Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! Today’s guest is the Paloma Contreras - the Elle A-list, Forbes recognized, shop-owning, fabulously talented design influencer. You know, the Paloma Contreras that has163,000 Instagram followers? This lady is one amazing powerhouse! Keep listening, though, because it wasn’t always that way. She is a lady who cried on Sundays because she dreaded her work week so much, then went on to find her niche, love her job, and become that Elle Decor A-Lister. Don’t miss LuAnn’s and Paloma’s inspiring conversation about trusting your gut, taking action even when you’re afraid or unsure, and going for the big dream in your head and making it reality. Based in Houston, Texas, Paloma has honed her eye for style over more than a decade in the design industry. She has developed a reputation for designing beautiful interiors in a broad range of styles which are executed in a manner that is polished, refined, and effortless.  Paloma has repeatedly been named on the prestigious ELLE Decor “A-List” of the top interior designers in the world. She’s been recognized as a “Next Wave” interior designer by House Beautiful and has been named to LUXE Magazine’s “Gold List”.  Paloma was named #4 on the Forbes list of the Top Social Media Influencers in the Home category and according to ELLE Decor, is one of the Top 10 interior design Instagram accounts to follow. She recently debuted a licensed collection with Williams Sonoma Home and has done special projects with many major brands including One Kings Lane, Bravo Television, American Express, KitchenAid, Kohler, Auberge du Soleil, and Peninsula Hotels.  Paloma has a book named Dream Design Live and a curated retail shop, Paloma & Co. And last but not least - she’s a lady after my own heart - she just launched The Style Files Podcast. When she gets a free second, Paloma enjoys traveling with her husband, Fabian, and spending time with their sweet dog, Tate. Show Highlights: Paloma credits her success to her passion, tenacity, and the ability to recognize opportunities. Consistency is necessary when you’re trying to build an audience, a brand, or a name for yourself. How Paloma went from being a bored high school Spanish teacher to starting a design blog as a creative writing outlet. Paloma shares the opportunities that enabled her to hone a different set of skills and her new design career that followed. Just because you’re seeing “xyz” in your social media feed because everyone is doing “xyz” doesn’t mean it’s the right thing for you. Things that you need to have in place before hiring a publicist. What it takes to be recognized by the press. Success can take years of hard work, sacrifice, and even some failures. "Make it a pleasure to work with you!” - Paloma Contreras Paloma addresses being an Elle Decor A-Lister. Connect with Paloma! Paloma’s Website Paloma’s Instagram Paloma’s Blog Paloma’s Podcast:The Style Files Podcast Paloma’s Email  Order Your Copy of Paloma’s Book, Dream Design Live! Links : Is Chairman of the Board Right for YOUR Business? LuAnn Nigara COB LuAnn Live - Coming February 2021 Join the E-Mail List to Get Updates! Design-Build For Profit - Coming Late Summer / Early Fall! With Jenny Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors Get on the Email List HERE! Increase Your Confidence, Increase Your Profits Registration Opening in August, Course Starts in September LuAnn University The Profit Is In The Numbers The Profit Is In The Numbers 101 with Kathleen Anderson The Profit Is In The Numbers 102 with Peter Lang Coming September 2020! Early Bird Registration Sept 4 - Sept 20 Classes: Sept 22 - Sept 24 Get the Goodies! - For checklists, resources, and extra goodies! Courses and Products to Dive Deep into Specific Elements of Your Business LuAnn’s Favorite Resources 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 LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast - Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday A Big THANK YOU to These Podcast Sponsors: Take Advantage of Kravet Inc.’s Extensive Digital Tools & 24/7 Customer Service! Set Up a Virtual Appointment with Your Local Sales Representative: Kravet FREE Trial! A One-Stop Shop to Keep Everything Organized! Check Out Their Client Portal and Time Tracking Features! My Doma Studio A Well Designed Business Other shows mentioned to link to  and to tag in SM Visual Comfort #408 Amber Lewis #169, #184 Robin Baron #32 #540  Shea McGee #236 #270