Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today with Pamela Durkin, author of Elevate and owner of Pamela Durkin Designs, we are discussing how to time block our tasks. Pamela is coughing up some great strategies on how we can set specific blocks of time for specific tasks that will help us, get this, “Get more done in one day then you used to get done in an entire week.”

Pick it apart:

[2:00] Pamela talks to us about time blocking to increase productivity. 

[8:30] Pamela takes us to the next level of getting a weeks’ worth of things done in a day. 

[11:15] Pamela explains a strategy for completing the potential tasks we get from when we check all of our emails.

[26:00] Pamela and LuAnn discuss the importance of communicating to your clients your time expectancy. 

LuAnn and Pamela Durkin’s Ah-Ha moments:

“We need concentrated time to accomplish anything. We need to be aware of the fact that bouncing around to different tasks can hurt our productivity. ” - Pamela Durkin

“If we can think about where we are spending our time and how that relates to money in our business, then you ask yourself if you should even be doing those things.” - Pamela Durkin

“Time blocking is more than being efficient, it’s understanding that we have finite hours in the day and if we’re not making enough money by putting these blocks of time in, then maybe we are not charging enough.” - Pamela Durkin

“We are imperfectly perfect and always a work in progress. We should always give ourselves a pat on the back for our progress. As long as we are trying and moving forward, it’s all good.” - Pamela Durkin

More about Pamela Durkin:

Pamela Durkin, ASID, LEED AP ID+C

Design is powerful and Pamela wants designers to step into that power. After 30 years in the high-end design business, she is now helping other designers create a business they love through her In Demand Designer Program. She teaches them how to be magnetic and attract the best clients. This method makes owning a design business easier and more fulfilling. Her book, Elevate! can be found on Amazon. 

Pamela Durkin has been a professional interior designer for over 30 years. She is a past-president of ASID Florida South Chapter and served on the Board of Architecture and Design in NJ. She lives in Naples, FL and in her spare time, loves spending time on the beach and learning new moves in her home dance studio. 

Connect with Pamela Durkin

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn 

Book

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#577- Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat.

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

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Lori Morris, one of the most passionate and driven people LuAnn has ever come across, joins the show today to share what it takes to grow your business to the level of attracting luxury clients and delivering the level of service and design that they expect. 

Even as Lori’s business has grown so large, she maintains creative control and has a hand in every project they tackle. If you want to attract those luxury clients, if you want to work on these magnificent homes, if you want to offer that truly above and beyond level of service, then stay tuned to LuAnn and Lori’s conversation for takeaways that you can apply to your business to help reach your goals. 

Not one to merely dip her toe in the water, Lori Morris is an ‘all or nothing’ designer whose artistry is rooted in tradition, unconventional ideas and fearless execution of perfection. Reinventing the standard of design since 1987, her work can be found in some of the most high-end properties across Canada and North America, including Miami, Dallas, St. Louis and San Francisco, with each project delivering a unique, timeless look with an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort and style.

Leading an extensive team of professionals in-house and abroad, Lori Morris is a full-service firm offering a complete design and build turnkey solution for any project. Lori’s ‘no rules’ design philosophy has evolved into her own signature LMD style, which she coins “Sexy French.” In every space, you’ll find a seamless melding of sensory, form and function, with materials sourced from artisans across the world that provide intricate molding, artful flooring, and walls that use some of the most exotic and rare marbles. Leading by way of example for strength and confidence, Lori continues to be revered as one of the most coveted designers in the interior design world, empowering others by embracing her role as a role model for all women entrepreneurs.

Lori is an “all or nothing” designer who works on high-end properties across Canada and North America. She delivers an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort, and style with every project. Lori is a true artist who prides herself on creating a unique feeling for every one of her clients. Tune in to learn about her ‘no rules’ design philosophy, which has evolved into her own signature style, and her advice on attracting luxury clients and scaling your business toward high-end projects. 

Show Highlights:

• Lori explains the unique purpose of her “LMC” (Lori Morris Concierge) service.
• Lori details why the Design Build Books that she delivers to architects can be 1,000 page documents.
• “Sexy French” is a collaboration and a marriage between the modern design that Lori loves and the French design that she loves.
• Every house is treated like an original painting.
• The moment that Lori decided to get the kind of clients to perform the kind of magic that she wanted to perform.
• Learn from your mistakes: It’s not a mistake if you have the experience once. It’s only a mistake if you do the same thing twice.
• Lessons working with the luxury client: Lori shares her insights.
• The importance of a mutually respectful relationship.
• Don’t confuse “red flags” with something that you just don’t want to do.
• It is key to manage your client’s expectations.
• There’s always a solution to a problem!

Connect with Lori!

Lori’s Website

Lori’s Instagram

Lori’s Twitter

Lori’s Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Today with Rydhima Brar:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, Rydhima Brar of R/terior Studio shares her story and her journey to design with us. From her childhood in Kuwait, to her corporate career in LA, to launching her own firm at the beginning of the pandemic, to amazing growth and press attention—Rydhima shares how her story, and how storytelling in general, laid the foundation for her design career.

Pick it apart:

• [5:00] Rydhima shares her journey and discusses her connection to construction and design during childhood in Kuwait. 
• [16:08] Rydhima discusses how a difficult personal experience launched the rebirth of her career and pushed her into her passion—design. 
• [32:05] Rydhima and LuAnn discuss the Kaleidoscope Project and Rydhima’s experience with it. 
• [46:26] Rydhima reflects on her path and what she has learned.

LuAnn and Rydhima Brar’s Ah-Ha moments:

“My world just turned upside down. It was a scary thing—my journey was terrifying. But during that time when I was home, a rebirth happened. I gave birth to my daughter and I gave birth to my business. That’s when I decide to really pursue my passion and remove myself from a place of fear and anxiety and into a sense of calm. Design became a place of refuge for me.” -Rydhima Brar

“That is the key. When you are determined, then you make things happen. It’s not a passive thing—starting a business. It’s not just an idea you put on paper that unfolds in front of you. It’s waking up everyday, recommitting to taking action, to being determined, to being undeterred, to believing in yourself and knowing that you’re worth it, that you’re worth doing this career.” -LuAnn Nigara

More about Rydhima Brar:

Rydhima Brar grew up in Kuwait, where her childhood was filled with breathtaking design & architecture, helping out with her father’s construction business. In 1990, the effects of the Gulf War drew Rydhima and her family to leave their home in the cover of night for another country. Returning to Kuwait after the war, I experienced the rebuilding of our home, and the rebirth of a nation. As her father then rebuilt his business, she helped him organize his building materials and sample libraries, always complaining but secretly loving every minute of it.

As a young adult, she then took to New York City to begin a career in Business and Finance, yet her love for design never left her. After several years, it was a move to L.A. that sparked the next evolution for her career, now shifting toward design, a transition that was gradual yet inevitable. Starting with her own condo, she rediscovered her love for an approachable + functional + luxe aesthetic, using bold color and unique pieces throughout. Friends were impressed with the result and Rydhima then began to help design their spaces.

A few projects later, she found herself fully immersed in the world of professional design, where she felt she belonged. She then balanced going back to school while working on projects, and the pages of the new chapter were lled with new experiences and challenges, which eventually led to the most recent chapter, the birth of her own business, R/terior Studio.

FUN FACT

Rydhima has a blog dedicated to discovering what your favorite cocktail says about your interior design style! Rydhima believes that craft cocktails, much like interiors, need to be carefully crafted with attention to every detail to become a masterpiece—Each ingredient, or design element, has a purpose, and when paired well with other ingredients, the result is sophisticated, balanced, and bold. Check-out the blog HERE.

Connect with Rydhima Brar

Kaleidoscope Project  

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Blog

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#771 Power Talk Friday: Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street. To Succeed, Identify a Gap in the Marketplace

#743 Chanae Richards: An Unconventional Path to an Interior Design Business

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

#397 Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now?: Cheryl Luckett: Dwell By Cheryl

#291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years

#562 Rasheeda Gray: #BLM 2020 The Year of Vision

#23 Rio Hamilton – Media Expert and Author of the Wildly Popular Industry Blog, Mon Oncle

#614 Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: Creating Another Revenue Stream for Your Interior Design Business

#47 Gail Davis: Make Your Life Count

#669 Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging

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

#455 Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business

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

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

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

TODAY WITH MADELEINE MACRAE:

Today with Deborah Main:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business.

Today’s episode is a little bit different than the usual business acumen. We’re diving into Deborah Main’s story of how she became The Pillow Goddess. Deborah is the epitome of an inspirational story—of resiliency, of overcoming hardship, and chronic illness, and of art and creativity serving as an outlet in times of suffering. 

Deborah’s story serves as motivation, inspiration, and absolute proof that art and design can heal and bring joy in even the toughest of times.

Pick it apart:

• [0:36] Deborah shares her inspirational story of battling chronic illness.
• [14:24] Deborah discusses how she found pillow design, serving as a creative outlet that helped her focus on something positive. 
• [24:00] Deborah shares the limitations her illness still has on her life and what it has taught her. 
• [35:46] Deborah tasks about how she works with interior designers.
• [43:42] LuAnn and Deborah discuss the new collection with Robin Baron.

LuAnn and Deborah Main’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You mention it as part of your journey, ‘Oh I answered an open call for designers and made some pillows and applied to Austin Fashion Week’ as if they are things you just do in the course of your day. I’ve got to believe that it took a lot of courage and guts to actually do it.” -LuAnn Nigara

“I was very sick at the time, and my husband thought I was crazy but he supported me. He easily could have said, ‘Oh you’re obviously feeling better—why don’t you just do the dishes and make me some food?’ But he just saw what was happening. He saw me opening up and lighting up and he was so happy to see that that he never questioned me—he just wanted me to keep doing pillows.” -Deborah Main

More about Deborah Main:

Deborah Main is The Pillow Goddess, a dynamic, innovative design leader who has helped individuals and businesses create beautiful, distinctive high-end spaces for 18 years.

Based in Austin, Texas, Deborah’s experience and deep appreciation for design, textiles, the home furnishings industry, and a wide variety of interiors and home products gives her a fully-rounded understanding of what it takes to provide an exceptional luxurious look and feel to both personal environments and commercial spaces. She provides interior designers with high-quality products for their clients, while also helping retailers and brands differentiate their products/services from their competitors.

Deborah’s private clients are some of the leading high-end specialty boutiques, national e-commerce sites, interior design businesses, and home brands in the United States. She has helped them provide value to their customers and environments – building brand awareness in the process – which has allowed them to position themselves as the exclusive and unsurpassed option for luxury clientele.

Connect with Deborah Main

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

The UnZipped Collection

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation.

#454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer. 

#638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken.

#640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire.

#654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business.

#721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask.

#723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review.

#725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing.

#727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More!

Thank you to today's sponsor!

Mydoma Studio: Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

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

#41 Cheryl Janis

#423 Tiffannie White

#715 Kathleen Jennison

Sassy Says #45 Tiffannie White

Sass Says #31 Cheryl Janis

Today with Desi Creswell:

Today with Sonal Kotecha:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we have on Sonal Kotecha, founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm.

Sonal and I were going back and forth on Instagram and she was telling me all of the lessons that she had learned from the show. As we were chatting, a light bulb went off and I knew I had to have her on as a guest. I am so appreciative of her sharing her lessons that I know you will benefit from hearing her story. Enjoy!

Pick it apart:

[6:38] Sonal tells us about the first big lesson she learned from A Well-Designed Business.

[17:30] Sonal explains her second lesson from the podcast regarding your talent as a designer is not enough for success. 

[27:49] Sonal and LuAnn discuss the third lesson Sonal learned. 

[42:25] Sonal elaborates on her fourth lesson.

[50:22] Lesson 5- we all need a “Vin” man. 

[54:40] Last lesson of work-life balance is key.

LuAnn and Sonal Kotecha’s Ah-Ha moments:

“The discovery call is a sales presentation and the way we choose to discuss something, like trade discounts, will impact not only that conversation, but all of the following conversations.” - LuAnn Nigara

“We know what we are good at and we lean into that, and we hire people for the areas that we aren’t “good.” - LuAnn Nigara

“We need to strategically prepare for situations when we are not being driven by a state of emergency.” - Sonal Kotecha 

More about Sonal Kotecha:

Sonal Kotecha is the founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm, dedicated to providing a stellar design service for her clients in the Middle East and beyond. 

She calls herself a child of the world – after growing up as a second generation Indian in the United Kingdom, to parents born and raised in Kenya – she moved and set up her own home base in Dubai at the young age of 24, where she continues to live with her husband from yet another corner of the world, South Africa – and she credits this diverse background as being the reason she is able to connect on a deeper level to people & clients from all over the world. 

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design from Nottingham Trent University in 2007. Shortly after graduating, fate led her on a one-way ticket to Dubai, where she built up experience working both as an in-house designer for a private developer, then for a multi-disciplinary interior design studio, before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship and starting Rumah Interiors in 2017. 

Sonal likes to keep her ear to the ground when it comes to movements in her local property industry and has witnessed first-hand the astronomical leap in residential projects in Dubai over the last 12 months. Sparked by a post-pandemic heightened appreciation for a well-designed home environment, and several new UAE’s government backed initiatives, such as more accessible residency visa options, an influx of new residents moved into the country that she has proudly called home for the last 12years. As a result, the floodgates to new projects opened up, and she had to quickly adapt from being a one-woman show, to a small team of powerful [female] design professionals, who could take on multiple projects in parallel from concept through to completion.  She realized that some of her old processes & contracts were no longer viable, and then along came A Well Designed Business Podcast – and in the conversations, she found answers to the questions that had been keeping her awake at night…

Connect with Sonal Kotecha

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation.

#454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer. 

#638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken.

#640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire.

#654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business.

#721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask.

#723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review.

#725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing.

#727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More!

Thank you to today's sponsor!

Did you happen to go to the new Kravet Showroom in HP last month? They unveiled the Kravet Home. Kravet has furniture, rugs, lighting accessories and fabric for every room in your house, including your outdoor rooms. The new showroom in the Steel Building is beautifully set up as a home. From the foyer as you enter, all the way through the living room, great room, dining room, bedroom, home office suite and the outdoor patio space. It is a treat to see the fabrics, wallpapers, sofas, desks everything all displayed just as you would specify them in your projects. And the rooms have been designed by some of your favorite designers. Thom Filicia, Carrier & Co and Mabley Handler to name a few. So if you are planning to go to HP in the fall, be sure to put Kravet on your list of must see stops. And in the meantime, go to kravet.com and get your trade acct set up today. No opening minimum orders, no yearly minimums and true trade pricing, so you can make money. Check it out and tell them I sent you.

Today with Vita Vygovska

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 3 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. 

Today, we are covering profit, and what designers can expect when selling window treatments.

More About Vita Vygovska

Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives.

Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com

Connect with Vita Vygovska:

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

YouTube

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.

Today with Rick Campos:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Interior Designer and fellow podcaster Rick Campos of Design Biz Survival Guide. I had the absolute honor of turning the tables on Rick and putting him in the hot seat for his 4 year anniversary episode. I am delighted to share this with you today and thank you again Rick for the tremendous honor of making me apart of this milestone.

More about Rick Campos:

Rick Campos is a self proclaimed “recovering interior designer” with fifteen years of experience in the design industry. Formerly Director of Business Development for a notable Orange County design firm, his daily interactions with architects, builders, vendors and clients contributes to a broad perspective of the design industry. In 2018 Rick traded in his tape measure for a microphone and launched Design Biz Survival Guide - a podcast about life and business for interior design professionals - with the intention of informing and inspiring the design community. In 2019 Rick integrated freelance consulting into the platform with an emphasis on “the business of design” exclusively for the interior design community. He has since helped numerous design entrepreneurs grow their business to new levels. The platform has since evolved to include annual business development retreats, learning opportunities, networking events, and an online community. “My mission is to be the source of information and inspiration to interior design entrepreneurs that I needed when I launched my own design business back in 2007. To promote and further develop a design community that supports and empowers fellow design professionals on their journey in life and business.”

Connect with Lesley Myrick

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Today with Corinne Bentzen and Melanie Kaplan: 

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Corinne Bentzen and Melanie Kaplan from The Company Store. We’re talking about the importance of staying on color trends, seasonal rotations of products, how the brand stays dedicated to premium quality, and their commitment to sustainability.

Pick it apart:

[18:34] Melanie shares her background in design and textiles, including experience in cotton mills that laid the foundation of her expertise. 

[23:27] Melanie discusses how her team plays into the success of the brand. 

[26:30] Melanie talks about the company’s design process and valuable partnerships. 

[31:30] Corinne and Melanie share how seasonal rotation and constant innovation keep the brand’s designs fresh and relevant. 

[44:23] Corinne and Melanie talk about how they maintain their commitment to artisanal quality.

Ah-Ha Moments:

“We have global design partners all over the world. It’s been my experience that partnership is so much a part of the success of the brand. We have great suppliers that understand our mission. We have design people that are so talented and understand the direction and vision of The Company Store. It’s an ongoing process. We think about the lifestyle, we think about the quality it needs to represent. We never shortcut anything in this brand.” -Melanie Kaplan

“We are the color authority. We have never, ever been afraid of color. In fact, we love it, and that’s a distinction of The Company Store.” -Melanie Kaplan

“That is the type of support that an interior designer needs, when you’re going to recommend bedding—people are going to sleep on this. Comfort is key and critical, and it can be judged way more harshly than walking on an area rug, for example. When I think about everything that goes into your products, I know I would not want to learn all of the things, so it’s nice that designers can just go to the website and order swatches.” -LuAnn Nigara

Connect with The Company Store

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

Twitter

More About Corinne Bentzen:

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Corinne Bentzen began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she built brand identity for premium brands before taking the leap across the pond to join Tiffany & Co. in New York. There she put her strategic thinking, strong decision making, and leadership skills to work, ultimately leading her to The Company Store where she breathed new life into the 110-year-old home goods retailer acquired by The Home Depot in 2018. Not one to shy from a challenge, Corinne most recently took over the leadership of Home Depot’s HD Home, in addition to her leadership role at The Company Store. An avid skier and cyclist, Corinne lives in Connecticut where she enjoys an active family life with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog Rosie.

More about Melanie Kaplan:

Following a graduate program in Textile Design and Science at Fashion Institute of Technology, Melanie  Kaplan launched a career in design and development of home furnishings products that spans a range  from decorative fabrics to finished consumer products, from bed ensembles to lifestyle furniture, from  children’s garments to kitchen textiles. 

From Design Director for a decorative fabrics company, Melanie transitioned to Vice President of Product Design and Development at a bedding producer, where she first worked directly with major  retailers to develop their programs. 

As Senior VP of Design for home furnishings at Dan River, a storied American textile company, Melanie’s  ability to translate art and concept to commercially successful design led Dan River to a spot as an  innovative leading supplier to the retail home furnishings market.  

In 2007, Melanie moved to the retail world as the Chief Creative Officer for Hanover Direct Inc., where  she headed all design, product development, sourcing and image development for the company’s key  brands, including The Company Store.  

Since The Home Depot’s acquisition of The Company Store in 2017, Melanie continues in a leadership  role. As Product Development Senior Merchant, her energy, expertise and leadership continue to inspire  colleagues on all sides of the global supply chain to the American home furnishings consumer. 

A native New Yorker, Melanie commits free time and resources to organizations committed to  improving the lives of individuals, children and families affected by various hardships.

What's new with LuAnn Nigara

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Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Thank you to The Company Store for sponsoring this show!

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Have you ever had a project where you felt undervalued and taken advantage of? A situation where someone else was taking credit for your work? What about mixing work and family? 

These factors create a spiderweb of entanglements and equal a ticking time bomb of emotions and feelings. Today's episode comes from a listener who, while highly skilled, talented, and experienced, has found herself in a situation where she has mixed family and business in a high dollar project in which she is not getting the compensation or recognition for her contributions.

Listen in as I break down the situation, the challenges, and what Lu would do.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Today with Michelle Feeney:

Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  On this Power Talk Friday I am talking to Michelle Feeney, founder of Floral Street. Floral Street is a modern British fragrance that is both sustainable and eco-friendly.

You’re probably wondering why I had Michelle on. Well despite her not being in interior design ,Michelle has provided me with a couple of aha moments that I want to bring to my listeners. She is an intelligent and accomplished business person and I can’t wait for you to hear about her experience to the top, how her fragrances make her customers feel, and how taking a break to stay at home gave her the information she needed to jump back in! 

Pick it apart:

[1:00] Michelle and LuAnn talk about the correlation between how a floral scent should make you feel on your body, but also when you walk into a room. 

[13:18] Michelle talks about starting Floral Street at 53-years old. 

[27:18] Michelle tells us how Floral Street breaks the mold in the sustainability of the fragrances ingredients and packaging. 

[32:37] Tiffany talks about how to make your brand a cult brand through partnerships.

LuAnn and Michelle Feeney's Ah-Ha Moments

“Interior designers focus on how clients want to feel in a space. They should extend that into, not only how the products in the room contribute to the “feel,” but also how the room is scented.” -LuAnn Nigara

“Many people fear how to get investments from the “big boys”with the money, but what they lack are the ideas and passion that you have.” - Michelle Feeney

“It’s important to take yourself out of that everyday and look in, to see how your idea could fit into the modern world.” - Michelle Feeney 

“If you are an individual and you are trying to build your brand, who you associate with becomes really important. There’s strength in numbers because they can help you tell your story.” - Michelle Feeney

Connect with Floral Street

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned

#32- Robin Baron- The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks With Us About PR and Brand Development 

#540- Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Brand Development

Today with Tiffany Cassidy:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Tiffany Cassidy, co-founder and principal designer of Lagnappe Custom Interiors. Tiffany and I discuss the fear some have about niching down your business and how Tiffany powered through her own fear. Every guest that has been on the show that has chosen a niche has said that it was the best decision they made for their business. Tiffany couldn't agree more and she has done such a wonderful job at combining her past experiences with what she’s learned from coach Tobi Fairley to niche into her luxury vacation rental design business. Please join us to learn about Tiffany’s niching journey and the versatile services that Lagnappe Custom Interiors has to offer.   

Pick it apart:

• [6:13] Tiffany starts to tell us about when she decided to niche her design firm down and how she went about it.

  [16:30] Tiffany explains her initial resistance in niching down. 

  [20:15] Additional services that Lagnappe Interiors offers, also for those who want to DIY. 

  [32:45] Tiffany tells us more about her Designer for a Day Program and Master Plan program.

LuAnn and Tiffany Cassidy’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Part of my resistance to niche down was wanting to keep my options open. It felt scary to  limit, but learned it wasn’t limiting at all because people would come to me for help.” - Tiffany Cassidy

“I encourage other designers to niche down because it frees up your mind in so many ways and helps you grow your business in a specific manner.” - Tiffany Cassidy 

As designers when we are doing full service projects working with project managers and contractors, when we make our project book we should ask ourselves what are all of the potential questions they could ask us.” - Tiffany Cassidy 

More about Tiffany Cassidy:

A native of California with both a degree in chemistry and a highly creative side, Tiffany has been designing beautiful homes and commercial spaces in the U.S. Virgin Islands for her long list of clients since 2002. She marries her artistic and scientific sides together by transforming the intangible into breathtaking, cohesive and highly functional designs delivered in systematic and organized bliss. Tiffany considers it a privilege to be invited into other people’s homes to help them transform their personal spaces and her goal is to not only make your home prettier but in doing so, make your life better.

Connect with Lesley Myrick

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

ebook on Vacation rental

Blog

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#15- Nancy Ganzekaufer: Niche is Rich

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

#368- Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design 

#440- Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program

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

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

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

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

Today with Leah Neaderthal:

Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  As you probably know, I am as extroverted as they come—a trait which I believe plays into my sales success. But extroversion isn’t necessary to be a good salesperson. In fact, my guest today, Leah Neaderthal, would say that introverts possess several qualities that make them natural sales superstars—if they know how to tap into them and use them. She’s sharing how to do just that, teaching introverts how to sell with strength and confidence.

Pick it apart:

[2:00] Leah shares why being an introvert is actually a sales superpower. 

[5:39] LuAnn and Leah discuss the importance of tapping into what your client is saying, even if they aren’t actually saying it. 

[7:39] Leah talks about diving deep into the value you are bringing to your clients. 

[18:02] Leah and LuAnn discuss the strength of saying no. 

[25:46] Leah points out ways that we unknowingly get clients to say no. 

[35:07] Leah shares two mindset shifts for selling to mid-size companies or corporate clients. 

LuAnn and Leah Neaderthal's Ah-Ha Moments

“To all the introverts out there—I see you, I validate you, I am you. I do want to let you know that the things that make you an introvert and make you the way you are actually are your superpower when it comes to selling.” -Leah Neaderthal

“The most successful salespeople are people who listen, who ask a question, stop talking, and observe. People aren’t always saying expressly in words exactly what they intend to say. By asking questions, listening, and observing, we start to uncover the nuggets that show what the pain point of our client actually is. We have to know these things to come up with the solution for them to make selling to them easy.” -LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Leah Neaderthal

Website 

LinkedIn

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned

#598 Judith Taylor – How an Introvert Networks in an Extroverted Industry

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Kravet is always focused on making things easier for you. With Kravet’s website, finding the exact products you need is easier than ever. You can create tailored searches that yield the exact results you need, which in turn helps you create the best experience for your clients. Visit kravet.com today to get started.

Welcome to A Well Designed Business.  On today’s sponsored show with Kate Lester Interiors, we’re taking a look at the Harman collection—a line of beautiful vintage reproduction rugs, inspired by Kate’s travels and passions. In collaboration with Jaipur Living, Kate launched the Harman collection to bring the beauty of one-of-a-kind elaborate vintage rugs to modern designs for all levels of clients.

Pick it apart:

[1:29] Kate shares the story of how she and Jaipur Living came together to launch the Harman collection.

[7:33] Kate gives insight into what reproductive vintage pieces are and why they are desirable. 

[13:03] Kate discusses her vision for the collection and how it came to fruition.

[18:50] Kate tells LuAnn about the Turkish roots of the collection’s name and its symbolism for the project. 

[24:03] Kate discusses the inspiration and design process used for the rugs. 

[32:38] Kate shares how her background in marketing helps her stand stronger in her business.

More About Kate Lester:

Connect with Jaipur Living

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned

#526 Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary

#757 Jaipur Living, Nitesh Chaudhary

Today with Monica Froese:

Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Over the last few years, more and more designers have started finding ways to build passive income streams into their businesses, through e-design options, curated shoppable lists, and more. Today, we’re talking more about this idea—how you can create digital products to help solve problems for your clients, attract new ones, and add an income stream to your business.

Pick it apart:

[1:28] Monica shares her journey, from corporate marketer to mom blogger to digital product aficionado. 

[19:15] Monica gives insight into how interior designers can use digital products to solve problems for their clients. 

[36:31] LuAnn and Monica discuss how to create a pillar of content to help your clients along the buyer journey, without investing all of your time into content creation. 

[42:48] LuAnn shares her biggest takeaway from the conversation.

LuAnn and Monica Froese's Ah-Ha Moments

“I am great at teaching people how to read their numbers to get better conversions. I’ve been told by my students that I make intimidating numbers seem easy. I think it comes from my lack of emotions to numbers—they are just numbers. They tell you a story and you just have to be able to read the story that they tell.” -Monica Froese

“Here comes the courage—to say, ‘this is all great, but I don’t want to do this anymore. It isn’t filling my soul, it isn’t feeding my mission on the planet.’” -LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Monica Froese

Website 

Instagram  

Facebook 

Pinterest

YouTube

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned

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

#736 Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Lesley Myrick:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. E-design has certainly grown in popularity in recent years. My guest today, Lesley Myrick has gone that route as well. But she missed the connection aspect of creating designs specifically for clients. So she forged her own service, the Design Master Plan, that offers a high-level customer experience, with everything but the procurement. Today, Lesley talks about finding the pieces of business she values the most and letting everything else go.

Pick it apart:

• [3:56] Lesley gives an overview of the Design Master Plan and why she chose to create the service. 
• [14:24] Lesley discusses how a conversation with a coach helped her hone in on what she valued most in her business.
• [20:26] LuAnn and Lesley talk about how to put an end to scope creep with Lesley’s model. 
• [26:07] Lesley shares the value of 3D renderings. 
• [37:18] Lesley reiterates why connection is so important in her business.

LuAnn and Lesley Myrick’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You are seasoned enough to explain the scope and the deliverables at the beginning with clarity—that’s key. Number 2, you have priced the job profitably so when you want to be generous you can. And number 3, you are delivering a fully executed plan in detail at the beginning.” -LuAnn

“That’s why connection matters so much. I need to be able to have these honest conversations. And they’re not conversations meant to scare people off or freak them out, but we need to have enough of a connection and trust where I can say these things and it’s not met with hesitation or frustration.” -Lesley

“So it’s just eliminating the middle and end phase…but the deliverable and the service and the quality of the first phase is not compromised in any way.” -LuAnn

More about Lesley Myrick:

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, organized, and enthusiastic interior designer in the Atlanta, Georgia area (and she works with clients all over the US and Canada, too). Lesley is originally from Canada and has lived and worked in Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, California; Waco, Texas; and now Macon, Georgia. She earned an honors diploma in interior design from Sheridan College in 2005 and launched Lesley Myrick Art + Design in 2015. She works with high-achieving women who are ambitious, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth. Lesley helps these driven women bust out of boring homes and helps new interior designers launch kickass businesses they love.

Connect with Lesley Myrick

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

YouTube

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revel Woods: With Revel Woods, you’re getting premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and lifestyle needs. They are dedicated to helping you help your clients find the right flooring for their needs. You can use the industry expertise at Revel Woods to help your clients feel that wow factor. Visit www.revelwoods.com today to find out more!

Other Shows Mentioned:

#722 Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business

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

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

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

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

Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am talking with Connie Vanderzanden, who has developed the Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System. This interview is not only with a professional financial coach whose superpower is money, but it’s with someone who has financially hit rock bottom herself in her previous bookkeeping business, only to rise back up and take control of her finances and her money story. Now she’s here to share how she did it and to offer additional tips, support, and hope towards our finances. 

If you want to change your emotions about money, feel empowered by it, and take full control of your financial situation in your business, this episode is where it’s at. Enjoy!

Pick it apart:

• [3:57] Connie tells us about the business she used to be in and what made her open her eyes.

  [7:40] Connie explains how she got into her financial situation and debt that caused her to change.

  [13:00] We learn the tangible obstacles that may keep us from being open to a money mindset shift. 

  [20:40] Connie tells us what steps to take if we are feeling like we want to give up on our business due to debt. 

  [27:00] Connie gives us an overview of her Going Beyond Revenue Cash Handling System.

  [40:40] Connie and LuAnn give tips on when you want to hire a team

LuAnn and Connie's Ah-Ha Moments

“A lot of the times when I am working with people with debt, it’s acknowledging their shame and guilt around it and addressing it and forming a new relationship with it.” - Connie Vanderzanden

“Debt can be used well in a business as long as we’re intentional about how we’re going to use it and how we’re going to pay it back.” - Connie Vanderzanden

“There’s empowerment in a choice once you can see the black and white and see where you are spending it, to make better choices.” - Connie Vanderzanden

“Your safe environment should begin with your financial person.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Connie Vanderzand:

Connect with Connie Vanderzand

Website 

Instagram 

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned

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

#575- Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year 

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Sarah Daniele, the CEO of Mydoma Studio, is an interior designer.  When she was still a practicing designer she wanted a better way to manage her projects. She wanted clear communication with her clients and her trades. She wanted all of her invoices in one place. She wanted time tracking and she wanted to be as efficient and organized as possible— so she created Mydoma Studio.

Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesigned business to start your trial now. Get your time and your sanity back.

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today's question comes to us from a designer in a tough situation between a builder and a homeowner. Tune in to hear the designer's story and how I would handle the situation if I was in their shoes. 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy and specifically, Terri's The Real Deal workshop. 

More about The Real Deal:

Get PAID What You Are Worth

The industry’s premier event for serious interior designers who want to bring consistent high-profit remodeling jobs into their business

Once a year Terri offers this very special training once a year that deep dives into how to run extremely profitable remodeling jobs

This 3-day workshop is designed for IDBA clients but Terri is opening a few seats to the design community at large.

3 full days of training this May 4,5 & 6

Go to InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com to learn more

Connect with Terri:

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Website

More about Terri Taylor:

Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified for her NCIDQ certification in 1991. Terri is a professional member of ASID, IDS and NCIDQ.

Her Tucson-based design studio, Taylor Design Group, was a diversified design practice working in the areas of high-end residential design and remodeling, model home merchandising, hospitality and medical and professional offices. Her studio has been the recipient of ASID Arizona South Chapter Design Excellence Awards every year since 1986 and she received the ASID National Design Excellence Award in 2000.  Terri’s design work has been published in regional and national design journals, including ASID ICON and Wall St. Journal. Terri retired from her studio practice in 2015.

In 2009, Ms. Taylor created Design Biz Blueprint (now Interior Design Business Academy); an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of design business strategies and systems, and powerful positive mindset to help interior designers create meaningful success. She’s inspired thousands of interior design entrepreneurs through her speaking engagements, seminars, on-line education and coaching.

Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 548

Episode 602

Episode 710

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business.

Today we’re talking with Laura Martin Bovard, founder of LMD Interiors and Divine Hustler. After realizing how easily triggered she would get from certain employee types or certain things that happen in business, Laura decided to train herself to work from soul, rather than ego, which is commonly how we approach things. 

I think that this episode is very relatable and after listening, you will be inspired to learn how to work more from soul too! You will hear how Laura’s life has become more light, her business more successful, and how she was able to surround herself with like-minded, positive people. Laura really is a light herself and listening to her will give you hope for any challenges you may have.

Pick it apart:

• [:55 part 1] Laura picks apart what she means by running your business from your soul, rather than your ego.

  [12:55 part 1] The turning point for Laura that wasn’t necessarily just one moment. 

  [4:15 part 2] Laura shares what she did to get into alignment with her soul.

  [10:13 part 2] Things Laura has done to create a happy environment in her design firm. 

  [15:35 part 2] Laura tells us about her side hustle, Divine Hustler.

LuAnn and Laura Martin Bovard’s Ah-Ha moments:

“When we love ourselves deeply, we give great service and great creativity to our clients.” - Laura Martin Bovard

“When you find that project or client that you identify with and that feels good in every way, you start to attract more of that to you.” - LuAnn Nigara 

“We find who and what aligns with us and we know that when we feel lighter.” - Laura Martin Bovard

More about Laura Martin Bovard:

My name is Laura Martin Bovard and I am the principal of LMB Interiors. Through my two-decades strong interior design practice, I’ve been privileged to hold space for my clients at times of transformation. Over the years I’ve witnessed the magic that happens when people realize that having a beautiful home is more than creating something visually pleasing; it’s about building a home for your people: family, friends, community; while also creating a vision for and manifesting a personalized space that nourishes your soul’s growth. I am wild about transformation. I create beauty wherever I go. I cannot not do this. My greatest joy is when I create an environment that is even better than what the client had imagined for themselves. I design in every style: Modern, Contemporary, Traditional, Spanish, Mediterranean, Craftsman, and more. I bring a warm, classic, and timeless approach to the aesthetic style that matches your heart, your community, and your space. I love to be of service, giving to others through my work and via philanthropy. When I am not designing homes and restaurants, I enjoy engaging in energy-rich life experiences, including cooking and entertaining and practicing the art of self-care with focused intention. I started LMB Interiors in 2002 when I was pregnant with my first child. The one-woman firm that began in my dining room has grown to include a team of top interior designers, all of whom are talented, dynamic, soulful, and share my values of authenticity, warmth, and a livable approach to interior design. As a group, we complement one another’s contributions to the whole with a deep appreciation for our individuality while inspiring each other to thrive in a culture of collaboration and graciousness. We conceive beautiful environments where love, family, and community flourish. At LMB Interiors, we prioritize sustainable design. For us, that means working with local artisans and contractors, as well as using eco-friendly, earth-conscious materials and practices. As the company has expanded, so has my office space. Today, we are based in the elegant, urban-chic, and historic White Building in downtown Oakland.

Connect with Laura Martin Bovard

LMB Interiors Website 

LMB Interiors Instagram 

LMB Interiors Facebook 

LMB Interiors Pinterest 

Divine Hustler Website

Divine Hustler Instagram

Divine Hustler Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

The way you handle your systems and processes makes all the difference in your business success. Time tracking, communication, product approvals—you don’t have time to get bogged down in dealing with looking back and checking over these aspects of your business. When you automate with Mydoma, you increase your productivity and get to focus on the parts of your business you need to be focusing on—like sales. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today with Vita Vygovska

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 2 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. 

Vita and I understand the challenges with pricing, that it isn’t cutthroat and that there are so many variables that go into a window treatment. Tune in to learn the general pricing guidelines for a designer, and also how you can uplevel your conversations with your client by knowing how to ballpark the price within minutes of the consultation.

Pick It Apart: 

• [5:59] Vita and LuAnn reflect on why you as a designer need to understand the numbers behind the formulas.
• [11:30] Vita breaks down what markup is and how to calculate yours. 
• [17:36] Vita shares insight on the multiplier—an often misunderstood part of the equation.
• [27:50] Vita walks us through margins and the formula behind them. 
• [38:40] LuAnn highlights how you and the window treatment professional can both come away with profit.
•  

Ah-Ha Moments with LuAnn Nigara and Vita Vygovska:

“When someone in your world understands that what you sell a product affects the financial health and viability of your business, that's what creates a sustainable business.” - LuAnn Nigara

“The highest chance of you getting an order is if you can ball park the customer’s investment together on that first visit.” - Vita Vygovska 

“You are accustomed as the designer and have the ability to know the numbers for what is “good, better, and best” and accurately come up with investment ranges on the discovery call before running in circles.” -LuAnn Nigara  

When you show a pictorial presentation to a client of different budgets, it’s no longer just about the money. It’s about what they like, what the room will look like and how they will feel in that room.” - Vita Vygovska

More About Vita Vygovska

Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives.

Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at vita@vitaliainc.com

Connect with Vita Vygovska:

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

YouTube

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point 

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#548- Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees and Budgets

#741- Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup

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

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re talking about my favorite thing—sales. And I can think of nobody better to help me talk through sales than my colleague, Jessica Harling. She is walking us through the proven 7-Step Sales Process from Exciting Windows—the same process that she covers in her course at LuAnn University. You’re going to get a high-level look at every step along the way, its purpose, and how it folds into a successful sale.

Pick it apart:

• [10:50] LuAnn and Jessica dive into the inquiry call and how it plays into the overall sale. 
• [19:16] Jessica highlights how the preparation for the appointment lays the foundation for success.
• [21:01] Jessica and Lu discuss the meet and greet and home tour, and why taking control is crucial.
• [34:16] Jessica shares the importance of the recap and review to make sure you and the client are on the same page. 
• [44:59] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the eyeball estimate and how to leverage the trial close to move the sale forward.

LuAnn and Jessica Harling’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Doing all these seven steps ahead of time, before you start to show samples, get into the design details, or even get into detailed quoting, all of these seven steps upfront are what set up the next section for success.” -Jessica Harling

“That is the Achilles’ heel of an undisciplined salesperson—to get sucked into the rabbit holes and the windy roads of whatever someone wants to talk to instead of leading the conversation.” -LuAnn Nigara

More about Jessica Harling:

Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations. Her specialty in recruiting, training and change management drives innovative and high-producing results while keeping your team inspired. Behind the Design offers recruiting, onsite and online training, and operations development consulting for design organization to streamline costs, increase productivity, and develop rockstar employees to take the company to the next level.

Connect with Jessica Harling

Website 

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter

Behind the Design Blog

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#548 Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

The way you handle your systems and processes makes all the difference in your business success. Time tracking, communication, product approvals—you don’t have time to get bogged down in dealing with looking back and checking over these aspects of your business. When you automate with Mydoma, you increase your productivity and get to focus on the parts of your business you need to be focusing on—like sales. You can get started today and save 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

In addition to working with myself, Rachael has worked with many leaders in the industry including Sandra Funk, Michele Williams, and many up-and-comers. I encourage you to listen to find out how you can work with Rachael, and also how she has used her marketing strategy of the 4 P’s (positioning, press, paid speaking, and partnerships) to gain luxury clients and be seen as the “go-to” in your industry. 

Pick it apart:

[15:45] Rachael shares with us her process when she starts a new Luxe Day client. 

[23:47] Rachael explains using partnerships as a “pipeline filler” rather than a public partnership.

[32:00] Rachael tells us about the application and process to work with her. 

[43:55] Another successful example of a past client, Emily, that listeners can relate to.  

[1:04:00]: Information on how to work with Rachael, how she works with her clients, and pricing. 

More about Rachael Bozsik

Rachael Bozsik is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field.

It is Rachael’s mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think – a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael’s clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives.

Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda’s SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah’s Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc.

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned

#2- The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

#20- Arianne Bellizaire: Could Your Hobby or Hidden Talent Be Your Marketing Platform?

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

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

#180- PTF: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why It Matters to You

#190- Kathy Kuo: How Kathy Kuo Home, The Online Boutique, Can Assist Your Interior Design Firm

#395- PTF: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist For Your Interior Design Business

#520- PTF: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard Is Here!

#568- Arianne Bellizaire: “A Reluctant and Accidental Leader in #BLM.”

#651- Power Talk Friday: Rachael Boszik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design

#683- Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience is #1 in Design

#709- Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors: The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business

A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor:

Revel Woods wants you to add more profits to your projects by teaching you how to recommend and sell hardwood flooring. Revel Woods will be there for our PTF Tour this April 1st, 2022 so if you are planning to join us in HP, you will meet John Dupra, the CEO of Revelwoods. Until then, head over to revelwoods.com/pro-account.