A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Today With Kaitlyn Wolfe: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we have on Kaitlyn Wolfe, founder, general contractor, and principal designer at Iconic by Kaitlyn Wolfe, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based design-build firm that Kaitlyn has grown from the ground up. Kaitlyn gives us a peek behind the curtain, speaking to what the past few years have been like for her business—one that started as a solo side hustle and has quickly grown to an award-winning firm with more than 15 employees. She shares how she strategized on the fly, but also how she has thoughtfully grown her team with intention and implemented organizational systems along the way. Pick It Apart [4:30] Kaitlyn shares how she fell in love with construction by working with interior designers, architects, and general contractors, all of which gave her well-rounded knowledge of the industry. [12:51] Kaitlyn admits that things could have backfired but remained confident in herself. [25:20] Kaitlyn shares how diversity within the team adds to each project. [31:30] Kaitlyn explains what she has learned from growing her team. [38:05] Kaitlyn discusses what open communication with her team looks like. LuAnn Nigara and Kaitlyn Wolfe's Ah-Ha Moments “…having more of the construction knowledge is super important. I think it helps you collaborate with builders more. I think it just helps you be a better designer.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe “The reason we're changing so fast, or changing things all the time is because we're growing.” – Kaitlyn Wolfe “I feel like I work for my team…Where can they grow? How can I provide opportunities for them? What are their goals and how can I help them get there within this company?” – Kaitlyn Wolfe More About Kaitlyn Wolfe: From an early age, I knew interior design was something that I absolutely loved and resonated with. In addition, my father was an electrical engineer so I was always helping with any home improvement project I could get my hands on. I was born in a small town outside of Dallas, Texas where I lived until I was 8 years old. My family picked up and moved us to London, England, where I lived until I was 11. Looking back, I think having exposure to European architecture at such a young age and traveling all over Europe, really shaped me. When we left London, we moved to a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I ended up staying in Pennsylvania until I decided to move to Arizona to pursue my Masters in Business Administration. I gained experience working for an interior designer and an architect, as well as a general contractor. I felt that my skills were really well-rounded and it was time to create something of my own. In 2016, I started Iconic Design+Build (although I started as KaityMac Interiors and re-branded in 2018). I worked on my own for the first few years and gained an assistant in 2019. I now have a team of 16 of us and I've really focused on cultivating the best team, the best work culture, and attracting the clients that we really feel aligned with. I pursued interior design and construction because I often noticed there was a lack of communication between the design and the build-on projects I had worked on. Getting my contractor's license allows us to execute the construction for our clients looking for a remodel or TI buildout and it allows us to communicate better with builders and architects that we partner with for custom home designs. We are a full-service luxury interior design firm as well as a general contractor, with projects ranging from residential to commercial. We design everything from residential remodels and new construction custom homes to boutique retail and hospitality spaces. We specialize in mixing styles such as Scandinavian, vintage, brutalist, industrial, minimalist, and mid-century modern spaces, all with an organic desert feeling. I want to inspire others to follow their passion and to design with intention. I pursued interior design when all odds were against me, but I knew that this was my purpose in life. When it comes to intention, I want people to see there was a reason for every single design detail and element we include in a space. We always focused on functionality for our client's, at the same time pushing them out of their comfort zones creatively. In my free time, I absolutely love vintage shopping, traveling, and visiting National Parks! Connect with Kaitlyn Wolfe Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com 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 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

Today With Fernando Duque: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s episode is sponsored by Duke Renders. They are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico, and specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging. Fernando Duque is here today to talk about how they have built Duke Renders in 2 years to over 100 employees and more than 500 interior design accounts. Make sure to grab your pen and paper! LuAnn Nigara and Fernando Duque's Ah-Ha Moments "We were very clear that we needed to get in place a good management team in order to get where we wanted to go." - Fernando Duque. "I think it was Tony Robbins who said that books are 10 or more years of an author's life compressed for 9.10 bucks." - Fernando Duque. "I've mentioned Tony Robbins before, I'm a big Tony fan, and I love when he says that the secret of living is giving, I really like that phrase." - Fernando Duque. "We are on a mission, we have a very clear mission of making this industry a better industry." - Fernando Duque. More About Fernando Duque: Born in Venezuela, MBA Babson College. Serial Entrepreneur, founded more than 5 companies. I cofounded Duke Renders with my brother Enrique in March 2020 in the middle of COVID 19, since then it has been a skyrocket growth with more than 100 team members today and no outside investment. We are a 3D Render studio based in beautiful Tulum, Mexico. We specialize in Interior Design and Architectural photorealistic imaging. We serve busy Interior Designers with 100% Accurate Photo-Realistic 3D Renderings of their Creative Designs. We make You and Your Clients feel Proud, Confident and Empowered at Every Single Step of the Design Process. I live in Tulum with my wife Mina, our newborn daughter Penelope and our doggy Lulu. Fun Facts: I love going to the beach at 5am and do it every day! Traveled the world backpacking for 2.5 years Loves cooking Moroccan Food for his Moroccan Wife Connect with Fernando Duque Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com 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 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 Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #722: Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business Other Resources Mentioned: Duke Renders A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Thank you to Duke Renders for sponsoring this show!

Today With Layton Campbell: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Layton Campbell of JLayton Interiors on the show. Layton wasn’t always an owner of a successful design firm. He originally started out on Broadway in NYC and performed on cruise ships as a dancer and singer. He always had a passion for stage sets and the interiors of places which grew his desire to do interior design, an interest he already had. Ultimately, he moved back to his native Charlotte, NC and launched his own firm. While scary as it was, there were a lot of lessons Layton learned along the way, and shares with us today. Pick It Apart [7:30] Layton and LuAnn discuss how having prior experience in a career, like working for another design firm, will give you transferable skills. [10:25] Layton goes into best practices of when he worked for another firm. [22:40] How Layton approached going out onto his own. [27:00] Layton talks about his How to Guide For Starting a Design Business From the Ground Up. [34:07] How Layton approached marketing for his design firm. LuAnn Nigara and Layton Campbell's Ah-Ha Moments “Branching out on my own was terrifying because I was comfortable and you're putting yourself in uncharted territories, but you have to believe in yourself, your background, and the things you have learned and know that they will serve you.” - Layton Campbell “When you think of marketing, think about the layering of it in various forms. That’s where it’s beneficial.” - Layton Campbell More About Layton Campbell: Layton Campbell is a true native Charlottean and proud of it. Many are surprised to learn that he earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and then moved to live in New York City for a little over a decade. While there, he studied his other passion: Interior Design at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. His design studies beckoned Layton to travel extensively around the world in search of diverse craft and traditions. His professional design aesthetic has been demonstrably shaped by surrounding himself with the rich culture and styles of Russia, Asia, Australia, Europe and The Middle East. After moving back to Charlotte and working as an Associate Designer, Layton launched JLayton Interiors in 2004. During this time, he also acted as lead buyer, designer and store manager for a popular Charlotte-based luxury gift, decor and furnishing retail boutique called Bella Casa from 2005 to 2011. Layton's biggest sense of accomplishment is that he can work within a broad variety of design styles. Thus, his work does not have a routine standard appearance. Each project is an individually inspired expression of originality. His creative philosophy centers on juxtaposing a collection of varying styles for a genuine personalized result for each client. The only thing routine about his approach is that he wants to listen to his client’s needs and desires so that he can match and surpass their expectations. Connect with Layton Campbell Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com 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 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: #12: How to Get Your Interior Design Projects Published With Ren Miller #108: Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry: How to Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm #134: Paula Grace: How Do I Build Trust With My Clients? #167: Kelsey Grose – Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017 #203: ​​Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm #291: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design #323: Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships #330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection With Kravet #455: Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business #601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game #677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why #739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life #796: Allison Handler: From Fashion Designer to Interior Designer: Earning $1 Million Gross in Her First Year Other Resources Mentioned: Steal the Show: A Podcast By Heroic Public Speaking

Today on A-Well Designed Business: Today LuAnn recaps her experience at High Point Market this fall and her top takeaways from the Power Talk Friday Tour 2022. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 Resources Mentioned: Mydoma Studio Jaipur Living

Today With Alex Alonso: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined with Alex Alonso of mr. alex TATE Design. Alex was recently on Bravo TV's hit design competition series, "Best Room Wins" where his "transitional" room design earned him a coveted spread in elledecor.com. What also is impressive is Alex’s knowledge that he is here to share. On multiple occasions he just knocked it out of the park for me in terms of when to turn down a client. Alex shares his ABCD approach that took him and his team months to formulate and now serves them, to be able to have their ideal clients and provide the best client experience. Pick It Apart [14:06] Do all of the ABCD’s of Alex’s ideal client have to check the “yes” box? [26:39] How Alex responds when a client comes back after they were declined. [29:58] The instances that Alex moves forward with a client if they don’t know or don’t share their budget. LuAnn Nigara and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments “The more honest you can be with yourself about what you can deliver, the better the client experience will be because you’ll have the confidence to speak with the client and say yes, this is or isn’t possible.” - Alex Alonso “It’s really important as a firm to stand behind your word as a collective team.” - Alex Alonso “There is a justification and rationalization when it comes to budget that a consumer can sink their teeth into.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Alex Alonso: The studio team collective is lead by design principal Alex Alonso. A maximalist at heart, after years in media and entertainment on both coasts and travels abroad he launched a studio that embraces a global perspective and celebrates the power of storytelling through spaces. Reflecting a distinct design approach that is all about the mix, the result is a bold sensibility he calls “modern victorian.” Cuban-born Alex grew up under insanely humid Miami days. After attending Northwestern University and working in advertising in Chicago, Alex moved to Los Angeles where we worked in entertainment for many years. All along he perfected his craft in his true passion, design. His travels have taken him across five continents and function as a constant source of inspiration for his designs. A voracious collector, Alex is drawn to anything with a story. Alex was recently on bravo tv's hit design competition series, "best room wins" where his "transitional" room design earned him a coveted spread in elledecor.com. His room was judged by design maven and host, Genevieve Gorder, elle decor editor-in-chief, Whitney Robinson and design icon, Jonathan Adler. Connect with Alex Alonso Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets #482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big #384: Sarah Magness: Practical Strategies for Talking Budgets

Today With Ebony Looney: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and today we are having a conversation about your website. Constructing, revamping, or anything you have to do with your business website can be pretty intimidating. Ebony Looney, web designer, creative director, and owner of Make Me Over Eb is here to tell us how to optimize our website in search, common website mistakes, what to hire out for, what we must include, and more that will give you more confidence and clarity in building your website. Pick It Apart [6:00] Ebony gives advice on how to share your portfolio or show your work on your website. [17:00] Mistakes people tend to make in constructing their website. [20:30] How important is blogging for your business? [34:15] How to attract tradesmen through your website. LuAnn Nigara and Ebony Looney's Ah-Ha Moments “The more I understand about your process before I have conversation with you, the better I can decide and believe if this will work for me.” - LuAnn Nigara “Every business needs to blog.” - Ebony Looney “People are looking you up and want to know if you know what you are doing and what makes you stand out.” - Ebony Looney More About 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. Connect with Ebony Looney Website Instagram Facebook YouTube What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning a Website That Make Things Happen #574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy #64: Stephanie Hamilton: Reputation Marketing for Window Treatment Professionals Other Resources Mentioned: LuAnn's Birthday Bash!

Today With Tanna Edler: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Tanna Edler, owner of TANNA BY DESIGN we learn the seven strategies she implemented to cut her work time in half, but doubling her income. This wasn’t always the case for Tanna. She worked eight years in business before she came to a realization that things had to change. She was overworking herself and doing the backend duties the “long way.” After attending Mydoma Studio’s 19 Hours, she was inspired to live by her new motto to “live easy.” Pick It Apart [2:17] Tanna shares the catalyst to her come to Jesus moment after 8 years as an interior designer. [11:35] Tanna talks about the first strategy she used to improve her business. [13.41] Tanna shares how she personally utilizes Mydoma’s Studio Management Tool. [22:05] Tanna explains Mydoma’s Signature Discovery Call [29:32] The fifth strategy of Marketing Team Outsourcing [40:48] Tanna’s Education strategy and how Lu University was a huge contributor. [47:50] How Tanna’s seven strategies have resulted in more time and more money. LuAnn Nigara and Tanna Edler's Ah-Ha Moments “Going into this, I thought that the design aspect was going to be the challenge. I thought I was going in with all of the business knowledge, but it was the complete opposite.” - Tanna Edler “When you’re investing in a website redesign, you do need to know what your message is. What would be the point of the pretty if you're not talking to your ideal client from who you are.” - LuAnn Nigara “You’re the epitome of understanding that no matter how good you are doing something there’s one little aha moment that unlocks a new level of awareness and strategy.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Tanna Edler: Hello, I'm Tanna Edler, founder of TANNA BY DESIGN. I own a Full Service Interior Design firm, based near Yakima, Washington with projects nationwide. Specializing in residential and commercial, new construction and remodeling projects. My philosophy is ‘live easy’. My superpower is creating a space that just feels right, matching the lifestyle goals of my clients. I do this by listening and problem solving. My gift is using the results of this discovery to transform their home or office, enabling my clients to live their best life. Born in Montana, my namesake, and growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I have always had an affinity for nature. From a young age I was intrigued by simplicity and natural shapes. You will notice my designs are emphasized by ample windows, an open floor plan and the idea of bringing the outdoors in. After graduating from Washington State University and spending over a decade in corporate human resources as a trainer and coach, working with companies such as Microsoft and Amazon, my creativity pulled me to pursue interior design full time in 2011. I brought along a skill set of client management and procedure solutions which assist me in operating my business and offering a seamless onboarding process for my new clients. Today, I am the only interior designer in Yakima, Washington as well as Washington State to have been awarded IDS Designer of the Year, eight years and the first in the Pacific Northwest to have received the coveted IDS Impact Award for my charitable interior design contributions in my community. Collaborating with the interior design industry elevates my craft and has enabled me to gain vendor relations, allowing for endless interior products at my fingertips. I also care about the future of our industry and have enjoyed serving on the Board as a Director for the Interior Design Society. Recently, I have added Business Coaching to my offerings, mentoring other Interior Designers as they strive for the same success. While my passion is design, I also love to create through writing. For the last ten years I have enjoyed contributing as an interior design writer for NorthSound Life Magazine and their affiliates. White glove service, everything in its place, no worries, no hassle is what I stand for and runs through my virtual design team members and trusted list of architects, contractors, and trades partners I work with. Connect with Tanna Edler Website Blog Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 Resources Mentioned: Mydoma Studio

Today With Kate Saunders: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Kate Saunders, is a designer with more than 18 years of experience. Over time, she realized that she has strength, talent, and even passion for the backend of the business. She has taken her experience and her strength to form The Designer’s Collab—a company that handles the backend for design firms of all sizes. Today, she’s sharing what she has learned about efficiency, file management, and streamlining your interior design business. Pick It Apart [1:38] Kate shares the journey that led her to form The Designer’s Collab [8:49] Kate and LuAnn discuss systems that streamline businesses [14:43] LuAnn shares a frustrating roadblock in her business that needs a system improvement [26:49] LuAnn and Kate talk about the importance of creating a book of standards [35:51] Kate highlights her new brand, The Designer’s Collab LuAnn Nigara and Kate Saunders' Ah-Ha Moments “It’s really important to set up procedures and standards in the beginning. It takes a lot of time, but it’s so important, especially if you’re trying to grow your business. It helps to keep your entire team in line and understanding what your vision is for your business.” -Kate “It’s the difference between knowing in your head what you do and having it on paper or digitally. It enables all the things—it allows you to scale, to train, to go on vacation, but it also helps you in crisis too. We’re not getting out of this world without crisis touching us in some way, shape, or form.” -LuAnn More About Kate Saunders: Kate started in the interior design industry in 2004 and received her BA in Fine Arts from the Design Institute of San Diego. After a few years as a designer, she went on to receive her master’s in architecture degree from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design. Kate has spent the past 18+ years in every facet of the interior design industry; from Construction Management and Architecture, running her own design firm, helping to lead the interior design program for RH, designing side-by-side with acclaimed San Diego and Orange County interior designers, to managing wholesale Trade Programs across the US and Canada. She’s done it all. Now with her to-the-trade outsourcing service, she has created an opportunity for designers throughout the country to utilize services typically restricted to larger firms. Whether it be outsourcing your drafting, project management, presentation, and content files, or assisting with installations - The Designer's Collab can assist in any virtual or in-person service capacity giving the sole designer, or design firm a true 3rd party support system to build their business and enhance their client's experience with every tool available. Connect with Kate Saunders Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today With Elsie St. Leger: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today on the show, I’m joined by Elsie St. Leger, president of IIDA New York, and founding member of the New York chapter’s Equity Council. The Equity Council was formed to address racial inequality within the design industry and educate those who are interested in doing the work and having the real conversations about equality. Elsie shares what you can do as an individual and business owner to take accountability and make a change. Pick It Apart [19:50] Elsie shares how the Equity Council was formed and what their mission is. [22:40] Elsie and LuAnn discuss the four pillars of the Equity Council. [31:30] Elsie discusses the importance of workshops and education about diversity issues. [51:38] Elsie and LuAnn talk about why diversity is so important in the design industry specifically. [58:30] Elsie shares what designer can do to promote equity in the industry. LuAnn Nigara and Elsie St. Leger's Ah-Ha Moments “Diversity has become, unfortunately, a sort of broad-stroke term that almost doesn’t mean anything. We wanted to set these pillars—so people could have a foundation from which to start those conversations.” -Elsie “The Equality Council is not about casting judgment. It’s not about pointing fingers. It’s not about revenge or telling you what to do. It’s about assessing where we are, setting the bar, and moving forward.” -Elsie More About Elsie St. Leger: Elsie St. Léger entered the industry while earning her BFA at the New York School of Interior Design, beginning in the residential sector before moving to healthcare. Now an assistant project manager at NYU Langone Health, St. Léger believes in giving back to the industry and began volunteering with IIDA NY. Now, president of IIDA NY, she has played a vital role in the chapter’s push toward accountability and equity as a founding member of the chapter’s Equity Council. As a trusted leader in New York’s interior design industry, St. Léger understands the value of building community during turbulent times. Her motto is momentum and progress, and her role as president has involved building on IIDA NY’s foundation while continuing on a positive trajectory. Despite the inability to conduct in-person programming, working remotely and reprioritizing has allowed St. Léger to foster the sense of remote community within the organization that has become important in the pandemic era. Her previous leadership roles for IIDA NY include that of Residential Forum Co-Chair and Healthcare Forum Co-Chair, and she was part of the leadership of LMNOP (Leadership Mentoring & Networking Opportunities for A&D Professionals), which is now integrated into IIDA NY. Connect with Elsie St. Leger Website Instagram Facebook Equity Council: JEDI Resources What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Head over to mydomastudio.com/summer to get Mydoma’s most popular plan for 50% off until the end of the year—just $39.50 per month to get access to a full suite of project management tools, plus the simple and user-friendly rendering tool. Make an investment in yourself and your business and take advantage of this limited-time offer! Visit mydomastudio.com/summer to get started.

Today With Vita Vygovska: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 5 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. More About Vita Vygovska: Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short!), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, and the LuAnn University instructor for Systems Driven Operations. Connect with Vita Vygovska Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #748: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: Understanding Margin vs. Markup #761: Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly #775: Window Treatment Friday: Vita Vygovska: How Much Profit Can Designers Make on Window Treatments? #793: Window Treatment Friday: How To Breakdown Pricing for Your Customers

Today With Michelle Lynne: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I am joined by Michelle Lynn, president of ML Interiors Group, a successful design firm based in Dallas, and founder of Designed for the Creative Mind where she teaches interior designers and decorators the proven practices, effective processes, and profitable systems to run their businesses with purpose and efficiency. I get a lot of requests to talk about what constitutes billable hours. I think you’ll enjoy the answer to all of the tasks you should be charging your clients, but also we shift into the importance of standing by what we charge, knowing we’re worth what we charge, and yet again, educating our clients. Pick It Apart [6:40] The conversation starts about what constitutes billable hours. [20:20] If Michelle HAD to pick three tasks that may not be considered billable. [21:30] The controversial subject of charging less hourly when using your junior designer. [38:00] LuAnn emphasizes the internal work that needs to be done to be confident in what you charge. [44:00] How having a solid process result in respect from your clients. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Lynne's Ah-Ha Moments “You need to be raising your standards and continue to push until you start hearing some “nos'' because that is when you’ve hit your sweet spot in weeding out the clients who will drag you down.” - Michelle Lynne “Professionals hire professionals.” - Michelle Lynne “We make a home feel like a hug. How do you put a price on that?” - Michelle Lynne “You can listen to hours upon hours of podcasts about knowing your value, but if you don’t do the internal work and come from your CEO role and stand your ground on the service you provide and what it’s worth, you will always struggle with what you are charging.” - LuAnn Nigara “When you start to conduct your business in an organized fashion, your clients become people who appreciate that, don’t question you, and have trust in you.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Michelle Lynne: Michelle Lynne is the president of ML Interiors Group, a successful design firm based in Dallas, and the founder of Designed for the Creative Mind, where she teaches interior designers and decorators the proven practices, effective processes, and profitable systems to run their businesses with purpose and efficiency. A few years into running her interior design firm, Michelle found herself disillusioned from overworking and underbilling. She took control of her firm, putting systems and parameters in place that soon led to a thriving, seven-figure interior design business. Connect with Michelle Lynne Website Instagram Facebook Blog Designed for the Creative Mind What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #429: Alinda Morris: A Successful Design Business Depends on a Firm Foundation #463: Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity #797: Power Talk Friday: Andrea Liebross: What You Are Worth, in Dollars and Sense Other Resources Mentioned: RSVP for LuAnn Nigara's birthday bash at High Point Market!

Today with Terri Taylor: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday! Today’s Power Talk Friday is sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy. Terri knows how to create successful design businesses—and this time she is here to teach us all about design fees VS hourly billing! More About Terri Taylor: Terri Taylor is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer at design conferences and showrooms throughout the country. She speaks on a number of topics related to the business of interior design, including: business practices, sales, marketing, motivation, leadership, success and personal growth. Ms. Taylor is nationally known as an interior design business expert and coach who teaches and mentors interior designers to help them create successful design businesses. Terri has over 32 years in the interior design and construction business. She holds both residential and commercial general remodeling Arizona Contractors Licenses, and qualified for her NCIDQ certification in 1991. Terri is a professional member of ASID, IDS and NCIDQ. Her Tucson-based design studio, Taylor Design Group, was a diversified design practice working in the areas of high-end residential design and remodeling, model home merchandising, hospitality and medical and professional offices. Her studio has been the recipient of ASID Arizona South Chapter Design Excellence Awards every year since 1986 and she received the ASID National Design Excellence Award in 2000. Terri’s design work has been published in regional and national design journals, including ASID ICON and Wall St. Journal. Terri retired from her studio practice in 2015. In 2009, Ms. Taylor created Design Biz Blueprint (now Interior Design Business Academy); an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of design business strategies and systems, and powerful positive mindset to help interior designers create meaningful success. She’s inspired thousands of interior design entrepreneurs through her speaking engagements, seminars, on-line education and coaching. Terri connects with heart-centered designers to help grow their business strategy, accountability, and profitability all while undergoing a beautiful personal transformation. Connect with Terri Taylor Website Instagram Blog Other Shows Mentioned: #763: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Real Deal and Charging Your Worth #710: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Get Paid What You are Worth. Sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021 #662: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Stepping Into Profitable Kitchen Remodels. Sponsored Show: Interior Design Business Academy #602: Terri Taylor: Interior Design Business Academy 2020 Summit #548: Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's show is sponsored by Terri Taylor and The Interior Design Business Academy. Check out all the details on https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com/

Today With Susan & Paul Kadilak: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We’ve all heard about how valuable video can be for our business. But the idea of starting with video holds a lot of us back. How do we overcome our own insecurities? How do we get started? What do we even put in our videos? Today, Susan & Paul Kadilak of Kadilak homes help answer that question. They’re taking us through their journey of video for their business and how you can start with video—even if video makes you nervous! Pick It Apart [2:46] Paul and Susan share how they got started with video and how they overcame the discomfort and nerves in the process. [19:18] Paul and Susan discuss why they chose to bring someone in-house to handle their video needs [22:57] Paul and Susan talk about how to get started with video—without needing to create scripts or ideas. [28:45] Paul, Susan, and LuAnn discuss how video help build relationships with clients. [36:55] Paul and Susan talk about building video into your contracts. [50:00] Paul and Susan discuss their upcoming TV show and app. LuAnn Nigara and Susan & Paul Kadilak's Ah-Ha Moments “It gets your authenticity out there. When you’re just yourself, there’s people that are going to like you and there are people that are not going to like you and that’s okay. It attracts our ideal avatar in a way, because people come to us that want to work with us.” -Paul “We all know we’re going to get better. If you’re trying to find the courage or motivation, just know that today is the worst you’re ever going to be at it.” -LuAnn “You have to recognize that you care more and you’re paying more attention than anybody else. You’re your own biggest critic.” -Susan More About Susan & Paul Kadilak: @KadilakHomes is a design build firm run by Susan & Paul Kadilak in the Greater Boston area. Together they have made it their mission to help their clients turn an ordinary house into a haven that they love coming home to! The Kadilak’s have grown by connecting directly with their audience through their social media channels and are excited to announce that they just launched a brand-new app, “Renovation Rekindle”, featuring their new show with 10 half hour episodes. In each episode you can follow along with the Kadilak’s and their clients on a complete home renovation journey from beginning to end. Connect with Susan & Paul Kadilak Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. products are in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Heather Hansen: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Heather Hansen, of Heather Hansen Presents we’re talking about how to advocate for yourself in your business. For some, this can be challenging because it begins with believing in yourself. And after 20 years as a trial attorney, Heather has combined her experience, her psychology degree, and her time as a TV anchor to create specific tools to teach anyone to advocate. Pick It Apart [4:13] Heather explains to us how she helps people advocate for themselves, their ideas, and business. [8:00] Heather’s 3 C’s of advocacy. [19:36] What Heather does with her clients to instill better belief in themselves through the evidence journal. [40:00] How compassion plays a role in your advocacy. LuAnn Nigara and Heather Hansen's Ah-Ha Moments “No one can better advocate for yourself than you can because no one has your experience, passion, and talent.” - Heather Hansen “If you’re lacking in belief, then it’s really hard to help other people believe.” - Heather Hansen “See things from your client’s perspective, then use words to resonate with them.” - Heather Hansen More About Heather Hansen: Heather Hansen helps leaders, sales teams and high-powered individuals master persuasion and build credibility with diverse stakeholders. She gives leaders the tools to make the case for their ideas, their products, and their leadership. With these tools, they change others' perspectives and help them to believe. Heather has worked with companies like Google, LVMH, SavATree, the American Medical Association, and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and has lectured at Harvard Business School, Stanford Law School, Berkeley, and the University of Pennsylvania. She’s also appeared on The Today Show, CNN, NBC, MSNBC, Fox Business, and CBS. Heather is the author of the bestselling book The Elegant Warrior-How to Win Life's Trials Without Losing Yourself, which Publishers Weekly calls "a template to achieving personal and career goals", and the host of The Elegant Warrior podcast, an Apple Top 100 Career podcast. Her most recent book is Advocate To Win-10 Tools to Ask for What You Want and Get It. Connect with Heather Hansen Website Instagram LinkedIn Advocate to Win: 10 Tools to Ask for What You Want and Get It The Elegant Warrior What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #797: Power Talk Friday: Andrea Liebross: What You Are Worth, in Dollars and Sense. Window Treatments for Profit: #70: Elizabeth Gerdes: Sometimes a Pivot is the Best Thing for Your Window Treatment Business Happiness A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: We only have so many hours in the day. So, how do you maximize your time and invest in your business without maxing out your expenses? Well, our friends at Mydoma have you covered. They’re having the biggest sale of the season, so if you want to spend less time managing and more time designing, plus get access to a powerful rendering tool, mood boards, easy product curation, and more, then I think you know what to do. Head over to mydomastudio.com/summer to get Mydoma’s most popular plan for 50% off until the end of the year. That’s only $39.50 per month to get access to a full suite of project management tools, plus the simple and user-friendly rendering tool. Make an investment in yourself and your business and take advantage of this limited-time offer! That’s mydomastudio.com/summer.

Today on A Well-Designed Business Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, LuAnn lists all the different services and products she offers through the LuAnn Nigara Inc platform for you to enjoy! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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

Today With Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Have you been noticing brands in all industries going more “green?” Are you wondering how you can contribute as a designer? Today I am chatting with Michelle Rohrer-Lauer a.k.a “The Green Queen”, owner of Michelle Interiors. Michelle will answer all of your questions on how you can learn about sustainability (clue: her 50 Shades of Green events) and how to sprinkle in eco-friendly design to your clients. Make sure to tune in because sustainability is a growing concept and you don’t want to miss out. Pick It Apart [1:45] Michelle explains how sustainability is a growing consumer mandate. [6:27] Michelle gives advice on how to sprinkle in information to clients. [23:20] Michelle talks to us about her 50 Shades of Green approach and events. [31:51] Michelle explains how a designer can learn more about sustainability. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Rohrer-Lauer's Ah-Ha Moments “You don’t have to be 100% green. You can be 10% green and you’ll still make a difference in your home.” - Michelle Rohrer-Lauer “I already know that you’re going to make the room pretty, but when you’ve added extra value to it and taught me something that’s something I am going to include in my conversations.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Award-winning interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, a.k.a. “The Green Queen,” launched Michelle’s Interiors more than 25 years ago as a part-time, home-based business. Since then, the studio has grown into a bustling, well-respected, firm operating full-time in suburban Chicago. Michelle’s mission has always been to help her clients live the luxurious lifestyle they imagined, in the broadest sense. Yes, that means top-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. But above all, Michelle wants her clients to enjoy the same mindset at home that they experience on vacation: relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated. To that philosophy, Michelle adds a passion for sensible, eco-friendly design choices. She calls her approach “50 Shades of Green” because she believes that her clients don’t have to be 100 percent sustainable at home. They can choose any shade of green that fits their lifestyle, because even small changes can produce healthier indoor living and a healthier planet. As a certified GREENleader and member of the national Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), Michelle wants to help improve indoor air quality, protect natural resources, reduce the world’s carbon footprint and rebel against our throw-away society. She calls it a life insurance policy for the future. To further this goal, Michelle has developed a series of events called “50 Shades of Green,” partnering with local builders, landscapers, architects and specialty trades to educate the public about her approach to eco-friendly design. Among her accolades: Won “Designer of the Year” award in the 2020 #GetYourGreenOn contest co-sponsored by the Interior Design Society and Sustainable Furnishings Council. Here is her Award-Winning Project Winner, ASID-IL Design Excellence Awards 2018 to 2021 Member, Sustainable Furnishings Council Featured in Sheridan Road Magazine, focusing on sustainable design choices for an award-winning home Featured in Green Building & Design Magazine here: Sustainable Interior Design Tips. Named as the go-to sustainable designer for Lake Home Lifestyles magazine and blog, including Living the Green Life Connect with Michelle Rohrer-Lauer Website Instagram Facebook Portfolio Fifty Shades of Green What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #569: Power Talk Friday: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design. #670: Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals #773: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation #800: Richelle Plett: How to Sell Upholstery Without a Sit Test A Big Thank Y

Today With Hailey Kolbe: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I am joined by Hailey Kolbe, the founder and principal designer of her referral-based design firm, Hailey Kolbe Design, which specializes in full-service design for new builds and remodels. Do you know the value of a thorough client work-up? Today, Hailey and I discuss the importance of a thorough evaluation of your client inquiry forms, how to spot red flags, and set expectations with your clients so you set yourself, and your client, up for success. Tune in today to hear how these critical steps can ultimately help you attract your ideal client and be more profitable. More About Hailey Kolbe: Hailey Kolbe Design is a referral-based design firm ran by founder and lead designer Hailey Kolbe. HK Design specializes in full-service design for new builds and remodels. At the heart of the business is Hailey’s devotion to serving others and creating a unique design experience tailored to each client project. Through developing long lasting relationships with her clients, Hailey and her team create spaces reflective of each homeowner’s personality and lifestyle. HK Design cultivates a client experience through a comprehensive materials presentation, the provision of on-site support throughout the construction process and concludes with the furnishing installation. It is Hailey’s priority to curate beautiful, yet functional spaces and a bespoke experience for each of her clients to enjoy while bringing the custom design to fruition. A native Texan and Texas A&M graduate, Hailey began working as a Registered Nurse before her creative abilities, driven spirit, and deep faith transformed her profession in 2015 into a flourishing interior design career. She spent many years designing homes at a full-service design firm and furniture showroom where she gained experience in design, project management, retail and merchandising. Hailey’s design experience highlights full service residential remodels, new construction, and furnishings. Her work can be seen in Texas living Publications and Luxe Interior Design Magazine. Over the years, Hailey has honed her skills by growing resources and relationships to provide the best products and qualified contractors for each individual project. Hailey also offers mentorship to fellow designers called "Mentorship by Hailey." She has experienced many wonderful mentors throughout her career as a designer and recognizes mentorship is indispensable for the success of Hailey Kolbe Design. She knows firsthand the importance of having one person to trust with the details of your business, to help guide you through decisions and provide encouragement to take the next step in order for your business to grow. This mentorship is designed to support you and your business in a unique way as she is currently in the midst of running her own business, navigating hard decisions, seeking to grow and serve her clients in a way that provides the very best experience. Connect with Hailey Kolbe Website Instagram Hailey's Project Inquiry Form Hailey's Design Process To apply for Business Mentorship with Hailey Kolbe What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Claire Jefford: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. In today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Claire Jefford—a seasoned designer, a business coach, and one of my trusted Power Talk Friday experts. Claire knows that the foundation of a successful business is trust and experience—and she’s formed the Interior Design Boss Academy to teach you how to build those two vital pieces for your business. Pick It Apart [13:38] Claire discusses why trust matters so much in business and how to build it from the very first touchpoint with a client. [23:25] Claire and LuAnn talk about the importance of the client experience. [30:51] Claire breaks down the modules of her course and how they help designers build a strong foundation for their business. [45:25] Claire shares what you get when you join the Interior Design Boss Academy. LuAnn Nigara and Claire Jefford's Ah-Ha Moments: “The quicker you can build trust, the faster clients will hand over the reins to you and not micromanage. You’ll just see a big shift.” -Claire Jefford “I have coached designers who have said that in their welcome emails they start talking about discounts. Who are you attracting there right now? You are attracting people who are counting their dollars. We don’t hire people in our business because they’re the cheapest. We hire because they’re the best.” -Claire Jefford “This industry is a luxury. We as designers or business owners can’t forget that whether you’re selling somebody something a $250 service or a $50,000 design fee, they’re coming to you for the experience.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Claire Jefford: Claire Jefford began her award-winning Interior Decorating firm in 2011 & quickly grew her business, boasting the highest reviewed design professional in the Toronto area with over 100 reviews. In 2017, Claire started a second business as a Business Coach. With a background in Human Resources, Claire is passionate about having organized processes, marketing & she also loves creating videos. Audiences love Claire for her authentic personality, her helpful, straight-up advice & cheeky sense of humour. Voted Top Influencer 3 years running by Modenus, Claire does speaking engagements, panel discussions & live video broadcasts from various events across North America. She also runs a highly active Facebook group, Interior Design Business Strategies, with over 5500 design professionals from around the world. Connect with Claire Jefford Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #237 Claire Jefford: How To Get More Clients With Video Content #325 Claire Jefford: Create Valuable Content to Sell Through Your Website #485 Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult A big thank you to today's sponsor: Today's show is sponsored by Claire Jefford and The Interior Design Boss Academy. Check out all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Designer Boss Academy”. Enroll here: https://www.interiordesignbossacademy.com/

Today With Rebecca Hay: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Rebecca Hay, CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs. Through her podcast Resilient by Design and her course Power of Process, Rebecca is tapping into her experience with running her own business. She is sharing how she has learned to have a clear, organized, and thorough process of services resulting in success in every design project. Of course, it wasn’t always ‘success’ with Rebecca’s business. She had some eye-opening experiences, including what she calls a “lemon job” which, along with A Well-Designed Business and her peers, really opened her eyes to put proper focus on building a process of services. Listen in as Rebecca and I discuss processes and how through trial and error and the knowledge that process is constantly evolving she has managed to confidently run her business. Pick It Apart [6:30] Rebecca goes into how she learned that processes are important. [10:03] Rebecca explains how she felt that systems and processes seemed too advanced for her to try at first. [31:47] Rebecca shares how she councils designers through her podcast and through her Power of Process Course how to address processes. [41:00] LuAnn and Rebecca discuss charging for your consultations. LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Hay's Ah-Ha Moments “No matter what the situation is, you have to rewind it back to where you think the mistake took place because that’s where the lesson is.” - LuAnn Nigara “If you never ask your clients those questions, you could go on for years having the same process that hasn't worked the best for your clients.” - LuAnn Nigara “If the new processes aren’t updated in writing, then when the next project rolls around it's not there to follow. Process is constantly evolving.” - Rebecca Hay More About Rebecca Hay: Rebecca Hay is CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs, podcast host, international speaker, and business coach. She helps driven interior designers who are frustrated, time-strapped and spinning their wheels to eliminate the chaos of running a design business so that they can achieve focus and clarity. She helps them implement systems and strategies to inspire their confidence and streamline their business, taking them from chaos to coordinated. Her methods and experience prove that anyone can uplevel their business without working around the clock & missing out on precious family time. She’s built her own seven-figure interior design business through trial and error and has eliminated the chaos giving her the freedom now to focus only on the parts that she enjoys most. Her goal is to disrupt the traditional elitism and secrecy that has been a cornerstone of the Interior Design industry for far too long. Rebecca believes in collaboration over competition and given the right tools & truly authentic marketing, any designer can be successful. Connect with Rebecca Hay Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 #777: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self #698: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm #557: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #475: Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time #02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems #36: Susan Brunstrum: Practical Advice for Project Management #607: Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by Brad Clinard, the Director of Financial Design at High Point Financial Design. Brad and his team are not your average financial planners. Their mission is abundance for everyone, especially their clients and they believe it is their responsibility as Financial Designers to help people improve their lives, make better choices concerning their money, and positively impact their financial wellness. This is their one, extraordinary, and obsessive focus.

Today With Jeannie Andresen: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I often hear from designers who struggle to turn down undesirable businesses. That makes sense—it can be hard to say no to the wrong fit. It takes work on your own mindset to learn how to do that. Today, business coach Jeannie Andresen joins me to guide you through a straightforward process to determine your own worth, charge accordingly, and turn away the business that doesn’t align with it. Pick It Apart [7:52] Jeannie breaks down the art of the 10-minute phone call for crisis communication. [19:47] Jeannie explains why removing emotion makes business decisions easier. [38:22] LuAnn and Jeannie discuss why undercharging hurts both you and the client. [45:18] Jeannie shares how to overcome feeling bad about saying no. LuAnn Nigara and Jeannie Andresen's Ah-Ha Moments “If you’re going to convince yourself of a story, why don’t we just try a different story? Let’s say that if you say $6,000 then they thought it was going to be $10,000 and they are thrilled. Because that is just as likely as the story that they were expecting $3,000 and $6,000 is too much. We made them both up.” -LuAnn “You have to remember that in the tough conversations, the other person just wants to hear sometimes that you know a mistake was made. You don’t have to take it as a personal hit.” -LuAnn “The worse feeling is when you give a quote and they say yes to it quickly and you just crumble because you think you should have charged more. How does that allow you to show up moving forward with that client?” -Jeannie More About Jeannie Andresen: Jeannie is a former corporate director turned life and business coach who specializes in helping interior designers become confident in both business and leadership. Jeannie’s background includes a decade of experience in corporate America, running a recruiting business inside a Fortune 100 finance firm. Her role included directly managing a team of six, indirectly managing a team of thirty, and onboarding, training, and coaching sales professionals to develop habits of success to reach their business goals. Jeannie now focuses her business on teaching interior designers the processes of running an organized, successful, and efficient business, so they can finally become confident in their business abilities and make the money they deserve. Connect with Jeannie Andresen Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #710 Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: Get Paid What You are Worth. Sponsored by Interior Design Business Academy Summit 2021 A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. products are in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in-stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Sherry Schmidt: Today I am joined by Sherry Schmidt, owner of Form and Function. With 20 years of experience in the industry, Sherry offers individualized one-stop residential and commercial design services. Today we are covering all things commercial design. Sherry puts all of her sales staff through a step by step training to teach them the art of conversation with clients. Whether you do commercial design, residential design and thinking about adding commercial, residential only, or you just think sales in general are scary, this episode will provide you with a ton of takeaways. You will also learn about Sherry’s course, the Consumer Centered Sales Method for Design Professionals, that will take sales training even farther giving you the confidence to close each and every sale. Pick It Apart [6:15] Sherry breaks down what she will be covering in our conversation about commercial design. [15:00] Sherry explains what territorial restrictions refer to in commercial design. [17:30] Being prepared with a list of questions about the project scope, budget and quality [29:20] Tips on using what you know about your competition during the initial interview. [49:59] What Sherry suggests designers watch out for in terms of budgeting. LuAnn Nigara and Sherry Schmidt's Ah-Ha Moments “Every situation is different. There are no problems, just solutions.” - Sherry Schmidt “How do I value engineering and still get the look for less?” - Sherry Schmidt “A huge takeaway is do not underestimate the interview, if we can’t wow them during this step then we’re just wasting our time.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Sherry Schmidt: Sherry Schmidt’s studies in art and psychology spawned her interest in interior design. With 20 years of experience in the industry, she offers individualized one-stop residential and commercial design services. Her client-inspired designs incorporate distinctive elements sourced from global artisans and suppliers to create exclusively tailored spaces. Sherry is dedicated to building trusted relationships and to providing superior service to clients throughout the Midwest and beyond. Connect with Sherry Schmidt Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience is #1 in Design A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

More About Amber De La Garza: Amber De La Garza is The Productivity Specialist! Amber is a sought-after coach, trainer, speaker, writer, host of the Productivity Straight Talk podcast, and creator of Leverage Lab®. She helps business owners improve their time management and elevate their productivity to maximize profits, reduce stress, and make time for what matters most! Connect with Amber De La Garza Website Instagram Facebook Listen to Amber’s podcast! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Gillian Segal: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am sitting down with Gillian Segal, owner of Gillian Segal Design and HUGE supporter of relationships. But that’s not Gillian’s only passion. Gillian's skill of sourcing has also contributed to her company’s success. Tune in to learn how strong relationships in all aspects of her business and how growing her ‘black book’ of vendors has made Gillian’s firm successful in six years. Pick It Apart [3:00] Gillian starts us right off on what developing community means to her. [7:38] How Gillian develops her supportive and collaborative team. [26:36] Gillian brings the same principles in strengthening relationships with her clients. [33:23] What comes to mind for Gillian in terms of the community with vendors and peers. LuAnn Nigara and Gillian Segal's Ah-Ha Moments “Design is a team sport because it definitely takes a village.” - Gillian Segal “Some things are out of our control, but what is in our control is how we conduct ourselves with our partners.” - Gillian Segal “The things that got you to your first $500,000 won’t be the things that will get you to your first million to your second million, and so on.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Gillian Segal: Gillian believes that design can have a profoundly positive impact on quality of life and has always had a passion for interior design and its influence on the way we feel day-to-day. At a young age, Gillian watched her parents build their first family home, and from that experience, she always knew that she wanted to change people’s lives through design. After completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Gillian pursued her love for design by attending B.C.I.T’s Interior Design program and graduated magna cum laude. From there, she earned her CID and began working with some of Vancouver’s top design studios, which catapulted the start of her eponymous design firm. Now servicing major cities, including Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, Gillian works with clients around the globe to create highly personalized spaces that speak authentically to their lifestyles. With an emphasis on playful, modern, and eclectic glamour, Gillian’s work is ever-evolving and frequently inspired by her travels and love for shifting styles throughout the decades. Gillian prioritizes the blending of old and new design aesthetics in order to continuously produce one-of-a-kind timeless spaces for her clients. Passionate about collaborative initiatives, Gillian continues to expand her endeavors in the product development market. She is the co-founder of Saint Lunette, which focuses on servicing developers, and most recently has curated a product design and wallpaper collection with Drop It Modern. Gillian has also shared her expertise as an interior design contributor and writer for marthastewart.com and Gray Malin. In between site checks and design appointments, she loves spending time with her family and raising her young children. When she’s not working, Gillian is passionate about giving back and often participates in volunteer work around her community. Gillian is excited to expand her reach and bring her tailored design approach to more of her favorite cities around the world. Connect with Gillian Segal Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #64- Laura Umansky- Plan Your Career with Intention and Purpose #363- Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn- Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #492- Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates

Today’s Show Sponsored by the “Interior Design Standard.” Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to share all the details of her upcoming course, the “Interior Design Standard”. I’m so excited to share Sandra Funk’s business program, the “Interior Design Standard”, with you because I know it will be the best investment for your business. Enroll here: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann Today with Sandra Funk: Sandra's back on the show today, and we are talking all about growth and change. Mistakes and obstacles can lead to growth and transformation. Find out why Sandra never asks a client for their budget, and what she does instead. This is one you don't want to miss! This will also be your exclusive invitation to sign up for the Interior Design Standard, so you can achieve the same transformation as Sandra's design firm, without having to make all the mistakes yourself. More About Sandra Funk: Sandra Funk is the CEO and Principal Designer of House of Funk, a greater New York area design firm working wherever great clients need us. This is interior design with a soul and a sense of place; reflecting your desires, personality, and style. House of Funk creates thoughtful homes with an emphasis on clean lines and soulful touches, all rooted in tradition. Sandra is an Accredited Professional for the Sustainable Furnishings Council. Sandra’s award-winning design work has been featured in publications such as Elle Decor, House Beautiful, The Huffington Post, Apartment Therapy, Aspire Design & Home, and Luxe Interiors + Design. With almost two decades in the interior design industry, Sandra is launching the Interior Design Standard in the spring of 2020 – a template for designers to utilize her streamlined processes and business structure to bring joy and profit to their own design business. Connect with Sandra Funk Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: #753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business #660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard” #585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems #520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here! #145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm #02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

Today With Richelle Plett: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, with Richelle Plett, seasoned interior designer, and expert in upholstered furniture. We talk about her proprietary course, Upholstery Uncovered, which is accompanied by her, literally beautiful, book by the same name. We also talk about her exciting new 3-hour intensive course available through LuAnn University starting fall 2022, called "Close more upholstered furniture sales: No sit test required!". This episode and her courses are for you if you have ever struggled to sell upholstered pieces to your clients without a “sit test”. When you know the ergonomics of upholstered pieces and the construction of them, you can confidently specify comfortable, beautiful upholstered furniture without the stress and anxiety of “will they like it”? Be the expert and learn how to confidently sell upholstered furniture even when your client cannot try it themselves. Pick It Apart [4:00] LuAnn and Richelle explain the importance of how you can build trust by having the knowledge of what you are selling. [7:02] As a full service interior designer, Richelle shares how she came to know so much about upholstery. [20:45] Richelle runs through some of the topics covered in her book, Upholstery Uncovered. [31:30] Information on Richelle’s upcoming course for LuAnn University. LuAnn Nigara and Richelle Plett's Ah-Ha Moments “From a sales standpoint, anytime I can understand exactly what I am talking about it’s so much easier to sell.” - LuAnn Nigara “As a designer, you need to be able to read the frame, look at it and notice that this particular fabric, whether I’m reupholstering it or selecting a custom fabric and recognize how that is going to look.” - Richelle Plett “Once you have a good understanding about what your client’s needs are for the upholstered piece in that space, it basically designs itself.” Richelle Plett More About Richelle Plett: Craving a way to confidently source custom upholstery and meet your client’s needs without resorting to crowdsourcing social media for the answer? Then you should know Richelle Plett. In addition to being a “seasoned” interior designer, Richelle has developed a course called UPHOLSTERY UNCVOVERED that teaches design professionals how to identify and analyze upholstery construction materials and methods so they can make informed decisions on their client’s behalf. Having previously owned an upholstery studio that specialized in the restoration of vintage seating, Richelle has had the unique opportunity to observe how various materials and construction methods wear in real life. In UPHOLSTERY UNCOVERED, she presents the information in an unbiased manner diving deep into frames, foundations, springs, cushions, fabrics, and custom fabric application, and empowers students to confidently specify custom upholstery WITHOUT clients insisting on sitting on it first! When not geeking out over the pros and cons of 8-way hand-tied coils springs, Richelle can be found on her own sofa with her dog streaming a documentary and devouring black jellybeans. Connect with Richelle Plett Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Jamie Van Cuyk: It seems like everywhere I turn, businesses in our industry are hiring. And yet, just as many of them are struggling to find the right way to hire and onboard for long-term success. Today, Jamie Van Cuyk of Growing Your Business joins me to discuss the ins and outs of hiring the best fit employee for your team. Pick It Apart [2:14] Jamie discusses why hiring has changed so drastically in the last year and what it means for businesses looking to hire. [20:05] Jamie shares her insights on the interview process, beginning with the job description. [34:55] Jamie and LuAnn discuss the importance of the onboarding process. [52:30] Jamie breaks down the importance of flexibility in work schedules for the modern workforce. LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Van Cuyk's Ah-Ha Moments “Just like in our design projects, the more clarity we can have upfront and the more we can create that in the job description and the job posting and the interview, the better match we’re going to ultimately end up with.” -LuAnn “The main thing about onboarding is teaching your expectations so you are happy with their performance. If you don’t teach them your expectations, they’re going to make up their own expectations.” -Jamie More About Jamie Van Cuyk: Jamie Van Cuyk, the owner and lead strategist of Growing Your Team, is an expert in hiring and onboarding teams within small businesses. Drawing from over 15 years of leadership experience, Jamie teaches her clients how to hire their early team members, including employees and long-term contractors. By learning the dynamics of each company and their specific needs, she helps them and their perfect, long-lasting team members and avoids the hiring and ring cycle. On a personal side, Jamie lives in St Petersburg, FL, with her husband and two daughters, is a hobby winemaker, loves to travel, and enjoys exercise that takes her feet off the ground, including rock climbing and aerial dance. Connect with Jamie Van Cuyk Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn Listen to Jamie's podcast Free gift for listeners! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire Other Resources Mentioned: Link to Hiring & Team Management Collection on website : https://luannnigara.com/category/hiring-team-management/ A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Before we dive into today’s episode, let’s take a moment to thank our show sponsor, Revelwoods, your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today With Brook Perdigon: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined by Brook Perdigon, artist, designer, and owner of Brook Perdigon Textiles (BPT). Brook emailed me describing her transition from creative artist, to creative business owner. She explains there is an artist identity and a business owner identity. And how do we navigate that? Well Brook and I discuss all of her aha moments along her seven years in a creative business, along with the different approaches she took to those stubborn recurring challenges. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [3:20] Brook starts off with how she learned the hard way the difference between the two business identities; artist and business owner. [22:53] Brook gives multiple ways you can reach a customer when one way doesn’t work. [40:10] Brook talks about Design Social Popups and how they’ve been beneficial in her business. LuAnn Nigara and Brook Perdigon's Ah-Ha Moments “The creative mind always finds a way.” - Brook Perdigon “Having a goal with a timeline makes it real.” - LuAnn Nigara “My responsibility is to not only design a product, but also a functioning business that's profitable and can pay my employees.” - Brook Perdigon “As my business grows each year, my challenges evolve.” - Brook Perdigon More About Brook Perdigon: Artist and designer Brook Perdigon founded her company in 2015. Informed by history, culture, creativity and craft, Brook Perdigon Textiles (BPT) has quickly grown from a small business to a global brand with showrooms across the United States as well as in the U.K., Canada, and Australia. In addition to textile collections, BPT offers wallpaper, custom fine art, and thoughtful industry collaborations. BPT has been featured in The World of Interiors, LUXE Magazine, House & Garden, C Magazine, Country Living, The New York Times, Modern Luxury and other leading design publications. Collections thread art, history and culture through the lens of modern making. Antique textiles inform Brook’s drawings and sketches, resulting in a process and practice that embraces imperfection and celebrates the human hand. Many fabrics are hand-screened on Belgian linen, and each product embodies an individual, idiosyncratic voice. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Brook began her career as an independent artist creating custom textile collections for interior designers in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris. She went on to work as a senior designer for Tai Ping Carpets, designing textiles for high-profile clients and prestigious projects worldwide. She founded BPT, in part, to cultivate and support artists, women and fellow small business owners in her community. Many of her fabrics are printed in Los Angeles, and she regularly collaborates with local artists—a partnership with TARP, for example, led to the creation of a painted pool and dance performance inspired by her Ituri design. Brook currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Michael, their children, Mallory and Tanner. Connect with Brook Perdigon Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #769: Power Talk Friday: Leah Neaderthal: Sales Techniques For Introverts. A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Join us for the Prerequisites for Success free zoom event on September 15th at 12:30 EDT. Come spend some time with me and some of the most brilliant brains in the design industry, the incredible instructors of LuAnn University! If you know me and have been to any of my events before, you know that this is going to be tons of fun and tons of information that you can take to your business. This event is absolutely free and each instructor is going to share their best advice, the thing you should know in order to be successful in their respective areas of expertise in LU. Go to luannnigara.com/success to register.

Today With Andrea Liebross: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, Andrea Liebross, certified business and life coach, podcaster and owner of Andrea Liebross Coaching, LLC. is here to talk about self worth. She provides some great tips, strategies, and facts that will help us ditch our doubt in our skills and what we charge, and come out with one hundred percent assurance in how we conduct our business. Even I took a page out of Andrea’s book from the great tips she was offering. This is definitely worth the listen if you ever feel stuck or if your business feels stagnant due to not recognizing your own worth. Pick It Apart [4:30] Andrea shares how she approaches the subject of worthiness with her clients. [15:30] Andrea starts to explain what to do next when you aren’t believing in yourself and your self worth. [31:49] Andrea shares how to find emotional and financially mature clients. [51:50] Andrea tells us about her podcast Time to Level Up and how you can reach her. LuAnn Nigara and Andrea Liebross' Ah-Ha Moments “The more dissonance you have with your worth, the more drama you have about your worth or pricing.” - Andrea Liebross “You need to think that you are undercharging them and over delivering.” - Andrea Liebross “You have a talent and a gift that we need, but if you don’t create a sustainable business that provides you with the lifestyle you deserve then how can you stay in business so people can enjoy your gifts?” - LuAnn Nigara More About Andrea Liebross: After graduating from Dartmouth College and marrying the guy that lived down the hall, Andrea Liebross and her husband packed up the 1980s red Cadillac, left the northeast, and eventually made their way to the midwest city known for the Indianapolis 500. Over the last few decades, Andrea has started 3 successful businesses, all while raising two kids, now ages 20 and 17, and several giant puppies. As a certified business and life coach, Andrea's known for helping high-achieving women make the shift from overwhelm to freedom in both their personal and professional life. Her goal is to guide these bold, ambitious women to create their own custom secret sauce for success by combining just two ingredients - the right mindset and solid systems. Andrea believes every problem is solvable and every dream is possible IF you make it all simple, doable and FUN (even the systems). Connect with Andrea Liebross Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #577- Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat. Time to Level Up Episode 30- What Are You Worth? How to Put a Price on it. A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5 week courses are up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3 hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Allison Handler: Welcome to A Well-Design Business. Today I am joined by Allison Handler, owner of Allison Handler Design. Through listening to AWDB, taking courses at LuAnn University, facing hard challenges and creating important relationships, Allison earned $1 million in gross sales, in her first year of business. Allison reached out to me and I was impressed with her work ethic and story. She wanted to share with you everything she learned in that first year, including what she learned about systems and processes, forming relationships, and the hard lessons along the way. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [13:18] Allison starts to share her story. [27:19] Allison provides tips on how she navigates the conversation regarding budget. [37:05] Allison shares struggles and aha moments along the way. [39:20] What Allison would suggest for someone who doesn't feel like they have a good trade support team. LuAnn Nigara and Allison Handler's Ah-Ha Moments “I can’t be successful, if I don’t know the budget and it’s not realistic.” - Allison Handler “There’s so much power to the relationships that we build, but the motor to that power is having the courage to put yourself out there.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Allison Handler: It all begins and ends with relationships. Allison Handler Design prides itself on building and maintaining incredible relationships with both clients and vendors, working hard every day to make sure that a client’s wants and needs are satisfied by keeping a close-knit but wide-reaching team of vendor partners on hand to seamlessly execute the vision. As lead designer and visionary, Allison oversees all projects, ensuring the AHD aesthetic is incorporated while keeping the client’s personal preferences foremost. We strongly believe in making the most out of every clients’ budget, and source from the best mid-to-high end suppliers including well-known brands and exclusive smaller artisans, to ensure long lasting and high quality products that will last and feel unique to each space. On a personal note, Allison was born and raised right here in Bergen County, NJ. After moving to Florida at age 15 with her family, she returned to the northeast after college to pursue a career in the fashion industry. Twenty years later, after getting married and having a family of her own, she knew it was time for a change. Allison Handler Design was born, almost by accident, after several friends and family members asked for help with their own home projects. Building off her fashion roots, Allison discovered she had a major passion and natural talent for interiors and decided to pursue it as a new career path. Allison Handler Design is now a thriving business thanks to the support of current and past clients, and we look forward to continuing to grow and carve out our place in this little corner of the world. Connect with Allison Handler Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #779- Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: What Should the CEO of an Interior Design Firm Be Doing? #786- Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today's episode is sponsored by LuAnn University. This is not just education. Not just the support of your colleagues. And not just a great experience. Each department and class is crafted to provide targeted, proven instruction in key areas for profit and growth—all specific to the interior design and window treatment industries. We are opening again this fall 2022 so do yourself a favor and look into this and all others we have coming at luannuniversity.com. The current roster for all of our 5-week courses is up, but please keep checking back because we are launching, brand new 3-hour intensives this semester as well. So check it out but go back in a few weeks to see the updates too.

Today With Katie McFarlan: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. What does it take to be successful? We talk about it week in and week out on the show. There are so many details, so many facets to business success. But there are a handful of business practices that every successful designer puts into place—the things that set them apart from those who struggle. Today, Katie McFarlan of Dakota Design Co joins me to share the six business practices she believes are key to a well-designed business. Pick It Apart [11:54] Katie breaks down why setting a project minimum is important and the different ways to do it. [22:57] LuAnn and Katie discuss the value of clear service offerings and processes. [32:57] Katie shares why investing in yourself is vital. [47:42] LuAnn and Katie talk about professional photography and why it matters even if you don’t have projects yet. [51:28] Katie highlights how setting boundaries helps with business success. LuAnn Nigara and Katie McFarlan's Ah-Ha Moments “The more clarity you can put around things the less opportunity there is for designers to complain about “scope creep.” If you didn’t define what it is that you do, how is the client supposed to know that it’s out of the parameters?” -LuAnn “When you do the same thing over and over again, it’s good at getting you to be more efficient and working out the kinks. Your clients will enjoy working with you more when they know what to expect.” -Katie More About Katie McFarlan: As a former wedding and event planner with 16 years of experience in operations and project management, Katie enjoys using both her creative and analytical sides to find solutions that work for her clients. With her intimate knowledge of how both industries work, she knows what it takes to get behind-the-scenes operations running smoothly so businesses can grow in a sustainable and professional way. Today her business, Dakota Design Company, helps interior designers and wedding planners who are buried in business operations get back to doing the creative work they love. Through consulting and done-for-you implementation, she and her all-female team streamline their clients’ services and pricing, create strategic client experiences, and refine and implement processes their teams and customers will appreciate. Connect with Katie McFarlan Website Instagram Blog Client Experience Download for listeners What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #678 Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts with Processes A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Mydoma Studio, 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

Today With Renee Biery: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am chatting with Renee Biery, owner of deVignier Design, Inc. and Only Girl On the Jobsite podcast. Renee works in restoration as well as new construction and she wanted to share with my listeners how renovation management is a stable income for interior designers throughout the year, as procurement and decorating ebbs and flows per job. A lot of takeaways here. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [3:50] Renee describes the scope of renovation management in her business. [14:26] Renee shares how she changed the initial conversations with her clients, so that they would consider her for renovation management as well. [22:53] Renee shares another way we can position ourselves to clients as their one stop shop. [32:40] Renee gives us tips as designers on how we can confidently show up at a typically male dominated job site. LuAnn Nigara and Renee Biery's Ah-Ha Moments “Many designers are doing renovation management, but don’t necessarily lead with it in their marketing.” - Renee Biery “There’s a lot of different people with different skill sets that are needed to complete the project, but they don’t have overlapping skills. A designer can add to that and elevate any project.” - Renee Biery “View yourself as an equal on the team. You are not above and you are not below.” - Renee Biery “In order to be taken seriously, you have to show up seriously.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Renee Biery: Renée deVignier Biery, ASID, is an interior designer based in Wilmington, Delaware. She is a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, one of the country’s oldest conservatory interior design programs, earning a degree with distinction in 1994 as an Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design. Biery is formally trained in practical interior architecture with advanced technical and rendering proficiency. Her credentials include NCIDQ board licensing as a professional member of the ASID, the design industry’s highest certification. For Biery, design is a lifelong calling. It is a throughline of home life, from the traditional American houses of the Delaware Valley, to her training and professional experience in the design world of New York, and back again to her roots in Wilmington. Across this map of influences, design has given Renée the way to celebrate a sense of place that is both local and original. Renée deVignier Biery was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, home to the Winterthur Museum among many important and historic residences and gardens. Good design was always in her surroundings, “a common language of big rambling homes filled with proper antiques,” she explains. She drew her inspiration early from a number of grandly formal old houses belonging to members of her own family in Virginia and especially from her two grandmothers—one, a southern, Virginia lady with an eye for cutting-edge New York and European fashion, and the other, a social worker who had a talent for understanding people deeply. Those qualities combine in Biery’s approach to design. She puts people and their practical needs first. She aims to create work that will be lasting and meaningful. She views tradition with an edge but also with a natural, truly southern civility. During and following her schooling, Biery worked in the design field in New York. She began in 1993 as an associate in the legendary Lexington Avenue boutique of designer Charlotte Moss. She spent several years as a senior designer in the firm of Barbara Hauben Ross, a well-known New York designer who specializes in refined, luxury Art Deco interiors. During this tenure Biery honed her skill not only in historical and architectural renovation, but also, specifically, in the edited simplicity of early modern color, shape, and structure. The experience has given her a quietly pared-down viewpoint to balance more embellished, traditional environments. Biery returned permanently to Wilmington in 2000 and established her own firm, deVignier Design, Inc. She works in restoration as well as new construction, and remains committed to the personal attention of a studio practice where she is fully involved from inception to installation with every assignment. “These are people who are sharing their lives with me, who will often spend a number of years with me on a project,” she says. “If I do my job right, the relationship is as lasting as the work, and the resulting house will look like the homeowners, not me.” Connect with Renee Biery Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 In

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 4 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. Today, we are talking about how to breakdown your pricing for a client. How much detail do you include? How do you explain labor, fabric, hardware, and installation costs? We talk about it all! Tune in to learn how to have this tough conversation like a pro. More About Vita Vygovska Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at [email protected] Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts 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 Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet’s exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at http://www.kravet.com.

Today With Jessica Davis: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, Jessica Davis of JL Design in Nashville, Tennessee is joining me to share her tried and true strategies to hold clients accountable at the beginning, middle, and end of your project. We’ve all been on a tense phone call with a client about something not going their way. You think about all the ways this could have been avoided. Today Jessica shares her strategies to hold your clients, and yes sometimes even holding yourself accountable. More About Jessica Davis: Jessica Davis founded JL Design in 2005. She is a graduate of Watkins College of Art in Nashville Tennessee, and brings 18 years of Interior Design experience to the JL Design team. “I knew I wanted to be involved in Design at a very young age, when I realized there were always new challenges to overcome. I have always been surrounded by the arts and I have always felt that my inner creativity would ultimately guide me in my career. I wanted to be a part of something that would allow me to work closely with people and enrich their lives through design. For me, Interior Design is defined by functional, unique, creativity tailored to each individual.” With a degree in Interior Design, Jessica began consulting on Design projects in Middle Tennessee, and was soon being commissioned for jobs in New York, New Jersey, and Miami. JL Design’s reputation for innovative Interior Design solutions has made it a leader in its class. “I feel so fortunate to be able to bring my devotion and energy to my clients every day, and forge relationships that I find so crucial when working in someone's home or personal space. There will always be a need for functional, progressive Interior Design, and I am committed to the art form and the evolving industry as it meets the needs of today.” Carrie Flynn is the owner of Virtual Simplicity, LLC., which specializes in helping our clients get their online programs created, designed, and ready to launch with simplicity and ease, so they can launch + maximize profits fast. We offer custom funnel design + tech setup in Kajabi, and full launch management strategy/support. Carrie loves yoga, her daily coffee, British TV shows and movies, and college football (Go Gators!). She's been married to her husband for 17 years, and together they have two daughters, ages 13 and 5. Carrie lives in the Mount Dora, FL area with her family. Connect with Jessica Davis Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Mydoma studio, the project management tool for you to organize your communication with your team, your clients and your trades. Invoices, proposals, presentations, project milestones all in one place. See it for yourself- go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today With Carrie Flynn: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today Carrie Flynn, owner of Virtual Simplicity, LLC. is joining us to talk about all things, launching. Listen, I’ve launched a lot of successful programs; Money, Mindset & Sales, the Power Talk Friday Tour…but I would be lying if I said I did it all by myself and knew exactly what I was doing in terms of the TECH side. Thank God for my team! We, as creatives, have the brains, expertise, and superpower, but launching can be overwhelming. Carrie is a certified Master Marketer and Launch Manager and is here to prepare us for what to expect (including the roller coaster of emotions), do, and not to do when it comes to launching a new product or service. Enjoy! More About Carrie Flynn: Carrie Flynn is the owner of Virtual Simplicity, LLC., which specializes in helping our clients get their online programs created, designed, and ready to launch with simplicity and ease, so they can launch + maximize profits fast. We offer custom funnel design + tech setup in Kajabi, and full launch management strategy/support. Carrie loves yoga, her daily coffee, British TV shows and movies, and college football (Go Gators!). She's been married to her husband for 17 years, and together they have two daughters, ages 13 and 5. Carrie lives in the Mount Dora, FL area with her family. Pick it apart: [1:50] Carrie explains what it means to be a certified master marketer and certified launch manager. [10:30] Carrie gives some ideas you can take on your own to vet your launching idea to see if it will even work. [23:55] Carrie gets more in depth on how to prepare for the emotional side of a launch. [37:40] Do you need to invest in ads and if so, what is a healthy budget? LuAnn and Carrie Flynn's Ah-Ha Moments “The clientele for your one on one business, won’t necessarily be the same clientele for your new launch.” - Carrie Flynn “You could have come up with an awesome idea that your people don’t need. They want to buy a transformation” - Carrie Flynn “The vehicle is your choice to decide how you want to put your idea out there.” - Carrie Flynn “Like I always say, if you are going to do it, do it like a business.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Carrie Flynn Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: EPISODE 32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development EPISODE 540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development EPISODE 474 Bria Hammel: Keys to Scaling Your Interior Design Firm EPISODE 731 Chloe Mackintosh: Chloe Mackintosh: How She Went From Blogger to Interior Designer EPISODE 476 Amanda Hamilton: Running a Mid-Size Firm & Creating Additional Revenue Streams EPISODE 687 Demetrius Robinson: Show Up & Do The Work EPISODE 701 Kristen Rivoli: New Brand, New Year: How Rebranding Can Work for Interior Designer The Product Development Podcast Collection

Today With Rick Campos: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Whether we’ve had it for 6 months or 5 years, we still have questions when running our design business. The experience may not be the same, but the questions we ask ourselves are. It’s the circumstances that change. Today with Rick Campos, who does freelance consulting exclusively for the interior design community, we tackle these questions that linger in our minds and all of the resources that are all around us that can answer them. More About Rick Campos: Rick Campos is a self proclaimed “recovering interior designer” with fifteen years of experience in the design industry. Formerly Director of Business Development for a notable Orange County design firm, his daily interactions with architects, builders, vendors and clients contributes to a broad perspective of the design industry. In 2018 Rick traded in his tape measure for a microphone and launched Design Biz Survival Guide - a podcast about life and business for interior design professionals - with the intention of informing and inspiring the design community. In 2019 Rick integrated freelance consulting into the platform with an emphasis on “the business of design” exclusively for the interior design community. He has since helped numerous design entrepreneurs grow their business to new levels. The platform has since evolved to include annual business development retreats, learning opportunities, networking events, and an online community. “My mission is to be the source of information and inspiration to interior design entrepreneurs that I needed when I launched my own design business back in 2007. To promote and further develop a design community that supports and empowers fellow design professionals on their journey in life and business.” Pick it apart: [4:00] Rick introduces what we will be talking about today, that a creative business is still a business. [6:57] Rick addresses challenges that may arise from three to ten years down the road of owning your design business. [16:24] Rick tells us the types of questions designers ask each other when they connect. [33:40] Our conversation continues with great questions to ask your colleagues, including their background. [38:27] Rick gives us details about his 3rd annual Design Biz Retreat. [42:05] Rick talks about his expertise; selling luxury. LuAnn and Rick Campos' Ah-Ha Moments “No matter how long we’re in our design business the questions we have are the same, it’s the circumstances that are different.” - Rick Campos “It’s the conversations with other people in the business that answer your questions, not Google or Youtube.” - Rick Campos “What I have said one billion times is that people buy people and process, not products.” - LuAnn Nigara “If anyone is going to help guide you, it’s going to be a fellow designer because they’re already doing it.” - Rick Campos “Getting together with other people who do what you do is one of the most enjoyable ways to push the envelope on your business.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Rick Campos Website Instagram Facebook Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 #06- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward #50- Veronica Solomon: Powerful Marketing for Your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook #180- PowerTalk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why It Matters to You #482- Cheryl Clennendon- Small Business, Think Big #485- Power Talk Friday: Claire Jeffers- Rock the Consult A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Mydoma studio, the project management tool for you to organize your communication with your team, your clients and your trades. Invoices, proposals, presentations, project milestones all in one place. See it for yourself- go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Today With Michelle Wiebe: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday epsiode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Michelle Wiebe's episode that originally aired as episode 148! On the show today, we have Michelle Wiebe! Michelle is the principal of Studio M in Tampa, Florida. The specialty of Michelle’s firm is luxury residential new construction. I know we have talked to quite a few designers in this field I haven’t really picked their brain as much as I did with Michelle today. Her firm in addition to luxury residential, new construction they also do family condominiums, corporate headquarters, medical offices and small-scale hospitality spaces. Michelle is a busy lady! In addition to all of this, she serves on the board of interior design at Florida State University her Almer mater. She also serves on the high point market authority board and she goes all over the country speaking on design social media. She is the editor of Impression, the Studio M design blog. Pick it Apart: How many years has Studio M been in business? How does one show their specialty in luxury residential new construction on social media? What should a new designer know before taking on a big project in luxury residential new construction? What is a CEU? How can a designer educate themselves on different codes that need to be known before going into a project? What should the contract consist of? Can you really learn what you need to know from classes? How should make your client feel? Are there times when certain “projects” in a project should be hired outside of the firm? Who does Michelle have on her team at her firm? What does Michelle look for when going through the hiring process? What is High Point Market Authority? What sort of app can you use at the High Point Market Authority? How long can you serve on the board for High Point Market Authority? What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a solo show. I am sharing my thoughts on the biggest piece of business advice I have to offer from my long career as a business owner. There are so many things you need to learn to run a well-designed business. If you’re a longtime listener than you can probably name many of them by now. But today, I am sharing my absolute greatest takeaway that you need to know. What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #575 Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year! #467 Taylor Spellman: Hard Truths on Why You Need to Manage the 80% Business #398 Courtney McLeod: Defined Process = Success in Your Interior Design Business #781 Flash Back Friday: Lori Morris: When Working with the Luxury Client, the Answer is Yes! #683 Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design #412 Power Talk Friday: Ashley Uhl: How to Deliver a High-End Client Experience #663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business #516 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand #626 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design #718 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos #724 Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals #125 Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! #317 Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen #466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million #622 Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire #669 Kelly Collier: Managing Expectations Through Clear Messaging Window Treatments for Profit Podcast Episode #25 Rick Baker: Preserving Your Values as You Grow Your Window Treatment Business Other Resources Mentioned: Finances Podcast Episodes Collection Hiring Podcast Episodes Collection Window Treatments for Profit Podcast Exciting Windows! LuAnn and Friends Facebook Group Nancy Ganzekaufer’s Facebook Group Veronica Soloman’s Facebook Group Claire Jefford's Facebook Group Cheryl Clendenon’s Facebook Group The Wingnut Social Media Lab Facbeook Group IDS Conference coming up this August 2022 Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat October 2022 The Power Talk Friday Tour this October at High Point Market

Today With Adam Urbanski: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a Flashback Friday epsiode, where we revisit some of the most popular shows from our archives. I hope you enjoy Adam Urbanski's episode that originally aired as episode 280! Today's guest is Adam Urbanski, aka The Millionaire Marketing Mentor and he’s a real headliner in Online Marketing and Podcast circles! There are so many ways that Adam could really help and influence all LuAnn’s Designer friends to get that extra ‘something’ to tweak their businesses, so today, she’s decided to go with Adam’s Dream Business Design Process. Listen in to find out how this process helps Designers to identify what they want to sell the most and also how to sell to the most clients. Adam, who has been in business for seventeen years now, is really the ‘go-to guy’ for Coaches, Consultants and other Service Professionals who want to attract more clients, convert more high-value sales, build an authority brand, or grow a Lifestyle Business that has more impact and generates more income. Adam’s clients have often doubled, tripled and even ten times-ed their businesses, some of them in as little as ninety days! All of this and Adam started out with only $194 and limited English and he still managed to turn his first business into a seven-figure business in less than ten years! LuAnn knows that she’s in the presence of a true expert with Adam, so she’s very grateful that he’s on the show today! Listen in now, as Adam shares some really hot tips with you, to help you to become a way better business strategist! Pick it apart: Becoming a master of, and being known for a very specific approach. What his six question worksheet allows you to zero in on. How he discovered his ideal clients. That 90% of his clients are women and this happened by design! That marketing is really all about listening. Adam talks you through his six questions and how to best approach working with them. Finding your specific magic, as a Designer. Thinking about your dream income, per client. Identifying your dream project. Identifying the characteristics of your dream client. What you’d need to do in order to execute your project in the best possible way. (i.e. identifying your Superpower) Really understanding the expectations that you have to meet with your project. Expressing what you’re really good at to your client. Establishing systems for really clear processes in your business. Knowing that everything is changing all the time, so you need to maintain a constant process of evaluation with your clients. Asking yourself how much money you’d like to make from each project, per year. Examining which three to six marketing activities you really need to focus on- to avoid becoming overwhelmed. That you should really become a one track pony, in order to not lose sight of your core competencies. Connect with Adam Urbanski: Website What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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

Today With Meredith Huck: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I am joined with fellow Jersey girl Meredith Huck, Founder of House of Huck. Meredith and I were chatting on Instagram, and it ended up with one of those instances in which I saw value in her being a guest on the show. Meredith has successfully achieved a net amount of six figures within her first ten months of business. She is here to give my audience three helpful tips for those who are twiddling their thumbs about starting their design business. Don’t worry, we get it. But I know that you will find value and information that will give you the confidence you are desiring to go for it! More About Meredith Huck: Founded in 2020, House of Huck creates timeless spaces focusing on functionality and beauty while keeping your lifestyle top of mind. We make the process streamlined and straightforward, taking decision fatigue off your plate and holding your hand every step of the way. Meredith and her husband live in Coastal Connecticut with their two young children. She is also a licensed real estate agent in the state of Connecticut and enjoys supporting her clients to turn average houses into spectacular homes. Pick it apart: [5:18] Meredith elaborates on her first lesson that you don’t need a creative background to succeed in a creative business. [20:17] Meredith starts to explain how you can make more money in your first year than you had in corporate if you are organized and disciplined. [35:17] Meredith shares her lessons of process and systems in her first year. [45:00] Meredith explains how you can be creative in the beginning if you don’t have the money to invest in the business. LuAnn and Meredith Huck's Ah-Ha Moments: “Whatever you want to be, you don’t necessarily need to have had experience in that trade.” - Meredith Huck “As a designer, you should be striving for as many trade resources as possible.” - LuAnn Nigara “The wisdom and experience of your first year in business is like the memory of childbirth pain, it fades over time. It becomes hard to remember how hard the first couple of years can be.- LuAnn Nigara Connect with Meredith Huck: Website Instagram LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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: #6- Identifying Your Transferable Skills With Erika Ward. #182- Christie Leu- Christie Leu Interiors: Creating Your Own Mini Designer Summit. #234- Kimberly Kay Interiors- A New Designer & Her 1st Five Months in Business. #278- Erika Ward- Master Business Skills 1st, Interior Design Skills 2nd. #297- Mikel Welch- Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man. #455- Megan Molten: Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business #463- Sara Lynn Brennan- Package Your Design Services For Profit and Clarity. #607- Sara Lynn Brennan- Project Management With Specific Deliverables and Deadlines. #677- Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why #678- Power Talk Friday: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts With Processes.

Today on A Well-Designed Business: Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today we are going to talk about unleveling to new, different, bigger, and better projects. These are the projects that you want to do but currently are not doing because you don't have the experience yet. Let's talk about it! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour Fall 2022 luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Inside Voice, Outside Voice Windowworksnj.com Shop38east.com Comfortex.com 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

Today with Kelly Fridline: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For many of you, running a successful and profitable interior design firm is the ultimate goal. But sometimes, the goal might look different. Perhaps you’ve thought about coaching, course creation, or another avenue besides a traditional firm. There are many career paths in the industry, and all of them require adjusting, evaluation, learning, and making mistakes. Today, Kelly Fridline joins me to discuss what it looks like to take a unique career path and what she has learned as she has carved out her businesses. Pick it apart: [2:34] Kelly discusses her background in architecture and the path she took to interior design. [17:15] Kelly shares why she has chosen to not become licensed as an architect. [34:08] Kelly highlights why she started Virtual Design Mentor as a networking and growth opportunity for designers. [47:10] Kelly shares why her business involves other coaches and the strengths everyone brings to the table. [53:20] Kelly talks about Liase for Interior Design and how designers can use it to find virtual assistance for their businesses. LuAnn and Kelly Fridline’s Ah-Ha moments: “Humility is key, but so is being really proud of what your gifts are.” -Kelly Fridline “No matter how many podcasts you listen to or how great your business coach is, there is still that learning experience where you’re going to make some really stupid decisions, and you’re going to learn from them.” -Kelly Fridline “It’s such a personal thing. I have to believe with the body of experience and education you have, if it really mattered to you, you’d sit and pass the darn test. But it doesn’t. And until it really matters to you, so what?” -LuAnn Nigara More about Kelly Fridline: Kelly Fridline is an entrepreneur at heart, but a designer through and through. Since establishing Kelly Fridline Design, LLC in 2017, she’s learned the importance of flexibility in not only design, but business planning and goals. In the almost five years she’s been in business her focus has changed from primarily interior design, to Virtual Design Assistance and Renderings, totraining fellow creatives in the art of professionally presenting and documenting their projects, and finally assisting and mentoring fellow virtual assistants in business and attracting clients. With a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design and almost a decade of professional design, construction, and virtual collaboration experience, Kelly brings a unique insight to the interior design industry. Using these experiences, this past year Kelly founded The Virtual Design Mentor and Liaise for Interior Design. In addition to her own business, Kelly resides in the Metro-Detroit area with her husband, son, and two dogs. Connect with Kelly Fridline Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 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: #389 Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer #779 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: What Should the CEO of an Interior Design Firm Be Doing? #440 Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program #419 Tobi Fairley- Say No to Busy and Yes to Health, Wealth and Joy A big thank you to today's sponsor Kravet’s commitment to innovation and ability to bring in new technology works to make life easier for you as a designer. Their website makes finding quality home furnishings easy for you. And, the advanced color search allows you to create the exact custom color you are looking for and get filtered search results that best match your selection. Visit Kravet.com today to see it for yourself! Be sure to use coupon code AWDB10 for 10% off your first order.

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday and this show is sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers. She is back to talk about the importance of analyzing your profitability. More specifically, Nancy is here to discuss the importance of knowing your numbers for the jobs that are already completed. The whole point of our business right? Tune in to learn if how your pricing your projects is benefitting or hidduring your business, and how Nancy can help. More About Nancy Ganzekaufer: Nancy Ganzekaufer is a focused, motivated, and dedicated Interior Designer Business Coach. Through her work, Nancy empowers creative entrepreneurs to build the life and business they have always wanted and deserve. As a mom of three young adults and a successful business owner, Nancy understands the unique challenges entrepreneurs face when pursuing their dreams of growing a profitable business. She leads by example through her hard work, encouragement, and most of all, her no-BS leadership style. In addition to Business Coaching, Nancy is a National Board member of the Interior Design Society (IDS) and the Current and Founding President of the IDS Virtual Chapter. Pick it apart: [8:12] Nancy starts to tell us what she teaches the designers that she works with about pricing for profitability. [13:19] Nancy walks us through how she helps an interior designer look at their projects for profitability. [23:40] Nancy talks more about her Profitability Analyzer. [35:05] Nancy tells us about her Profit Insiders For Interior Designers year-long program. LuAnn and Nancy Ganzekaufer Ah-Ha Moments: “Using the Profitability Analyzer will help you see where you may still have a weak spot or service model that you are currently selling over and over again thinking that it’s great, but isn’t actually viable for you to make the money you need to make.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer “The only way we actually know that we are consistently pricing for profitability is if we are consistently reviewing the projects.” - LuAnn Nigara “Once you start running your business by numbers, you’re going to run the business like a CEO, not just by emotion.” - Nancy Ganzekaufer “As you grow your company you have to consistently keep learning.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Nancy Ganzekaufer: Website Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Interior Design Business Forum Facebook Group Business Building Boutique Confident Interior Designer Membership Site YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Other Shows Mentioned: #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich #37: Lesley Myrick- Strategies I Used to Build My Business #159: Power Talk Friday- Nancy Ganzekaufer- How to Get Confident and Clear On What You Offer #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer: A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients #389: Power Talk Friday- Nancy Ganzekaufer- The Interior Design Profit Formula #584: Lesley Myrick- Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again #766: Lesley Myrick- Offering Interior Design Without Procurement A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Today;s show was sponsored by Nancy Ganzekaufer and her newest program Profit Insiders for Interior Designers.

Today with Pamela Durkin: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today with Pamela Durkin, author of Elevate and owner of Pamela Durkin Designs, we are discussing how to time block our tasks. Pamela is coughing up some great strategies on how we can set specific blocks of time for specific tasks that will help us, get this, “Get more done in one day then you used to get done in an entire week.” Pick it apart: [2:00] Pamela talks to us about time blocking to increase productivity. [8:30] Pamela takes us to the next level of getting a weeks’ worth of things done in a day. [11:15] Pamela explains a strategy for completing the potential tasks we get from when we check all of our emails. [26:00] Pamela and LuAnn discuss the importance of communicating to your clients your time expectancy. LuAnn and Pamela Durkin’s Ah-Ha moments: “We need concentrated time to accomplish anything. We need to be aware of the fact that bouncing around to different tasks can hurt our productivity. ” - Pamela Durkin “If we can think about where we are spending our time and how that relates to money in our business, then you ask yourself if you should even be doing those things.” - Pamela Durkin “Time blocking is more than being efficient, it’s understanding that we have finite hours in the day and if we’re not making enough money by putting these blocks of time in, then maybe we are not charging enough.” - Pamela Durkin “We are imperfectly perfect and always a work in progress. We should always give ourselves a pat on the back for our progress. As long as we are trying and moving forward, it’s all good.” - Pamela Durkin More about Pamela Durkin: Pamela Durkin, ASID, LEED AP ID+C Design is powerful and Pamela wants designers to step into that power. After 30 years in the high-end design business, she is now helping other designers create a business they love through her In Demand Designer Program. She teaches them how to be magnetic and attract the best clients. This method makes owning a design business easier and more fulfilling. Her book, Elevate! can be found on Amazon. Pamela Durkin has been a professional interior designer for over 30 years. She is a past-president of ASID Florida South Chapter and served on the Board of Architecture and Design in NJ. She lives in Naples, FL and in her spare time, loves spending time on the beach and learning new moves in her home dance studio. Connect with Pamela Durkin Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Book What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 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: #577- Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza, LuAnn is in the “Productivity” Hot Seat. #607- Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines.

Today with Lori Morris Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Lori Morris, one of the most passionate and driven people LuAnn has ever come across, joins the show today to share what it takes to grow your business to the level of attracting luxury clients and delivering the level of service and design that they expect. Even as Lori’s business has grown so large, she maintains creative control and has a hand in every project they tackle. If you want to attract those luxury clients, if you want to work on these magnificent homes, if you want to offer that truly above and beyond level of service, then stay tuned to LuAnn and Lori’s conversation for takeaways that you can apply to your business to help reach your goals. Not one to merely dip her toe in the water, Lori Morris is an ‘all or nothing’ designer whose artistry is rooted in tradition, unconventional ideas and fearless execution of perfection. Reinventing the standard of design since 1987, her work can be found in some of the most high-end properties across Canada and North America, including Miami, Dallas, St. Louis and San Francisco, with each project delivering a unique, timeless look with an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort and style. Leading an extensive team of professionals in-house and abroad, Lori Morris is a full-service firm offering a complete design and build turnkey solution for any project. Lori’s ‘no rules’ design philosophy has evolved into her own signature LMD style, which she coins “Sexy French.” In every space, you’ll find a seamless melding of sensory, form and function, with materials sourced from artisans across the world that provide intricate molding, artful flooring, and walls that use some of the most exotic and rare marbles. Leading by way of example for strength and confidence, Lori continues to be revered as one of the most coveted designers in the interior design world, empowering others by embracing her role as a role model for all women entrepreneurs. Lori is an “all or nothing” designer who works on high-end properties across Canada and North America. She delivers an unprecedented level of luxury, comfort, and style with every project. Lori is a true artist who prides herself on creating a unique feeling for every one of her clients. Tune in to learn about her ‘no rules’ design philosophy, which has evolved into her own signature style, and her advice on attracting luxury clients and scaling your business toward high-end projects. Show Highlights: Lori explains the unique purpose of her “LMC” (Lori Morris Concierge) service. Lori details why the Design Build Books that she delivers to architects can be 1,000 page documents. “Sexy French” is a collaboration and a marriage between the modern design that Lori loves and the French design that she loves. Every house is treated like an original painting. The moment that Lori decided to get the kind of clients to perform the kind of magic that she wanted to perform. Learn from your mistakes: It’s not a mistake if you have the experience once. It’s only a mistake if you do the same thing twice. Lessons working with the luxury client: Lori shares her insights. The importance of a mutually respectful relationship. Don’t confuse “red flags” with something that you just don’t want to do. It is key to manage your client’s expectations. There’s always a solution to a problem! Connect with Lori! Lori’s Website Lori’s Instagram Lori’s Twitter Lori’s Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 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

Today with Rydhima Brar: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, Rydhima Brar of R/terior Studio shares her story and her journey to design with us. From her childhood in Kuwait, to her corporate career in LA, to launching her own firm at the beginning of the pandemic, to amazing growth and press attention—Rydhima shares how her story, and how storytelling in general, laid the foundation for her design career. Pick it apart: [5:00] Rydhima shares her journey and discusses her connection to construction and design during childhood in Kuwait. [16:08] Rydhima discusses how a difficult personal experience launched the rebirth of her career and pushed her into her passion—design. [32:05] Rydhima and LuAnn discuss the Kaleidoscope Project and Rydhima’s experience with it. [46:26] Rydhima reflects on her path and what she has learned. LuAnn and Rydhima Brar’s Ah-Ha moments: “My world just turned upside down. It was a scary thing—my journey was terrifying. But during that time when I was home, a rebirth happened. I gave birth to my daughter and I gave birth to my business. That’s when I decide to really pursue my passion and remove myself from a place of fear and anxiety and into a sense of calm. Design became a place of refuge for me.” -Rydhima Brar “That is the key. When you are determined, then you make things happen. It’s not a passive thing—starting a business. It’s not just an idea you put on paper that unfolds in front of you. It’s waking up everyday, recommitting to taking action, to being determined, to being undeterred, to believing in yourself and knowing that you’re worth it, that you’re worth doing this career.” -LuAnn Nigara More about Rydhima Brar: Rydhima Brar grew up in Kuwait, where her childhood was filled with breathtaking design & architecture, helping out with her father’s construction business. In 1990, the effects of the Gulf War drew Rydhima and her family to leave their home in the cover of night for another country. Returning to Kuwait after the war, I experienced the rebuilding of our home, and the rebirth of a nation. As her father then rebuilt his business, she helped him organize his building materials and sample libraries, always complaining but secretly loving every minute of it. As a young adult, she then took to New York City to begin a career in Business and Finance, yet her love for design never left her. After several years, it was a move to L.A. that sparked the next evolution for her career, now shifting toward design, a transition that was gradual yet inevitable. Starting with her own condo, she rediscovered her love for an approachable + functional + luxe aesthetic, using bold color and unique pieces throughout. Friends were impressed with the result and Rydhima then began to help design their spaces. A few projects later, she found herself fully immersed in the world of professional design, where she felt she belonged. She then balanced going back to school while working on projects, and the pages of the new chapter were lled with new experiences and challenges, which eventually led to the most recent chapter, the birth of her own business, R/terior Studio. FUN FACT Rydhima has a blog dedicated to discovering what your favorite cocktail says about your interior design style! Rydhima believes that craft cocktails, much like interiors, need to be carefully crafted with attention to every detail to become a masterpiece—Each ingredient, or design element, has a purpose, and when paired well with other ingredients, the result is sophisticated, balanced, and bold. Check-out the blog HERE. Connect with Rydhima Brar Kaleidoscope Project Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest LinkedIn Blog What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 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: #739 Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life #771 Power Talk Friday: Michelle Feeney, Founder of Floral Street. To Succeed, Identify a Gap in the Marketplace #743 Chanae Richards: An Unconventional Path to an Interior Design Business #573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something #397 Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now?: Cheryl Luckett: Dwell By Cheryl #291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design #267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years #562 Rasheeda Gray: #B

TODAY WITH MADELEINE MACRAE: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Power Talk Friday, I’m sitting down with long-time friend of the show and Power Talk Friday expert Madeleine MacRae. I often hear from listeners and designers who understand that the old adage, “You have to work on your business, not in your business,” is true if they want to grow and scale. But they don’t always understand what that actually looks like. Madeleine breaks down the CEO-level activities that let you scale at each stage of business. Pick it apart: [3:48] Madeleine breaks down the four stage of business and what each one entails. [9:58] Madeleine and LuAnn discuss the value in knowing what level of business you desire to end up at. [17:31] Madeleine breaks down the CEO-level activities that solopreneurs should be doing. [27:35] Madeleine shares what the CEO must do as an owner/operator. [46:54] Madeleine discusses the high-level activities that business owners should be doing at the owner/manager level. [55:55] Madeleine talks about the ultimate goal for those who want to scale—the true CEO level. LuAnn and Madeleine MacRae's Ah-Ha Moments “It's really important to remember that growth eats capital. So sometimes we get this idea of “I just want to become I want to go to owner operator, and then I want to go to owner manager, then I want to go to CEO” overlooks the fact that you're having to take that profit that your business is generating and reinvest into different things. learning, all of the things that you have to decide if you want to take it on.” -Madeleine MacRae “If you don't have secured lead flow and you don't know how to turn that faucet on higher, you will never be able to move out of solopreneurship.” -Madeleine MacRae “To look back and think about the growth and the pain and the struggle and the rewards of each of the levels as I've worked my way through the different various stages and still stay in—it's a crazy feeling to be in the various stages at the same time with different companies.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Madeleine MacRae Website Facebook Twitter Madeleine MacRae's Home Pro Toolbox What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 #315 Madeleine MacRae: Invest 5 Days to Improve Your Sales Skills #283 Power Talk Friday: Madeleine MacRae: Set Clear Goals in 5 Steps #363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team #222 Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way #658 Genevieve Trousdale: Genevieve Trousdale: Running Your Interior Design Business On Your Own Terms #663 Andrea Hysmith: Structure and Flexibility, Keys to Reaching Goals in Your Interior Design Business #760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals #634 Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire Books Mentioned: The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn Now Discover Your Strengths, by Donald O. Clifton and Marcus Buckingham A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kirsch is your source for custom drapery hardware and window coverings. With a history of innovation and extensive industry knowledge, Kirsch can set you up with what you need for your next project. Visit kirsch.com to learn more.

Today with Deborah Main: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little bit different than the usual business acumen. We’re diving into Deborah Main’s story of how she became The Pillow Goddess. Deborah is the epitome of an inspirational story—of resiliency, of overcoming hardship, and chronic illness, and of art and creativity serving as an outlet in times of suffering. Deborah’s story serves as motivation, inspiration, and absolute proof that art and design can heal and bring joy in even the toughest of times. Pick it apart: [0:36] Deborah shares her inspirational story of battling chronic illness. [14:24] Deborah discusses how she found pillow design, serving as a creative outlet that helped her focus on something positive. [24:00] Deborah shares the limitations her illness still has on her life and what it has taught her. [35:46] Deborah tasks about how she works with interior designers. [43:42] LuAnn and Deborah discuss the new collection with Robin Baron. LuAnn and Deborah Main’s Ah-Ha moments: “You mention it as part of your journey, ‘Oh I answered an open call for designers and made some pillows and applied to Austin Fashion Week’ as if they are things you just do in the course of your day. I’ve got to believe that it took a lot of courage and guts to actually do it.” -LuAnn Nigara “I was very sick at the time, and my husband thought I was crazy but he supported me. He easily could have said, ‘Oh you’re obviously feeling better—why don’t you just do the dishes and make me some food?’ But he just saw what was happening. He saw me opening up and lighting up and he was so happy to see that that he never questioned me—he just wanted me to keep doing pillows.” -Deborah Main More about Deborah Main: Deborah Main is The Pillow Goddess, a dynamic, innovative design leader who has helped individuals and businesses create beautiful, distinctive high-end spaces for 18 years. Based in Austin, Texas, Deborah’s experience and deep appreciation for design, textiles, the home furnishings industry, and a wide variety of interiors and home products gives her a fully-rounded understanding of what it takes to provide an exceptional luxurious look and feel to both personal environments and commercial spaces. She provides interior designers with high-quality products for their clients, while also helping retailers and brands differentiate their products/services from their competitors. Deborah’s private clients are some of the leading high-end specialty boutiques, national e-commerce sites, interior design businesses, and home brands in the United States. She has helped them provide value to their customers and environments – building brand awareness in the process – which has allowed them to position themselves as the exclusive and unsurpassed option for luxury clientele. Connect with Deborah Main Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest The UnZipped Collection What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 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: #449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation. #454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer. #638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken. #640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire. #654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business. #721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask. #723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review. #725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing. #727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and More! Thank you to today's sponsor! Mydoma Studio: 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: #540 Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development #32 Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with

Today with Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. If you’re anything like me, you have a neverending to-do list. There’s always something else to get done, another box to check, another urgent task to complete. But when we get bogged down in those tasks, it becomes impossible to work on the business. So how do we motivate ourselves to take a step back and work on the higher level needs? Interior Design Coach Desi Creswell shares her framework for getting big tasks done, even if it feels like you’ll never be able to. Learn more about Desi’s masterclass “The Focus Fix” starting June 7th, 2022 Pick it apart: [2:52] Desi talks about what a balanced business looks like and how we stop ourselves from building one. [14:40] Desi sheds light on common mistakes she sees when people try to focus on important tasks. [29:09] Desi walks through her simple framework for tackling major tasks. [45:08] LuAnn and Desi talk about how to keep yourself committed to tasks even when you don’t want to do them. [52:05] Desi shares the importance of evaluating yourself with curiosity to see why something isn’t getting done. LuAnn and Desi Creswell's Ah-Ha Moments “Ask yourself ‘Why do I think that my clients are worthy of my time and attention but my business is not?’” -Desi Creswell “There will never be a time where you magically have a week where you don’t receive any emails or phone calls or have any deadlines.” -Desi Creswell “What you want us to recognize is, we don’t just do it on Tuesday because we put it in our calendar to do it. We do it because on Wednesday we will be so glad we took the first steps.” -LuAnn Nigara Connect with Desi Creswell Learn more about Desi’s masterclass “The Focus Fix” starting June 7th, 2022 Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration luannuniversity.com 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 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 #698 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Tactics to Beat Burnout and Overwhelm #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset #475 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: How to Create More Time #753 Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business A Big Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Revel Woods: Your source for premium hardwood and resilient flooring. Using the Revel Woods selector tool, you’ll be able to find curated suggestions for your project catered to your client’s home. When you sign up for a free professional membership, you’ll get access to exclusive discounts and referral benefits. Visit revelwoods.com to get started.

Today with Sonal Kotecha: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we have on Sonal Kotecha, founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm. Sonal and I were going back and forth on Instagram and she was telling me all of the lessons that she had learned from the show. As we were chatting, a light bulb went off and I knew I had to have her on as a guest. I am so appreciative of her sharing her lessons that I know you will benefit from hearing her story. Enjoy! Pick it apart: [6:38] Sonal tells us about the first big lesson she learned from A Well-Designed Business. [17:30] Sonal explains her second lesson from the podcast regarding your talent as a designer is not enough for success. [27:49] Sonal and LuAnn discuss the third lesson Sonal learned. [42:25] Sonal elaborates on her fourth lesson. [50:22] Lesson 5- we all need a “Vin” man. [54:40] Last lesson of work-life balance is key. LuAnn and Sonal Kotecha’s Ah-Ha moments: “The discovery call is a sales presentation and the way we choose to discuss something, like trade discounts, will impact not only that conversation, but all of the following conversations.” - LuAnn Nigara “We know what we are good at and we lean into that, and we hire people for the areas that we aren’t “good.” - LuAnn Nigara “We need to strategically prepare for situations when we are not being driven by a state of emergency.” - Sonal Kotecha More about Sonal Kotecha: Sonal Kotecha is the founder of Rumah Interiors, a Dubai-based boutique interior design firm, dedicated to providing a stellar design service for her clients in the Middle East and beyond. She calls herself a child of the world – after growing up as a second generation Indian in the United Kingdom, to parents born and raised in Kenya – she moved and set up her own home base in Dubai at the young age of 24, where she continues to live with her husband from yet another corner of the world, South Africa – and she credits this diverse background as being the reason she is able to connect on a deeper level to people & clients from all over the world. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture & Design from Nottingham Trent University in 2007. Shortly after graduating, fate led her on a one-way ticket to Dubai, where she built up experience working both as an in-house designer for a private developer, then for a multi-disciplinary interior design studio, before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship and starting Rumah Interiors in 2017. Sonal likes to keep her ear to the ground when it comes to movements in her local property industry and has witnessed first-hand the astronomical leap in residential projects in Dubai over the last 12 months. Sparked by a post-pandemic heightened appreciation for a well-designed home environment, and several new UAE’s government backed initiatives, such as more accessible residency visa options, an influx of new residents moved into the country that she has proudly called home for the last 12years. As a result, the floodgates to new projects opened up, and she had to quickly adapt from being a one-woman show, to a small team of powerful [female] design professionals, who could take on multiple projects in parallel from concept through to completion. She realized that some of her old processes & contracts were no longer viable, and then along came A Well Designed Business Podcast – and in the conversations, she found answers to the questions that had been keeping her awake at night… Connect with Sonal Kotecha Website Instagram Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 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: #449- Design Biz Live: What We Learned at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About the Conversation. #454- Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman: Hashtag Legal: Lawyers That Speak Designer. #638- What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken. #640- Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell: Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire. #654- Jenny Madden: Navigating Maternity Leave in Your Interior Design Business. #721- What Would Lu Do?: Year End 2021-Questions to Ask. #723- What Would Lu Do?: Let’s Do a Revenue Generator Review. #725- What Would Lu Do?: Year End: How to Plan Your Marketing. #727- What Would Lu Do?: Year End Review: Apps, Tech, Memberships and Mor

Today with Vita Vygovska Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today is Window Treatment Friday, and we are debuting part 3 of our Pricing Window Treatment Series. Vita is back with some great tools that she has learned to use when pricing a window treatment to a consumer. Today, we are covering profit, and what designers can expect when selling window treatments. More About Vita Vygovska Vita is the CEO and founder of Vitalia Inc., a nationally recognized authority on quality window treatments and soft furnishings, located in the Metro Philadelphia area of Pennsylvania. Vitalia Inc. is your workroom and your partner for custom window treatments. Their mission is to provide value to their clients and improve their lives. Vita would love to talk to you. Share your feedback, questions, problems, and challenges with her, and also your wins. You can email her at [email protected] Connect with Vita Vygovska: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events 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 Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts 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 Sponsor: Kravet. Have you heard? The majority of Kravet Inc. product is in stock and ready to ship within days. Order your favorite patterns from Kravet’s exclusive in stock collections like Barbara Barry’s Midsummer to CuratedKravet's exclusive decorative accessories. Keep your design projects on track with Kravet Inc. and order memos today at www.kravet.com.