A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Today With Kate O’Hara: Have you ever had that experience where you’re working with a client on something and they just seem to resist what you’re saying…and you ask yourself, “Why won’t they just let me do what they’re paying me to do?” Maybe you have a difficult client. But more likely, the problem is that you don’t understand that particular client’s priorities or motivations. And that’s not a reflection on you, your client probably doesn’t understand this about themselves either.  Wouldn’t it be great if you had a framework for tapping into what your client really wants and needs? That’s exactly what my guest today, Kate O’Hara, has created.  Today, she breaks down three levels of clients, and more importantly, what matters most to these clients within six important criteria. More About Kate O’Hara Kate O’Hara grew up in the world of design. After a decade with the company, she stepped into the role of CEO + Creative Director, expanding the family design firm into new regions of the U.S. When she isn’t traveling between our Minnesota and Texas offices, you can find Kate speaking at conferences, working with our design team, and connecting with new clients and furniture lines. Connect with Kate O’Hara ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Pinterest⁠ ⁠Houzz⁠ ⁠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

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

Today With Carla Titus: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business Podcast. Today we are joined by financial expert Carla Titus, founder and CEO of Wealth & Worth Within, a financial planning company offering fractional CFO services to transform business profitability.  Carla helps us understand what a fractional CFO is and how this service can provide the financial support and insight many businesses need to achieve financial clarity and plan for a profitable future. She specializes in helping 6- and 7-figure businesses gain control of their numbers with a 5-step framework she calls 2C3P that tackles financial health from all sides. Listen in to find out more. LuAnn Nigara and Carla Titus’ Ah-Ha Moments “The beauty of bringing an expert into your business is that you do not need to know everything. That is the whole point of outsourcing your finances. You’re bringing that knowledge, and also that person that’s going to guide the process from beginning to end, [to] make you feel empowered and comfortable around your finances and your numbers.” – Carla Titus  “Don’t overthink what you don’t know.” – LuAnn Nigara  “There’s times where you need to step into that CEO role and work on your business, not in your business.” – Carla Titus “Managing the influx and outflows of cash really can help a business be more financially stable, but also feel completely in control of what’s happening.” – Carla Titus  “If you want to sell your business one day, if you want to run a successful long term company, there has to be a salary for someone that is in charge.” – Carla Titus More About Carla Titus: Finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and established online businesses fractional CFO consulting experience. Our company provides a vast array of on-demand CFO services that leverage our industry expertise. A well-rounded CFO team with Finance, Sales & Marketing, HR, Supply Chain, Online Business, Operations, Execution, Planning, and Tech background. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners. Wealth & Worth Within’s mission is to empower business owners to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind, so that they can get back to what they enjoy. She is dedicated to imparting financial knowledge in order to properly manage finances and achieve profitable results. She has applied that expertise to businesses, helping them grow by creating simple yet effective systems to improve cash flow management and bottom-line results. Connect with Carla Titus Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #489: Power Talk Friday: Brad Clinard: Intentional Planning for Abundant Living #719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s #395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business #464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner #361: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Does Your Interior Design Business Need a CFO?

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Today With Cyrus Loloi: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. You likely know the Loloi name—they are a powerhouse in our industry. But on today’s sponsored show, I am excited to chat with Cyrus Loloi about the sister brand, Joon Loloi.  Joon Loloi maintains many of Loloi’s values (including a commitment to quality, intention, and integrity). But it differs in many ways—not only does it offer a full range of home furnishings, but it is not exclusive to the trade. That’s an intentional decision—Cyrus and his brother Stephen saw a shift in how designers are sourcing and decided to create a brand that answers the need for a seamless digital shopping experience. That paved the way for Joon Loloi.  Today, he shares the story of the newer brand, how he maintains the family name’s trust and reputation, and how Joon Loloi is meeting modern needs for interior designers.  More About Cyrus Loloi: Cyrus Loloi is an experienced marketing and business leader specializing in brand strategy, e-commerce growth, and organizational leadership. He plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of Loloi and Joon Loloi, overseeing key initiatives in performance marketing, creative operations, customer experience, and cross-team collaboration Ah Ha Moments with Cyrus Loloi: "We just felt like there's an opportunity to speak to the trade in more modern, sort of novel ways that Loloi is not currently positioned to do." –Cyrus Loloi "Every single product has to be mutually exclusive from Loloi. Number one, there's no reason to just launch something that's entirely redundant. And number two, we didn't want to sort of sell from under the retailers and designers that have supported Loloi all these years." –Cyrus Loloi "You’re not outsiders coming from tech and trying to figure out how to sell furniture and rugs to you to make money. You’re insiders who have observed that there's another lane inside here." –LuAnn Nigara "I believe one of the biggest mistakes in the industry is assuming that all 80,000 or so designers in the United States shop the same way, think the same way, business model is set up the same way." –Cyrus Loloi Connect with Loloi: Website Instagram  Tik Tok Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: 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

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Today with LuAnn Nigara: When it comes to high-end projects, collaboration isn’t optional and it definitely isn’t casual. It has to be intentional. In this solo episode, LuAnn breaks down the systems, scripts, and standards that every designer needs to lead confidently alongside architects, builders, and trades. If you've ever felt like you're managing chaos instead of driving results, this episode will show you how to step into true project leadership without sacrificing your sanity or your margins. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Audiobook: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Book 2: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠ Book 3: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Power Talk Friday⁠ Like Us: ⁠Facebook⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠Twitter⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠Podcast⁠ Other Resources Mentioned: Operations 201: Project Workflow for Construction-Based Design” with Jenny Slingerland “Operations 301: Project Leadership in Construction” with Kat Anderson

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Today with Marianna Zimmerman Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Marianna Zimmerman, owner of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS, LLC.  “Your current situation doesn’t have to be your final destination.” This quote from Marianna gives you a little clue of what we’re discussing today. For years Marianna was working in administration at a hospital. She questioned if she was able to do what she REALLY wanted to do, own her own design business. With the support of her husband and her decision to believe in herself, she has successfully owned her firm for 12 years. If you have any doubt or fear or questions about your abilities, know that this episode will give you the kick in the pants you need. LuAnn and Marianna Zimmerman’s Ah-Ha moments: “I didn’t want to feel like I was playing catchup, but I had to realize that it’s not about playing catch up or competing. It’s more about sharing my gift and what I can offer to the world.” – Marianna Zimmerman    “Not every project is photo worthy. The reason you do what you do is to make the client happy. In the end, a happy client is the goal, not the professional shot.” – Marianna Zimmerman   “You have to be the one to do it. Whether you have the emotional, physical or financial support of someone or you’re on your own with no support, ultimately you have to be the one to do it. You have to decide to be excellent and make the decision to execute.” – LuAnn Nigara More about Marianna Zimmerman: Marianna Zimmerman, Brooklyn NY Native lived many years in Boston Ma until eventually settling down 9 yrs ago in good ole Dallas Texas. After Graduating from QC Design school 2001, She became a Certified Interior Designer and then a ASP Home Stager in 2009. With over 20 years of experience and helping friends and family design their homes part time while always working 2 jobs as a single mom, She moved to Texas and her husband encouraged her to use her gift & venture into her own business.   She launched The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC in 2011.   Marianna believes “great design is about creating a beautiful space that you feel comfortable coming home to.” She is devoted to designing with luxury and style that is affordable. She has always believed in the motto “your current situation doesn’t have to be your final destination”… The Best is yet to come!   While specializing in Modern aesthetics, she has traveled all over helping clients with a variety of different styles and genres. She is a self proclaimed decor fanatic and always finds that “one unique piece” that she incorporates & leaves her stamp in the project.   She believes being an East Coast girl, living in a Texas world is what separates her from other local Interior Designers- Her modern, edgy, “think outside the box” flare combined with her passionate work ethic & outgoing friendly personality makes it natural for her to work with each client’s specific style and needs. Connect with Marianna Zimmerman: Website  Instagram  Facebook Other Shows Mentioned: # 167 Kelsey Grose- Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017 # 203 Darla Powell- How to Launch an Interior Design Firm # 455 Megan Molten- Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business # 631 Ariella Horowitz- Success for Design-Build Firms is in the Details # 677 Megan Molten- To Succeed, Focus on Your Why

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025

Today With LuAnn Nigara on Speaking Your Brand Podcast with Carol Cox: In this panel conversation hosted by Carol Cox, LuAnn joins fellow powerhouse women to talk about what it really means to build a thought leadership platform. From podcasting and speaking to owning your niche and telling your story, this episode is packed with insight for anyone ready to step up and be seen. LuAnn shares her journey from launching A Well-Designed Business to growing it into a multi-million-download platform, and how her focused, niche-driven approach helped her become a sought-after speaker and mentor in the interior design industry. You’ll hear her thoughts on consistency, visibility, and the mindset shifts that separate dabblers from real business leaders. Whether you’ve thought about hosting events, sharing more of your voice, or simply showing up more powerfully in your brand, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting and start leading. What You’ll Hear: How LuAnn built visibility and authority through podcasting and live events Why niche clarity is critical to growth The difference between vulnerability and over-sharing in business What it takes to speak with confidence—and why it’s a skill worth learning Why generosity and collaboration fuel long-term success More About Carol Cox: Carol Morgan Cox is the founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand®, host of the weekly Speaking Your Brand® podcast, and a sought-after presenter and trainer on public speaking, business storytelling, AI strategy, and women's leadership. Connect with Carol Cox: Website Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Carol Cox's Shows on A Well-Designed Business: Episode 140: Today We Celebrate the 1st Birthday of A Well-Designed Business! Carol Cox of Speaking Your Brand Interviews LuAnn! Episode 307: Carol Cox: How To Be a Great Panelist at an Interior Design Event

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

Today with Chanae Richards  Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The journey to building a well-designed business isn’t always linear. Sometimes designers come from the most unlikely of careers. That’s something we have heard many times on the show. But today Chanae Richards shares the story of how she founded her firm Oloro Interiors. Not only did she come into the space as a second career, but she even built her interior design business in an unusual and unexpected way. She has made some very unique decisions along the way that have led to her success. LuAnn and Chanae Richard’s Ah-Ha moments: “There’s the confidence, and there’s the know-how behind that confidence. It’s not just the showy ‘I know it all,’ but it’s why you know it and how you know it and having them believe that you understand the guts to it.” -Chanae Richards   “What’s interesting about this is that when you think about if somebody hypothetically said, ‘I want to be an interior designer…I have my education and my internships and I have my chops and I’m ready to go, but I don’t have clients yet. Should I start focusing on a rental space while I try to build my design business?’ You could line up ten business coaches and more than 50% of them would say, ‘No, don’t divert your attention.’ But you did it because you didn’t ask anyone’s permission, and that’s sometimes the best thing in the world. And it worked for you.” -LuAnn Nigara “I’m able to do all that I do, simply because I have hired and cultivated great teams, both at the firm and the Center. I have a number of people who are simply brilliant and I mean that. I hire great people and empower them to do great teams both inside and outside the firm.” -Chanae Richards More about Chane Richards: Chanae Richards is the CEO & Principal Designer of ọlọrọ interiors, an interior design firm with offices in Philadelphia and New York. Her curated spaces and design expertise have been featured in ELLE Décor, Business of Home, Philadelphia Magazine, and Apartment Therapy as well as on national syndicates including MSNBC, National Geographic, Vice, CNN, and The Travel Channel. An inaugural Philadelphia Mural Arts Fellow, Chanae also serves as the Managing Director of Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, a groundbreaking initiative providing residents with free business resources and support for community innovation. Chanae received her BA from Temple University and MA and MPA from Rutgers University. She is also an alumna of Bank of America Women’s Institute at Cornell University and a member of the Black Interior Designer’s Network. Connect with Chanae Richards: Website  Instagram  LinkedIn Pinterest Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness. Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward   AWDB #711 Christine Platt: The Afrominimalist

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Today With Nate Berkus Today on A Well-Designed Business®, I’m joined once again by one of our most requested guests: Nate Berkus. If you’ve listened to our first conversation (Episode #433⁠), you already know Nate brings a level of clarity and intention that’s rare, not just in design, but in business. This time around, we talk leadership. Team. Vision. What it means to build a business that reflects your values, not just your style. Nate shares how he’s structured his firm for long-term success—what he delegates, how he hires, and the culture he protects. And, exciting news, his newest book Foundations is officially available today. This isn’t just a beautiful book. It’s a deeply personal one, centered on meaning, memory, and what it truly feels like to live in a space that reflects who you are. Grab your copy wherever books are sold. In this episode, you’ll hear: What it means to lead from your strengths and hire to fill the gaps The structure and intention behind a team that thrives How personal values show up in professional design Why restraint can be more powerful than excess What Foundations reveals about Nate’s own evolution Order Foundations today here Listen to Nate’s first appearance in Episode #433 Learn how to hire well with the Dream Team Toolkit at LuAnnUniversity.com Related Episodes: Eileen Hahn on leadership and values-driven hiring More About Nate Berkus NATE BERKUS is one of the world’s most influential interior designers, known for his elevated yet accessible approach to interiors. His thirty-year-and-counting career has included innumerable television shows and home collections, along with designing award-winning interiors. Consistently named to the AD100 and Elle Decor A-List, Nate lives in New York with his husband, Jeremiah Brent, and their children, Poppy and Oskar. Ah Ha Moments with Nate Berkus "If I'm gonna design and sell a bath mat for $12... shouldn't my feet have been on a bath mat for 500 and shouldn't I have also walked on a bath mat for six? ... I feel like it's my responsibility to know." - Nate "Grace goes a long way. You never want to be the person on someone's schedule... where their name shows up on their phone and they think to themselves, 'this is going to be a long day.'" - Nate "I can tell you that regardless of the level of success...there is something different about a certain subset of you guys that I've interviewed where the passion is so deep to that connection to the past, to the source, to the anthropology of it, to the history of it... and it's always... the person that it's important to, their design work is always elevated." -LuAnn Connect with Nate Berkus Website Instagram  Book Rug USA What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resource Mentioned: Nate’s newest book: Foundations: Timeless Design That Feels Personal Other Shows Mentioned Listen to Nate’s first appearance in Episode #433 Related Episodes: Eileen Hahn on leadership and values-driven hiring

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

Today With Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek Today on A Well-Designed Business, three seasoned designers share how they transformed their referral marketing by working with expert Stacey Brown Randall. Rebecca Robinson went from 18 to 40 referrals per year, Lacey Michalek turned a mahjong game into multiple projects, and Darci Hether developed systems for building warm relationships with industry professionals. You'll learn the exact referral language that creates psychological responses in past clients, why face-to-face networking beats social media for generating real momentum, and how to turn cold prospects into warm referral sources through strategic events. These aren't theories, they're proven tactics from experienced designers who've seen dramatic results. If you've been hoping referrals will just happen, this episode gives you the actionable roadmap to build relationships that consistently convert into new business. Other Resource Mentioned: 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 Stacey Brown Randall’s Newest Book: “The Referable Client Experience” Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB: #69: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall – Take Control Of Your Business – Employee Management AWDB: #93: Power Talk Friday- Stacey Brown Randall- How To Create an Awesome Client Experience! AWDB: #558: Rebecca Robinson: Provide Value & Create Relationships with Contractors AWDB: #885: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generate Business Referrals Without Asking AWDB #220: Darci Hether: Literally The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

Today With Rebecca Ward Mentorship can make all the difference in your design career. Yet many new designers hesitate to take the leap, unsure how to translate their skills into a business or where to find the right support. That’s why Rebecca Ward—CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design in Sacramento—has made mentorship her mission. With over 18 years of experience and an award-winning residential design portfolio, she knows what it takes to step into this industry with confidence and clarity. In this episode, Rebecca and I talk about what it really means to shift from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, how to reshape your money mindset so you can lead clients at any level, and why cultivating a growth mindset is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a baby designer just starting out or a seasoned business owner, you’ll find Rebecca’s grounded wisdom and practical guidance inspiring—and packed with lessons you can put into action right away. Her artistic skill shines in creating contemporary spaces that fit the dynamic lifestyles of families today. She believes in enhancing lives through interior design, making surroundings more  impactful for productivity and mood. Her goal is to create spaces that reflect clients' needs,  helping them be their best selves in the world. Beyond her design prowess, Rebecca is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents in interior design. In 2021, she launched the "My Design Mentor" program, empowering individuals to succeed in the field. Her commitment extends to elevating the profession as a whole. Following this, Rebecca expanded her reach by hosting the "Design Curious Podcast," sharing insights with a broader audience keen on exploring the world of design.  She values a strong design community, actively investing in local peers through monthly gatherings that foster collaboration and growth. Outside of design, Rebecca finds harmony in music, performing with her attorney husband in their acoustic duo. Cherishing family time, she enjoys moments with her two children and lively labradoodle. Rebecca Ward's journey is defined by her dedication to design excellence, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to both her craft and community. Ah Ha Moments with Rebecca Ward “Being a CEO requires so many more different skills and a whole new mindset." – Rebecca Ward "You cannot save your clients’ money for them. Your role is to design at the level they’ve invited you into, not to hold back because of your own money story." – LuAnn Nigara "I have this saying—I’ve said it a thousand times: Do I want to be right, or do I want to get what I want? Before I get on the phone, I know exactly what I want, what I’m willing to do for it, and what I’m willing to give up if I don’t get it." – LuAnn Nigara Connect with Rebecca Ward Podcast Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn X What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #1123: Ali Faulkner: What to Do When a Client Says “No”: Lessons from a Lost Design Proposal AWDB #1021: Ann Cariola: Launching an Interior Design Firm at Age 60—It’s Never Too Late AWDB #1100: Best Of Show: Erika Ward: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

Today with Beth Bender: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business. LuAnn and Beth Bender’s Ah-Ha moments: “One of your premises is that interior designers should invest in the back end, operations end of the business. You’re talking my language because the whole premise of my podcast is that yes, you need talent to be successful, but your talent isn’t going to be the reason that you are successful. You can get some attraction and some clients, but to create a long lived sustainable profitable business you have to learn how to efficiently run the back end.” – LuAnn Nigara “We feel that for a design form to be able to have sustained growth you have to have a two-pronged approach. You have to be able to identify both your marketing needs and your financial needs and they have to be in step.” – Beth Bender “At the end of the day, it really should come down to counting every penny because there are tight margins. Regardless of whether you are charging by the hour, or a set fee you still have to know, How much time did I spend on that project? What was the monetary value of that time?” – Beth Bender More About Beth Bender: Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. Additionally, Beth oversees human and organizational development services and she also manages strategic growth strategies at The Dove Agency. Beth earned her degree in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University, and she brings more than 20 years of design experience to her work, enabling her to advise and assist clients with uniquely informed perspectives as she helps them maximize their time, resources, and profitability. Combining their impeccable expertise, proficient knowledge, and well-versed viewpoints, Beth and her co-founder, Kenda, together developed services that streamline administrative processes, giving interior design professionals the time to do what they do best—design. These processes are the foundation and hallmark of The Dove Agency today. Beth works closely with the marketing team to strategically position each designer with the tools necessary for calculated growth, increased influence, and measurable success. Connect with Beth Bender: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Other Shows Mentioned Episode 575 Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year! WTF Episodes: #653, #645 , #610 , #586 , #551 , #539 Sara Lynn Brennan Episodes: #607 , #524 , #514 , #463

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Today With Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick How many times have you thought, "If only I had someone to handle the numbers, the marketing, and the tough client calls, I could just focus on design"? Today, I’m chatting with a duo who is living that reality—Trent Kendrick and Zain Suthar of Studio Fifth Sunday. They met in an Uber, both swearing off business partnerships, only to realize they were the perfect "left brain/right brain" match. Trent is the brilliant designer and artist; Zain is the operations and finance pro. Their story is a masterclass in how a well-matched partnership can change the game—creating accountability, unlocking new revenue streams, and allowing you to do more of what you love. Connect with Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick Website Instagram Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors AWDB #977 Katie Ryan Pluer: Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

Today With David Neagle Today with David Neagle, best-selling author, speaker, and host of The Successful Mind Podcast, we’re talking about the mindset shifts that can change everything in your business. David shares his journey from high school dropout on food stamps to building a multimillion-dollar company—and the simple daily decisions that sparked his transformation. We dive into the beliefs that keep entrepreneurs stuck, how to create a culture of success within your team, and how to spot the blind spots holding you back. More About David Neagle David Neagle is a speaker, best-selling author, founder of the multimillion-dollar global consulting company Life Is Now, Inc, and host of the Business Daily News ranked podcast - The Successful Mind. Being in the personal and professional development industry for more than 20 years, David has helped tens of thousands of students from across the globe gain confidence and find the right mindset needed to increase their revenue, turning their endeavors into seven- and eight-figure ventures. Ah Ha Moments with David Neagle “The opportunity was always there. Number two, I couldn’t see it because I had such a bad attitude. So when I changed my attitude, I changed my perception and it allowed me to even conceive about going down that road.” - David “Our greatest power is our ability to choose. The negativity never goes away completely. It’s that you discipline yourself to choose to focus on the opposite of that every day.” - David “The world doesn’t care enough to be against you. You’re doing it all by yourself.” - LuAnn Connect with David Neagle The Millions Within Book David Neagle The Successful Mind Podcast Instagram Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: Check out David Neagle’s assessment quiz. A helpful tool to help you get started on a new path. Take The Quiz Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth AWDB #957: Power Talk Friday: Audrey Faust: Building Wealth Through a Positive Money Mindset

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

Today With Hannah Goldberg Today on A Well Designed Business, Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors shares how she built what she calls a "no-niche niche," working across multiple design styles while maintaining crystal-clear boundaries around her ideal client and design ethos. Hannah breaks down how to navigate the "yes era" of early business, using vignettes and mood boards to communicate your aesthetic before you have perfect portfolio shots, and why investing in professional branding from day one made all the difference. From building an email list while bartending to surviving a chandelier crisis at The Mansion in May show house, Hannah's journey demonstrates how clarity on your design ethos becomes the foundation for sustainable growth, even when you're stretching across different styles and projects. If you're wondering how to attract your dream clients before you have the perfect portfolio, this conversation offers a roadmap for building with intention from the start. More About Hannah Goldberg Hannah Goldberg is the founder and principal of Hannah Charlotte Interiors, specializing in bespoke commercial and residential design projects in DC and beyond. With over a decade of industry experience blending her passion for design with her engineering and interior architecture background, Hannah ensures each space is functional and beautiful, with a focus on collaboration and client vision. Each of her projects is tailored to diverse needs and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from nature, art, food, and travel. Ah Ha Moments with Hannah Goldberg "I made the conscious decision that my projects are not going to look the same—and that's okay for what I want in my business."- Hannah Charlotte Connect with Hannah Goldberg Website Instagram Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: 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 Mentioned: #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No #917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

Today With Jean Stoffer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by the one and only Jean Stoffer. Jean is an award-winning independent designer, star of The Established Home on the Magnolia Network, and author of the newly released book Establishing Home. In our conversation, Jean offers a glimpse into her journey, showing us the joys of intertwining work and family, the benefits of an unhurried attitude, and the blessings each season of life has to offer. Pick it Apart: [6:01] Jean discusses “being in the trenches” as she built her business from the ground up, learning cabinetry design, kitchen design, and troubleshooting at her own pace. [10:10] LuAnn and Jean agree that cultural messages often pressure young designers to rush toward success, but both believe that isn’t always the right path. Jean discusses embracing the season you are in. [16:50] Jean walks through the current family dynamic and everyone’s role in the Stoffer Home business. [27:30] LuAnn and Jean talk about the importance of processes as you grow your business. [48:00] Jean discusses working with the Magnolia Network and putting her work on television. LuAnn Nigara and Jean Stoffer’s Ah-Ha Moments “Our value system and reputation are just so bedrock for me and our family.” – Jean Stoffer. “I really believe there are seasons for things, and it’s great to embrace those and accept them.” – Jean Stoffer. “I think as a society, we are putting pressure on moms to think that you can have it all. And you actually can, but not all in the same season is my belief.” – LuAnn Nigara. “It’s very important that the quality and all of the things connected with [your brand] remain as close as to your original vision and way of doing it.” – LuAnn Nigara. More about Jean Stoffer Jean Stoffer is an award-winning Grand Rapids-based independent interior designer specializing in kitchen and bath designs. Each of her designs is custom suited for her clients’ lives and how they hope to use their home. Jean is also the founder of Stoffer Home, a retail store featuring beautiful and functional items for the home, and Stoffer Home Cabinetry, the source for Jean’s own line of quality, British-inspired flush inset cabinets. In December 2021, the Magnolia Network began airing The Established Home, a TV series featuring Jean and her design work. Connect with Jean Stoffer Website Stoffer Home Instagram Pinterest What's New with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get the Goodies For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn's Books Here Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned #563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Today With Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer We all know that a website is important. It’s your calling card, your portfolio, the place where clients go to make sure you’re a legitimate designer who does what you say you do.  But so many designers are still going wrong with their websites. And the problem with doing it yourself is that there are so many pieces involved, layout, the design, the SEO, the copywriting, and when your website isn’t doing what it needs to do, it’s hard to even know where to start fixing the problem.  More About Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer Ebony Looney: Ebony is a Web Designer and Creative Director with 22+ years of experience making the web beautiful for B2B service providers. She has worked with agency owners, private sector and educational institutions such as Carbra Construction & Design, Benedict College & South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs. With a background in web design, development, fashion design and online marketing she believes that beautiful design is good business. She is happy to cover any website marketing related topic you think your audience would be most interested in. Deb Mitchell: Deb Mitchell’s career as a professional writer began when she responded to an ad in a local Charlotte, NC magazine seeking volunteers for a readers’ panel. On a tour of the magazine’s offices with the other selected panelists, the idea for an article came to her and when she mentioned it to the editors, they hired her on the spot as a writer. Nearly ten years and hundreds of articles later, Deb decided to blend her design feature writing experience with her pre-writing career experience in high-end retail sales to help interior designers move their businesses forward with strategic copywriting and content marketing services. Today, Deb’s client list is ever growing with designers at nearly every stage of business. Most recently, she’s joined forces with two experts, a branding designer and a website developer, to offer designers an all-in-one option for fully custom designed and copywritten WordPress websites. Deb has by-lined articles in publications such as Casual Living, Design Texas, Lake Norman Magazine, and Today’s Charlotte Woman, and on The Renegade Writer blog. Her ghostwriting has appeared in dozens of top shelter publications and design blogs. Nicole Heymer: Owner and Creative Director, Glory & Brand 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 Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer  Nicole Heymer Deb Mitchell Ebony Looney Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design AWDB #317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen AWDB #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? AWDB #574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy AWDB #819: Power Talk Friday: Ebony Looney: Attract Clients Through Your Interior Design Business Website AWDB #1087: Best of Show: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Today with Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that’s changing how potential clients find interior designers. We’re living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google’s AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you’re getting most of your business from referrals or you’re heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant competitive advantage. LuAnn Nigara, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey's Ah-Ha Moments “For us, ChatGPT and custom GPTs are really where it started. We’ve built maybe 50 or 60 of them, from personality analyzers to budget calculators to city code checkers, and we use them every day. It helps us understand clients, understand our team, and communicate better. That’s been transformational for our firm.” - Stephanie More About Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey are the designers and co-founders behind AI for Interiors, a platform that helps interior designers use AI tools in ways that actually make their jobs—and their lives—easier.  As the founders of Etch Design Group, they’ve experienced firsthand how the right AI tools can give back valuable time and simplify the day-to-day, all without losing the personal touch that makes design so powerful. Jessica blends a background in both IT and design, making her the go-to for AI tools and tech strategy. Stephanie keeps it all grounded in the realities of running a busy, high-touch design studio. Together, they teach practical, real-world ways to use AI—and they’re passionate about helping designers stay in control of their process while working smarter, not harder. Connect with AI for Interiors Website - AI For Interiors Podcast - Apple Podcast Podcast - Spotify YouTube LinkedIn - Stephanie LinkedIn - Jessica Instagram Website - Etch Design Group 100 Lunches Podcast - Apple Podcast 100 Lunches Podcast - Spotify What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. 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 NigaraLuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes AWDB #1110: NEW SHOW: Jenna Gaidusek: Mastering AI Tools for a Streamlined Design Business AWDB #950 Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People AWDB #635 Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business AWDB #722 How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business AWDB #1099 Shea McGee: From Dream to Empire: How Shea Built Studio McGee 3.0 Get the Beth Diana Smith Window Works Lunch and Learn Recording Here ⁠Get the Anastasia Harrison Window Works Lunch and Learn Recording Here

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

Today with Thom Filicia Today, I’m joined by one of the most recognizable names in design, Thom Filicia. From his early days at Parrish-Hadley to his breakout role on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, to building a thriving design firm, product collections, a retail brand, and countless collaborations, Thom has continually expanded what it means to be a designer. In this conversation, Thom shares why knowing who you are as a designer is the foundation for everything else, how staying curious and saying yes to new opportunities has shaped his career, and why great design is more than creating a beautiful room — it’s about creating spaces people truly want to live in. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow beyond projects into partnerships, products, and a lasting brand while staying authentic to your design voice, you won’t want to miss this episode. LuAnn Nigara and Thom Filicia ’s Ah-Ha Moments “It’s not just about creating a beautiful space, because creating a beautiful space is sort of the low-hanging fruit. We can all make something look beautiful, but making it make sense for the people that live there… that’s great design. Because at the end of the day, design is for people.” - Thom “Don’t not like something before you even understand what it is. Know you first, stay open second, and try to have some facts.” - Thom “Sometimes you just have a minute to say what you do. You don’t have ten.” - LuAnn “Take what you do seriously, but for the love of God, do not take yourself seriously… Take what you do seriously and be really passionate and good at what you do, no matter what it is.” - Thom Connect with Thom Filicia Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #67: Alan Tanksley- Lessons and Observations from a 30+ Year Career in Interior Design AWDB #407: Century Furniture and Carrier & Company Launch New Line at High Point Market April 2019

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

Today with Jen Davidson Today on A Well Designed Business, Jen Davidson shares the pivotal conversation that transformed her five-year-old interior design firm from successful but struggling to truly thriving. After meeting Jude Charles at a design retreat, Jen realized she'd been "living as an interior designer" instead of "living as a business owner and boss." This insight sparked a year-long transformation that included clarifying her core values, rebuilding her team around a culture of trust, and understanding that her company's pillars aren't people—they're processes, values, and mission. Jen walks us through the hard work of defining what her company stands for, how she got her team aligned around those values, and why she had to let some people go to create the foundation she needed. She also opens up about her docuseries experience with Jude and how documenting her credibility became a powerful tool for both personal growth and business development. If you've been running your design business but feel like something's missing, or you've been avoiding the foundational work of mission, vision, and values, this conversation offers a roadmap for stepping fully into your role as CEO. LuAnn Nigara and Jen Davidson’s Ah-Ha Moments  "You're not believing that you are the boss. You're living as an interior designer. You're not living as a business owner, the boss. And that right there stopped me in my tracks." - Jennifer Davidson More About Jen Davidson Jen Davidson is the founder and lead designer of Interiors by Jen Davidson (IJD), a high-end residential design firm specializing in luxury renovations, new builds, and curated furnishing selections. With a career rooted in creativity and an unwavering passion for transforming spaces, Jen’s journey into interior design was anything but conventional. Jen’s approach to design is deeply rooted in storytelling. She believes that every home tells a unique story, and her job is to help write that narrative through thoughtful design. She places high importance on clear communication with clients and collaborators, ensuring that each project feels like a shared vision. As she continues to grow her business, Jen is focused on helping other designers level up by embracing courage, clear boundaries, and empathy. Her work with industry professionals like Jude Charles on a docuseries highlights her belief in the power of storytelling and transparency. Today, Jen is passionate about sharing her experience and insights with others, hoping to inspire those in the design world to take their own leaps of faith and trust the process. Connect with Jen Davidson Website Instagram ShopLTK Pinterest YouTube Houzz Other Resources Mentioned: 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 Mentioned: AWDB 774: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide Celebrates 4 Years! AWDB 790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions AWDB 516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand AWDB 626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design AWDB 718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos AWDB 724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals AWDB 1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles! AWDB 811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

Today with Katie McFarlan: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The client experience is something we all think about. How do we elevate the experience for our clients so that they feel like we truly care about them without making ourselves crazy by bending over backwards for each client? The answer just might lie in your processes. Today, I’m joined by Katie McFarlan of Dakota Design Company. Katie works with designers to build a strong client experience through streamlined processes, smooth operations, and clear expectations. She’s sharing with us how defined processes lead to a luxury client experience that helps you and your clients. Pick it apart: [2:19] Katie shares why she’s so passionate about the client experience and why it’s so important for designers.  [9:13] Katie explains how she helps clients uncover their processes—even if they haven’t formally defined them.  [16:24] LuAnn and Katie dive into what the client experience actually entails.  [25:49] Katie discusses how the backend of the business shapes the client experience.  [46:30] Katie talks about the common hangups she sees with her client’s processes.  LuAnn and Katie McFarlan’s Ah-Ha moments: “Every time there’s a new delay or a new charge, if you have already set the expectation of ‘Hey, this is what’s going to happen, I’m going to be there with you every step of the way,’ it allows the client to just enjoy it rather than be terrified the entire time. I think having the client experience nailed down is so key for businesses that have a long deliverable or lead time for delivering their final service.” -Katie McFarlan   “The ROI is not just that it benefits your clients, but also that it shows just how much your company is doing for them, and that speaks to the value and how you’re charging what you charge.” -Katie McFarlan   “You’re not necessarily imposing a process or a system on any one business. You’re taking the existing processes and systems (whether they are formalized or not), whatever individual process a firm might have, and you’re analyzing it and saying, ‘How do we announce, describe, explain, or give collateral information on that phase so that the customer feels informed and cared for.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I think the biggest takeaway that I have is that the client experience is everything you do, not just a thank you note. So often we throw the word “client experience” around when we’re talking about the subtleties and the niceness and the pretty that we bring to the relationships, but a really terrific client experience is one where the process feels organized and systemized, and the client understands their role in it and can know what’s coming next and see what it is that you’re doing on their behalf the whole time.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Katie McFarlan: As a former wedding and event planner with 16 years of experience in operations and project management, I love using both my creative and analytical sides to come up with solutions that work for my clients. With my intimate knowledge of project management and the entrepreneurial mindset, I know what it takes to get behind the scenes operations running smoothly so businesses can grow in a professional way. Today I help luxury interior designers and wedding planners who are buried in business operations get back to doing the creative work they love. I create and improve their processes and set up systems so they can streamline their workload, move their business forward, and free up their time to focus on the things that matter most. Connect with Katie McFarlan: Website Instagram   Blog Client Experience Download for listeners What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Other shows mentioned: #616 Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole: Onboarding New Interior Design Clients

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Today with Barclay Butera Sometimes on the show we are fortunate enough to speak with true icons of our day. And today, I am excited to chat with one of those designers—the legendary Barclay Butera. Today Barclay is back on the show to talk about the big picture, from the story of his first big break at a celebrity show house, the lessons he learned from scaling his business up to over 100 employees and then consciously scaling it back down. More About Barclay Butera Since 1994, Barclay Butera has been the creative force behind his prestigious design firm and flagship showroom in Newport Beach, California. His success in Newport prompted him to establish a second location in the exclusive enclave of Park City, Utah. Renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous, chic interiors, Butera draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences including high-fashion runways, his extensive world travels, grand European architecture and the timeless allure of The Golden Age of Hollywood. Butera’s design signature is distinctive: classic with a fresh twist, seamlessly integrating traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. His artful inclusion of heritage pieces blends effortlessly with distinctive furnishings, pattern-on-pattern fabrics, and bold textures—all hallmarks of his iconic all-American style. Over the past three decades, Butera’s passion for interior design has evolved into an impressive lifestyle enterprise, sought after worldwide. A landmark achievement in Butera's career came with the release of his “Yacht on Wheels” edition of the Rolls-Royce Dawn at the internationally renowned Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. As the first interior designer in the 100+ year history of the iconic brand to collaborate on such a project, Butera crafted a stunning luxury convertible featuring crisp white and navy tones with teak and nautical accents, setting the automotive industry abuzz. In addition to his thriving interior design business, Butera’s venture into licensing has landed him an unprecedented number of the industry’s most respected partners including: Lexington Home Brands furniture, Kravet indoor and outdoor textiles and carpets, Leftbank Art, Eastern Accents bedding and luxury down, Jaipur Living rugs, Bradburn lighting, Mirror Home decorative mirrors, Napa Home & Garden accessories, Castelle outdoor furniture, Winfield Thybony wallcoverings, and YORK/MDC Interior Solutions commercial wallcoverings. Expanding his licensing empire, Butera launched a collection of luxury chandeliers and sconces with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting and hand painted porcelain with Legend Accents for his new Barclay Butera Couture brand. Most recently, Butera introduced his eighth furniture collection, Montecito, with industry powerhouse Lexington Home Brands. A designer for the ages, Butera’s spectacular projects, extensive licensing collections, and luxury rental properties are regularly featured in global consumer publications, as well as shelter and lifestyle magazines. Connect with Barclay Butera ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Listen to Barclay’s Keynote presentation at ⁠Design Edge Orange County (Sept 18th)⁠ Grand Re-Opening of their Park City Design Firm/Showroom (Sept 25th) ⁠Design Biz Retreat (Oct 6th & 7th)⁠ ⁠High Point Market (Fall 2025)⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Other Resources Mentioned: 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 Mentioned: ⁠AWDB #122 Barclay Butera- Mix Talent + Opportunity + Business Savvy = Epic Interior Design Business⁠ ⁠AWDB #507 Barclay Butera 25 Years of Beautiful Design⁠ AWDB #968 Overheard: Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola: How to Harness Creativity in Interior Design ⁠AWDB #1002 Power Talk Friday:Sara Kravet: VP Furniture at Kravet Inc.⁠⁠AWDB Scott Kravet⁠

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

Today with Reed Humphrey of Dezign Assist Is your team maxed out, or are you stuck doing $10-an-hour tasks when you should be focused on leading your business? In today’s sponsored episode, I’m talking with Reed Humphrey, CEO of Alder & Tweed Interior Design and founder of Dezign Assist, a remote staffing company built specifically for interior designers. Reed created Dezign Assist after solving a bottleneck in his own firm. When his team couldn’t keep up with project demands, he built a scalable system using experienced remote designers. The result? More capacity, less burnout, and happier clients. If you’re a larger firm looking to support your in-house team or a solo designer ready to stop doing it all yourself, this episode will challenge how you think about delegation and show you how to buy back your time without sacrificing quality. What’s new with Reed Humphrey Website Instagram Book A Discovery Call! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. 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 Mentioned: 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 Mentioned: AWDB #194 Reed Humphrey Alder and Tweed

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

Today with Nicole Heymer Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that's changing how potential clients find interior designers. We're living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google's AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you're getting most of your business from referrals or you're heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant competitive advantage. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Heymer’s Ah-Ha Moments “We are at a moment in history where all online search at this point is evolving into AI based stuff. It is different and a big moment in history.” - Nicole Heymer More About Nicole Heymer Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique marketing agency specializing in branding, websites, automation, and SEO for interior design firms, builders, and architects. Since 2011, Nicole's clear, practical take on branding and digital marketing has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from Business of Home to the Design Influencer's Conference. You’ll find her methods in print, on podcasts, and in design school classrooms. Inquire about services at gloryandbrand.com/contact Connect with Nicole Heymer Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. 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 NigaraLuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #125- Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! #466- Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #1087- Best of Show: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2025

Today with Kimberly Horton Welcome! Today we’re talking about how to turn client frustrations into actionable change. Kimberly shares the simple but powerful tool she uses — the Frustration Tracker — to capture issues in real time, identify patterns, and make smart adjustments to her processes. From tightening contracts to setting clearer boundaries, Kimberly shows how documenting frustrations can lead to stronger systems, better client experiences, and a more profitable business. Plus, she’s sharing her Frustration Tracker template so you can start using it in your own firm.  Ah-Ha moments “If you're feeling that frustration, nine out of ten times, your client is feeling it too.” - Kimberly Horton “You’ve got to treat your process like a living document that evolves with every lesson you learn.” - Kimberly Horton “It’s not about complaining for the sake of complaining. It’s about learning from the complaint, analyzing it, and turning it into actionable change.” - LuAnn Nigara “We always say: work on your business, not just in it. And this is a living, breathing example of that.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Kimberly Horton Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower AWDB 892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes AWDB 1050: Power Talk Friday: Amy Posner: How Interior Designers Can Be the Expert, Not the Order Taker

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

Today With Megan Molten: Welcome! Today we are really excited to have Megan Molten on the show with us. Megan reached out to LuAnn in an email a while ago, telling her that she learned everything she knows about the business of interior design from this show, and it’s changed her life. She went on to explain that after twelve years of being in health-care sales and having listened to the podcast every day for the last year, she finally quit her day job to become an interior designer. Listen in today, to hear Megan’s story. Before quitting her job, Megan managed to have an incredible 29 interior design clients on the side, over six months, while still working full-time, for fifty hours a week! Now, a year later, she has a full-time business manager, a full-time designer, she has leased warehouse space, she has a studio space, she has an e-commerce business, and she has 19 000 followers on Instagram! In her first year, Megan brought in $600 000 in revenue, and she also planned her wedding and got married last May! She has been featured on eighteen different sites, from Serena and Lily to Apartment Therapy and Bungalow. Megan has achieved all of this because she truly understands that to make her dreams a reality, she has to actually do the things that she learned from the different guests on this show. In today’s episode, she talks to us about the things she learned and how she’s applied them. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Megan talks to us about the moment that she finally decided to quit her day job. It all began with social media, with Instagram in particular, for Megan. One of the first things that Megan did was to hire a photographer. Starting afresh, both professionally and personally. Having the support of her entrepreneurial parents really helped Megan a lot. Do what you do best, and outsource the rest. Making her first hire was one of the best decisions Megan has ever made. E-commerce makes so much sense but it really takes a lot of work. Using the services of a purchasing agent. Having conversations and making connections. The importance of finding the blind spots in your processes. More About Megan Molten: Megan’s love for all things interiors has been around for as long as she can remember and soon became a reality after she purchased her first home in Charleston, South Carolina and started the design process herself. She began sharing with the world all of her favorite finds and amazing transformations on social media and the world responded! It was this incredible response to Megan’s designs that encouraged her to start helping friends, then friends of friends and eventually clients transform their spaces too. This exciting new “hobby” she devoted every hour to while not working her very full-time job in medical sales quickly turned into a business. She quit her 12-year career in corporate America to chase a dream-a dream that was her true passion in life-helping others achieve beautiful spaces they love.  Her passion for light and airy design, go-getter attitude and attention to detail has quickly created a strong following and brand for #designsbymeganmolten and she can’t wait to continue to watch her big dream grow! Links: Website: Megan Molten Shop: Megan Molten Shop Instagram: Megan Molten Facebook: Megan Molten Pinterest: Megan Molten Houzz:  Designs By Megan Molten Other Shows Mentioned: Shea McGee #236 Cheryl Luckett – Dwell by Cheryl #291 and #397

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2025

Today with Ali Faulkner Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We’ve talked before about conducting an autopsy of a project—looking back and figuring out exactly what went right, what went wrong, and where to improve.  But what about conducting an autopsy of projects that you didn’t win? My guest today, Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors, lost several bids in a row, and decided to make a big change; she reached out to those potential clients and asked for feedback afterward.  Ali is sharing the exact questions she asked and how they changed everything for her business.  Ah-Ha Moments “I realized I was chasing what everyone else wanted to chase rather than what I actually needed to be profitable and continue to build my business.” -Ali "You get a quote to do a roof. One guy is 20K, one guy is 30K and the other guy is 35. Like I'm sorry, who's even thinking about the 20K guy? You're just like, you're off the list, right? Because... you automatically distrust the 20." - LuAnn  A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Revelwoods Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #768 Jaipur Living: A New Collaboration with Kate Lester AWDB #790 Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions #803 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You! AWDB #856 Enrique Crespo: Describing His Type-A Personality Mindset AWDB #1059 Rachel Usher: Creating Community and Strength in the Interior Design Industry Other Resources: https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/podcast https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/podcast-for-interior-designers/ https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/retreat-registration/ https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/2025-community-summit 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

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

Today With Chelsea Viau: Today with Chelsea Viau of Chelsea Lane & Company, we’re talking about the numbers behind your wallpaper—and why they matter more than you might think. Chelsea shares what every designer needs to know before sourcing wallcoverings, including the costly mistakes that can derail your budget, timeline, and client trust. We also dig into vendor relationships, client education, and the importance of working with experts who protect your process and your profit. Whether you love wallpaper or avoid it entirely, this episode is a reminder that every detail counts in a well-designed business. LuAnn Nigara and Chelsea Viau’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Designers are not wallpaper experts. That’s where we come in.” - Chelsea “If your numbers are off, that’s on you. The vendor didn’t tell you to order the wrong quantity.” - LuAnn More About Chelsea Viau Chelsea Lane & Company is an interior design showroom and home decor boutique, specializing in the sale of wallpaper and textiles. The showroom caters to homeowners, designers, and builders. Owner, Chelsea Lane, has over 20 years of experience in the wallpaper industry and her knowledge and expertise has been shared with her staff through extensive training. The shop, which has been open since 2010, is home to a curated collection of home decor, furniture and lighting, as well as features the largest wallpaper library in Palm Beach County, open to the public. Chelsea Lane has a robust virtual showroom program where clients can have access to the top Palm Beach design house from anywhere in the world! Connect with Chelsea Viau Website Instagram Facebook Houzz 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Interior Design Society⁠ (IDS) Join ⁠⁠⁠LuAnn University's Proven Path to Profit⁠⁠⁠! Other Shows: AWDB #986: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things AWDB #1097: NEW SHOW: Margalit Lankry: Designers with Intention. A Community with a Collaborative, Abundance Mindset

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

Today With Cheryl Luckett: What does it take to leave behind the security of a corporate job and build a thriving design business? For Cheryl Luckett, principal of Dwell by Cheryl, it took vision, courage, and a commitment to excellence. In this conversation, Cheryl shares how she transitioned from her career as a registered dietitian and HR professional at a Fortune 500 company to becoming one of Charlotte’s most sought-after interior designers. We talk about the transferable skills she brought into her design business, the mentors who guided her, and how she now pays it forward by mentoring other designers. Cheryl’s story is a masterclass in believing in yourself, building on your strengths, and taking bold steps toward your dreams. Whether you’re still in a corporate job dreaming of design or you’ve already taken the leap, Cheryl’s insights will inspire you to design not only beautiful spaces but also a business you love. More About Cheryl Luckett Cheryl Luckett wants to give her clients homes they never want to leave. Since 2012, Dwell by Cheryl Interiors has kept clients raving about Cheryl’s ability to transform their homes into classic, colorful, cultured spaces - not to mention her professionalism and attention to detail. Full of creative solutions to her clients’ design challenges, Cheryl and her team champion their projects from start to finish. Like Cheryl’s southern roots, her love for design runs deep. Growing up in Mississippi, she soaked up her grandmother’s and great-great-grandmother’s keen interest in design (the latter even sold catalog home furnishings to friends and neighbors who admired her talent for putting together beautiful spaces!). Connect with Cheryl Luckett 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! Join ⁠⁠⁠LuAnn University's Proven Path to Profit⁠⁠⁠! Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025

Today With Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb: Today on A Well Designed Business, Ron Henderson from Varaluz and Kevin Plumb from Ciana Lighting share the story behind their recent acquisition—and what it means for designers. This isn't your typical corporate takeover. When their planned 30-minute meeting turned into four and a half hours because they instantly felt like "family," you knew something special was happening. We cover the practical details designers need to know: same-day shipping, under 1% defect rates, their new High Point showroom opening in just two months, plus trade pricing with no minimums. Whether you've worked with Varaluz before or you're discovering them for the first time, this conversation gives you the inside perspective on a partnership that's reshaping how lighting companies serve the design trade. LuAnn Nigara, Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb’s Ah-Ha Moments: "You ever have one of those meetings where you meet people you don't know at all. And within 10 minutes, you know, you're somehow in family." - Ron Henderson More About Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb Kevin Plumb: Kevin Plumb is a visionary business strategist with a proven track record of launching, scaling, and transforming companies into high-performing, high-value brands. With deep expertise in startups, turnarounds, and strategic acquisitions, he has built multiple businesses that have been successfully acquired by public companies and private equity groups. In 2017, Kevin helped found CIANA and served as Co-President, playing a key role in shaping the company’s direction and growth in the custom and hospitality lighting market. Under his leadership, CIANA has combined artistic vision with operational excellence to deliver lasting value. Following CIANA’s recent acquisition of Varaluz, Kevin has stepped into the role of CEO of CIANA x Varaluz, bringing his sharp market insight and growth-driven mindset to expand the brand’s reach and impact. He is known for his ability to translate vision into execution, consistently driving increases in revenue, EBITDA, and brand equity. Whether launching new ventures or revitalizing established ones, Kevin is passionate about building businesses that perform with purpose and scale with integrity. Ron Henderson: Ron Henderson is the founder and creative force behind Varaluz, a lighting brand celebrated for its bold, artful designs and commitment to sustainability. With a background in tech and an eye for the unexpected, Ron has spent nearly two decades designing fixtures that push the boundaries of form and function. His passion lies in crafting pieces that are not only visually striking but also environmentally responsible—using recycled materials, upcycled components, and low-VOC finishes long before it was cool. Ron brings wit, warmth, and a rebellious edge to everything he touches, always seeking to prove that conscious design doesn’t have to compromise on style. Connect with Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb Ciana Lighting Instagram  Facebook  Varaluz Instagram Facebook A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠Ciana Lighting Varaluz⁠ 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!⁠

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2025

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Right now, the economy feels shaky. Projects are slowing down. And if you're like a lot of business owners, you're wondering: Is it just me? Is something wrong? Should I be doing something—or should I be bracing for impact? In this WWLD episode, LuAnn walks you through what truly separates business owners who ride out uncertainty with strength—and those who quietly slide into chaos. You'll hear: 3 free strategies (and 1 must-do mindset shift) to stabilize your business today A powerful story of two designers—same market, totally different outcomes Why marketing should never stop (yes, even now) What LuAnn University has become in Fall 2025—and how it's now structured like a real business degree built for our industry Whether you enroll in a class or not, this episode is a business coaching session in your ears. If you're feeling off, overwhelmed, or unsure—press play and take back control. Go to luannuniversity.com now 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 Join LuAnn University's Proven Path to Profit! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Shows: AWDB #451: Elissa Grayer: Starting From the Ground Up, After 19 Years AWDB #532: LuAnn Nigara: Thoughts on Leading Your Business Through the Covid-19 Crisis

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025

Today With Jamie Gasparovic: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What comes to mind for you when you think of investing in yourself for the benefit of your business? It’s something we talk about a lot on the show—it’s no secret that I believe every designer, every business owner period, needs to be investing in themselves as soon as possible. But too often, even when business owners do invest in their own growth, it stays behind the scenes. They take courses or hire coaches, and they don’t really talk much about it. And that leaves so many other business owners asking themselves, “Is it REALLY worth it?” In today’s sponsored show, my guest Jamie Gasparovic is doing the opposite—she’s here as a spokesperson for Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard, sharing the difference it’s made in her business, and why she will invest in herself again and again to grow her CEO skills. LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Gasparovic’s Ah-Ha Moments: "That's what's in the standard. It's not just do as I say, it's hear how I say it." - LuAnn "The first project I did after the standard was so smooth... I just set the expectations up front. Everything went off without a hitch. And it was like, wow, that was way, way easier than what I've been doing." - Jamie "The standard is not a course. It is the back end that successful design firms are using." - Jamie “Business owner hat first wins the day. Show up as designer second.” -LuAnn More About Jamie Gasparovic Jamie Gasparovic is the dynamic Founder and Principal Designer behind her boutique full-service interior design firm, Studio Gaspo. Recently, her moody modern aesthetic has been celebrated by Forbes, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, and Apartment Therapy. With close to a decade of expertise in luxury, large-scale construction ranging from new builds to full-scope renovations, Jamie has created a powerful name for herself in Central Florida. Her robust client list includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and busy professionals. Today, she frequently partners with prominent builders and architects to design turnkey properties from floor plans to furnishings. Connect with Jamie Gasparovic Website - House of Funk Instagram Facebook Pinterest Website - Studio Gaspo Instagram Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: House Of Funk 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 Show: AWDB #973 Jamie Gasparovic: How Investing In Your Business Can Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb AWDB #660 Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard” AWDB #520 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Today With Joshua Smith: Joshua Smith’s journey from interior designer to high-performance coach is one packed with lessons every business owner needs to hear. In this episode, Joshua pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to design a life and business you love—one that’s profitable, sustainable, and in alignment with your values. We talk mindset, boundaries, and the courage to make big changes when your business model isn’t serving you anymore. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes or chasing the wrong goals, Joshua’s wisdom will inspire you to pause, re-evaluate, and create a plan that actually fuels your success. More About Joshua Smith Joshua graduated from the New York School of Interior Design and started his career in 2012. After Joshua graduated, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm that specialized in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. In 2013, Joshua Smith, Inc. was created and earned national recognition as featured in New York Times, Huffington Post, and Rizzoli’s 2019 book, “On Style”. With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc, offers full-service residential interior design – and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day. Connect with Joshua Smith Website  Instagram  Facebook  Blog The “3 fives” routine 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!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

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

Transcribed - 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

Transcribed - 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