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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

1139: Rebecca Ward: Money, Mindset, Pricing, and Starting Your Interior Design Firm

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Business, Design, Arts

4.8786 Ratings

🗓️ 11 November 2025

⏱️ 66 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today With Rebecca Ward Mentorship can make all the difference in your design career. Yet many new designers hesitate to take the leap, unsure how to translate their skills into a business or where to find the right support. That’s why Rebecca Ward—CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design in Sacramento—has made mentorship her mission. With over 18 years of experience and an award-winning residential design portfolio, she knows what it takes to step into this industry with confidence and clarity. In this episode, Rebecca and I talk about what it really means to shift from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, how to reshape your money mindset so you can lead clients at any level, and why cultivating a growth mindset is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a baby designer just starting out or a seasoned business owner, you’ll find Rebecca’s grounded wisdom and practical guidance inspiring—and packed with lessons you can put into action right away. Her artistic skill shines in creating contemporary spaces that fit the dynamic lifestyles of families today. She believes in enhancing lives through interior design, making surroundings more  impactful for productivity and mood. Her goal is to create spaces that reflect clients' needs,  helping them be their best selves in the world. Beyond her design prowess, Rebecca is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents in interior design. In 2021, she launched the "My Design Mentor" program, empowering individuals to succeed in the field. Her commitment extends to elevating the profession as a whole. Following this, Rebecca expanded her reach by hosting the "Design Curious Podcast," sharing insights with a broader audience keen on exploring the world of design.  She values a strong design community, actively investing in local peers through monthly gatherings that foster collaboration and growth. Outside of design, Rebecca finds harmony in music, performing with her attorney husband in their acoustic duo. Cherishing family time, she enjoys moments with her two children and lively labradoodle. Rebecca Ward's journey is defined by her dedication to design excellence, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to both her craft and community. Ah Ha Moments with Rebecca Ward “Being a CEO requires so many more different skills and a whole new mindset." – Rebecca Ward "You cannot save your clients’ money for them. Your role is to design at the level they’ve invited you into, not to hold back because of your own money story." – LuAnn Nigara "I have this saying—I’ve said it a thousand times: Do I want to be right, or do I want to get what I want? Before I get on the phone, I know exactly what I want, what I’m willing to do for it, and what I’m willing to give up if I don’t get it." – LuAnn Nigara Connect with Rebecca Ward Podcast Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn X What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://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 Audiobook: The 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: AWDB #1123: Ali Faulkner: What to Do When a Client Says “No”: Lessons from a Lost Design Proposal AWDB #1021: Ann Cariola: Launching an Interior Design Firm at Age 60—It’s Never Too Late AWDB #1100: Best Of Show: Erika Ward: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Transcript

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0:00.0

Welcome to a well-designed business.

0:12.0

My name is Luann Nygaara, and I'm so glad you found this podcast.

0:16.0

Together with my husband Vince and our partner Bill, we have grown our company Window Works from the ground up.

0:22.2

So I know and I understand the challenges you face in running your interior design business.

0:27.8

I also know that your talent alone isn't enough to ensure your success.

0:33.3

So on this podcast, we talk about strategies and practical steps to help you grow your business.

0:39.7

But make no mistake about it, we have our share of fun here, too, mixed in with those aha

0:44.7

moments that I love so much.

0:46.8

This isn't fluff.

0:47.8

Nobody has time for that.

0:49.5

Whether you are a new interior designer or a season designer, I am here to help you create and to manage the kind of interior design firm that you dream of.

0:59.0

It's straight talk and it's action.

1:01.2

Are you ready?

1:02.1

Let's get started.

1:05.9

Hi, welcome to a well-designed business.

1:08.2

Let me ask you something.

1:09.6

What if you could start your interior

1:11.5

design career with someone right beside you, showing you how to price your services, how to hire

1:17.0

smart, and how to shift your mindset from designer to business owner? That's exactly what my guest

1:23.1

today, Rebecca Ward, is doing for a new generation of interior designers. Rebecca herself has been in the

1:28.9

industry for more than 20 years, building a successful firm in California with associate designers and

1:34.6

support staff. And now through her podcast, Design Curious and her platform, my design mentor,

...

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