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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
LuAnn Nigara
1141 episodes
3 days ago
In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.
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In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.
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Business
Arts,
Design
Episodes (20/1141)
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1140: Overheard: How to Build a Steady Referral Pipeline with Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek
Today With Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek Today on A Well-Designed Business, three seasoned designers share how they transformed their referral marketing by working with expert Stacey Brown Randall. Rebecca Robinson went from 18 to 40 referrals per year, Lacey Michalek turned a mahjong game into multiple projects, and Darci Hether developed systems for building warm relationships with industry professionals. You'll learn the exact referral language that creates psychological responses in past clients, why face-to-face networking beats social media for generating real momentum, and how to turn cold prospects into warm referral sources through strategic events. These aren't theories, they're proven tactics from experienced designers who've seen dramatic results. If you've been hoping referrals will just happen, this episode gives you the actionable roadmap to build relationships that consistently convert into new business. Other Resource Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Stacey Brown Randall’s Newest Book: “The Referable Client Experience” Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB: #69: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall – Take Control Of Your Business – Employee Management AWDB: #93: Power Talk Friday- Stacey Brown Randall- How To Create an Awesome Client Experience! AWDB: #558: Rebecca Robinson: Provide Value & Create Relationships with Contractors AWDB: #885: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generate Business Referrals Without Asking AWDB #220: Darci Hether: Literally The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business
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3 days ago
56 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1139: Rebecca Ward: Money, Mindset, Pricing, and Starting Your Interior Design Firm
Today With Rebecca Ward Mentorship can make all the difference in your design career. Yet many new designers hesitate to take the leap, unsure how to translate their skills into a business or where to find the right support. That’s why Rebecca Ward—CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design in Sacramento—has made mentorship her mission. With over 18 years of experience and an award-winning residential design portfolio, she knows what it takes to step into this industry with confidence and clarity. In this episode, Rebecca and I talk about what it really means to shift from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, how to reshape your money mindset so you can lead clients at any level, and why cultivating a growth mindset is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a baby designer just starting out or a seasoned business owner, you’ll find Rebecca’s grounded wisdom and practical guidance inspiring—and packed with lessons you can put into action right away. Her artistic skill shines in creating contemporary spaces that fit the dynamic lifestyles of families today. She believes in enhancing lives through interior design, making surroundings more  impactful for productivity and mood. Her goal is to create spaces that reflect clients' needs,  helping them be their best selves in the world. Beyond her design prowess, Rebecca is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents in interior design. In 2021, she launched the "My Design Mentor" program, empowering individuals to succeed in the field. Her commitment extends to elevating the profession as a whole. Following this, Rebecca expanded her reach by hosting the "Design Curious Podcast," sharing insights with a broader audience keen on exploring the world of design.  She values a strong design community, actively investing in local peers through monthly gatherings that foster collaboration and growth. Outside of design, Rebecca finds harmony in music, performing with her attorney husband in their acoustic duo. Cherishing family time, she enjoys moments with her two children and lively labradoodle. Rebecca Ward's journey is defined by her dedication to design excellence, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to both her craft and community. Ah Ha Moments with Rebecca Ward “Being a CEO requires so many more different skills and a whole new mindset." – Rebecca Ward "You cannot save your clients’ money for them. Your role is to design at the level they’ve invited you into, not to hold back because of your own money story." – LuAnn Nigara "I have this saying—I’ve said it a thousand times: Do I want to be right, or do I want to get what I want? Before I get on the phone, I know exactly what I want, what I’m willing to do for it, and what I’m willing to give up if I don’t get it." – LuAnn Nigara Connect with Rebecca Ward Podcast Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn X What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #1123: Ali Faulkner: What to Do When a Client Says “No”: Lessons from a Lost Design Proposal AWDB #1021: Ann Cariola: Launching an Interior Design Firm at Age 60—It’s Never Too Late AWDB #1100: Best Of Show: Erika Ward: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
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6 days ago
1 hour 6 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1138: BEST OF SHOW: Beth Bender: Back End Operations for Your Interior Design Firm
Today with Beth Bender: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business. LuAnn and Beth Bender’s Ah-Ha moments: “One of your premises is that interior designers should invest in the back end, operations end of the business. You’re talking my language because the whole premise of my podcast is that yes, you need talent to be successful, but your talent isn’t going to be the reason that you are successful. You can get some attraction and some clients, but to create a long lived sustainable profitable business you have to learn how to efficiently run the back end.” – LuAnn Nigara “We feel that for a design form to be able to have sustained growth you have to have a two-pronged approach. You have to be able to identify both your marketing needs and your financial needs and they have to be in step.” – Beth Bender “At the end of the day, it really should come down to counting every penny because there are tight margins. Regardless of whether you are charging by the hour, or a set fee you still have to know, How much time did I spend on that project? What was the monetary value of that time?” – Beth Bender More About Beth Bender: Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. Additionally, Beth oversees human and organizational development services and she also manages strategic growth strategies at The Dove Agency. Beth earned her degree in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University, and she brings more than 20 years of design experience to her work, enabling her to advise and assist clients with uniquely informed perspectives as she helps them maximize their time, resources, and profitability. Combining their impeccable expertise, proficient knowledge, and well-versed viewpoints, Beth and her co-founder, Kenda, together developed services that streamline administrative processes, giving interior design professionals the time to do what they do best—design. These processes are the foundation and hallmark of The Dove Agency today. Beth works closely with the marketing team to strategically position each designer with the tools necessary for calculated growth, increased influence, and measurable success. Connect with Beth Bender: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Other Shows Mentioned Episode 575 Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year! WTF Episodes: #653, #645 , #610 , #586 , #551 , #539 Sara Lynn Brennan Episodes: #607 , #524 , #514 , #463
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1 week ago
1 hour 18 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1137: Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick: Build a More Successful Design Business with the Right Partner
Today With Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick How many times have you thought, "If only I had someone to handle the numbers, the marketing, and the tough client calls, I could just focus on design"? Today, I’m chatting with a duo who is living that reality—Trent Kendrick and Zain Suthar of Studio Fifth Sunday. They met in an Uber, both swearing off business partnerships, only to realize they were the perfect "left brain/right brain" match. Trent is the brilliant designer and artist; Zain is the operations and finance pro. Their story is a masterclass in how a well-matched partnership can change the game—creating accountability, unlocking new revenue streams, and allowing you to do more of what you love. Connect with Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick Website Instagram Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors AWDB #977 Katie Ryan Pluer: Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner
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1 week ago
1 hour 18 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1136: David Neagle: Three Powerful Choices That Will Change Everything in Your Interior Design Business
Today With David Neagle Today with David Neagle, best-selling author, speaker, and host of The Successful Mind Podcast, we’re talking about the mindset shifts that can change everything in your business. David shares his journey from high school dropout on food stamps to building a multimillion-dollar company—and the simple daily decisions that sparked his transformation. We dive into the beliefs that keep entrepreneurs stuck, how to create a culture of success within your team, and how to spot the blind spots holding you back. More About David Neagle David Neagle is a speaker, best-selling author, founder of the multimillion-dollar global consulting company Life Is Now, Inc, and host of the Business Daily News ranked podcast - The Successful Mind. Being in the personal and professional development industry for more than 20 years, David has helped tens of thousands of students from across the globe gain confidence and find the right mindset needed to increase their revenue, turning their endeavors into seven- and eight-figure ventures. Ah Ha Moments with David Neagle “The opportunity was always there. Number two, I couldn’t see it because I had such a bad attitude. So when I changed my attitude, I changed my perception and it allowed me to even conceive about going down that road.” - David “Our greatest power is our ability to choose. The negativity never goes away completely. It’s that you discipline yourself to choose to focus on the opposite of that every day.” - David “The world doesn’t care enough to be against you. You’re doing it all by yourself.” - LuAnn Connect with David Neagle The Millions Within Book David Neagle The Successful Mind Podcast Instagram Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: Check out David Neagle’s assessment quiz. A helpful tool to help you get started on a new path. Take The Quiz Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth AWDB #957: Power Talk Friday: Audrey Faust: Building Wealth Through a Positive Money Mindset
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2 weeks ago
59 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1135: Hannah Goldberg: How to Attract Dream Clients Before You Have an Interior Design Portfolio
Today With Hannah Goldberg Today on A Well Designed Business, Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors shares how she built what she calls a "no-niche niche," working across multiple design styles while maintaining crystal-clear boundaries around her ideal client and design ethos. Hannah breaks down how to navigate the "yes era" of early business, using vignettes and mood boards to communicate your aesthetic before you have perfect portfolio shots, and why investing in professional branding from day one made all the difference. From building an email list while bartending to surviving a chandelier crisis at The Mansion in May show house, Hannah's journey demonstrates how clarity on your design ethos becomes the foundation for sustainable growth, even when you're stretching across different styles and projects. If you're wondering how to attract your dream clients before you have the perfect portfolio, this conversation offers a roadmap for building with intention from the start. More About Hannah Goldberg Hannah Goldberg is the founder and principal of Hannah Charlotte Interiors, specializing in bespoke commercial and residential design projects in DC and beyond. With over a decade of industry experience blending her passion for design with her engineering and interior architecture background, Hannah ensures each space is functional and beautiful, with a focus on collaboration and client vision. Each of her projects is tailored to diverse needs and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from nature, art, food, and travel. Ah Ha Moments with Hannah Goldberg "I made the conscious decision that my projects are not going to look the same—and that's okay for what I want in my business."- Hannah Charlotte Connect with Hannah Goldberg Website Instagram Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No #917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do
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2 weeks ago
1 hour 11 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1134: BEST OF SHOW: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life
Today With Jean Stoffer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by the one and only Jean Stoffer. Jean is an award-winning independent designer, star of The Established Home on the Magnolia Network, and author of the newly released book Establishing Home. In our conversation, Jean offers a glimpse into her journey, showing us the joys of intertwining work and family, the benefits of an unhurried attitude, and the blessings each season of life has to offer. Pick it Apart: [6:01] Jean discusses “being in the trenches” as she built her business from the ground up, learning cabinetry design, kitchen design, and troubleshooting at her own pace. [10:10] LuAnn and Jean agree that cultural messages often pressure young designers to rush toward success, but both believe that isn’t always the right path. Jean discusses embracing the season you are in. [16:50] Jean walks through the current family dynamic and everyone’s role in the Stoffer Home business. [27:30] LuAnn and Jean talk about the importance of processes as you grow your business. [48:00] Jean discusses working with the Magnolia Network and putting her work on television. LuAnn Nigara and Jean Stoffer’s Ah-Ha Moments “Our value system and reputation are just so bedrock for me and our family.” – Jean Stoffer. “I really believe there are seasons for things, and it’s great to embrace those and accept them.” – Jean Stoffer. “I think as a society, we are putting pressure on moms to think that you can have it all. And you actually can, but not all in the same season is my belief.” – LuAnn Nigara. “It’s very important that the quality and all of the things connected with [your brand] remain as close as to your original vision and way of doing it.” – LuAnn Nigara. More about Jean Stoffer Jean Stoffer is an award-winning Grand Rapids-based independent interior designer specializing in kitchen and bath designs. Each of her designs is custom suited for her clients’ lives and how they hope to use their home. Jean is also the founder of Stoffer Home, a retail store featuring beautiful and functional items for the home, and Stoffer Home Cabinetry, the source for Jean’s own line of quality, British-inspired flush inset cabinets. In December 2021, the Magnolia Network began airing The Established Home, a TV series featuring Jean and her design work. Connect with Jean Stoffer Website Stoffer Home Instagram Pinterest What's New with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get the Goodies For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn's Books Here Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned #563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography
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3 weeks ago
1 hour 9 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1133: Overheard: 3 Experts, One Mission: Build a Website That Converts with Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer
Today With Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer We all know that a website is important. It’s your calling card, your portfolio, the place where clients go to make sure you’re a legitimate designer who does what you say you do.  But so many designers are still going wrong with their websites. And the problem with doing it yourself is that there are so many pieces involved, layout, the design, the SEO, the copywriting, and when your website isn’t doing what it needs to do, it’s hard to even know where to start fixing the problem.  More About Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer Ebony Looney: Ebony is a Web Designer and Creative Director with 22+ years of experience making the web beautiful for B2B service providers. She has worked with agency owners, private sector and educational institutions such as Carbra Construction & Design, Benedict College & South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs. With a background in web design, development, fashion design and online marketing she believes that beautiful design is good business. She is happy to cover any website marketing related topic you think your audience would be most interested in. Deb Mitchell: Deb Mitchell’s career as a professional writer began when she responded to an ad in a local Charlotte, NC magazine seeking volunteers for a readers’ panel. On a tour of the magazine’s offices with the other selected panelists, the idea for an article came to her and when she mentioned it to the editors, they hired her on the spot as a writer. Nearly ten years and hundreds of articles later, Deb decided to blend her design feature writing experience with her pre-writing career experience in high-end retail sales to help interior designers move their businesses forward with strategic copywriting and content marketing services. Today, Deb’s client list is ever growing with designers at nearly every stage of business. Most recently, she’s joined forces with two experts, a branding designer and a website developer, to offer designers an all-in-one option for fully custom designed and copywritten WordPress websites. Deb has by-lined articles in publications such as Casual Living, Design Texas, Lake Norman Magazine, and Today’s Charlotte Woman, and on The Renegade Writer blog. Her ghostwriting has appeared in dozens of top shelter publications and design blogs. Nicole Heymer: Owner and Creative Director, Glory & Brand Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique creative agency specializing in branding, websites, marketing automation, and strategy. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with a wide variety of clients at every stage in their development, from nationally known interior design firms to local custom home builders. Nicole's clear, practical take on branding has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from the Wingnut Social podcast to the Design Influencers Conference to the . You’ll find her methods in print, on industry webinars, and as the framework for branding workshops. Connect with Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer  Nicole Heymer Deb Mitchell Ebony Looney Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design AWDB #317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen AWDB #466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? AWDB #574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy AWDB #819: Power Talk Friday: Ebony Looney: Attract Clients Through Your Interior Design Business Website AWDB #1087: Best of Show: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
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3 weeks ago
1 hour 25 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1132: Jessica Nelson, Stephanie Lindsey: Using AI to Streamline Your Interior Design Business
Today with Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that’s changing how potential clients find interior designers. We’re living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google’s AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you’re getting most of your business from referrals or you’re heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant competitive advantage. LuAnn Nigara, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey's Ah-Ha Moments “For us, ChatGPT and custom GPTs are really where it started. We’ve built maybe 50 or 60 of them, from personality analyzers to budget calculators to city code checkers, and we use them every day. It helps us understand clients, understand our team, and communicate better. That’s been transformational for our firm.” - Stephanie More About Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey are the designers and co-founders behind AI for Interiors, a platform that helps interior designers use AI tools in ways that actually make their jobs—and their lives—easier.  As the founders of Etch Design Group, they’ve experienced firsthand how the right AI tools can give back valuable time and simplify the day-to-day, all without losing the personal touch that makes design so powerful. Jessica blends a background in both IT and design, making her the go-to for AI tools and tech strategy. Stephanie keeps it all grounded in the realities of running a busy, high-touch design studio. Together, they teach practical, real-world ways to use AI—and they’re passionate about helping designers stay in control of their process while working smarter, not harder. Connect with AI for Interiors Website - AI For Interiors Podcast - Apple Podcast Podcast - Spotify YouTube LinkedIn - Stephanie LinkedIn - Jessica Instagram Website - Etch Design Group 100 Lunches Podcast - Apple Podcast 100 Lunches Podcast - Spotify What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes AWDB #1110: NEW SHOW: Jenna Gaidusek: Mastering AI Tools for a Streamlined Design Business AWDB #950 Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People AWDB #635 Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business AWDB #722 How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business AWDB #1099 Shea McGee: From Dream to Empire: How Shea Built Studio McGee 3.0 Get the Beth Diana Smith Window Works Lunch and Learn Recording Here ⁠Get the Anastasia Harrison Window Works Lunch and Learn Recording Here
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1 month ago
1 hour 14 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1131: Thom Filicia: The Sentence That Built a Multi-Faceted Design Brand
Today with Thom Filicia Today, I’m joined by one of the most recognizable names in design, Thom Filicia. From his early days at Parrish-Hadley to his breakout role on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, to building a thriving design firm, product collections, a retail brand, and countless collaborations, Thom has continually expanded what it means to be a designer. In this conversation, Thom shares why knowing who you are as a designer is the foundation for everything else, how staying curious and saying yes to new opportunities has shaped his career, and why great design is more than creating a beautiful room — it’s about creating spaces people truly want to live in. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow beyond projects into partnerships, products, and a lasting brand while staying authentic to your design voice, you won’t want to miss this episode. LuAnn Nigara and Thom Filicia ’s Ah-Ha Moments “It’s not just about creating a beautiful space, because creating a beautiful space is sort of the low-hanging fruit. We can all make something look beautiful, but making it make sense for the people that live there… that’s great design. Because at the end of the day, design is for people.” - Thom “Don’t not like something before you even understand what it is. Know you first, stay open second, and try to have some facts.” - Thom “Sometimes you just have a minute to say what you do. You don’t have ten.” - LuAnn “Take what you do seriously, but for the love of God, do not take yourself seriously… Take what you do seriously and be really passionate and good at what you do, no matter what it is.” - Thom Connect with Thom Filicia Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #67: Alan Tanksley- Lessons and Observations from a 30+ Year Career in Interior Design AWDB #407: Century Furniture and Carrier & Company Launch New Line at High Point Market April 2019
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1 month ago
1 hour 16 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1130: Jen Davidson: Running an Interior Design Business, or Just Working at One You Happen to Own?
Today with Jen Davidson Today on A Well Designed Business, Jen Davidson shares the pivotal conversation that transformed her five-year-old interior design firm from successful but struggling to truly thriving. After meeting Jude Charles at a design retreat, Jen realized she'd been "living as an interior designer" instead of "living as a business owner and boss." This insight sparked a year-long transformation that included clarifying her core values, rebuilding her team around a culture of trust, and understanding that her company's pillars aren't people—they're processes, values, and mission. Jen walks us through the hard work of defining what her company stands for, how she got her team aligned around those values, and why she had to let some people go to create the foundation she needed. She also opens up about her docuseries experience with Jude and how documenting her credibility became a powerful tool for both personal growth and business development. If you've been running your design business but feel like something's missing, or you've been avoiding the foundational work of mission, vision, and values, this conversation offers a roadmap for stepping fully into your role as CEO. LuAnn Nigara and Jen Davidson’s Ah-Ha Moments  "You're not believing that you are the boss. You're living as an interior designer. You're not living as a business owner, the boss. And that right there stopped me in my tracks." - Jennifer Davidson More About Jen Davidson Jen Davidson is the founder and lead designer of Interiors by Jen Davidson (IJD), a high-end residential design firm specializing in luxury renovations, new builds, and curated furnishing selections. With a career rooted in creativity and an unwavering passion for transforming spaces, Jen’s journey into interior design was anything but conventional. Jen’s approach to design is deeply rooted in storytelling. She believes that every home tells a unique story, and her job is to help write that narrative through thoughtful design. She places high importance on clear communication with clients and collaborators, ensuring that each project feels like a shared vision. As she continues to grow her business, Jen is focused on helping other designers level up by embracing courage, clear boundaries, and empathy. Her work with industry professionals like Jude Charles on a docuseries highlights her belief in the power of storytelling and transparency. Today, Jen is passionate about sharing her experience and insights with others, hoping to inspire those in the design world to take their own leaps of faith and trust the process. Connect with Jen Davidson Website Instagram ShopLTK Pinterest YouTube Houzz Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 774: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide Celebrates 4 Years! AWDB 790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions AWDB 516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand AWDB 626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design AWDB 718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos AWDB 724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals AWDB 1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles! AWDB 811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate
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1 month ago
1 hour 2 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1129: BEST OF SHOW: Katie McFarlan: The Client Experience Starts with Processes
Today with Katie McFarlan: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The client experience is something we all think about. How do we elevate the experience for our clients so that they feel like we truly care about them without making ourselves crazy by bending over backwards for each client? The answer just might lie in your processes. Today, I’m joined by Katie McFarlan of Dakota Design Company. Katie works with designers to build a strong client experience through streamlined processes, smooth operations, and clear expectations. She’s sharing with us how defined processes lead to a luxury client experience that helps you and your clients. Pick it apart: [2:19] Katie shares why she’s so passionate about the client experience and why it’s so important for designers.  [9:13] Katie explains how she helps clients uncover their processes—even if they haven’t formally defined them.  [16:24] LuAnn and Katie dive into what the client experience actually entails.  [25:49] Katie discusses how the backend of the business shapes the client experience.  [46:30] Katie talks about the common hangups she sees with her client’s processes.  LuAnn and Katie McFarlan’s Ah-Ha moments: “Every time there’s a new delay or a new charge, if you have already set the expectation of ‘Hey, this is what’s going to happen, I’m going to be there with you every step of the way,’ it allows the client to just enjoy it rather than be terrified the entire time. I think having the client experience nailed down is so key for businesses that have a long deliverable or lead time for delivering their final service.” -Katie McFarlan   “The ROI is not just that it benefits your clients, but also that it shows just how much your company is doing for them, and that speaks to the value and how you’re charging what you charge.” -Katie McFarlan   “You’re not necessarily imposing a process or a system on any one business. You’re taking the existing processes and systems (whether they are formalized or not), whatever individual process a firm might have, and you’re analyzing it and saying, ‘How do we announce, describe, explain, or give collateral information on that phase so that the customer feels informed and cared for.” -LuAnn Nigara   “I think the biggest takeaway that I have is that the client experience is everything you do, not just a thank you note. So often we throw the word “client experience” around when we’re talking about the subtleties and the niceness and the pretty that we bring to the relationships, but a really terrific client experience is one where the process feels organized and systemized, and the client understands their role in it and can know what’s coming next and see what it is that you’re doing on their behalf the whole time.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Katie McFarlan: As a former wedding and event planner with 16 years of experience in operations and project management, I love using both my creative and analytical sides to come up with solutions that work for my clients. With my intimate knowledge of project management and the entrepreneurial mindset, I know what it takes to get behind the scenes operations running smoothly so businesses can grow in a professional way. Today I help luxury interior designers and wedding planners who are buried in business operations get back to doing the creative work they love. I create and improve their processes and set up systems so they can streamline their workload, move their business forward, and free up their time to focus on the things that matter most. Connect with Katie McFarlan: Website Instagram   Blog Client Experience Download for listeners What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Other shows mentioned: #616 Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole: Onboarding New Interior Design Clients
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1 month ago
1 hour 9 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1128: Barclay Butera:The Business Behind the Legacy
Today with Barclay Butera Sometimes on the show we are fortunate enough to speak with true icons of our day. And today, I am excited to chat with one of those designers—the legendary Barclay Butera. Today Barclay is back on the show to talk about the big picture, from the story of his first big break at a celebrity show house, the lessons he learned from scaling his business up to over 100 employees and then consciously scaling it back down. More About Barclay Butera Since 1994, Barclay Butera has been the creative force behind his prestigious design firm and flagship showroom in Newport Beach, California. His success in Newport prompted him to establish a second location in the exclusive enclave of Park City, Utah. Renowned for his approachable elegance and glamorous, chic interiors, Butera draws inspiration from a diverse range of influences including high-fashion runways, his extensive world travels, grand European architecture and the timeless allure of The Golden Age of Hollywood. Butera’s design signature is distinctive: classic with a fresh twist, seamlessly integrating traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. His artful inclusion of heritage pieces blends effortlessly with distinctive furnishings, pattern-on-pattern fabrics, and bold textures—all hallmarks of his iconic all-American style. Over the past three decades, Butera’s passion for interior design has evolved into an impressive lifestyle enterprise, sought after worldwide. A landmark achievement in Butera's career came with the release of his “Yacht on Wheels” edition of the Rolls-Royce Dawn at the internationally renowned Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. As the first interior designer in the 100+ year history of the iconic brand to collaborate on such a project, Butera crafted a stunning luxury convertible featuring crisp white and navy tones with teak and nautical accents, setting the automotive industry abuzz. In addition to his thriving interior design business, Butera’s venture into licensing has landed him an unprecedented number of the industry’s most respected partners including: Lexington Home Brands furniture, Kravet indoor and outdoor textiles and carpets, Leftbank Art, Eastern Accents bedding and luxury down, Jaipur Living rugs, Bradburn lighting, Mirror Home decorative mirrors, Napa Home & Garden accessories, Castelle outdoor furniture, Winfield Thybony wallcoverings, and YORK/MDC Interior Solutions commercial wallcoverings. Expanding his licensing empire, Butera launched a collection of luxury chandeliers and sconces with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting and hand painted porcelain with Legend Accents for his new Barclay Butera Couture brand. Most recently, Butera introduced his eighth furniture collection, Montecito, with industry powerhouse Lexington Home Brands. A designer for the ages, Butera’s spectacular projects, extensive licensing collections, and luxury rental properties are regularly featured in global consumer publications, as well as shelter and lifestyle magazines. Connect with Barclay Butera ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ Listen to Barclay’s Keynote presentation at ⁠Design Edge Orange County (Sept 18th)⁠ Grand Re-Opening of their Park City Design Firm/Showroom (Sept 25th) ⁠Design Biz Retreat (Oct 6th & 7th)⁠ ⁠High Point Market (Fall 2025)⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the ⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠. Learn more about it ⁠here⁠! ⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠ ⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠ Other Shows Mentioned: ⁠AWDB #122 Barclay Butera- Mix Talent + Opportunity + Business Savvy = Epic Interior Design Business⁠ ⁠AWDB #507 Barclay Butera 25 Years of Beautiful Design⁠ AWDB #968 Overheard: Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola: How to Harness Creativity in Interior Design ⁠AWDB #1002 Power Talk Friday:Sara Kravet: VP Furniture at Kravet Inc.⁠⁠AWDB Scott Kravet⁠
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1 month ago
57 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1127: Sponsored Show: Dezign Assist: The Smartest Way to Buy Back Time in Your Interior Design Firm
Today with Reed Humphrey of Dezign Assist Is your team maxed out, or are you stuck doing $10-an-hour tasks when you should be focused on leading your business? In today’s sponsored episode, I’m talking with Reed Humphrey, CEO of Alder & Tweed Interior Design and founder of Dezign Assist, a remote staffing company built specifically for interior designers. Reed created Dezign Assist after solving a bottleneck in his own firm. When his team couldn’t keep up with project demands, he built a scalable system using experienced remote designers. The result? More capacity, less burnout, and happier clients. If you’re a larger firm looking to support your in-house team or a solo designer ready to stop doing it all yourself, this episode will challenge how you think about delegation and show you how to buy back your time without sacrificing quality. What’s new with Reed Humphrey Website Instagram Book A Discovery Call! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Audiobook: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Book 2: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠ Book 3: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Power Talk Friday⁠ Like Us: ⁠Facebook⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠Twitter⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠Podcast⁠ Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #194 Reed Humphrey Alder and Tweed
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1 month ago
1 hour 1 minute

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1126: Nicole Heymer: Rethink SEO for ChatGPT and Google AI
Today with Nicole Heymer Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that's changing how potential clients find interior designers. We're living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google's AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you're getting most of your business from referrals or you're heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant competitive advantage. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Heymer’s Ah-Ha Moments “We are at a moment in history where all online search at this point is evolving into AI based stuff. It is different and a big moment in history.” - Nicole Heymer More About Nicole Heymer Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique marketing agency specializing in branding, websites, automation, and SEO for interior design firms, builders, and architects. Since 2011, Nicole's clear, practical take on branding and digital marketing has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from Business of Home to the Design Influencer's Conference. You’ll find her methods in print, on podcasts, and in design school classrooms. Inquire about services at gloryandbrand.com/contact Connect with Nicole Heymer Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #125- Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!! #466- Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #1087- Best of Show: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
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1 month ago
1 hour 8 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1125: Kimberly Horton: How to Turn Client Frustrations Into Smart Business Moves
Today with Kimberly Horton Welcome! Today we’re talking about how to turn client frustrations into actionable change. Kimberly shares the simple but powerful tool she uses — the Frustration Tracker — to capture issues in real time, identify patterns, and make smart adjustments to her processes. From tightening contracts to setting clearer boundaries, Kimberly shows how documenting frustrations can lead to stronger systems, better client experiences, and a more profitable business. Plus, she’s sharing her Frustration Tracker template so you can start using it in your own firm.  Ah-Ha moments “If you're feeling that frustration, nine out of ten times, your client is feeling it too.” - Kimberly Horton “You’ve got to treat your process like a living document that evolves with every lesson you learn.” - Kimberly Horton “It’s not about complaining for the sake of complaining. It’s about learning from the complaint, analyzing it, and turning it into actionable change.” - LuAnn Nigara “We always say: work on your business, not just in it. And this is a living, breathing example of that.” - LuAnn Nigara Connect with Kimberly Horton Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower AWDB 892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes AWDB 1050: Power Talk Friday: Amy Posner: How Interior Designers Can Be the Expert, Not the Order Taker
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1 month ago
1 hour 30 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1124: BEST OF SHOW: Megan Molten: Another Side Hustle Success Story
Today With Megan Molten: Welcome! Today we are really excited to have Megan Molten on the show with us. Megan reached out to LuAnn in an email a while ago, telling her that she learned everything she knows about the business of interior design from this show, and it’s changed her life. She went on to explain that after twelve years of being in health-care sales and having listened to the podcast every day for the last year, she finally quit her day job to become an interior designer. Listen in today, to hear Megan’s story. Before quitting her job, Megan managed to have an incredible 29 interior design clients on the side, over six months, while still working full-time, for fifty hours a week! Now, a year later, she has a full-time business manager, a full-time designer, she has leased warehouse space, she has a studio space, she has an e-commerce business, and she has 19 000 followers on Instagram! In her first year, Megan brought in $600 000 in revenue, and she also planned her wedding and got married last May! She has been featured on eighteen different sites, from Serena and Lily to Apartment Therapy and Bungalow. Megan has achieved all of this because she truly understands that to make her dreams a reality, she has to actually do the things that she learned from the different guests on this show. In today’s episode, she talks to us about the things she learned and how she’s applied them. Tune in now, to find out more! Show Highlights: Megan talks to us about the moment that she finally decided to quit her day job. It all began with social media, with Instagram in particular, for Megan. One of the first things that Megan did was to hire a photographer. Starting afresh, both professionally and personally. Having the support of her entrepreneurial parents really helped Megan a lot. Do what you do best, and outsource the rest. Making her first hire was one of the best decisions Megan has ever made. E-commerce makes so much sense but it really takes a lot of work. Using the services of a purchasing agent. Having conversations and making connections. The importance of finding the blind spots in your processes. More About Megan Molten: Megan’s love for all things interiors has been around for as long as she can remember and soon became a reality after she purchased her first home in Charleston, South Carolina and started the design process herself. She began sharing with the world all of her favorite finds and amazing transformations on social media and the world responded! It was this incredible response to Megan’s designs that encouraged her to start helping friends, then friends of friends and eventually clients transform their spaces too. This exciting new “hobby” she devoted every hour to while not working her very full-time job in medical sales quickly turned into a business. She quit her 12-year career in corporate America to chase a dream-a dream that was her true passion in life-helping others achieve beautiful spaces they love.  Her passion for light and airy design, go-getter attitude and attention to detail has quickly created a strong following and brand for #designsbymeganmolten and she can’t wait to continue to watch her big dream grow! Links: Website: Megan Molten Shop: Megan Molten Shop Instagram: Megan Molten Facebook: Megan Molten Pinterest: Megan Molten Houzz:  Designs By Megan Molten Other Shows Mentioned: Shea McGee #236 Cheryl Luckett – Dwell by Cheryl #291 and #397
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1 month ago
1 hour 25 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1123: Ali Faulkner: What to Do When a Client Says “No”: Lessons from a Lost Design Proposal
Today with Ali Faulkner Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We’ve talked before about conducting an autopsy of a project—looking back and figuring out exactly what went right, what went wrong, and where to improve.  But what about conducting an autopsy of projects that you didn’t win? My guest today, Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors, lost several bids in a row, and decided to make a big change; she reached out to those potential clients and asked for feedback afterward.  Ali is sharing the exact questions she asked and how they changed everything for her business.  Ah-Ha Moments “I realized I was chasing what everyone else wanted to chase rather than what I actually needed to be profitable and continue to build my business.” -Ali "You get a quote to do a roof. One guy is 20K, one guy is 30K and the other guy is 35. Like I'm sorry, who's even thinking about the 20K guy? You're just like, you're off the list, right? Because... you automatically distrust the 20." - LuAnn  A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: Revelwoods Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #768 Jaipur Living: A New Collaboration with Kate Lester AWDB #790 Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions #803 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You! AWDB #856 Enrique Crespo: Describing His Type-A Personality Mindset AWDB #1059 Rachel Usher: Creating Community and Strength in the Interior Design Industry Other Resources: https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/podcast https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/podcast-for-interior-designers/ https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/retreat-registration/ https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/2025-community-summit This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
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2 months ago
1 hour 16 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1122: New Show: Chelsea Viau: Add Pattern (and Profit) to Your World
Today With Chelsea Viau: Today with Chelsea Viau of Chelsea Lane & Company, we’re talking about the numbers behind your wallpaper—and why they matter more than you might think. Chelsea shares what every designer needs to know before sourcing wallcoverings, including the costly mistakes that can derail your budget, timeline, and client trust. We also dig into vendor relationships, client education, and the importance of working with experts who protect your process and your profit. Whether you love wallpaper or avoid it entirely, this episode is a reminder that every detail counts in a well-designed business. LuAnn Nigara and Chelsea Viau’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Designers are not wallpaper experts. That’s where we come in.” - Chelsea “If your numbers are off, that’s on you. The vendor didn’t tell you to order the wrong quantity.” - LuAnn More About Chelsea Viau Chelsea Lane & Company is an interior design showroom and home decor boutique, specializing in the sale of wallpaper and textiles. The showroom caters to homeowners, designers, and builders. Owner, Chelsea Lane, has over 20 years of experience in the wallpaper industry and her knowledge and expertise has been shared with her staff through extensive training. The shop, which has been open since 2010, is home to a curated collection of home decor, furniture and lighting, as well as features the largest wallpaper library in Palm Beach County, open to the public. Chelsea Lane has a robust virtual showroom program where clients can have access to the top Palm Beach design house from anywhere in the world! Connect with Chelsea Viau Website Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Interior Design Society⁠ (IDS) Join ⁠⁠⁠LuAnn University's Proven Path to Profit⁠⁠⁠! Other Shows: AWDB #986: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things AWDB #1097: NEW SHOW: Margalit Lankry: Designers with Intention. A Community with a Collaborative, Abundance Mindset
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2 months ago
58 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
1121: Best Of Show: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
Today With Cheryl Luckett: What does it take to leave behind the security of a corporate job and build a thriving design business? For Cheryl Luckett, principal of Dwell by Cheryl, it took vision, courage, and a commitment to excellence. In this conversation, Cheryl shares how she transitioned from her career as a registered dietitian and HR professional at a Fortune 500 company to becoming one of Charlotte’s most sought-after interior designers. We talk about the transferable skills she brought into her design business, the mentors who guided her, and how she now pays it forward by mentoring other designers. Cheryl’s story is a masterclass in believing in yourself, building on your strengths, and taking bold steps toward your dreams. Whether you’re still in a corporate job dreaming of design or you’ve already taken the leap, Cheryl’s insights will inspire you to design not only beautiful spaces but also a business you love. More About Cheryl Luckett Cheryl Luckett wants to give her clients homes they never want to leave. Since 2012, Dwell by Cheryl Interiors has kept clients raving about Cheryl’s ability to transform their homes into classic, colorful, cultured spaces - not to mention her professionalism and attention to detail. Full of creative solutions to her clients’ design challenges, Cheryl and her team champion their projects from start to finish. Like Cheryl’s southern roots, her love for design runs deep. Growing up in Mississippi, she soaked up her grandmother’s and great-great-grandmother’s keen interest in design (the latter even sold catalog home furnishings to friends and neighbors who admired her talent for putting together beautiful spaces!). Connect with Cheryl Luckett Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Savvy Giving Design Coalition⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about it ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice - Sign Up! Join ⁠⁠⁠LuAnn University's Proven Path to Profit⁠⁠⁠! Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why
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2 months ago
1 hour 14 minutes

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.