In this episode of the To-The-Trade podcast, Laurie Laizure chats with Jenny Warner, founder of J Thomas Designs, about her evolution from a hands-on childhood in construction to leading a profitable interior design firm with confidence and clarity.
Jenny shares the pivotal moment she realized she was undervaluing her time, and how that realization helped shift her mindset around billing and profit. With 24 years of experience under her belt, she now advocates for designers to understand every layer of a project, from tile installation to taxes, and to never lose sight of their value.
Jenny also reveals how she intentionally built her team, starting with a bookkeeper and later hiring part-time help that suits her business rhythm. Her leadership style blends flexibility with professionalism and includes thoughtful touches, such as spa rewards after intense installations.
The conversation also touches on legacy planning and future growth. Jenny and Laurie explore how to refine your client pipeline, resist the temptation of vanity projects, and invest in the right kind of support for long-term success.
This episode is packed with candid insights and practical strategies for design entrepreneurs navigating the business of interior design.
In this episode of To-The-Trade, Laurie and Nile are joined by Jenna Gaidusek, founder of eDesign Tribe and eDesign U, for a conversation about digital entrepreneurship in interior design. Jenna shares how her military lifestyle inspired her to build a location-independent design career and how she shifted from traditional interior design to creating a virtual design empire.
Jenna explains how she built a strong online community and educational platform to help designers grow. She shares automation tools, tips for confidently pricing services, and her belief that designers should embrace authenticity and modern workflows. She also discusses integrating technology platforms like MyDoma to make the design process more efficient.
The conversation is filled with honest insights about balancing creativity with entrepreneurship, building scalable systems, and redefining what success means. Jenna’s energy is practical, motivating, and rooted in real experience. Her message encourages designers to adopt new business models and craft a future on their own terms.
Rebecca Plumb and Shaun Crha of the Hot Young Designers Club join To-The-Trade to share how a chance meeting turned into a podcast that now supports a broad audience of interior designers. What started as a friendship and support system became a business during the pandemic, and they’ve navigated everything from burnout to business structures together.
They reveal how their podcast grew from casual Zoom recordings into a platform that offers honest, unfiltered conversations. The pair emphasizes the importance of designers having a community, especially when working alone, and how their honest friendship helps others feel seen and understood.
They also discuss the challenges of growing pains in monetization, hiring assistance, and managing client expectations. Audience feedback has been incredibly supportive, with many listeners crediting the show for helping them through burnout and business doubts. Topics such as setting boundaries, raising prices, and building confidence in business decisions are fan favorites.
A notable segment focuses on the controversial topic of photo copyright and the inequity designers face with usage rights. The duo advocates for fair contracts and transparency. The episode highlights the significance of community, vulnerability, and treating design as a professional discipline.
Interior designer and HGTV alum Justin Q. Williams joins Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson to discuss launching his design firm at 18, the power of social media, and building a personal brand. He shares insights into managing projects while filming on national TV, developing product lines, and fostering authentic relationships within the design community. Justin also discusses the impact of mentorship and his passion for design, which began in his childhood.
Laurie Laizure interviews interior designer Nikki Levy, who shares her bold career pivot from fashion retail to interior design and discusses how she built a thriving firm with a team of nine. Nikki opens up about the lessons she has learned in pricing, setting boundaries, establishing structure, and preserving her passion while scaling a business. Her advice for fellow designers emphasizes authenticity, confidence in pricing, and the power of systems that support creativity.
Laurie Laizure interviews Marie Cloud of Indigo Pruitt Design Studio, exploring how she creates deeply personalized spaces rooted in emotional and sensory experiences. Marie discusses her use of neuroaesthetic principles to enhance wellness through intentional design, from detailed client interactions to sensory-focused project reveals. She shares candid reflections on managing the growth of her firm, setting boundaries for a balanced lifestyle, and her dedication to diversity and mentoring emerging designers.
In this insightful episode of "To-The-Trade," host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson sit down with interior designer and neuroaesthetics expert Eryn Oruncak. Eryn delves into how neuroaesthetics, the science of how environments affect the brain and nervous system, can profoundly transform living spaces to improve mental health, emotional well-being, productivity, and overall happiness. Drawing on personal experiences and interactions with leading scientists, Eryn highlights the tangible benefits of this evidence-based approach, illustrating how intentional design can lead to enhanced sleep, reduced stress, healthier lifestyles, and even career advancement.
The conversation explores practical applications for interior designers, including strategies for effectively introducing neuroaesthetic concepts to clients, reading subtle cues and reactions, and designing spaces that foster desired emotional states and behaviors. Eryn shares valuable insights into sensory-rich environments, the importance of proper lighting and artwork selection, and how designers can confidently leverage scientific principles to enhance their professional value. Throughout, Eryn passionately advocates for elevating the interior design profession by harnessing scientific knowledge, ultimately benefiting not only individual clients but society at large.
Host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson welcome Laura Umansky, founder of Laura U Design Collective, to discuss her path to becoming a renowned interior designer. Laura reveals how her Texas upbringing and early career experiences shaped her distinctive style and strong business sense. She shares practical insights into successfully managing both domestic and international projects, highlighting the value of structured processes, clear communication, and maintaining healthy client relationships. The conversation also touches on overcoming client conflicts, the importance of setting boundaries, and how travel continually fuels her creative inspiration.
Host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson discuss social media and digital marketing for interior designers with expert Emanuela Schneider. They address the challenges designers encounter in marketing, effective strategies for content creation, and the necessity of adapting to changes like the rise of ChatGPT over traditional search engines. Emanuela shares practical tips for crafting engaging social media content, including behind-the-scenes insights, authentic branding, and effective community engagement. They also explore how designers can optimize platforms such as Pinterest, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and provide practical advice on managing client expectations and evaluating the value of awards and professional associations.
Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson talk with Shelly Hudson, founder of Hudson Home, about her journey from corporate design to running her own studio. Shelly shares lessons in managing client expectations, pricing with confidence, and creating deeply personal spaces. She also discusses mental wellness, the significance of community, and finding balance in a purpose-driven design business.
Designer and entrepreneur Scott Meacham Wood joins Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson to talk about his new Somerset House collection of wallpaper and textiles. From his Ralph Lauren days to launching his line, Scott shares how storytelling, texture, and visual emotion guide his design philosophy. He reflects on his early blogging experiences, the importance of community, and the delicate balance between art and commerce. The episode delves into his collaborative process, his love of photo shoots, and how he thoughtfully blends vintage inspiration with modern execution. It’s a compelling look into the mind of a designer who knows how to make florals fierce and business beautiful.
Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson talk with Laura Thornton, a seasoned interior designer who transitioned from a potential law career into design, influenced by her family’s construction background. Laura emphasizes the challenges and strategies of staying profitable during uncertain economic times, focusing on financial acumen, thoughtful outsourcing, and clear client communication. She also provides insights from her Profit Academy, highlighting the importance of tracking numbers, avoiding being price-shopped, and building sustainable profits. Laura addresses marketing and branding, discusses the real impact of media exposure, and advises on managing burnout through effective delegation and prioritization.
Laurie Laizure interviews architect and Mattoboard founder Guy Ailion, who discusses how digital sampling can solve interior designers’ biggest headaches: outdated libraries, sample waste, and slow sourcing. Mattoboard lets designers create realistic 3D material boards that replicate the tactile studio experience, without the waste. They talk about the platform’s upcoming collaboration features, virtual sampling’s environmental impact, and how AI can assist (not replace) human creativity. Guy envisions a future where designers “visualize to draft,” turning creative ideas into presentations faster than ever.
Laurie Laizure sits down with designer Kevin Twitty to discuss his journey from math major to an interior design professional. They explore essential business strategies for designers, including mastering SEO, networking within the Interior Design Community, and building resilience when entering new markets. Kevin shares how authenticity, community support, and adaptability have been key to his success. Designers will leave this episode inspired to rethink their marketing strategies, nurture their professional networks, and build stronger businesses.
Welcome to this episode of ‘To the Trade’ hosted by Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson. We’re thrilled to have Meredith Huck joining us today. Meredith shares her journey from corporate software sales to founding her interior design business, House of Huck. We discuss her experiences, challenges, and successes in building a design business that balances livable luxury with coastal casual elegance. Meredith elaborates on the freedom and personal growth of being self-employed, the importance of communication with clients and contractors, and her upcoming renovation projects. She also offers valuable business insights and heartfelt stories, including having an ice cream flavor named after her! Please tune in to be inspired by Meredith’s passion for design and dedication to truly making her clients’ homes special. Don’t miss her tips on starting and running a successful design business.
Join Laurie Laizure from To The Trade as she interviews Heather McManus from the Designers Collective. Heather shares her journey into the design industry, from her early struggles with learning disabilities to her education at Pratt and her first job in a workroom. She discusses her professional growth, her experience with high-end design, and the challenges she faced, including getting priced out by the internet. Heather explains the concept of the Designers Collective, a community focused on leveraging collective buying power and maintaining trust and professionalism among members. Watch to learn about the importance of education, networking, and community support in the ever-evolving design industry.
Join Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from ‘To The Trade’ as they interview Katie Decker-Erickson, a skilled designer, coach, and MBA graduate. Katie recounts her transition from leading a multimillion-dollar design firm to helping fellow designers realize their aspirations. The conversation explores various topics, including the necessity of distinguishing personal identity from business, strategic planning, financial oversight, marketing tactics, and the essential role of community engagement. The episode also addresses best practices for naming a design firm and fostering a strong company culture. If you’re eager to elevate your design business and step into a successful CEO role, this episode is filled with valuable insights and actionable advice.
In this episode of ‘To the Trade’, Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson reconnect after months apart, sharing experiences from Italy, especially the Mercanteinfiera and Modern Art Fair. They discuss the event’s significance for designers and insights from industry experts. They highlight Cheminne Taylor-Smith role in organizing impactful events and the importance of networking among designers. Laurie and Nile provide tips for navigating High Point Market, improving relationships with trade brands, and creating quality designs. The episode concludes with plans for future events and community engagement to enhance collaboration and growth in the design industry.
Join Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from To The Trade as they chat with renowned Canadian designer Jean Stephane Beauchamp. In this insightful episode, Jean shares his journey from studying fine arts and psychology to establishing his design firm over 25 years ago. Discover his design philosophy centered on enhancing the quality of life through beautiful and functional spaces, and learn about his views on trends, timeless design, and the impact of interior design on well-being. Jean also discusses the influence of travel on his work, the importance of authenticity in social media, and the recent challenges faced by Canadian designers amidst political tensions. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about interior design and looking to deepen their understanding of the industry's evolving landscape.
Join Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from To The Trade as she chats with Todd Howard Ezrin, the principal of Toby Design Group. Todd shares his expansive journey from managing a small boutique design firm in Bethesda, Maryland, to handling international projects, including award-winning retail spaces. He opens up about the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business, maintaining vital relationships, and the significant impact of his philanthropic efforts. Discover his strategies for growing a design firm, balancing client-centric projects, and nurturing a company culture built on trust and community. If you're an aspiring designer—or simply interested in the design industry—this episode is packed with insights on managing a thriving business while making a meaningful difference.
