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Today With Bernadette Smith: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Bernadette Smith, Founder and CEO of the Equality Institute, a boutique diversity, equity, and inclusion firm whose mission embed equity and inclusion into organizational systems and culture, enhancing outcomes for employees and customers. When we are afraid of offending someone, we tend to say nothing. We get so comfortable in our lanes, that we dont do much to move diversity forward. Bernadette and I discuss how to have the courage to address diversity. She talks about her ARC Method that helps people become open and actionable, and much more! LuAnn Nigara & Bernadette Smith's Ah-Ha Moments “My approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion is that we are all in this together and can learn from each other.” - Bernadette Smith “I have a lot of privilege. Some of it I’ve earned like my master’s degree, but a lot I didn’t earn, so I feel like I have a responsibility and a sense of purpose to know how much power I have by accident,” Be

Today With Emmy Marek: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Emmy Marek of Emmy Couture Designs, an award-winning full-service interior design firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and serving clients nationwide. In 2016, after working for both an architectural design firm and a luxury design-build firm, where she became fluent in creating custom homes, Emmy decided to go into business for herself, opening Emmy Couture when she was only 26 years old. Since then she has spent her time growing her luxury design firm and growing her family. Now, with two children under the age of five and projects all over the country, Emmy is a study in balance, efficiency, and organization. But she won’t take all the credit. She says it takes having a good team at home and at work is key to making it all happen. Emmy and I are discussing how she manages everything, how she finds time for herself and the relationships that mean the most to her, and why she is driven to do it all. LuAnn Nigara and Emmy Marek's Ah-Ha Mom

Today With Monica Sharma-Patnekar: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Monica Sharma-Patnekar, Marketing Strategist and Fractional CMO and owner of Business with Monica. We are deep-diving into how to attract your REAL audience, the ones who actually respond to your brand messaging and marketing. Monika explains how to find out what attracted your clients to you. What it was that made them choose you over your competition, what resonated with them in your messaging, and how to keep doing it to get even more clients. LuAnn Nigara & Monica Sharma-Patnekar's Ah-Ha Moments “When talking about customer interviews, remember that people love helping people. They appreciate being seen and heard.” - Monica Sharma-Patnekar “The key is finding out how you serve your ‘real’ clients at every touchpoint.” - Monica Sharma-Patnekar “A brand is a feeling and how you make your customers feel at every step of their journey.” - Monica Sharma-Patnekar More About Monica Sharma-Patnekar As a customer-centric marketing

Today With Kylie Tyrrell: As creatives, we're often expected to wear multiple hats, and today's conversation with Kylie Tyrrell, an interior designer turned mentor, lifts the veil on the exciting, challenging, and rewarding world of design and coaching. Kylie is a seasoned interior designer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her love for the industry has led her to mentor and guide the next generation of interior designers. She is passionate about helping women in the industry gain confidence and make money doing what they love! LuAnn Nigara and Kylie Tyrrell's Ah-Ha Moments “Action builds confidence” - Kylie Tyrrell More About Kylie Tyrrell Kylie Tyrrell is a seasoned Interior designer with over a decade of experience in the industry. Her love for the industry has led her to mentor and guide the next generation of interior designers. She is passionate about helping women in the industry gain confidence and make money doing what they love. She runs a mentor program called Interiors Insider wher

Today With Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know the power of outsourcing. But if you’ve outsourced before, or if you’re just considering it, you also know that it comes with its own set of headaches—from figuring out what you need to hiring to onboarding. My guests today Shayna Pellino and Evelyn Roberts, creators of 4D Biz, understand that very well. 4D Biz is essentially a virtual team for interior designers, providing the strategy, the marketing, the admin, and even design support at the level you need for your business. Learn how their set up supports designers and why a virtual team might be right for you! LuAnn Nigara, Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino's Ah-Ha Moments “The business can suck the soul out of you if you are overworked, if you are not getting the money that you deserve and you are just putting in endless hours and you're not feeling it in your bank account.” -Shayna “This new way of doing business is I'm all about it because every single person tha

Today With Cory Simon: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. There are many designers out there looking to grow and scale their businesses, whether they’re coming in from a different career or launching their own firm. But what if you are working your business as a side hustle—and you actually want to keep it that way? That’s the situation for my guest today, Cory Simon of 290 Eliot Interiors. She’s working a full-time job, keeping a healthy business on the side, and spending time with her family—all within the same 24 hours a day we all have! You might be wondering how that’s possible—and the answer comes down to efficiency. This is a must-listen if you are juggling your interior design job as a side hustle, or if you simply want to work less hours and get more done! LuAnn Nigara and Cory Simon's Ah-Ha Moments “There is an emotional element that it is an emotional roller coaster and you're excited and you're frustrated. And every time you turn a corner people want more money. And so I think sometimes we have

Today With Danielle Hendon: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Danielle Hendon, owner of 4 Corners CFO. Don’t worry, Danielle is one of those CFO’s who explains money in an understandable way to us “non-finance” people. She shares her six-part framework she uses with her clients, to handling their finances. She and her team offer calculations, information, and tools in an understandable way so then you can do what you want to do with your business. Danielle has the technical knowledge and over a decade of experience in corporate finance and accounting to small businesses on a scale that fits their budget and their needs, and she’s ready to spill the tea. Enjoy! Danielle Hendon's Ah-Ha Moment “Budget is just a plan forward for your business. We take everything we learned in the previous steps and build out a budget for the rest of the year,” Danielle Hendon More About Danielle Hendon Hi! I’m Danielle Hendon – wife, mom, and Virtual CFO to small business owners. I bring over a decade of experience

Today With Kate Figler: A Well-Designed Business. Today I have with me Kate Figler, of Kate Figler Interiors. After moving her firm from the northeast to Nashville, Kate exponentially rebuilt and expanded her clientele and became a well-established design name. Kate has this motto that I was excited to dive into with her that can hint: increase your success and profitability. Listen, to my chat with Kate on the beneficial meaning of “Begin Where You Mean To Go.” Pick It Apart [1:51] Kate explains what she means by “Begin as you mean to go.” [13:55] How Kate developed her processes and procedures off the bat. [18:00] Kate’s advice in handling client onboarding. [29:55] Explaining to the client that things may happen, but giving them comfort that you are prepared for anything and in control. [37:40] Make sure your clients know that you respect the trades. [40:35] Kate explains her philosophy on chasing opportunities. LuAnn Nigara and Kate Figler's Ah-Ha Moments “A lot of people feel intimidated by the

Today With Sara Lynn Brennan: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Sara Lynn Brennan, a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and the Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara shares her unique philosophy on how she incorporates window treatments into her design projects, and why she considers them to be essential for creating beautiful and functional spaces. LuAnn Nigara and Sara Lynn Brennan's Ah-Ha Moments “The idea behind full-service design is to take care of all the details and ensure that the space is fully completed and functional, so that everyone can enjoy it without feeling that there’s something else that needs to be done to it.” - LuAnn “Sara sets the expectations early on, from their marketing to their consultations, and all the way through the design process.” - LuAnn More About Sara Lynn Brennan She is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara has become the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxh

Today With Lorna Gross: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Lorna Gross, owner of Lorna Gross Interior Design. After finishing two business degrees and leading a very successful life in corporate America, Lorna ended up disappointed and unhappy. Even as successful as she was with winning awards and being up for a promotion. It was time for her to pivot. Lorna and I discuss the art of pivoting, how to recognize when you should, and how to confidently execute it. Pick It Apart [2:40] Lorna starts us off with her background and growing up. [8:00] Lorna talks about her journey to discover what she is supposed to be doing for a living. [19:30] The importance of taking the time go sit in silence with yourself. [28:50] Recognizing the signal of when people complement you or tell you you have a knack in something. [50:10] Lorna’s plans including her podcast, a streaming service, book, and more all in addition to her interior design firm. [51:30] Lorna expands on how everyone has different seasons

Today With Fred Berns: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Fred Berns. Fred has been on the show many times, and I often refer to him when I talk about finding your Fred Berns Only. Knowing your “only” is essential. After working in the interior design industry as a business coach, speaker, and copywriter for 35 years, Fred has spent the past five years traveling the world. He visited 33 countries on four continents, and talked to business owners everywhere he went. Fred has studied the most successful business professionals across many industries around the globe, and he discovered they all share several traits. Today Fred is here to explain The Five Things these people have in common, along with actionable ways we can bring these habits into our own lives and businesses. Pick It Apart [04:07] Fred and LuAnn discuss the first habit: Focus, especially when it comes to your financial goals.  [08:57] Fred explains the second habit: Aim high. [14:48] Fred and LuAnn revisit the Fred Berns Only

Today With Marilyn Watson-LaVergne: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined Marilyn Watson-LaVergne. In her first career, Marilyn worked in marketing and public relations in New York City, witnessing the progression of branding for products and creative services, including interior design.  Now a seasoned designer and owner of Marilyn LaVergne Interiors, Marilyn is teaching us that we can’t be all the things to all the people—and what to do instead. It all starts with identifying what you believe and finding your point of differentiation, because clients don’t buy what we do. They buy what we believe.  Listen now to my chat with Marilyn to learn how to take this first step and where it will lead you. Pick It Apart [4:50] Marilyn explains the nuances and expertise that go into interior design. [10:11] Marilyn talks about how she became passionate about design and transitioned out of marketing to become a designer. [14:39] LuAnn and Marilyn discuss the impact a designer can have on their clients’ homes

Today With Masha Koyen: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday.  Your website matters for so many reasons. It’s the gateway for how your clients get to know you, whether they trust you, and ultimately whether they ever contact you or not.  My guest today, Masha Koyen, understands the importance of web copy. She is the founder of Content Vertical, a copywriting agency for the interior design industry. She helps designers and builders level up their brand and create messaging that connects, engages, and attracts their ideal audience.  Masha has seen a lot of web copy—and specifically, a lot of mistakes that designers make with their websites. Today, she’s sharing the top 7 mistakes she sees—and what you can do to correct them. Pick It Apart [3:04] Masha and LuAnn discuss how important it is to create your copy with your audience in mind. [12:31] Masha talks about why having copy above the fold matters. [17:04] LuAnn and Masha discuss how to make your website stand out. [30:40] Masha sha

Today With Maria Palantino: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Maria Leigh Palantino, came into the interior design industry as her second career. She started a career in fashion design then pivoted, and brought with her many skills from her fashion career that guide her philosophies, design style, and the way she cultivates a memorable experience for her clients.  For Maria, it wasn’t just about being scared to take the plunge to start a new career. The real challenge was giving herself permission to leave behind not just her expertise but something she had worked so hard for and trust herself to build something new. Today, she’s sharing how she overcame that challenge and created a thriving interior design business. Pick It Apart [4:43] Maria shares how she decided it was time to take the leap to become an interior designer.   [9:30] Maria and LuAnn discuss how hard it can be to give yourself permission to change careers.   [24:46] Maria discusses how delegating early in her b

Today With Terri Taylor: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored show, I’m excited to welcome back Terri Taylor, creator of the Interior Design Business Academy – an education and coaching resource that provides a unique mix of business strategies and systems along with powerful positive mindset practices to help interior designers create meaningful success. Today, she is giving us an inside look at her upcoming Design Biz Summit—a 3-day event to help designers shake their mindset breaks and develop the skills to know their worth, charge it, and deliver on it. She’s also sharing her insights on the importance of having the right money mindset—and what you can do to stop undervaluing and undercharging. Pick It Apart [1:03] Terri discusses how our money mindset forms when we are children and impacts the way we function in our business. [3:11] Terri talks about the money mindset of the luxury client. [18:30] Terri and LuAnn talk about the importance of learning both mindset and skill

Today With Jessica Bantom: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined Jessica Bantom, interior designer, color consultant, and DEIB practitioner. This is Part Two of our conversation on how to become a culturally competent designer, and we are going even deeper.  In this conversation, Jessica walks us through the six habits of a culturally competent designer—the same habits outlined in her new book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World. Listen now to learn more about each of these habits and how you can incorporate them into your routine and be a part of this phenomenal shift in the industry. Pick It Apart [1:58] LuAnn and Jessica discuss the first habit of culturally competent designers: Take accountability, especially during the design process and through inclusive leadership. [10:25] Jessica explains the second habit: Ask questions. She says this step is about creating a space for conversation, which should be established at the beginning of a projec

Today With Jenna Gaidusek: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Jenna Gaidusek, Director of Community and Education at Mydoma Studio. Jenna is a talented designer, founder of the Interior Design Playbook (formerly eDesign Tribe) Facebook community and creator of eDesign U, an online school dedicated to providing designers with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the eDesign industry. Jenna doesn’t want you to go it alone as a designer, which is why she joined forces with Mydoma Studio and created the Virtual Assistant Certification program. Listen now to this sponsored episode for all the details about this amazing new resource available only through Mydoma. Pick It Apart   [3:07] Jenna explains what a virtual assistant is and how they help businesses. [4:47] LuAnn and Jenna discuss the need for virtual assistants, especially for designers, and why Jenna and Sarah Daniele from Mydoma partnered to create a certification program specifically within the Mydoma Studio

Today With Christina Richardson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today we’re traveling outside the country. My guest Christina Richardson from Christina Richardson Interiors. Christina is a Scandinavian native who grew up on the charming coast of Northern Sweden. After moving to the U.S. with her husband and two daughters, Christina earned her interior design degree from the New York Institute of Art and Design. With 20 years of interior design under her belt from Sweden, Christina has learned a lot in the business of starting over in another country. She is here to share the “musts” of what she learned you should do if considering taking projects in another country. Pick It Apart [5:00] Christina shares her experience coming to the U.S. and becoming an interior designer.   [9:10] How Christina got clients being from a different country and not knowing anyone.   [15:27] What to think about if you are in the U.S. and want to start a project in a different country.   [20:20] Christina

Today With Traci Connell: Today’s show is sponsored by Traci Connell’s free masterclass The Reveal which begins on September 11, 2023. Traci joins us once again to share all of the ways you can work with her in The Gloss, including her free masterclass The Reveal where she “reveals” all of the secrets and shortcuts she has learned in the interior design industry. This is a five-day, one-hour-per-day event. In The Reveal, you will learn the strategies Traci teaches designers to hit one million in revenue. This FREE course is for any interior designer who wants to reach the next level. Who wouldn’t that be, right?  Traci and I also discuss all of the valuable ways you can work with her in The Gloss. She uses her own four-pillar framework; More Purpose, More Precision, More Profit, and More Prestige to help designers achieve more wealth financially, mentally, and personally.  This #smartlady continues to offer up her shortcuts and expertise in everything she has learned on her way to building her multimillio

Today With Jessica Bantom: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined Jessica Bantom, interior designer, DEIB practitioner, and author of Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World. This is the first part of a conversation about how to become a culturally competent designer.  In this episode, part one of a two-part series, Jessica explains cultural competence is the ability to understand, interact with, and appreciate people of different backgrounds or belief systems that are different from your own. But she explains that it essentially comes down to making space for conversations. Pick It Apart [5:54] LuAnn and Jessica talk about the goals of Jessica’s new book, Design for Identity: How to Design Authentically for a Diverse World   [11:59] Jessica explains why she uses the term “identity” instead of culture, in order to speak more broadly about differences across multiple dimensions—including race and ethnicity but also age, religion, sexual orientation, and body s