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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Business, Design, Arts

4.8786 Ratings

🗓️ 20 February 2024

⏱️ 86 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Today With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso: Today on the podcast I’m joined by Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso, for the second in our new series, Overheard. We’re taking a trip down memory lane and talking about what we wish we knew then—spilling the tea on times we’ve tripped up, and sharing the qualified advice and business-savvy gleaned from those tough times. Because whether you’re a beginning, rising or seasoned designer, there are always mistakes made along the way, but, more importantly, lessons learned. Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments “If you find yourself in a position of not being able to define, then you might be in that pattern of the of the yes mode. And life gets a lot better, and the job gets a lot more fun, when you're able to identify your ideal clients.” - Kate O’Hara “Document. Document. Document. Write everything down. And then don't just hold on to it, but make sure you share it, or it's in a place where it can be accessed [by your co-workers] if you're not available.” - Alex Alonso “You will arrive, but it may be via a different mode of transportation… I think keeping that in mind, prevents you from trying to model someone else's process and really staying true and authentic to making this business part of your lifestyle.” - Erika Ward “What is meant to be is meant to be, and that was always meant to be part of my journey. So I can't hide my head in the sand about it. I just have to take my lumps and move on.” - Jennifer Stoner More About Kate, Erika, Jennifer, and Alex: Erika Ward: Since the establishment of Erika Ward Interiors in 2006, the firm has experienced remarkable growth. Impressively, more than eighty percent of Erika's business stems from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the enduring quality of her work. Kate O’Hara: Today, O’Hara Interiors is one of the most well-known interior design studios in the country whose award-winning work has been featured on the Architectural Digest, Wall Street Journal, Better Homes and Gardens and beyond. Jennifer Stoner: She enjoys being an integral member of the client’s design-build team from the very beginning, believing that the collaborative efforts of the architect, builder and interior designer will ultimately lead to the smoothest process for her clients and the best possible finished product. Alex Alonso: Alex is a maximalist at heart, after years in media and entertainment on both coasts and travels abroad he launched a studio that embraces a global perspective and celebrates the power of storytelling through spaces. Connect with Kate, Erika, Jennifer, and Alex:  Jennifer Stoner’s Website Kate O’Hara’s Website Erika Ward’s Website Alex’s Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester! 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 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

Transcript

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0:00.0

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by investing in the success of your team.

0:58.0

This episode is sponsored by Revelwoods.

1:00.7

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1:04.4

Using the Revelwood selector tool,

1:06.4

you will be able to find curated suggestions for each specific project

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based on criteria such as style,

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color, zip code, and usage. Because the species of wood that performs in a laundry room in

1:18.5

Key West is not going to be the same as the wood that will perform in a living room in Chicago.

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And how do you know that? Well, Revelds helps you. Know before you specify.

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And when you sign up for a free professional membership,

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you'll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits.

1:35.4

Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

1:38.3

Thank you. Welcome to a well-designed business.

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