A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Today With Juliana Ewer: Today with Juliana Ewer, president of the Houston IDS chapter and owner of J Squared Home Designs, we explore how strategic volunteerism and intentional networking can become your most powerful business-building tools - without spending a dime on marketing budgets. LuAnn Nigara and Juliana Ewer’s Ah-Ha Moments: "If you're gonna go to something, don't be a tourist, jump in, right? Don't just show up to the meeting and sit in the back and, you know, meet people." - Juliana "You can't buy that kind of marketing, really. You can't buy people's trust and you can't show up enough.” - Juliana "It’s a long tail thing…You would never add it up and go, that was worth all that time. But you know, we still get business from it 20 years later.” - LuAnn More About Juliana Ewer Juliana Ewer is an Award-Winning Interior Designer, and the Owner/Lead Designer at J Squared Home Designs, founded in 2018. She is passionate about curating elevated, livable spaces taking into consideration lifestyle, and each client’s personal design aesthetic. She is the President of the Houston Chapter of the Interior Design Society and serves as anIDS National Committee member. Juliana specializes in Residential Interior Design, Vacation Rental Design and is a vetted Architectural Digest PRO. She has been a featured panelist at IDS National conference as well as a showroom panelistat High Point Market and Dallas Market. She was selected as a Design Influencer for Fall 2023 High Point Market, a Style Eye for January 2024 Dallas Market, and has served as a HPMKT Insider’s Tour Host for both 2024 Markets. She was a featured influencer with “Designhounds” for KBIS 2024 and ICFF 2024 in New York. J Squared Home Designs is headquartered in Missouri City, Texas (Southwest Houston). Connect with Juliana Ewer Website Instagram Facebook A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Interior Design Society (IDS) Other Shows: AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design AWDB # 717: Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #1059: Rachel Usher: Creating Community and Strength in the Interior Design Industry

Published: 22 August 2025

Today With Laurence Carr: Laurence Carr may have launched her interior design business less than two years before we recorded this conversation, but you’d never know it from the way she runs her firm—with vision, clarity, and purpose. In this episode, Laurence shares how she built a strong business foundation from day one, the intentional strategies she uses to keep her pipeline full, and how her commitment to sustainability and holistic design has positioned her as a leader in the industry. Whether you’re brand-new or twenty years in, Laurence’s story is proof that when you have a plan, stick to it, and lead like a CEO, success follows. More About Laurence Carr Born in France and now living in NYC, Laurence Carr has an inherent appreciation for art and design—she is a natural aesthete. Before launching her interior design practice, Laurence was a professional ballet dancer, singer, stage director, and fashion event manager. Today, she is recognized for her application of wellbeing principles and ancient techniques in high-end residential interior design. Laurence believes luxury interiors don’t have to be sterile and soulless. Instead, her projects encourage mindful living and create harmony, whilst attaining a level of sophistication that develops from layering modern art, furniture, antiques, and accents. Having lived, worked and traveled in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US, Laurence’s design aesthetic is influenced by her love of different cultures and deep appreciation of art. She brings an international approach to each project—whether its sifting through antique galleries in Paris or sourcing hand-woven rugs from the villages in Nepal, Laurence’s knowledge and network allows her to find and assemble unique items for you. Connect with Laurence Carr Website Instagram  YouTube LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kravet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows: Nicole Heymer #466, #317, #125 Andrew Joseph #39 Dennis Scully #459 Savour Partnership #209 and #458

Published: 19 August 2025

Today With Brad Leavitt (A Finer Touch Construction Podcast): Join me for a special re-airing of my conversation with Brad Leavitt on the AFT Construction Podcast! We dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, sharing insights on building strong relationships, setting expectations, and the importance of systems in business. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs along the way. Tune in to gain valuable tips that can elevate your business! ⁠Check the ⁠⁠A Finer Touch Construction Podcast⁠!⁠ In this episode we discuss the importance of installing systems and protocol in your company. Every small business should have detailed and outlined tasks for each employee. Podcast Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

Today With Jamie Young Jeter: Today with Jamie Young Jeter, founder and president of Jamie Young Company, we dive deep into what it takes to build a creative business that thrives on "strategic creativity." From selling cement pots out of her truck while pregnant to running a multi-million-dollar home furnishings company, Jamie's 28-year entrepreneurial journey is packed with lessons every designer needs to hear. LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Young Jeter’s Ah-Ha Moments: "Yes, I can do it myself. That's a trap to me. It is a trap because we started businesses. So of course we could do all these things on our own. We are all brilliant. We know what we're doing. We have all these ideas, but it's a trap because it takes great teams." From LuAnn: "If you don't want to make any mistakes, stay home in bed. You'll be very safe there. The rest of us are out here trying to make things happen." More About Jamie Young Jeter Raised in Los Angeles by an artist and entrepreneur, Jamie was drawn to design aesthetics from a young age. A unique home and an out of the box perspective molded the person she is today. Growing up in the heart of the entertainment industry during the 70’s and 80’s Jamie was surrounded by a colorful cast of eccentric characters; professional writers, painters, athletes, actors, and creative business minded mentors—inspiration was around every corner. After high school, she continued her studies at Parsons School of Design in New York City. She and her now husband, David Jeter, also an artist, attended San Francisco College of Art focusing on painting and sculpture with a deep knowledge of art history, met in 1992. Jamie’s superpower was the ability to understand design and fashion in the home space and bring to market an elegant and bohemian perspective unique to her upbringing. David’s deep knowledge of art and world history coupled with brilliant and fresh designs completed the package. Together, with a love of connecting to communities near and far, they founded Jamie Young Company in 1997 to fill a void in the world of home furnishing. Connect with Jamie Young Jeter Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use our ⁠Kravet⁠ code AWDB10 for a 10% any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim Other Shows: AWDB #1048: On Air Strategy Session: Melanie Lybrand: Overcoming the Fear of Raising Your Interior Design Rates AWDB #852: Nicole Salceda: You Don’t Need to Have All the Superpowers

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

Today With Claire Staszak: LuAnn really loves the process of how these designers create blogs to serve as a marketing arm for their business and a lead generator for their design firm. Listen in today to get some really great, actionable tips that you can duplicate. Today we're bringing back Claire Staszak's episode. She won the award at the Conference for the best blog writing of 2017. She is a Chicago-based interior designer who is known for her holistic design process of combining refined aesthetics with wellness principals, as she draws on her years of experience as a Yoga and Meditation Instructor, to gently guide her clients through the process of unearthing and then refining their own, unique style, resulting in a sanctuary which is timeless, rather than trendy. More About Claire Staszak Claire Staszak is a Chicago-based interior designer known for her holistic design process and expertise in designing and restoring homes, infusing them with soul. She has a special affinity for crafting timeless and functional kitchens. Centered by Design was born out of her love of historical architecture, her well-trained eye for interiors, and her passion for personal wellness. Claire studied interior design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and holds a Certificate of Kitchen and Bath Design from Harper College. Her work has been featured by Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Domino, Chicago Tribune, HGTV, LUXE and others. Connect with Claire Staszak Website Instagram Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kravet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Today With Dr Colleen Mullen (Coaching Through Chaos Podcast): I’m so excited to re-share this incredible conversation I had with Dr. Colleen Mullen on her podcast, Coaching Through Chaos. Colleen and I dive deep into the journey behind Window Works, what it really takes to build a business that lasts, and the mindset that’s helped me through over 40 years of entrepreneurship. This isn’t just for interior designers—this episode is for any business owner who’s ready to get serious, show up with purpose, and take ownership of their success. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos (and who hasn’t?), Colleen’s questions help pull out the key lessons that will bring you clarity and direction. ⁠Check the ⁠Coaching Through Chaos Podcast⁠!⁠ LuAnn Nigara is the co-owner of Window Works in New Jersey for over 30 years now, but she is probably most known now on a larger scale for her expertise on building, growing and sustaining a business. She hosts The Well-Designed Business Podcast, is a well-known speaker at trade shows and leads workshops. Her expertise lies in helping others, including established business owners, develop the fine skils necessary to have their business prepped to withstand the ebbs and flows over decades! Her expertise is also now captured in the book, A Well-Designed Business. In this episode, LuAnn shares a decision made at 18 that put her on the trajectory to business success; why systems are so key to a successful business, how she grew and shifted over the years, and why some businesses just can't succeed. PLEASE CHECK OUT LuAnnNigara.com to discover all the ways you can benefit from LuAnn's expertise. If you are enjoying The Coaching Through Chaos Podcast, and you want to stay connected and want to chat about the episode, just follow us at Coaching Through Chaos on Facebook. If you want to interact with Colleen more personally or stay up-to-date on her other podcasts and happenings, you can follow or friend her on: Facebook Instagram Twitter Listen to Shrink@Shrink to learn about love and life through the movies every month. If you are a woman, interested in building your personal leadership qualities, check out Dr. Colleen's book: Stop Bitching, Just Lead! The 60-Day Plan for Embracing Your Inner Leader If you want to work with Colleen for personal 1:1 coaching to help you conquer the chaos in your life, just reach out through CoachingThroughChaos.com click on the Contact page. Thanks for listening!

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Today With Jenna Gaidusek: The world of AI is moving at lightning speed, and it's easy to feel left behind. But what if you could ignore the noise and focus on a few core tools that could fundamentally change your workflow for the better? This week on the podcast, I invited AI expert and industry guide Jenna Gaidusek back to the show to do just that. She walks us through the foundational AI strategies that are here to stay. Learn how to leverage AI note-takers to automate your meeting summaries and to-do lists, understand the key differences between powerhouse platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and discover the practical ways to use visual AI to close sales faster—while staying ethical along the way. This episode is your practical starting guide to making AI work for you. LuAnn Nigara and Jenna Gaidusek’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I do not take other designers' work and run them through my models... Just because you can, because you can, should you? There has to be these ethical boundaries that we have to set for ourself." - Jenna Gaidusek "My huge aha was you need a trained interior design professional to translate your pedestrian conversation and description of what you want to what you really want... AI isn't feeling anything." - LuAnn Nigara More About Jenna Gaidusek Jenna is a talented visual communicator and interior designer with a passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces. She made the decision to leave her corporate interior design career in 2015 to launch her own online interior design business, which quickly gained traction and became a successful venture while she was living in New York City. Jenna's innovative and forward-thinking approach to eDesign has had a significant impact on the industry, and her contributions have been widely recognized. She continues to be a thought leader in the field, and her passion for helping designers succeed is an inspiration to all who work with her as the Director of Community and Education with Mydoma and continues to work as a practicing virtual interior designer. Connect with Jenna Gaidusek Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠Revel Woods What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Use our Kravet code AWDB10 for a 10% any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim Other Shows: AWDB #618: Jenna Gaidusek: How to Build an Online Business in Interior Design AWDB #911: Power Talk Friday: Jenna Gaidusek: Introducing Virtual Assistant Certification by Mydoma Studio

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Today With Courtney McLeod: I’m thrilled to re-air this gem of a conversation with Courtney McLeod, the powerhouse behind Right Meets Left Interior Design. If you’ve ever thought, “Can I really pivot from another career into design?” Courtney is living proof that not only can you—but you can do it brilliantly. Courtney left a successful 15-year career in finance, took her Wharton-honed business skills, and combined them with her passion for design to create a thriving, process-driven firm in NYC. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on how she did it—with intention, confidence, and a six-step client process that lets her lead with both creativity and clarity. If you’re looking for inspiration to lean into your strengths, define your process, and build a brand that truly reflects YOU—this one’s a must-listen. And if you’ve got those “but I didn’t go to design school” doubts swirling in your head? Hit play. Courtney will show you exactly how to turn what makes you different into what makes you successful. More About Courtney McLeod An avid colorist at heart, Courtney draws from a kaleidoscopic toolbox of texture, pattern, and color to create rooms evocative of one emotion above all others – joy. Her designs express both her client’s unique tastes and her vivid, collected aesthetic.  Born and raised in New Orleans, Courtney brings a sophisticated view to her rooms, informed by her Creole background and extensive travels throughout Europe and Asia. She resides in the vibrant Harlem neighborhood, a wonderful source of inspiration. She has lived in New York City for two decades but remains a Southerner at heart. Listen in to find out more. Connect with Courtney McLeod Website Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Facebook A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Kravet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows: Erica Ward #6 Monique Holmes #365 Rachel Cannon #306 Nicole Heymer #317 Curio Electro #125

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

Today With Barb Davids (Small Business Sweet Spot): If you've ever heard me say, “Excellence is a decision,” then you already know I mean it with every fiber of my being. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Barb Davids on her podcast, Small Business Sweet Spot, to talk all about that exact idea—what it takes to build a business with intention, how systems create consistency, and why knowing your mission, vision, and values isn’t optional... It's essential. We got into the nitty-gritty of how I built my businesses, what makes a strong personal brand, and how creative entrepreneurs (like you!) can stand out in a noisy, saturated market. This episode is packed with real stories, tangible strategies, and a whole lot of “tough love wrapped in motivation.” If you’re ready to stop playing small and start showing up as the powerhouse leader your business needs, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen in, take notes, and as always—decide to be excellent. ⁠Check the Small Business Sweet Spot Podcast!⁠ My favorite snippet from LuAnn in this interview is her Snickers analogy to a distinct business. I'm not even gonna summarize it. You'll have to hear it yourself around the :25 minute mark. In this episode of Small Business Sweet Spot, LuAnn Nigara, a powerhouse in the creative business world, shares her years of entrepreneurial experience as the host of the "A Well-Designed Business" podcast, author of multiple best-selling books, and co-owner of an award-winning window treatment retailer. Our conversation covered what it truly means when LuAnn says "excellence is a decision" and how service-based business owners can stand out in saturated markets. 👉 For all the links and resources mentioned in this episode, check out the supporting blog post here. 🗞️ Newsletter - Digital Marketing Takeaway If SEO feels overwhelming and like a different language and you want more traffic and leads, then my SEO Power-Up Plan is for you. It's a unique service designed to show you the traffic you’re missing out on and how that missed traffic translates to sales. You’ll get a clear look at what’s working, what’s not, and where you can focus for better SEO results. Head to this link to get your SEO Power-Up Plan.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Today With Jay Jeffers: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Every day as a business owner is full of decisions—and while there are not always hard-and-fast rules, how you approach your decisions is a good indicator of how successful your business is going to be. Today, I’m joined by renowned interior designer Jay Jeffers. Celebrating 25 years in the industry, Jay shares the business philosophies that have sustained his A-list firm, including his approach to pricing and profitability, the lessons learned from navigating economic downturns, and his thoughts on building a team and a legacy for the future. LuAnn Nigara and Jay Jeffers’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I did everything myself... I finished this project. Did this project make me any money? Look, how much did I spend on myself? Was the profit enough? Was the markup enough?" -Jay "It's 25 years later, I'm still defending my value. You are valuable, and what you are giving to somebody is worth money that they're going to pay you." -Jay "It can't just be, 'Okay, there's money in the checkbook afterwards,' right? Because you can't get better. If you have money in the checkbook and you don't analyze it, you can't make the corrections." -LuAnn More About Jay Jeffers Jay Jeffers is the founder of JayJeffers Inc., coowner and designer of The Madrona, a boutique hotel and restaurant in Healdsburg, CA, and a celebrated interior designer known for creating luxurious, livable spaces with soul. At his renowned design firm, JayJeffers Inc., Jay offers a full range of concept-to installation services including interior architecture, custom furniture design, art and antiques acquisitions and decoration, expertly curating homes all over California, New York, Texas, Florida and beyond. Jay has authored two books, Collected Cool and Be Bold, received numerous honors including being named to Elle Décor’s A-list, and is regularly featured in notable shelter magazines, national newspapers, and show houses. Jay has also designed a fine line of architectural hardware for Accurate Lock & Hardware and three collections with Arteriors. Connect with Jay Jeffers Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Mydoma Studios What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Head to Mydoma Studios and get 20% off your first three months Other Shows: AWDB #635 Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

Today With Julia Marcum: You are in for a treat with this re-air of one of my favorite conversations—with the fabulous Julia Marcum, one half of the powerhouse DIY duo behind Chris Loves Julia. Julia has been blogging for over a decade, and together with her husband Chris, they've built a wildly successful brand grounded in authenticity, creativity, and their unwavering "why." In this episode, Julia shares how they transitioned from a personal blog to a full-time business that inspires millions. We talk about what it means to know who you're serving and why that clarity drives everything—from content creation to partnerships to staying motivated through tough seasons. Heads up: If you love this episode, go listen to Ep. 1048 with Melanie Lybrand, where we dig into the mindset shifts around pricing and worth. It’s another heart-opening convo that pairs beautifully with this one. More About Julia Marcum Chris and Julia are a fresh, honest, and creative DIY duo, blogging about the daily feats and failures of renovation. They offer their loyal readers a mix of large-scale renovations, quick DIY projects, budget-friendly ways to revamp their spaces, and items to splurge on, as well as a few personal stories to remind their readers that they’re real people, too. They were named as one of Better Homes & Gardens’ Top 10 DIY bloggers. Tune in today, for more. Connect with Julia Marcum Website: Chris Loves Julia Instagram: Chris Loves Julia Propertee: Chris Loves Julia Facebook: Chris Loves Julia Pinterest: Chris Loves Julia Youtube: Chris Loves Julia Good Influencer Good Influencer on Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Kravet⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Jessica Helgerson Interior Design Instagram: Josh young Design House Other Shows: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shea McGee #236, #270 Amber Lewis #169, #184 Nicole Heymer #125, #466 Jamie Lieberman #454 Fred Berns #22, #174

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

Today With Rebecca Hay (Resilient by Design): You know I’m usually the one asking the questions—but in this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting on the other side of the mic as a guest on Resilient by Design, hosted by my friend and fellow podcaster Rebecca Hay. Let me tell you—it was such a fun, thoughtful, and energizing conversation. We talked about all the things I love most: how to build a strong, profitable business, why you must know your numbers, and yes—why markup is not optional in this business. (Seriously, if Baskin-Robbins gets a markup on ice cream, why wouldn’t you as a designer?) Rebecca shared how A Well-Designed Business® helped her back in the early days of running her firm—and I was truly touched. And of course, we got into the mindset work that really separates successful entrepreneurs from the ones still spinning in circles. I’m so excited to re-air this episode for you. Big hugs to Rebecca for inviting me and allowing me to share it with all of you here. ⁠Check the Resilient by Design Podcast!⁠ Today is one for the books! I am thrilled to speak with the Queen of podcasting herself, LuAnn Nigara, and bask in her wisdom. LuAnn describes her inspirational career trajectory and how her business has evolved in the last 4 decades. She shares nugget after nugget of wisdom as she highlights the importance of quieting down, cultivating an inner voice, visualizing goals and how to listen to that intuition (and a few select advisors) to move forward into success. I am beyond excited and inspired after this conversation and I know you will feel the same, a perfect introduction into 2024! LuAnn Nigara Website Instagram LuAnn University LuAnn’s Podcast Network A Well-Designed Business® Window Treatments For Profit with LuAnn Nigara The Inner Edit: Wellness for Digital Creators podcast. New England Home and Interiors The Silva Method This episode is sponsored by Devix Kitchens

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Today With Corey Damen Jenkins: In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn welcomes back Corey Damen Jenkins—AD100 designer, author, and creative powerhouse—for a conversation that goes far beyond beautiful rooms. Corey shares the intentional strategies behind his new book, Design Reimagined, and his groundbreaking new streaming series, Design Reimagined. From creating instant rapport with clients, to managing imposter syndrome like a seasoned pro, Corey offers tactical insights every designer and creative professional needs. You'll learn how to build deeper client relationships, set confident boundaries, and protect your emotional "enamel" in a demanding industry. Whether you're scaling your business or simply finding your voice, Corey’s wisdom will inspire you to show up smarter, stronger, and more authentically in your work. Pre-order your copy of Design Reimagined today, and don’t miss the premiere of Design Reimagined on YouTube starting May 15th! More About Corey Damen Jenkins Corey Damen Jenkins is the principal and chief executive officer of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, an internationally acclaimed interior design and architecture firm based in New York City. Celebrated for its deft approach to layering sophisticated colors, textures, and patterns to create timeless and iconic spaces, CDJA has been inducted into Architectural Digest’s AD100 and ELLE Décor’s A-List. Corey began his career in interior design in 1996 and founded his own firm in 2008. He has become an influential voice in the world of design due to his compositions of spaces that are authentic, bespoke, and distinctive. With the haute couture fashion runway, historic architecture, and world travels as his chief sources of inspiration, Corey creates tailored spaces that meet the ever-changing needs of his clients. Whether it’s a modern ranch in the mountains of Carmel, a sprawling estate on the Chesapeake Bay waterfront, or an upscale maximalist apartment overlooking Central Park, Corey’s ethos is governed by design democracy and ensuring his clients’ personalities and lifestyles are showcased first and foremost. CDJA is multi-disciplinary in its mission. While designing residential and hospitality projects throughout the United States and beyond is its primary focus, the team has also produced expansive licensed product collections for Kravet, Hancock & Moore, LeftBank Art, and Maitland-Smith. Connect with Corey Damen Jenkins Website Instagram  Facebook  X YouTube Design Reimagined - Book Design Remix - Book Design Reimagined - The Series Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ Other Shows: AWDB #127: Corey Damen Jenkins- Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman AWDB #549: Corey Damen Jenkins #BLM: Time to Take the Baton

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

Today With Kim Dawson: Are you charging enough to actually turn a profit? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Dawson—business strategist and pricing expert—to tackle the one thing too many entrepreneurs skip: how to create a pricing formula that sets you up for success. If you’ve ever said “I don’t know what I should be making,” or “I have no idea if I can afford to hire,” this episode is your wake-up call. Kim brings her no-nonsense strategy for building a plan that supports both your life and your business. Learn how to define your financial goals, map your income targets, and finally stop guessing your way through pricing. More About Kim Dawson Kim is a lifelong entrepreneur. She has started many businesses of her own, including a local health and fitness studio, and she has also co-founded a software setup. Kim’s experience lies both in locally-focused, service-oriented businesses, and in online product-based businesses. Connect with Kim Dawson⁠ Website A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Kravet⁠⁠⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why Krista Coupar #60 Kim Merlitti #361 and #442 Alinda Morris #429 Cheryl Clendenon #482 Michele Williams #395 Kae Whitaker #114

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Today With Renee Bier (Only Girl on the Jobsite): Today, I’m bringing you something a little different—and extra special. This episode originally aired on Only Girl on the Jobsite with my friend Renee Biery, and now I’m thrilled to share it right here on A Well-Designed Business®. Renee invited me on her show to dig into one of my favorite topics: leadership in interior design, especially when it comes to managing construction projects. We tackled the tough stuff—what leadership really looks like on the jobsite, why so many designers shy away from it, and how to step into your power to protect your profit, your timeline, and your reputation. You’ll hear some classic LuAnn straight talk, but also the heart of what I’ve seen over 40+ years in business: that leadership is a choice—and a critical one if you want to run a profitable firm. This conversation is packed with strategy, a few rabbit holes (the fun kind), and actionable insights that will shift the way you show up as the CEO of your business. Whether you're new to construction management or you’ve been around the block, there's something here for you. And if you missed my original conversation with Renee, this is your chance to catch it now—right here in your AWDB feed. Check the Only Girl on the Jobsite Podcast! I am honored to host LuAnn Nigara today to talk all about leadership in our industry, the struggles and the underlying reasons why stepping into leadership is so critical for the health and profitability of our business. LuAnn Nigara is a celebrated media personality, keynote speaker and seasoned entrepreneur. Recognized as the “go-to” keynote speaker for leaders and entrepreneurs to launch their life and get out of their own way, she always delivers a dynamic presentation. In her third business launch, LuAnn Nigara Inc., she provides business resources for entrepreneurs through live events and LuAnn University. LuAnn has published three books, is a sought-after columnist and has captured international attention for her weekly podcasts “Window Treatments for Profit” and “A Well-Designed Business®” which has more than 1000 episodes and 9 million downloads. LuAnn shares her story of how she started her podcast, The Well-Designed Business® for designers when her business was a window treatment specialist and why she decided to lean into us crazy designers and this crazy industry of ours. “The more authority, the more expertise that you can gain in a particular area, the more impact you can have.” says LuAnn. LuAnn knew she didn’t want to start a podcast as a hobby, it was going to be her business. She was going all in. She did a deep dive and spent several weeks researching and time spent figuring out what she could talk about and not get bored of. “Because you can’t just pick a topic and then do all of this work to set up all of the technical, the background and all of the infrastructure and then be like, well, seven of those conversations and I’m done. And so I was exploring all the things that were interesting to me as a human, as a person, as a window treatment professional, everything. And what I knew was interesting to me was business.” shared LuAnn. “That’s what I can talk about all day, every day. Whether it’s your business as a designer, your business as a window treatment person, your business as a bricklayer, your business as a digital marketer, it’s there’s marketing in there, there’s sales in there, there’s operations in there, there’s finance in there, there’s so many critical things that have to be understood well enough and two or three areas that you have to be a master at in order for all of it to coalesce and become a profitable business.” says LuAnn

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

Today With Rachael Johanson: Today with Rachael Johanson, luxury brand strategist, we explore transitioning from mid-market to luxury positioning in design. Rachael shares how she's evolved her business to focus on five high-touch Brand Launch Weekend clients annually, helping designers move from 30 projects a year to 10 at double the budget. We discuss the language shifts that separate luxury messaging from mid-market positioning, why "we and you" marketing works against you in the luxury space, and how your headshots might be sabotaging your expert positioning. Rachael reveals that 80% of designers are "sitting on gold" in their portfolios but haven't claimed their expertise, and shares her approach to identifying your niche through past project patterns. This episode is essential listening for designers ready to position themselves for fewer, bigger, better projects. LuAnn Nigara and Rachael Johanson’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I've heard so many women say that they lose themselves in motherhood. And I'm like, I want to gain myself. I really do. And I want to have this new dimension of myself. I really, and I'm like always thinking about this idea of like, I want Lida to live in the arena." - Rachael “We didn't save the $300,000 difference between the first one and the second one by going with the lesser expensive one. We blew the $750,000 on the one who didn't deliver." - LuAnn "You cannot be a designer for everyone and be the designer that's at the top of your market." - Rachael "I don't build brands that fit in—I build brands that get remembered and are super profitable." - Rachael More About Rachael Johanson When you think of building a multi-million dollar personal brand you think of Rachael Johanson. From the stages of Harvard Business School, to pages of Architectural Digest, Rachael is regarded as the in-demand Luxury Strategist for interior designers seeking fewer, better and bigger clients. Think - being positioned as the “go-to” call in your area for luxury new builds, press in House Beautiful, speaking on a panel at High Point Market, and a partnership with a custom builder filling the pipeline for you. Her clients range from design leaders such as Kathy Kuo, Sandra Funk, Arianne Bellizaire, Sara Lynn Brennan to LuAnn Nigara, not to mention tons of incredibly talented up and comers with a deep desire and passion to build a luxury firm and skip the learning curve. Rachael is incredibly selective in the client personalities she serves, as the majority double their sales and opportunities two years after her esteemed advising. As a lifelong student of design & fashion, Rachael studied at High Point University, is a licensed realtor and noted tastemaker. Most recently, her wedding was covered by The New York Times and Vogue. Connect with Rachael Johanson Website Instagram LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Rachael Johanson Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ Other Shows: #982: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik Johanson: Leveraging Your Superpower to Attract Dream Interior Design Clients #759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing #651: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Today With Erika Ward: In this insightful replay, Erika Ward, a powerhouse designer and former accountant, joins LuAnn to share how her career in finance laid the perfect foundation for a thriving design business. You’ll hear how Erika approached her pivot with strategic clarity, how she grew her audience by serving them consistently, and why understanding your transferrable skills is crucial to long-term success. More About Erika Ward Erika Hollinshead Ward is an acclaimed and published interior and furniture designer, distinguished as the visionary behind Erika Ward Interiors—a design firm and showroom celebrated for seamlessly blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. With a passion for crafting timeless interiors and fostering lifestyle and wellness, Erika has become a sought-after figure among both discerning consumers and reputable brands. Equipped with a robust background in business and finance, coupled with over a decade of experience in the interior design realm, Erika has emerged as a trailblazer in East Coast design, extending her influence to clients nationwide. Since the establishment of Erika Ward Interiors in 2006, the firm has experienced remarkable growth, leaving a trail of satisfied clients who attest to the team's meticulous attention to detail and client-centric approach. Impressively, more than eighty percent of Erika's business stems from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the enduring quality of her work. Beyond her successful design ventures, Erika collaborates closely with renowned brands such as Home Depot, High Point Market, ADAC Atlanta, S.C. Johnson and Company, and Rowe Furniture, lending her voice as a spokesperson and brand ambassador in targeted marketing campaigns. Yet, amidst her professional accomplishments, Erika finds her most fulfilling roles in her personal life—as a devoted wife to her husband, Chris, and a nurturing mother to their five children. Connect with Erika Ward Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business® podcast.⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Kravet⁠⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠⁠ AWDB #958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso AWDB #278: Erika Ward – Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Today With Shea McGee: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I’m welcoming back Shea McGee—celebrity designer, co-founder of Studio McGee and McGee & Co., and star of Netflix’s Dream Home Makeover. In this episode, Shea opens up about: The original vision she held—and how it evolved What it takes to manage multiple branches of a growing brand How she balances creative leadership with strategic growth Why she’s still dreaming bigger, even after a decade in business LuAnn Nigara and Shea McGee’s Ah-Ha Moments: “If the goal is to make e-commerce be an arm of the design business, you can. It's just, if you're trying to reach a scale, it requires a lot of money to build something that is sustainable and helpful to consumers.” -Shea More About Shea McGee Shea McGee is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee, leading the creative direction for all facets within the Studio McGee Inc. portfolio of brands— Studio McGee, the interior design arm, and McGee & Co., the product side. Shea’s path to launching Studio McGee in 2014 began years before when she left her position at an ad agency in order to manage the remodel of her and her husband Syd’s first California home. Documenting the process on social media, Shea became an early online influencer, quickly attracting a loyal following with her approachable style and ethos. The online success led to the launch of her own interior design firm, Studio McGee. The design business experienced rapid growth, paving the way for the launch of their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co., along with a lineup of licensing partnerships and marketing opportunities that amplified their design voice—an autobiography, Make Life Beau+ful, a coffee table book, The Art of Home, a long-running show on Netflix, Dream Home Makeover, and product collaborations with brands like Target, Kohler, Ann Sacks, and Pura. Connect with Shea McGee Studio McGee McGee And Co Studio McGee Instagram McGee And Co Instagram YouTube The Art Of Home Book ⁠ A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Duke Renders⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Duke Renders Other Shows: AWDB #236: Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!! AWDB #270: Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle AWDB #935: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders Academy: Marketing Lessons From Taylor Swift’s Playbook AWDB #869: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders – How Interior Designers Can Price Themselves Right AWDB #841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind AWDB #783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders for Interior Designers AWDB #389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula AWDB #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients AWDB #159: Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer AWDB #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Today With Carol Cox (Speaking Your Brand): So… you’ve been asked to give a keynote. Cue the excitement—then the panic. I get it. Keynotes aren’t your average “share some tips” kind of talk. They’re about stepping up, owning your message, and taking your audience on a journey. And trust me, it takes work. In this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, I joined Carol Cox for a deep-dive debrief of the keynote I recently delivered at a major industry conference. We talk through: Why I was invited—and why I said yes The three-month process I used to prepare The one thing I underestimated (and wouldn’t next time!) How I approached memorization and transitions The real message I wanted to leave the audience with If you’re thinking about stepping into the keynote spotlight, or just curious about what it actually takes to deliver one that hits home, this episode is for you. It’s honest. It’s actionable. And yes—it’s all the behind-the-scenes I wish someone had told me before I got started. Check the Speaking Your Brand Podcast with Carol Cox LuAnn University - Join Now! If you’ve been asked to do a keynote talk at a conference – or one of your goals is to do a keynote – this episode is going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to prepare and deliver a keynote. Keynotes are meant to be inspirational and aspirational, which is different from a standard business presentation or breakout session where you’re sharing tactical, step-by-step things that people can do. Instead, in a keynote, you want to take the audience on a journey, weaving in your own stories and experiences, and sharing with them your big idea. In this episode, I talk with one of my clients, LuAnn Nigara, and we do a debrief of the keynote she recently gave at a large industry conference. You’ll hear about the process we went through to create the speech, how LuAnn felt on stage, and LuAnn shares with us some things she would do differently. I knew she would nail her keynote – and she did! You’ll love LuAnn’s energy – she was a lot of fun to work with and to have on the show. Let me tell you about LuAnn’s background: She is an award-winning window treatment authority, host of one of the most popular podcasts for the design industry, A Well-Designed Business, and overall business dynamo. She has a multi-million-dollar window treatment business in New Jersey, which has serviced over 24,000 customers over the past 35 years. Be sure to subscribe to the show if you haven’t already. I have more training and coaching calls coming up, including on TEDx talks and pitching the media, so this way you’ll automatically get the new episodes. And share this episode with a friend, especially if you know someone who will be doing a keynote or wants to in the future. Highlights: Why LuAnn was invited to do a keynote How LuAnn prepared for the keynote, starting 3 months ahead of time until a few days before What LuAnn felt like she needed the most help How LuAnn and I worked together to create her message and keynote speech How LuAnn decided to start her keynote Lessons she learned and what she would do differently next time LuAnn’s decision to memorize her talk and how she went about doing that The importance of really knowing your transitions between sections The feedback she received after her keynote The core message from LuAnn’s keynote Links: Connect with LuAnn on her website at http://windowworks-nj.com LuAnn’s podcast A Well-Designed Business = http://windowworks-nj.com/podcasts/ I was on LuAnn’s podcast, A Well-Designed Business, in episode 140, to celebrate her 1 year podcast anniversary. Learn about working with us to create your signature talk or keynote = https://www.speakingyourbrand.com/work-with-us/coaching/

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Today With Margalit Lankry: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am excited to welcome the wonderful Margalit Lankry to the show. Margalit is a working interior designer with over 26 years of experience, but she's also the founder of something truly special—a group called Designers with Intention. This community of nearly 300 female designers has created genuine collaboration over competition in an industry where that's rare. What started as Margalit's honest moment of wondering why other designers were getting projects she wasn't became a movement that proves there really is enough work for all of us when we choose abundance over scarcity. These women, many of whom could be bidding on the same projects, have instead become friends who celebrate each other's wins and share real business advice. LuAnn Nigara and Margalit Lankry’s Ah-Ha Moments: “My design is my passion and when someone finds their passion and they're able to tap into it, they are so much more of a happy person and it's such a gift to be able to use that in this world.” - Margalit Lankry “The more everyone in business levels up and behaves with professionalism, the better they will do.” LuAnn Nigara More About Margalit Lankry Margalit Lankry, has been a leader in the world of interior design for over 25 years. She is best known for her portfolio of high-end commercial spaces. Her passion for her craft bursts though in every project she undertakes. She infuses each space with a unique blend of elegance, functionality, and style. Yet, amidst her achievements, Margalit remains grounded and generous, always willing to share her wealth of knowledge and expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs and designers. Margalit’s dedication to her work, coupled with her unwavering commitment to helping others succeed, sets her apart as a true leader and inspiration in the field of interior design and entrepreneurship. With every project she takes part in, Margalit Lankry continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the future of design and business for generations to come. Connect with Margalit Lankry Website Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Design Trade Service⁠ Other Shows: AWDB #1035: Lindsay Hunter: The Equestrian Interior Designer: Getting Ultra-Specific with Your Niche AWDB #1085: Best of Show: Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why AWDB #622: Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Today With Jaime Masters (Eventual Millionaire): Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat.Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry.In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions.If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below. Check the Eventual Millionaire Podcast with Jaime Masters: https://eventualmillionaire.com/a-well-designed-business-with-luann-nigara/ Check Their Show Notes! Here’s what you’ll learn from LuAnn about A Well-Designed Business: – How to avoid feeling stagnant without the need to jumping from project to project all the time. – Your body always tells you when you’re working too hard. Discover how LuAnn recognizes the signs before it’s too late! – How to master the work-life balance when you’re running a business with your spouse. – Can you “get it all done”? without actually needing to get it all done? – Do THIS to save your business from getting haywire. – How to “trick” yourself into feeling on top of things again. – The single most important question you must be asking yourself every single day. (It’s not what you think.) Tune in and listen: A Well-Designed Business With LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website: LuAnnNigara.com

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Today With Amber Lewis: She was a Key Note Speaker at the recent Design Blogger’s Conference. LuAnn didn’t get to talk to her at the conference, so she’s really happy to interview Amber on today’s show, as there were parts of her story that LuAnne thought were really fun and interesting. LuAnn finds Amber’s body of work and what she’s managed to accomplish at such a young age, to be incredible. Listen in now and get some great tips for gaining followers on social media. More About Amber Lewis Amber Interior Design is a California-based interior design studio created by Amber Lewis. With vast experience in residential and commercial projects, her multi-faceted approach to design has garnered her clients far and wide who seek to create aspirational yet functional spaces that celebrate heritage-inspired concepts built to stand the test of time. Amber celebrates classic design concepts in her projects. She is recognized for her ability to seamlessly layer eclectic and vintage furniture pieces, found textiles, and natural design elements that result in livable and elevated environments. Amber’s aesthetic transcends the boundaries of traditional design and aims to immerse her clients into a world that feels current, approachable, and timeless. In addition to the design firm, Amber is the owner of a burgeoning retail outlet, Shoppe Amber Interiors, author of two best-selling interior design books, Made for Living and Call It Home, and creator of the editorial site, All Sorts Of. Amber’s content-first philosophy in the social media sphere has enabled her to grow a community of individuals from around the world who value her unique aesthetics as a tastemaker in design, fashion, and style. Outside of her robust interior design portfolio, Amber has collaborated with a multitude of brands to design original collections with Anthropologie, Loloi, Four Hands, Visual Comfort, and Etsy. Spanning the categories of furniture, accessories, art, lighting, bedding, rugs, pillows, and more, Amber’s affinity for eye-catching details and distinctive forms is showcased in her partnerships, making her aspirational designs available to everyone and solidifying her status as a household name. Connect with Amber Lewis Website Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business® podcast.⁠ ⁠Kravet⁠ - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows:⁠AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why⁠

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Today With Alison Melnick: Today with Alison Melnick, we're diving into a story of bold pivots, transferable skills, and the power of building your business with intention. Alison is the founder of Catherine Rose Design & CO., a New Jersey-based interior design firm known for creating beautiful, functional homes for modern families. But before launching her business, Alison was living a very different dream — working in PR and marketing at Madison Square Garden. In this episode, Alison shares how she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, how she used her background to her advantage, and why she treated her design firm like a real business from day one. You’ll hear how she built her portfolio with strategy, invested in branding and systems, and developed trade relationships that now support her growth. LuAnn Nigara and Alison Melnick’s Ah-Ha Moments: “If I'm going to start this business, I'm going to do it the right way. I'm going to get a brand. I'm going to get a logo. I'm going to get a website. I'm going to build a social media platform. I'm going to make content.” - Alison “If you're going to do something, do it like a grown-up business. Because a grown-up business starts faster if you do it faster.” - LuAnn More About Alison Melnick A mother of two with a passion for designing beautiful and inviting spaces, Alison Melnick founded Catherine Rose Design & CO. to help others turn their houses into homes. An expert in construction consulting and design, Alison is trusted by her clients as someone who can ease the remodeling process and curate a beautiful and functional family home. With years of experience working with local contractors, Alison earned her design certificate at Berkeley College in 2020 and has since worked on dozens of interior projects. Previously a publicist and marketing professional at Madison Square Garden, Alison's background in project management, event logistics, and creative solutions translate perfectly into her day to day at CRD&CO. Connect with Alison Melnick Website Blog Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠ AHD and Co. Trade Demystifying Interior Design Fees: Clarity, Confidence, and Client Conversations - Recording of our Window Works Launch & Learn with Anastasia Harrison Recording of our Window Works Launch & Learn with Nicole Heymer - Coming Soon! Nicole Heymer’s Website Design Trade Service Other Shows: AWDB #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward AWDB #950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People AWDB #958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Today With Profit Is A Choice Podcast: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry. In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions. If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below. Visit Profit Is A Choice Check Their Show Notes! Joining us today is LuAnn Nigara. LuAnn is the co-owner of Window Works NJ, a window treatment and awning retailer, a best-selling author and the engaging host of the design industry’s number 1 podcast, A Well-Designed Business®. LuAnn brings her energetic and straightforward style to all that she does. Topics Mentioned: Excellence Ownership Systems Thoughts from LuAnn: If you make the decision to start a firm, make the further decision to be accountable to make it great. LuAnn’s tagline is Excellence is a decision. It is understanding the power of deciding it is my choice and it is up to me. Barriers and/or Challenges to excellence can be confidence, accountability and owning it. If you aren’t taking credit for what is broken, how can you be a part of the solution? Systems to be successful are everything. If you don’t have a system, you have a ‘you’ not a business. A system makes your business sellable. The systems are the things that keep you going when the going gets tough. Excellence can mean repeatability. Working in alignment with who you are and what you believe is critical. It is difficult to work out of alignment. Links and Resources: LuAnn’s website- www.luannigara.com Understanding your Financials course by Michele Williams Books: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber Profit First by Mike Michalowicz Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz 212 The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson The Making of - A Well Designed Business by LuAnn Nigara Socials: Instagram: @LuannNigara Facebook: @awelldesignedbusiness YouTube:- https://www.youtube.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Today With Stacy Garcia: What does it take to build a brand that stands the test of time? In this Best Of Show episode, LuAnn Nigara sits down with internationally recognized designer and entrepreneur, Stacy Garcia, to unpack the lessons behind her multi-faceted design empire. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Stacy built a business rooted in vision, strategy, and family legacy What it takes to license your name and scale your design voice globally Why trend forecasting is an essential skill—and how to cultivate it How collaboration and partnership have been central to Stacy’s success More About Stacy Garcia Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, to parents who "spent a little too much time following the Grateful Dead on a motorcycle", Stacy's strong heritage and love of travel have helped to form her unique design philosophy, inventive use of color and remarkable pattern design skills. After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Surface Pattern Design, Garcia worked for Ralph Lauren's Home Collection and then a large textile firm in NYC designing for their hospitality division. At 26, she founded her textile company, LebaTex, named after her great-grandmother, Leba. In 2004, she launched the Stacy Garcia Design Studio to license her patterns and designs to other manufacturers. Since then, she has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers to create products that span from floor to ceiling for resorts, hotels, and homes all over the world. As a forecasting and design expert, Garcia serves as a chair holder of the Color Marketing Group, the international association of color professionals. She was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality design industry and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. Her work has been featured in Interior Design, Boutique Design, LUXE, Architectural Digest and Traditional Home. Stacy also serves as the Executive Chair for NEWH’s Martha’s Mentor Program, a transformative, 10-month initiative designed to connect aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry with experienced industry mentors. Connect with Stacy Garcia Website Stacy Garcia New York Blue Label Stacy Garcia Home Stay Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business® podcast. Kravet - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows: AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Today With Stacy Garcia: What does it take to build a brand that stands the test of time? In this Best Of Show episode, LuAnn Nigara sits down with internationally recognized designer and entrepreneur, Stacy Garcia, to unpack the lessons behind her multi-faceted design empire. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Stacy built a business rooted in vision, strategy, and family legacy What it takes to license your name and scale your design voice globally Why trend forecasting is an essential skill—and how to cultivate it How collaboration and partnership have been central to Stacy’s success More About Stacy Garcia Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, to parents who "spent a little too much time following the Grateful Dead on a motorcycle", Stacy's strong heritage and love of travel have helped to form her unique design philosophy, inventive use of color and remarkable pattern design skills. After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Surface Pattern Design, Garcia worked for Ralph Lauren's Home Collection and then a large textile firm in NYC designing for their hospitality division. At 26, she founded her textile company, LebaTex, named after her great-grandmother, Leba. In 2004, she launched the Stacy Garcia Design Studio to license her patterns and designs to other manufacturers. Since then, she has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers to create products that span from floor to ceiling for resorts, hotels, and homes all over the world. As a forecasting and design expert, Garcia serves as a chair holder of the Color Marketing Group, the international association of color professionals. She was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality design industry and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. Her work has been featured in Interior Design, Boutique Design, LUXE, Architectural Digest and Traditional Home. Stacy also serves as the Executive Chair for NEWH’s Martha’s Mentor Program, a transformative, 10-month initiative designed to connect aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry with experienced industry mentors. Connect with Stacy Garcia Website Stacy Garcia New York Blue Label Stacy Garcia Home Stay Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠ Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business® podcast. Kravet - Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order Other Shows: AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Today With Mikel Welch: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am very excited to welcome Emmy-winning television host and celebrity designer Mikel Welch back to the show. Long-time listeners of the show will know that Mikel’s original episode is a long-standing favorite, one that I have re-aired and referenced many times, and with good reason. Mikel’s television appearances and design accolades include HGTV, The Drew Barrymore Show, Elle Decor, Kip’s Bay, and so much more. But as we heard in his first episode, Mikel didn’t stumble into success just by luck. He also put in plenty of hard work and blood, sweat, and tears along the way, starting with no experience and couch surfing his way to a design career. Today, he’s here to share his story, update us on his journey, and offer his insight into how to make opportunities happen for yourself. LuAnn Nigara and Mikel Welch’s Ah-Ha Moments: “You do what you have to do. If you want it bad enough, then you have to work for it. And you have to be willing to show up with all the grit and to create those relationships along the way and to just like you are, you always kind of check yourself and say, yep, okay, little humble pie here is just fine.” -LuAnn “I met all these people way back, you know, and these circles just keep like circling. If I drew my life, it would just be scribbles of circles that just keep connecting.” -Mikel More About Mikel Welch Emmy-winning host of Hack My Home on Netflix and weekly contributor to The Drew Barrymore Show, Mikel splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles. He shares his expertise on The Today Show and Good Morning America. As the creative force behind Mikel Welch Designs, his work has been showcased in the 2024 Kips Bay Showhouse and featured in Architectural Digest, People, and Elle Decor. Mikel’s high-profile projects include designs for Faith Hill, Steve Harvey, and VIP green rooms for Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Halle Berry. He also owns Mikel Welch Home at The Gallery at 200 Lex in New York City and his debut Design book The Forever Home: Classic, Clever Design to Help You Put Down Roots will be released in Fall 2025. Connect with Mikel Welch Website The Forever Home Book Instagram  Mikel Welch Home Store A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠ Other Shows: #297 Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man #1085 Best of Show: Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

Today With Michelle Blemel: Michelle Blemel, Principal Designer of Amberleaf, Inc., has over 25 years of experience serving high-end residential and commercial clients. But despite her deep expertise, Michelle found herself attracting clients who weren’t aligned with the luxury, turnkey service she wanted to deliver. In this On Air Strategy Session, we dive into the real behind-the-scenes struggles that many seasoned designers face: Why vague website messaging leads to misaligned clients How flexibility can backfire when you're positioning yourself as the expert What to change in your testimonials and proposals to reinforce your value How to conduct project “autopsies” to continually refine your client experience If you’re ready to move from "custom to chaotic" to a streamlined, high-touch design business, this episode will show you how to make the shift. Plus, be sure to revisit Episode 1048 with Melanie Lybrand for another powerful positioning breakthrough. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Blemel’s Ah-Ha Moments: "A strong brand doesn’t mean you’re for everyone. It means you’re the perfect choice for the right people." - Michelle Blemel More About Michelle Blemel Owner and Principal Designer at Amberleaf, Inc. in Pasadena California, Michelle Blemel has over 25 years of experience in all phases of design and project management. She leads a full service design firm facilitating all aspects of design from concept to completion. She received her Associates Degree in Interior Design from the Colorado Institute of Art, and continued her education at Parsons in Paris and Los Angeles. Known for her creative approach to customized design and use of color. With clients in high-end residential as well as commercial projects, including restaurants, ski resorts, hotels and medical offices. Michelle has distinguished herself as a creative problem solver, providing innovative solutions to tough design questions. Connect with Michelle Blemel Website Facebook YouTube X A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠ Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠ AWDB 1048: On Air Strategy Session: Melanie Lybrand: Overcoming the Fear of Raising Your Interior Design Rates

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

Today With Michelle Blemel: Michelle Blemel, Principal Designer of Amberleaf, Inc., has over 25 years of experience serving high-end residential and commercial clients. But despite her deep expertise, Michelle found herself attracting clients who weren’t aligned with the luxury, turnkey service she wanted to deliver. In this On Air Strategy Session, we dive into the real behind-the-scenes struggles that many seasoned designers face: Why vague website messaging leads to misaligned clients How flexibility can backfire when you're positioning yourself as the expert What to change in your testimonials and proposals to reinforce your value How to conduct project “autopsies” to continually refine your client experience If you’re ready to move from "custom to chaotic" to a streamlined, high-touch design business, this episode will show you how to make the shift. Plus, be sure to revisit Episode 1048 with Melanie Lybrand for another powerful positioning breakthrough. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Blemel’s Ah-Ha Moments: "A strong brand doesn’t mean you’re for everyone. It means you’re the perfect choice for the right people." - Michelle Blemel More About Michelle Blemel Owner and Principal Designer at Amberleaf, Inc. in Pasadena California, Michelle Blemel has over 25 years of experience in all phases of design and project management. She leads a full service design firm facilitating all aspects of design from concept to completion. She received her Associates Degree in Interior Design from the Colorado Institute of Art, and continued her education at Parsons in Paris and Los Angeles. Known for her creative approach to customized design and use of color. With clients in high-end residential as well as commercial projects, including restaurants, ski resorts, hotels and medical offices. Michelle has distinguished herself as a creative problem solver, providing innovative solutions to tough design questions. Connect with Michelle Blemel Website Facebook YouTube X A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠ Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠ AWDB 1048: On Air Strategy Session: Melanie Lybrand: Overcoming the Fear of Raising Your Interior Design Rates

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

Today With Wingnut Social Podcast: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry. In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions. If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below. Check Their Show Notes! Have you always wanted to write a book? Have you also wondered if it’s worth the investment? LuAnn Nigara has written two amazing books and is about to launch her third book, A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 (which Darla wrote a chapter in). In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, LuAnn talks about the process of writing and self-publishing a book—and whether or not it’s worth the ROI.  LuAnn is the co-owner of Window Works in New Jersey and created an award-winning podcast for interior designers, A Well-Designed Business. She is a sought-after keynote speaker with over 30+ years of experience in the industry. LuAnn gave Darla the education, strength, and courage to start her design business. If you’ve had dreams of becoming an author, this is a can’t-miss episode.  Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website\ A Well-Designed Business podcast Get on the email list for LuAnn Live! The Power Talk Friday Experts (Book #1) The Making of A Well-Designed Business Resources & People Mentioned Book Launchers Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social http://www.WingnutSocial.com On Facebook On Twitter: @WingnutSocial On Instagram: @WingnutSocial Darla’s Interior Design Website Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group! 1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Today With Melanie Rosenberg: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What does it mean to create a truly luxury experience? You’re not just creating something nice to look at. You’re creating the space that they are going to live in, foreseeably for a long time. And you’re bringing an expertise and a vision into the picture that they can’t do for themselves. But today we’re going a level deeper into what that luxury service really entails. A luxury experience for your client is about all of those things, absolutely. But there’s something that takes it to the next level: being able to hear what a client really wants and needs, even when they don’t know how to articulate what that is. My guest today, Melanie Rosenburg, is here to share how she creates one-of-a-kind, truly authentic projects that form that true luxury experience. LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Rosenberg’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I stopped asking my clients what their budget was, and I stopped asking my clients what their style is...I always ask them, how do you want the specific space or home to feel when you walk in." - Melanie Rosenburg "Interior design, custom window treatments, it's luxury, period. Whether it's entry-level luxury or it's I'm flying on a jet plane to Paris to pick my furniture luxury. It's luxury." - LuAnn More About Melanie Rosenberg Introducing Melanie Rosenburg, the creative mind behind MASH Habitat Interiors, where the art of interior design is transformed into a personalized journey of style and functionality. As the driving force of this design studio, Melanie excels in curating spaces that speak to the unique tastes and aspirations of individuals and families. Her dedication to crafting original, one-of-a-kind designs ensures that your space will stand out in a crowd and speak to your specific lifestyle goals. What sets Melanie apart is her commitment to your project no matter the scale. She takes pride in customizing budgets that align with your values and priorities, providing transparency throughout the design process to minimize unexpected surprises. Connect with Melanie Rosenberg⁠ Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠ AWDB #548 Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets AWDB #760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals AWDB #761 Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly AWDB #1060 Design Trade Service: Quality Vendors, Trade Pricing and AI. Your Go to Sourcing Platform

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Today With Melanie Rosenburg: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What does it mean to create a truly luxury experience? You’re not just creating something nice to look at. You’re creating the space that they are going to live in, foreseeably for a long time. And you’re bringing an expertise and a vision into the picture that they can’t do for themselves. But today we’re going a level deeper into what that luxury service really entails. A luxury experience for your client is about all of those things, absolutely. But there’s something that takes it to the next level: being able to hear what a client really wants and needs, even when they don’t know how to articulate what that is. My guest today, Melanie Rosenburg, is here to share how she creates one-of-a-kind, truly authentic projects that form that true luxury experience. LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Rosenburg’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I stopped asking my clients what their budget was, and I stopped asking my clients what their style is...I always ask them, how do you want the specific space or home to feel when you walk in." - Melanie Rosenburg "Interior design, custom window treatments, it's luxury, period. Whether it's entry-level luxury or it's I'm flying on a jet plane to Paris to pick my furniture luxury. It's luxury." - LuAnn More About Melanie Rosenburg Introducing Melanie Rosenburg, the creative mind behind MASH Habitat Interiors, where the art of interior design is transformed into a personalized journey of style and functionality. As the driving force of this design studio, Melanie excels in curating spaces that speak to the unique tastes and aspirations of individuals and families. Her dedication to crafting original, one-of-a-kind designs ensures that your space will stand out in a crowd and speak to your specific lifestyle goals. What sets Melanie apart is her commitment to your project no matter the scale. She takes pride in customizing budgets that align with your values and priorities, providing transparency throughout the design process to minimize unexpected surprises. Connect with Melanie Rosenburg⁠ Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠ AWDB #548 Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets AWDB #760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals AWDB #761 Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly AWDB #1060 Design Trade Service: Quality Vendors, Trade Pricing and AI. Your Go to Sourcing Platform

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Today With Nicole Heymer: Hi, welcome! Today, I’m bringing this amazing episode back because, frankly, this one is pure gold. Nicole Heymer, of Glory & Brand, is one of those experts who can take what feels like a foggy mess in your mind and turn it into a clear, strategic plan for your brand. In this conversation, Nicole breaks down the essential discovery process that every business owner should go through before they touch a single pixel on their website. What you’ll learn: Why your website should never be a guessing game How Nicole’s discovery process acts like “therapy for your business” The keys to identifying your core message, audience, and user journey before a single design decision is made How a clear website strategy can actually improve your confidence and decision-making If you're ready to attract better clients, raise your rates, and finally feel proud of your website—this episode will show you how to start. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Heymer’s Ah-Ha Moments: “First, get very clear on what you need and want your website to do for you and your clients.” – LuAnn Nigara “One of the most common errors I see is that I have to dig to figure out what area they serve.” – Nicole Heymer “If your messaging is that you have amazing service, then you better be amazing at service. You don’t just say it. You have to do it so that people tell other people.” – Nicole Heymer More About Nicole Heymer Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique creative agency specializing in branding, websites, marketing automation, and strategy. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with a wide variety of clients at every stage in their development, from nationally known interior design firms to local custom home builders. Nicole's clear, practical take on branding has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from the Wingnut Social podcast to the Design Influencers Conference to the . You’ll find her methods in print, on industry webinars, and as the framework for branding workshops. Connect with Nicole Heymer⁠ Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠ AWDB #125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! AWDB #306: Rachel Cannon: Key Steps for Success in Your Interior Design Business AWDB #287: Sandra Espinet: Keys to a Luxury Interior Design Brand AWDB #259: Kae Whitaker – Get New Clients with the Right Email Sequence AWDB #248: Marina Umali: How Feng Shui and Interior Design Meet AWDB #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Today With Pippa Biddle: Today with Pippa Biddle, CEO and co-founder of Quittner, we explore why newsletters are becoming the most powerful marketing tool for designers - outperforming social media with 70-85% open rates. Pippa shares how she transformed her business communications from dry corporate speak to authentic storytelling, creating a newsletter that builds genuine community and drives sales. Learn why email marketing gives you ownership of your audience, how to find your authentic voice, and practical strategies for crafting newsletters that people actually want to read. Plus, discover the unexpected ROI of choosing email over chasing social media algorithms. LuAnn Nigara and Pippa Biddle’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I think for most people, social media is junk food, newsletters are protein. You do not want to turn your protein into junk food, then it's just junk food too." - Pippa "You do not own your audience on social media platforms. You do not have their email addresses and only a tiny fraction of the people who follow you see what you put out into the world." - Pippa “Luxury is built on relationships and trust... conveying yourself through words and video, if that's your way to do it, is extremely powerful and is a quick up the ladder to getting there than putting out, like you said, an image that doesn't say anything behind it." - LuAnn “There are so many people who can make a room beautiful, but there's only one you. So how do you show up?" - Pippa More About Pippa Biddle Pippa Biddle is the co-founder with her husband, Benjamin Davidson, of Quittner, a lighting and homewares design practice in the Hudson Valley of New York. As CEO of Quittner, Pippa leads business strategy, growth, marketing, and communications. With a deep background in writing as a published author, essayist, and current writer for the Magazine Antiques, Pippa brings a story-forward approach to brand development. Pippa has a degree in creative writing from Columbia and has previously written for the Atlantic, Wired, BBC, Guernica, and more. She has spoken on the power of storytelling to catalyze action at conferences and gatherings from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi. Connect with Pippa Biddle Website Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠Design Trade Service⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠ Corey Damen Jenkins - Instagram Staged To Sell - Instagram Inside Voice - Sign Up! Hamilton Creatives Other Shows:⁠ AWDB #274: Power Talk Friday: Kae Whitaker- Part 2 of Email Marketing for your Interior Design Firm AWDB #987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Today With Shea & Syd McGee: This powerhouse episode from 2016 features the dynamic duo behind one of the most recognized interior design brands today—Shea and Syd McGee of Studio McGee. We’re bringing this gem back because it’s more relevant than ever. What you’ll learn: How they carved out a distinctive design identity that stood out from the start The early strategic choices that laid the foundation for a now-iconic brand Why transparency and authenticity fueled their rapid online growth How they navigated business roles as a married couple—dividing and conquering with purpose The mindset shifts that transformed obstacles into opportunities LuAnn Nigara, Shea & Syd McGee’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Once I decided I wasn’t going to be everything to everyone, my brand started to grow.” — Shea McGee “You can’t build a sustainable business if you’re not looking at the financials every single week.” — Syd McGee More About Shea & Syd McGee Shea McGee is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee, leading the creative direction for all facets within the Studio McGee Inc. portfolio of brands— Studio McGee, the interior design arm, and McGee & Co., the product side. Shea’s path to launching Studio McGee in 2014 began years before when she leM her position at an ad agency in order to manage the remodel of her and her husband Syd’s first California home. Documenting the process on social media, Shea became an early online influencer, quickly attracting a loyal following with her approachable style and ethos. The online success led to the launch of her own interior design firm, Studio McGee. The design business experienced rapid growth, paving the way for the launch of their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co., along with a lineup of licensing partnerships and marketing opportunities that amplified their design voice—an autobiography, Make Life Beau+ful, a coffee table book, The Art of Home, a long-running show on Netflix, Dream Home Makeover, and product collaborations with brands like Target, Kohler, Ann Sacks, and Pura. Today, Shea is regarded as one of the leading innovators in the interior design industry with her ‘sophisticated but not stuffy’ approach, while maintaining a consistent focus on empowering others to “Make Life Beautiful" by enhancing their daily lives through good design. Connect with Shea & Syd McGee⁠ Studio McGee McGee And Co Studio McGee Instagram McGee And Co Instagram YouTube The Art Of Home Book A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠ ⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! ⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠ ⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠ Mydoma Studio – Get 20% off your first three months! Other Shows: AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why AWDB #32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Today With Megan Thompson: Today, I'm joined by Megan Thompson, founder of Interior Design GreenList. After earning her degree in sustainable design, Megan discovered the frustrating reality that no comprehensive resource existed to help designers implement sustainable practices efficiently. Taking matters into her own hands, she created ID GreenList to bridge this gap. In this episode, we demystify the differences between green, vegan, biophilic, and sustainable design while revealing how these approaches can seamlessly integrate into your projects without sacrificing beauty, functionality, or budget. Megan shares practical insights for designers at any experience level and reveals how sustainability could become your competitive advantage in today's market. Plus, discover her exclusive offer just for our listeners! LuAnn Nigara and Megan Thompson’s Ah-Ha Moments: “The goal with sustainability is to have a lower impact and for humans to be happy and healthy in the spaces we create,” - Megan Thompson More About Megan Thompson Like many interior designers, Megan Thompson owns her design firm. She has a bachelor's degree in sustainable interior design from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Despite all the knowledge she gained in her education, she found implementing sustainability into her work frustrating. No single platform exists where all the information is easily accessible and saves you time on your projects. She decided to take matters into her own hands and created Interior Design greenList to make sustainable design easy to understand and implement, regardless of a designer’s background or experience. At Interior Design greenList, Megan teaches designers about sustainability so they can navigate the industry, be ready for new baselines in industry standards, speak to industry partners with confidence, and become the go-to designer for sustainability in their area. Connect with Megan Thompson Website Instagram A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠ ⁠⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠here⁠⁠! ⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠ ⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠ Mydoma Studio - Get 20% off your first three months! Other Shows: AWDB #729- Erica Reiner: Make More Green by Going Green AWDB #773- Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation AWDB #809- Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line AWDB #996- Power Talk Friday: Katie Decker-Erickson: Building True Confidence Through Knowledge and Experience AWDB #991: Chloe Bullock: Conscious Design AWDB #1072: Maya Crowne & Price Latimer: Alkemis Paint is Disrupting the Industry with Sustainable Luxury

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Today With Veronika Miller: I'm excited to introduce you to Veronika Miller, a true innovator who has spent her career building meaningful connections between designers, brands, and international markets. From her early days as a marketing professional and kitchen designer to founding the influential Design Hounds Influencer Network and consulting with organizations like NKBA, Veronika has a unique talent for creating opportunities where others see obstacles. In this episode, Veronika and I discuss her entrepreneurial journey, exploring how a fearless approach and commitment to genuine value have shaped her multiple successful ventures. You'll hear about the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, the importance of international perspectives in design, and how creating strategic connections can transform your business. LuAnn Nigara and Veronika Miller’s Ah-Ha Moments: “The answer is defiintely no if you don’t ask.” - LuAnn “It’s not fearlessness. It’s ‘doing’ despite fear.” - Veronika "It's a piece of wood. If you don't like this one, I'll get you another." - Veronika More About Veronika Miller Veronika Miller is CEO of M2 Connect LLC and Founder of three brands: The Designhounds Influencer Network, which includes Designhounds Events and the Designhounds Talks Webcasts; M2 Consulting Group, a team of industry experts focused on business development for brands and industry organizations including the NKBA’s international development program, Global Connect and finally the DesignTrail App, a digital lead management and communication application for buyers and sellers set to launch in 2025. Connect with Veronika Miller Design Hounds Design Hounds - Instagram M2 Consulting Group M2 Consulting Group - Email A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠. Learn more about it ⁠here⁠! ⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠ ⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠ Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference - May 7th! ISH Frankfurt InstallerSHOW 2025 UK - June 24th to 26th! German Haus Fair Tour - Sept 20th to 24th! Interzum in Cologne, Germany - May 20th to 23rd! Other Shows: AWDB #807: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Interior Design Boss Academy. Why Trust & Experience Matter in Creating a Profitable Business AWDB #485: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult AWDB #825: Power Talk Friday: Cheryl Clendenon: The Design Paradigm – Creating a Strong Framework For Your Interior Design Business AWDB #482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big AWDB #568: Arianne Bellizaire: “A Reluctant and Accidental Leader in #BLM” AWDB #20: Arianne Bellizaire – Could Your Hobby or Hidden Talent Be Your Marketing Platform?

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Today With Veronika Miller: I'm excited to introduce you to Veronika Miller, a true innovator who has spent her career building meaningful connections between designers, brands, and international markets. From her early days as a marketing professional and kitchen designer to founding the influential Design Hounds Influencer Network and consulting with organizations like NKBA, Veronika has a unique talent for creating opportunities where others see obstacles. In this episode, Veronika and I discuss her entrepreneurial journey, exploring how a fearless approach and commitment to genuine value have shaped her multiple successful ventures. You'll hear about the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, the importance of international perspectives in design, and how creating strategic connections can transform your business. LuAnn Nigara and Veronika Miller’s Ah-Ha Moments: “The answer is defiintely no if you don’t ask.” - LuAnn “It’s not fearlessness. It’s ‘doing’ despite fear.” - Veronika "It's a piece of wood. If you don't like this one, I'll get you another." - Veronika More About Veronika Miller Veronika Miller is CEO of M2 Connect LLC and Founder of three brands: The Designhounds Influencer Network, which includes Designhounds Events and the Designhounds Talks Webcasts; M2 Consulting Group, a team of industry experts focused on business development for brands and industry organizations including the NKBA’s international development program, Global Connect and finally the DesignTrail App, a digital lead management and communication application for buyers and sellers set to launch in 2025. Connect with Veronika Miller Design Hounds Design Hounds - Instagram M2 Consulting Group M2 Consulting Group - Email A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠. Learn more about it ⁠here⁠! ⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠ ⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠ Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference - May 7th! ISH Frankfurt InstallerSHOW 2025 UK - June 24th to 26th! German Haus Fair Tour - Sept 20th to 24th! Interzum in Cologne, Germany - May 20th to 23rd! Other Shows: AWDB #807: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Interior Design Boss Academy. Why Trust & Experience Matter in Creating a Profitable Business AWDB #485: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult AWDB #825: Power Talk Friday: Cheryl Clendenon: The Design Paradigm – Creating a Strong Framework For Your Interior Design Business AWDB #482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big AWDB #568: Arianne Bellizaire: “A Reluctant and Accidental Leader in #BLM” AWDB #20: Arianne Bellizaire – Could Your Hobby or Hidden Talent Be Your Marketing Platform?

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Today With LuAnn Nigara: After 9 years, 1,400+ episodes, and over 9 million downloads, A Well-Designed Business® is evolving. In this solo episode, LuAnn shares the next chapter of the podcast—and why this shift isn’t a step back, but a powerful step forward. She explains the two types of episodes you’ll hear in the coming months, and the all-new format she’s creating to deliver even more value for seasoned business owners. Whether you’re new to the show or have been with LuAnn since the beginning, this is an episode that lays out exactly how A Well-Designed Business® will continue to support you, your growth, and your goals—now more than ever. Listen now to hear: Why weekly interviews are on pause What’s replacing them—and why it’s better for your business What you can expect from the new format: pain-point-focused, expert-curated compilation episodes Why LuAnn created InsideVoice (and how to join) And what’s happening with Book #4… This isn’t the end—it’s the evolution. A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design InsideVoice - Sign Up Here! Design Trade Service Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference Other Shows: AWDB #1062: 9 Years of A Well-Designed Business—How Vision & Bold Action Can Grow Your Business

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Today With Tracee Murphy: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re diving deep into the psychology involved in the sales process—and why it begins with understanding that you are a luxury service provider. Tracee Murphy, psychologist-turned-designer, leverages her background in her business, and teaches others to do the same thing. Today, she’s here to unpack how understanding client motivations and mastering deep listening are key to success in the high-end market. LuAnn Nigara andTracee Murphy’s Ah-Ha Moments: "Luxury is really defined by the client... if we don't understand what they're wanting, then we can't possibly deliver it." -Tracee "If the only thing you ever did as a salesperson was stop talking and listen, you're gonna be way ahead of the game." - LuAnn More About Tracee Murphy Thanks to degrees in interior design and psychology, Tracee understands how your home’s interior can impact your moods and the way you live. She is particularly skilled at listening to her client’s needs to develop spaces that meet and exceed expectations. From managing multiple perspectives on a project to staying abreast of the latest codes, Tracee thrives on reflecting “Your Style of Living.” Tracee and her team believe that each project is unique, with its own singular design aesthetic. To that end, she and her team work to reflect the personality of each homeowner or business behind the space. Her passion is for classic styling with a relaxed and sophisticated feeling. A licensed interior designer in Florida, Tracee regularly attends continuing education classes to ensure she is constantly evolving in her approach while also remaining up to date on all health and safety requirements. When she isn’t creating beautiful living spaces, Tracee loves traveling the world, walking the beach and enjoying the “salt life.” She regularly supports the arts and culture that Sarasota has to offer, but most of all, she relishes spending time with her family and dogs, George Washington and Sophie Jo, who you’ll find in the TMI Design Studio on most days. Connect with Tracee Murphy Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn The Designer Launch - Download Now! A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service 2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Design Trade Service Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference Other Shows: #409 Candy Scott & Rachel Cannon: Interior Design is a Service Business Not a Commodity Business #587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest #842 Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity #971 Vicente Wolf: How to Bring True Artistry into Interior Design

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Today With Brad Robinson: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Design-build is something that so many newer designers want to get into. And the question always becomes how to break into it. It’s always interesting to hear from the builder’s perspective. What are they looking for? How can designers break in? How can they prove themselves and the value they bring to a project? What can they do to set themselves apart? Today, I am so excited to welcome Brad Robinson, founder of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling to talk about design-build projects, how designers can break in, and the importance of systems and processes to keep everything running smoothly. Also, if you want to learn more about Buildertrend, one of the valuable resources Brad mentioned in this episode, we have a special link for you! Just go to Buildertrend.com/welldesigned and get started! More About Brad Robinson Brad Robinson is the president of bradford custom homes & remodeling, a premier designbuild firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he creates luxurious, personalized, and highperforming living spaces. As the founder of six construction-related businesses, Brad's influence extends beyond Atlanta, with multiple companies serving clients regionally and nationwide. Drawing from a rich history rooted in his family's construction business and extensive experience in home renovations, Brad's commitment to quality, sustainability, and client satisfaction has driven the success of his ventures. Above all, Brad is most proud of the teams he has built, each dedicated to delivering thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted homes tailored to each client's unique vision. Connect with Brad Robinson Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn Houzz TikTok YouTube A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service 2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Buildertrend Mydoma Studio Design Trade Service Jude Charles’ Website Other Shows: #542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process #560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book #580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders #615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process #649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective #709: Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors:The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business #644: Kat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior Designers #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals AWDB #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design #516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Today With Brad Robinson: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Design-build is something that so many newer designers want to get into. And the question always becomes how to break into it. It’s always interesting to hear from the builder’s perspective. What are they looking for? How can designers break in? How can they prove themselves and the value they bring to a project? What can they do to set themselves apart? Today, I am so excited to welcome Brad Robinson, founder of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling to talk about design-build projects, how designers can break in, and the importance of systems and processes to keep everything running smoothly. Also, if you want to learn more about Buildertrend, one of the valuable resources Brad mentioned in this episode, we have a special link for you! Just go to Buildertrend.com/welldesigned and get started! More About Brad Robinson Brad Robinson is the president of bradford custom homes & remodeling, a premier designbuild firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he creates luxurious, personalized, and highperforming living spaces. As the founder of six construction-related businesses, Brad's influence extends beyond Atlanta, with multiple companies serving clients regionally and nationwide. Drawing from a rich history rooted in his family's construction business and extensive experience in home renovations, Brad's commitment to quality, sustainability, and client satisfaction has driven the success of his ventures. Above all, Brad is most proud of the teams he has built, each dedicated to delivering thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted homes tailored to each client's unique vision. Connect with Brad Robinson Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn Houzz TikTok YouTube A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service 2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Buildertrend Mydoma Studio Design Trade Service Jude Charles’ Website Other Shows: #542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process #560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book #580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders #615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process #649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective #709: Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors:The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business #644: Kat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior Designers #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals AWDB #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design #516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Today With Amber Guyton: Today on A Well Designed Business, I'm joined by Amber Guyton, the creative force and entrepreneurial mind behind Blessed Little Bungalow. Amber's journey from corporate America to the design world is anything but typical - she left a six-figure tech job to pursue her passion, and has since created a multi-faceted business as a designer, influencer, product creator, and soon-to-be property investor. LuAnn Nigara and Amber Guyton's Ah-Ha Moments: “I am all about community over competition.” - Amber "You know who doesn't feel imposter syndrome? Actual imposters. They're not worried about imposter syndrome. They're just out here doing." - Amber “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” - Amber "Burnout is real and you have to take care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup…You have to be just a forever student and remain curious, but that gut feeling? You can't ignore it because that's wisdom." - Amber "When it's a ‘No’ for you, it's not going to be good for either one of you. So you're doing a diservice to both of you…If it's ‘No,’ just get the emotion out of it and recognize something isn't fitting.” - LuAnn More About Amber Guyton Amber Guyton is the owner of Blessed Little Bungalow, an interior design firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. A passionate champion for personal finance, she believes that interior design should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few and is committed to democratizing the industry one home at a time. A lover of soulful maximalism, Amber has served dozens of clients across the country designing colorful, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing residential and commercial projects. She founded BLB in 2016 after decorating her entire renovated 1948 bungalow in San Antonio, Texas bungalow in less than a week. Since then, Amber’s blog and social media following quickly grew and transformed her former hobby and side hustle into a nationally known brand and business. In 2021, she left her fintech marketing career in San Francisco, California to pursue this dream and take BLB full-time. Connect with Amber Guyton Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Houzz A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Design Trade Service - Sign Up Today! Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference - May  7th! Upcoming Events with LuAnn! Other Shows: AWDB #419: Tobi Fairley- Say No to Busy and Yes to Health, Wealth and Joy AWDB #440: Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years AWDB #903: Power Talk Friday: Adam Stevison: Give Your Clients an Interactive, Luxury Experience at the Home Depot Design Center AWDB #993: Libby Langdon: How to Create Long-term Income from Licensing Deals

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Today With Rebecca Pearson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s on-air strategy session, I'm joined by Rebecca Pearson, who recently acquired Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy. Rebecca finds herself facing several challenges during the transition, starting with smoothing out processes and creating SOPs. Rebecca’s situation might be unique, but it comes down to the same core problem that so many business owners face—how to find the time to create the systems and processes you know you need to make everything else run smoother. LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Pearson's Ah-Ha Moments: “It’s never going to feel like there's time for SOPs and regular meetings—you have to carve it out, or it just won’t happen.” – LuAnn “We can’t continue to give the same personal touch our clients expect if we don't have clear processes documented.” – Rebecca “You don’t know what you don’t know—so having processes documented ensures consistency, especially through transitions.” – Rebecca “These team meetings aren’t for no reason—a lot of good comes out of them.” – LuAnn More About Rebecca Pearson As Creative Services Director for Waterfield Hill, a family-run investment company focused on the interiors sector, I oversee business growth, design, brand, and marketing across our three subsidiaries—DBSJ, Denne Joinery, and Design I.D. After studying architecture at university, my career has spanned creative services in the interiors sector, working with contractors, consultants, and design studios before co-founding Waterfield Hill in 2022 alongside my father, mother, brother, and husband. Since then, we have strategically expanded our group — acquiring DBSJ in 2022, Denne Joinery in 2023, and Design I.D. in 2024 — with a shared vision: to create exceptional interiors, together. In 2024, we were honoured to be recognised by The Sunday Times as one of Britain’s Top 20 fastest-growing private companies and by Construction News as Fit-Out Specialist of the Year (DBSJ). My current focus is successfully integrating our latest acquisition, Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy, ensuring a seamless transition into our group. I thrive in fast-paced environments, bringing clarity and structure to complex challenges, and am dedicated to setting up our businesses for continued success, profitability, efficiency, and growth. Connect with Rebecca Pearson Website A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Design Trade Service What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Design Trade Service - Sign Up Today! 2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit Kravet

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Today With Noel Gatts: Today I am joined by Noel Gatts, founder of beam&bloom interiors and HGTV Host on "Home Inspector Joe" and "What's Wrong With That House?" With a unique background spanning from Broadway to interior design, Noel brings a character-driven approach that transforms how designers connect with clients. In this episode, she reveals how her theatrical training informs her design process, helping her understand clients as "characters" with unique needs and stories, moving beyond standard questionnaires to questions that lead to deeper discovery. Through examples from both her design practice and television experience, Noel demonstrates how investing time in understanding clients' characters leads to fewer revisions, stronger relationships, and spaces that authentically reflect who they are. Her candid discussion about the realities of design television offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how designers create impact despite tight timelines and budget constraints, while providing practical strategies for creating a character-driven approach that saves time and builds trust in your own design business. LuAnn Nigara and Noel Gatts's Ah-Ha Moments: “We can learn so much if we don’t make it about what we want to do, but use our talents to enhance what the client wants to do,” - Noel Gatts More About Noel Gatts HGTV Host and Designer on two popular hour long renovation shows since 2022, “Home Inspector Joe” and “What’s Wrong With That House?” and creator of the “heart+home+harmony LIVE” series on Instagram and YouTube, Noel is known for her warm & spirited personality and her penchant for statement earrings. A hallmark of her ethos is her ability to authentically, compassionately & intuitively connect with her audience, colleagues and clients. Her character driven approach to design, and her focus on savvy and sustainable investments is prevalent in all of her work. Connect with Noel Gatts Beam & Bloom, Interior Design Studio Website Instagram Noel Gatts, TV/Hosting/Personality Page Website Instagram YouTube, Interior Enthusiast Chanel, with heart+home+harmony "podcast" LIVE archives YouTube TikTok LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Design Trade Service - Sign Up Today! Other Shows: AWDB #297: Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man AWDB # 833: Flashback Friday: Mikel Welch: Be Determined and Get the Job Done AWDB #1005: Campbell Minister: Building a Referral Based Interior Design Business AWDB #704: Power Talk Friday: George Oliphant: George to the Rescue

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Today With Porsche Williams: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, Porsche Williams, founder of The Prototype, joins me to discuss the power of streamlined backend operations for interior designers. Porsche’s company specializes in seamlessly managing client onboarding, discovery calls, lead management, and more, freeing designers from administrative overwhelm. She believes that “your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized” (a money line if ever I’ve heard one)! Today, she shares how delegating tasks leads to a better client experience, more creativity, and more profitability. LuAnn Nigara and Porsche Williams's Ah-Ha Moments: “Your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized.” - Porsche Williams "Just because it’s on your to-do list doesn't mean you have to be the one checking it off." - Porsche Williams "Clients don’t expect you to handle every detail personally; they expect professionalism, clarity, and consistency in your process." - LuAnn Nigara More About Porsche Williams Porsche Williams is the CEO of The Prototype, a Business Concierge firm dedicated to supporting interior designers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. The Prototype enhances the client experience for interior design firms by handling essential business tasks, allowing designers to focus on their craft. With a team of Client Experience Specialists, they serve clients across the US, Canada, and Australia. The Prototype partners with IDS, ASID, Business of Design, and Business of Home, and was awarded the inaugural ASID Diversity in Design Small Business Grant in 2024. Connect with Porsche Williams Website Instagram LinkedIn Free 30-minute Client Experience Audit for LuAnn Listeners! Plus, LuAnn Listeners will get an exclusive bonus for our self-paced course “The Designer’s Guide to Reliable Lead Generation”! Open for enrollment from today to April 11th! Unlock the Secrets to Successful Discovery Calls The Prototype - Apply To Work With Us Free Resource - The Lead Generation Jumpstart What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Jenny Blake's Concept of Permission Slips Episode

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Are you thinking about saying yes to a designer show house? Before you commit, listen to this episode. A show house can be an incredible opportunity—but only if you approach it the right way. Too many designers assume that just participating will bring them business. It won’t. Today, I’m sharing the smartest, most strategic insights from three powerhouse designers at different stages in their careers: 🎨 Barbara Ostrom – The "Queen of Show Houses" explains why some rooms bring in clients while others don’t. 🏡 Laura Hodges – Managed an entire Southern Living Idea House and reveals how to juggle a massive project while keeping your business on track. 🛁 Naika Andre – A first-timer who learned, the hard way, what works, what doesn’t, and what she’ll do differently next time. We’ll cover: ✅ The real costs (hint: it’s not just the furniture) ✅ How to make sure a show house actually leads to press and clients ✅ Why marketing yourself is non-negotiable—no one will do it for you ✅ The tight deadlines and fast decision-making required to pull it off If you’re serious about making a show house work for your business, this is the episode for you. And if you want more details, listen to the full interviews with Barbara, Laura, and Naika—links are in the show notes. PLUS: If you’re in NJ, PA, or NY, check out the Mansion in May and Bucks County Designer House, where Hannah Goldberg and Lori Bruno will be showcasing their work. Window Works is honored to be providing the window treatments for both! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Mansion in May Bucks County Designer House & Gardens Other Shows: AWDB #08: Barbara Ostrom: Curtain Up! Thirty Years of Spectacular Showhouse Rooms AWDB #960: Laura Hodges: The Behind the Scenes of the Southern Living Showhouse AWDB #1055: Naïka André: Do It Scared – A Designer’s Journey Through Her First Show House

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Today With Alexander Dornbracht: Today I am joined by Alexander Dornbracht, VP and General Manager of Kallista, a brand renowned for authentic luxury plumbing and brassware. Recorded live from our KBIS podcast booth, Alexander shares how his family legacy in the industry—his grandfather founded Dornbracht—shaped his passion for excellence in design. Alexander reveals why Kallista stands out as a designer-driven luxury brand, explaining that despite its premium positioning, they maintain the personal touch that designers value. He discusses his passion for product development and shares his philosophy: "If you lead with the best possible design product at the highest quality with the best after-sales service, that's a solid foundation to win." Learn about Kallista's engineering innovations, including the industry's thinnest spout and custom stone tubs, plus their evolution from working with small European suppliers to becoming part of the Kohler family while maintaining their distinct luxury identity. Whether you specify luxury products or appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into how true luxury brands balance heritage with innovation. LuAnn Nigara and Alexander Dornbracht's Ah-Ha Moments: “We are the brand that can always say yes to the designer vision,” - Alexander Dornbracht More About Alexander Dornbracht Alexander serves as the Managing Director for Kallista, a leading luxury brassware brand in the global bathroom and kitchen space. He built his career within multiple roles in sales and marketing organizations across a variety of industries and holds an intl. MBA from the University of San Diego. His heritage in the kitchen and bath industry has allowed him to grow up with a unique perspective and depth of knowledge, that continues to serve as a strong foundation for leadership and entrepreneurship.​ Alexander found his true passion in the interior design community and is committed to driving industry innovation and evolution in the luxury goods sector.​ Connect with Alexander Dornbracht Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Houzz What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Other Shows: AWDB: 1069: Live from KBIS 2025: Richard Anuszkiewicz on Elevating Design, Brand Collaborations & Crafting a Successful Career

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Today With Jessie Surber: In this On-Air Strategy Session, I work with Jessie Surber of Jessie Surber Design to tackle the challenge of growing a design business in a small town. Based in Greenville, Ohio (population 12,000), Jessie is passionate about British-inspired interiors but struggles with converting website visitors into inquiries. I provide strategic guidance on whether to fully embrace her niche now or take a more gradual approach while building her client base, particularly considering her young family. This episode offers valuable insights for designers in smaller markets, those balancing business growth with family responsibilities, and anyone questioning how much to niche down in the early stages of business. LuAnn Nigara and Jessie Surber's Ah-Ha Moments: “Be prepared to be lucky.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Jessie Surber Jessie Surber is the founder and principal designer of Jessie Surber Design, a full-service interior design firm with a passion for British-inspired interiors. Driven by her love of art and craftsmanship, she helps clients create warm and personal homes designed for the way they live. With a background in home renovations and construction, Jessie has a keen eye for detail and a practical approach to transforming spaces. She has worked on full-scale renovations, home additions, and custom design projects, collaborating closely with contractors and artisans to bring her client’s visions to life. When she’s not designing, Jessie loves exploring art galleries, gardening, and spending time with her three children—which fuels her creativity. Connect with Jessie Surber Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! New blog: Why Niching Your Business is the Smartest Move You’ll Ever Make On Air Strategy Sessions with LuAnn Other Shows: 316: Wendy Woloshchuk: FaceBook: The Primary Marketing Tool for Her Interior Design Business 527: Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now? Wendy Woloshchuk: Grow Your Business Through Action 840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Today With Maya Crowne & Price Latimer: In today’s episode, I sit down with Maya Crowne and Price Latimer, the visionary co-founders of Alkemis Paint. What started as a personal search for a healthier alternative to conventional paint turned into a groundbreaking company redefining the industry with plastic-free, plant-based, high-performance paint. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why most conventional paints contain plastic—and how that impacts indoor air quality and the environment ✔️ How Maya and Price turned a personal frustration into a thriving business that challenges industry norms ✔️ The power of educating your clients about healthier, smarter alternatives ✔️ Actionable strategies for building a brand that aligns with your values ✔️ How to differentiate your business by identifying gaps in the market LuAnn Nigara, Maya Crowne & Price Latimers Ah-Ha Moments: "We’ve been painting our walls with plastic for decades—without questioning it. Once we realized that, we knew there had to be a better way." – Maya Crowne "If we care about clean beauty, organic food, and air purifiers, why aren’t we thinking about the air we breathe inside our own homes?" – Price Latimer "Innovation starts with frustration. I couldn’t paint my tiny apartment without suffocating—so I started asking why paint has to be this way in the first place." – Maya Crowne More About Maya Crowne & Price Latimer Maya Crowne, CEO and Co-Founder of Alkemis Paint After a successful corporate career, I felt the desire to return to my creative roots and focus on my love of color by creating a paint company that is truly all-natural, non-toxic and sustainable, with the addition of functional wellness benefits. Price Latimer, CCO and Co-Founder of Alkemis Paint Humans currently spend approximately 90% of their time in enclosed spaces. Whether in residential or public settings, we are invariably surrounded by paint products almost every minute of the day and yet are often oblivious to their deleterious aspects. Alkemis Paint was founded because we can—and we must—do better for ourselves and for the planet. It is well-established that colors, nature, and aesthetics can positively influence our mood. Connect with Maya Crowne & Price Latimer Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida! Other Shows: AWDB #32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025