The Bodhi Blueprint, Ultimate Freedom! Master Your Fears and Live Life on Purpose, was published in June 2022 and has received five star reviews.

Find out more about Dr. J at www.bodhifully.com.

Connect with Jisun Fisher

Website 

Instagram 

The Bodhi Blueprint: Ultimate Freedom! Master Your Fears and Live Life on Purpose

Free Chapter of The Bodhi Blueprint: Ultimate Freedom! Master Your Fears and Live Life on Purpose

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#711 Christine Platt: The Afrominimalist

 

May 9, 2023

Today With Natasa Jones:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by my good friend, Natasa Jones. She is the CEO and Principal Designer of Natasa Jones Interiors. European architecture and fashion are rooted in her design style. Today she’s back on the show to tell us how she has been scaling her business the last few years.

LuAnn Nigara and Natasa Jones' Ah-Ha Moments

“I’m never afraid to ask, what’s the worst thing that can happen?” - Natasa Jones

“There is no such thing as competition in this industry” - Natasa Jones

“If I wanted that luxury client, I wanted to be able to provide them with a luxury experience” - Natasa Jones

More About Natasa Jones

Natasa Jones, CEO and Principal Designer of NJI was born and raised in Europe. Natasa’s intuitive sense of style started at a young age. European architecture and fashion are rooted in her design style. She studied studio arts in her home country of Montenegro where she learned principles of art and design. Natasa continued her design journey in Chicago, where she obtained a degree in Interior Design. 

Home has a special meaning to Natasa. As she moved from Bosnia to Montenegro to the United States, home became more than the place where you live. Natasa believes that home is a space where you feel safe, where all the visual appeal tells a story and where you love to be!

Connect with Natasa Jones

Website

Instagram 

Natasa’s video

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#570: Natasa Jones: How to Maximize the ROI on Any Webinar, Course or Conference

#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

#310: Pulp Design Studios® : How To Attract a Licensing Deal 

#89: Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm

#329: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner 

Other Resources Mentioned:

Casey Gromer - C Suite Boutique

Brodie Kerst

May 5, 2023

Today With Vita Vygovska:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Window Treatment Friday, which means I am joined by Vita Vygovska. Vita is the founder of Vitalia Inc. and a regular here on the podcasts. She is an expert in all things window treatments, and today Vita will share her knowledge of unstable fabrics to help us better understand the qualities of these linens, wools, open weaves, and anything viscose. 

Window treatment professionals can’t guarantee the results when working with these fabrics, so neither should you as the designer. But don’t worry, Vita is here to eloquently help us navigate these temperamental textiles and give us the knowledge we need for better success.

Pick It Apart

[7:22] Vita and LuAnn discuss the battle of getting drapes to skim, or “kiss” the floor.

[17:53] Vita offers language to say no, without actually saying “no.”

[24:24] LuAnn talks about the importance of listening to the advice of your window treatment professional and passing the information along honestly to your clients. 

[28:59] Vita advises interior designers on alternative fabrics to use in place of unstable ones. 

[40:10] Vita suggests not only discussing the fabrics, but documenting the conversation and putting a disclaimer on projects with unstable fabrics because you can’t guarantee the outcome.

LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska's Ah-Ha Moments

“We want to be good partners. We want to be there as your problem solvers, and as someone who brings value. But we also want to tell the truth, and we don't want to set anybody up for failure.” – Vita Vygovska

“These unstable fabrics‑being unstable because they're unpredictable‑whereas we don't exactly know as a workroomhow they are going to behave when we fabricate them… And so because these fabrics are so unpredictable, it is really difficult to guarantee any kind of specific result.” – Vita Vygovska

“Understand that once your window treatment professional confirms, or just tells you, for the first time that this probably isn't going to perform the way you and your client have the expectation to, then think of it as clear cut as the sofa blocking the walkway.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I'm going to tell you the truth over getting an order because I don't want just the order. I want the order and I want the project to be successful.” – LuAnn Nigara

“Tough conversations are always better had on the on the forefront‑up front‑before they become tough situations.” – Vita Vygovska

More About Vita Vygovska:

Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, and the LuAnn University instructor for Systems Driven Operations.

Connect with Vita Vygovska

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

YouTube

LinkedIn

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:

WTFP #134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter

AWDB #448: Window Treatment Friday: A New Series featuring Vita Vygovska and LuAnn Nigara

AWDB #456: Window Treatment Friday: Custom-Made vs Ready-Made Window Treatments

AWDB #462: Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 1

AWDB #471: Window Treatment Friday: Window Treatment Business Models, Part 2

AWDB #748: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup

AWDB #761: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly

AWDB #775: Window Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: How Much Profit Can Designers Make on Window Treatments?

AWDB #815: Window Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: Mindset of Pricing Window Treatments

Other Resources Mentioned:

Vita’s Focus on Fabrics CEU

May 2, 2023

Today With Zane and Emily Williams:

Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by a power couple, Zane and Emily Williams from Z Properties. They have established a reputation for evocative design and quality construction, materials, and furnishings. Zane and Emily have worked with every type of client and strongly know how to best navigate relationships for creative freedom on their end and a happy customer on the other, and today they share with us how they do it! 

LuAnn Nigara and Zane and Emily Williams' Ah-Ha Moments

“Never back away from what you love and what you feel good about.” - Emily Williams.

“If they’re a good client they are coming to you because they trust you and they want your confidence and input.” - Emily Williams

More About Zane and Emily Williams:

About Zane Williams -

Driven by a belief that the home should be a place that stirs something within you, Zane fuses intuitive project management with a daring design approach, allowing him to conceptualize properties that are executed perfectly and bring a sense of awe to each homeowner and business owner, alike. Zane’s incredibly honest and cutting-edge approach to design-build, paired with his expertise in all aspects of the selection and execution of the perfect property, draws clients from across the Central Florida region. 

About Emily Williams -

Emily, with a sharp eye for all things luxury design and a captivating presence, combines a confident use of playful palettes and patterns to create unique spaces that beg to be enjoyed. Emily’s ability to carefully curate an interior that’s surprising and inspired has established Z’s interior design offerings as some of the most sought-after in the Sunshine State and beyond. 

Emily also extends her passion for living beautifully through her other Winter Parkbased businesses: The Grove (apparel, home goods, and gifts), Be On Park (fine jewelry), and Clementine (wedding registry, tableware and home accessories).

Connect with Zane and Emily Williams

Website

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

Watch the Docuseries!

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:

#380: Circle Design Studio: Architect & Interior Design Firm: John & Theresa Dorlini

Apr 28, 2023

Today With Peter Lang:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Peter Lang of The Designer CPA, the only CPA firm in the country specializing in the business of Interior Design. Peter is a repeat guest on the show and the co-author of A Well Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts. 

Peter has spent the last several years compiling all of his numbers and all of his knowledge into a beautiful industry-standard report. If you’ve ever wondered what profits look like for an interior design business your size, or how much the average owner pays themselves annually, or what standard monthly overhead costs add up to, then this is for you. This guidebook has every benchmark number along with thorough video explanations to help you make better decisions and have more success in your interior design business.

Pick It Apart

[5:13] Peter explains the differences when choosing between cash basis and an accrual basis on your tax forms.

[13:54] Peter and LuAnn discuss how different software targets different methods and offers different features, mentioning Pete’s online assessment that can help designers decide what project management software might work best in their business.

[18:11] Peter helps LuAnn understand what interior designers need to look for in a good bookkeeper.

[26:00] Pete and LuAnn dig into Peter’s new online course, an interior design guidebook full of industry standards based on Peter’s accounting data.

[31:46] Peter breaks down what is in the payroll section of his new report and how business owners can use this data.

[42:49] Peter explains how designers and business owners can use these numbers to their advantage.

LuAnn Nigara and Peter Lang's Ah-Ha Moments

“When your profitability is monitored, then your own paycheck can go up.” – LuAnn Nigara 

“The numbers and the data don't lie.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I want you to use this information to make better decisions for your business, so that bottom line number—that profitability number, the amount that you want to pay yourself—it's easier to succeed in those goals that you have.” – Peter Lang

More About Peter Lang:

Peter Lang is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.  He is the founder of The Designer CPA, a CPA firm that works exclusively with business owners in the design industry.  He has worked in public accounting since graduating from Providence College in 2002.  After working for several larger-size firms in Boston and Rhode Island, Peter realized his true passion was to start a firm that specifically focused on designers.

Connect with Peter Lang

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Industry Standard Data 2019 to 2022

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

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

AWDB #522: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang, CPA: Taxes and the Coronavirus Relief Package Explained

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

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Today's show was sponsored by The Designer CPA.

Apr 25, 2023

Today With Amber Lewis:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, today we’re doing something a little bit different: Throwback Tuesday. With over 900+ episodes in our back catalog, it’s hard to keep up with all the great designers that have shared their knowledge with all of us, that’s why we’re bringing back Amber Lewis’ 2017 episode. Amber and I talked about what it was that catapulted her to a level above her own in the beginning, the importance of figuring out your system and the chain of command in your firm, parenting and running a business and so much more! Let’s dive right into it.

More About Amber Lewis:

As principal at Amber Interior Design and founder of the blog, All Sorts Of, she has garnered clients and followers from around the world. As pioneer of the white-wall, laid back California aesthetic, Amber’s eclectic design approach and affinity for found objects has made her a household name.

Amber imbues a bit of California eclectic in all of her projects, but craves a design challenge and opportunities to show off her ever-evolving style. No matter what the style she is asked to create, each space designed by Amber feels cozy, eclectic, and unique.

Today Amber Interior Design, Inc. provides designs for large scale residences. Amber and her team work with architects and contractors to bring the distinct visions seen in her work, on her blog and in her retail Shoppe, to life. Light filled rooms, colorful textiles, natural elements, earthy textures, and brushed metals, are the elements that define and can always distinguish an Amber Interiors designed home.

Amber currently lives in Calabasas with her husband and business partner Mike, their daughter Gwyneth, and fur babies Penny, Billie, Stella, Milo, and Georgie (all rescue animals).

Connect with Amber Lewis

Website

Instagram

Pinterest

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:

#169: Amber Lewis- Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference

#184: Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm

#507: Barclay Butera: 25 Years of Beautiful Design

#36: Susan Brunstrum- Practical Advice for Project Management

Other Resources Mentioned:

Studio Webware

Apr 21, 2023

Today With Desi Creswell:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Desi Creswell, a friend of the show, Power Talk Friday expert, and creator of Out of Overwhelm—a six-month, intimate group experience for interior designers that will take you from overwhelmed & stressed to in control and profitable.

What really impresses me about Desi isn’t just her ability to teach people time management skills. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, the skills, tools, techniques, and practices are only half of the puzzle. Desi’s real ability lies in the other half—the mindset hurdles that are blocking us from transforming our relationship with time.

Pick It Apart

[2:13] Desi shares why time management is much more than the perfect color-coded calendar or time-blocking system. 

[7:45] LuAnn and Desi discuss the concept of a relationship with time and how to change it. 

[13:30] LuAnn and Desi talk about why the lack of time isn’t the real issue—the problem is often so much deeper. 

[30:27] Desi shares her 5-step process for time management. 

[56:44] Desi highlights how Out of Overwhelm works to help designers with time management struggles.

LuAnn Nigara and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha Moments

“We want to take an outward easy step to time management. And it’s a good step—time-blocking is something we want to do in a lot of ways. But it’s just the tip of the iceberg, and if it doesn’t go with all of the other things that you teach and coach on—like the relationship with time—it doesn’t change things.” - LuAnn

“I ask people to describe their relationship with time. For a lot of my clients, the relationship is adversarial, it’s forced, disciplined in a nonsupportive way. That used to be my experience before I came across the mindset tools I teach now. When we are in that unhealthy dynamic with time, of course we don’t want to engage with the strategies that are going to support us in effectively managing our time.” - Desi

More About Desi Creswell:

Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole. 

An award-winning interior designer, Desi worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice. After experiencing burnout from an endless to-do list and the competing interests of work and home, she was disheartened by the feeling that she wasn’t showing up as her best in any area of life. Desi sought to find solutions within the industry for time-management, work-life balance, and creating success that is truly self-defined.

In her quest to find a better way, Desi became committed to personal development and growth. This led Desi to blend mindset with strategy to transform her own experience and thus realize that there was a need for this type of support within the design community. Her training as a life coach, paired with her industry-specific expertise, helps her to empower clients to thrive both personally and professionally. 

Connect with Desi Creswell

Website

Instagram

Interior Designers Get it Done Daily Planner 

Life & Business Vision Journal

Podcast: The Interior Design Business CEO

Freedom in the Framework Workshop

Other Shows Mentioned:

#777: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self

#698: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm

#557: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset

#475: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time

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