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Today With Brittany Steptoe-Wright: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Brittany Steptoe-Wright, owner of BSW Design. BSW Design is a certified Vegan Design Firm. Brittany holds design, animals, and the environment near and dear to her heart, so everything they source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. BSW Design also focuses on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or highly recycled content, Brittany’s aim is to bring ethically sound products into her client’s home. Tune in to learn more about this important and ever-growing topic, so join in and make our world a better place one client at a time. Pick It Apart [1:00] Brittany gets right into what inspired her to take Deborah Resenberg’s course. [8:42] How Brittany believes what you put into your home promotes a certain energy and karma. [19:15] How Brittany navigates when pieces that are cruelty-free aren’t sustainable as well.  [27:00] Lessons that Brittany discusses on her podcast

Today With Renee Bush: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s common for business owners to feel burnt out, lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to go next. Today, Renee Bush of Tandem is sharing her insights on how to reignite the spark when you just don’t know how to move forward.  Pick It Apart [14:21] Renee shares why creative businesses are so different from other industries, and why inspiration matters to us.  [26:33] Renee discusses the value of having a “north star” guiding you in your business.  [30:59] Renee breaks down the three pillars of taking control of how your brand is perceived.  [35:40] Renee and LuAnn discuss how to attract clients that align with your values.  LuAnn Nigara and Renee Bush’s Ah-Ha Moments “I started figuring out that we need to solve all of this first and create a North Star that then we can use to make decisions. That really set me on a path of helping designers figure out their North Star. Who am I? What do I want? Why do I do what I do? How do I do it? What's my

Today With Victoria Larson: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by textile and wallpaper designer Victoria Larson. After creating gorgeous hand-screen-printed textile collections and dreamy wallpaper patterns for more than a decade, Victoria made a plan to leave the textiles behind (but in good hands) and focus solely on the wallpaper, which allowed her to reenergize her brand and grow with intention. Good businesses are grown strategically, and believe it or not, sometimes, we have to shrink in order to grow. In this episode, Victoria shares her story. We talk about finding creative solutions, leaving a legacy, and gaining creativity by crunching numbers, and so much more.  Pick It Apart [0:51] Victoria explains how she scaled back the fabric side of her business in order to focus on her wallpapers [11:43] LuAnn and Victoria discuss the importance of relationships, especially with licensing partners. [19:35] Victoria speaks about how she got into the money mindset and how that has helped her

Today With Stacey Brown Randall: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Stacey Brown Randall, a business referral whiz who is here to help us understand referral marketing strategies and to share her methods of generating referrals naturally—without manipulating, incentivizing, or even asking.  Stacey is the host of the Roadmap to Referrals Podcast and the multiple award-winning author of Generating Business Referrals Without Asking, as well as my co-author in A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts (volume 1). In this episode we talk about systems and strategies, the client experience, and how to find key referral moments throughout your interactions that will make you the designer your clients refer over-and-over again. Pick It Apart [3:40] Stacey explains her approach to getting fabulous referrals and how it’s different then what most of us were taught. [11:56] Stacey speaks to the referral ecosystem and why having a process and a strategy works. [18:55] Stacey and LuAnn di

Today With Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Running a business is hard. Running one through economic downturns and recessions is tougher. My guests today, Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller of Toledo Geller, have been running their firm together for 17 years. They’ve seen ups and downs in the financial climate—and through it all, they’ve pivoted, built up their network, and come out stronger than before. Today, they’re sharing what you can do in your business to come through even the toughest of economic climates. Pick It Apart [3:58] Jessica and Virginia share what they’re most proud of in their business over the years.  [17:03] Jessica and Virginia discuss how they’ve always ensured they had a strong pipeline of clients. [26:40] Jessica, Virginia, and LuAnn talk about the importance of flexibility in business.  [43:28] Jessica and Virginia share their onboarding process for their operations manager.  LuAnn Nigara, Virginia Toledo, and Jessica Geller’s Ah-Ha Mome

Today With Aubre Fox: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Aubre Fox we answer everything you’ve ever wondered about working with Revel Woods. As the first point of contact and an interior designer herself, Aubre takes us through all of the steps and benefits to getting your flooring through Revel Woods. She also talks about their new showroom packages, which she is very passionate about.  Pick It Apart [1:24] Aubre starts us off talking a little about herself and how she got into Revel Woods.  [6:10] What is the process when a designer wants to work with Revel Woods? [26:34] How the backend works with how you get your commission. [28:28] Aubre breaks down the types of products Revel Woods offers.  [44:37] Aubre tells us about Revel Woods new showroom package. LuAnn Nigara and Aubre Fox's Ah-Ha Moments “As designers when you are working with any person in their technical realm, you have to understand when you’re having a technical conversation, there is no one helping to decide if this i

Today With Bria Hammel: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am welcoming back Bria Hammel. Bria is the Creative Director and CEO of Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. Bria was on before giving tips on how to scale your interior design business. And let me say, she is still a #smartlady. Bria has perfected her process for her out of state clients, as well as her team, to make the experience as easy and seamless as possible. Today she is sharing how, and the changes that her businesses have experienced since her last visit. Pick It Apart [1:35] Bria shares what she and her business, Bria Hammell Interiors, have been up to since her last visit. [16:50] Bria talks about how she knew to incorporate prices that match a longer time getting projects finished.  [19:00] How EOS has been a lifesaver for Bria’s business and how they use it.  [23:31] Bria shares how she got her integrator. [31:23] Bria explains how she meets for her out-of state clients, having a husband and being a mom of two. [35:08] Bria sh

Today With Katie McDonald: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I'm joined by Katie McDonald, certified holistic health coach, raw food chef and instructor at b.nourished. Katie’s motto is self-care is not fluff and it isn’t selfish. That is exactly what she helps her clients through so they can both take care of their business and take care of themselves. Katie has worked with several interior designers over the years and has discovered that in service to their clients and their craft, they ignore their own wellbeing, dismissing their needs, and even their own spaces. If this sounds like you, then you will enjoy this episode. Pick It Apart [2:00] What started Katie on her belief that self-care is not fluff and not selfish. [6:01] Katie explains what to look for in yourself to determine if you are on the brink of needing self-care. [19:07] The areas she focuses on with her clients because there isn’t one model that works for everyone. [24:30] The art of concept and considerations. [31:31] Katies s

Today With Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, AKA the Brownstone Boys. Barry and Jordan are designers, DIY-ers, renovators, and restorers who followed their passions and serendipitously fell into a flourishing business together. In 2018, Jordan and Barry bought a brownstone in Brooklyn and started The Brownstone Boys blog the day they closed on the house, and that’s just the beginning of their adventure. Today they are renovating their way across Brooklyn and New York City, one brownstone at a time.  In our interview, The Brownstone Boys share how they grew their business organically, how they are implementing systems and processes, and how to balance work and life when you’re in business with your partner. Pick It Apart [2:33] Jordan talks about the significance of his and Barry’s second date—a bike ride through Brooklyn neighborhoods where they realized they shared a love of brownstones. [10:44] Jordan explains how The Br

Today With Sarah Daniele: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by software designer Sarah Daniele. Sarah is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio, an all-in-one project management solution for interior designers. Sarah is a professionally educated interior designer, and she is passionate about building tools and technology that help other designers grow their businesses.  Through Mydoma, Sarah has a unique, top-level perspective on industry trends, and she is here to help us interpret those insights and share her predictions for what’s to come. We talk about task management software, virtual team members, advances in 3D rendering and virtual staging, and the benefits of adding convenience to clients and projects with technology. Pick It Apart [1:47] Sarah and LuAnn discuss how the design industry is undergoing a digital transformation. [9:17] Sara emphasizes the importance of keeping communication all in one place and how easy that is with the Mydoma app. [20:13] LuAnn asks Sarah to talk abou

Today With Brad Leavitt: Today we’re doing a Throwback Tuesday with Brad Leavitt! Brad is the President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. He’s also one of the speakers at LuAnn Live 2023, which is why we couldn’t miss the chance to bring one of his shows back. In today’s episode, we’ll learn what is his perspective on working alongside interior designers for his project and how this has made his life easier!  More About Brad Leavitt Brad Leavitt is President and Founder of “A Finer Touch Construction” - a Scottsdale based luxury residential and commercial builder. AFT Construction, as known throughout the industry, is an award-winning construction firm and has been nationally published in magazines such as: Fine Home Building, Luxe Interiors and Design, and Professional Builder. Brad was awarded as an “Icon” in the AZ building industry by Sources for Design in October, 2019. He was also recognized as a 2022 Phoenix Titan 100. The Ti

Today With Jisun Sunny Fisher: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I often talk about the power of mindset. Limiting beliefs are tied to almost every issue you can have in your business, and in all of my years of coaching and helping other business owners, I can say that almost every single time, the key came down to mindset. Today, I’m joined by psychologist and happiness coach Jisun Sunny Fisher. She works at the intersection of spirituality and science, helping courageous leaders remember their true north and re-discover what makes them fall in love with life again. Jisun is sharing with us why the brain is the blueprint for success and what you can do to harness it.  Pick It Apart [3:48] Jisun shares why the brain is the blueprint for success (and why “success” might not mean what you think it does) [10:01] Jisun breaks down the brain science behind limiting beliefs and how your mind works [15:00] LuAnn shares her own insight into the power of visualization [30:50] Jisun reveals 3 questions to ask yo

Today With Natasa Jones: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by my good friend, Natasa Jones. She is the CEO and Principal Designer of Natasa Jones Interiors. European architecture and fashion are rooted in her design style. Today she’s back on the show to tell us how she has been scaling her business the last few years. LuAnn Nigara and Natasa Jones' Ah-Ha Moments “I’m never afraid to ask, what’s the worst thing that can happen?” - Natasa Jones “There is no such thing as competition in this industry” - Natasa Jones “If I wanted that luxury client, I wanted to be able to provide them with a luxury experience” - Natasa Jones More About Natasa Jones Natasa Jones, CEO and Principal Designer of NJI was born and raised in Europe. Natasa’s intuitive sense of style started at a young age. European architecture and fashion are rooted in her design style. She studied studio arts in her home country of Montenegro where she learned principles of art and design. Natasa continued her design journey

Today With Vita Vygovska: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Window Treatment Friday, which means I am joined by Vita Vygovska. Vita is the founder of Vitalia Inc. and a regular here on the podcasts. She is an expert in all things window treatments, and today Vita will share her knowledge of unstable fabrics to help us better understand the qualities of these linens, wools, open weaves, and anything viscose.  Window treatment professionals can’t guarantee the results when working with these fabrics, so neither should you as the designer. But don’t worry, Vita is here to eloquently help us navigate these temperamental textiles and give us the knowledge we need for better success. Pick It Apart [7:22] Vita and LuAnn discuss the battle of getting drapes to skim, or “kiss” the floor. [17:53] Vita offers language to say no, without actually saying “no.” [24:24] LuAnn talks about the importance of listening to the advice of your window treatment professional and passing the information along honestly t

Today With Zane and Emily Williams: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I’m joined by a power couple, Zane and Emily Williams from Z Properties. They have established a reputation for evocative design and quality construction, materials, and furnishings. Zane and Emily have worked with every type of client and strongly know how to best navigate relationships for creative freedom on their end and a happy customer on the other, and today they share with us how they do it!  LuAnn Nigara and Zane and Emily Williams' Ah-Ha Moments “Never back away from what you love and what you feel good about.” - Emily Williams. “If they’re a good client they are coming to you because they trust you and they want your confidence and input.” - Emily Williams More About Zane and Emily Williams: About Zane Williams - Driven by a belief that the home should be a place that stirs something within you, Zane fuses intuitive project management with a daring design approach, allowing him to conceptualize properties that

Today With Peter Lang: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Peter Lang of The Designer CPA, the only CPA firm in the country specializing in the business of Interior Design. Peter is a repeat guest on the show and the co-author of A Well Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts.  Peter has spent the last several years compiling all of his numbers and all of his knowledge into a beautiful industry-standard report. If you’ve ever wondered what profits look like for an interior design business your size, or how much the average owner pays themselves annually, or what standard monthly overhead costs add up to, then this is for you. This guidebook has every benchmark number along with thorough video explanations to help you make better decisions and have more success in your interior design business. Pick It Apart [5:13] Peter explains the differences when choosing between cash basis and an accrual basis on your tax forms. [13:54] Peter and LuAnn discuss how different software targets differen

Today With Amber Lewis: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business, today we’re doing something a little bit different: Throwback Tuesday. With over 900+ episodes in our back catalog, it’s hard to keep up with all the great designers that have shared their knowledge with all of us, that’s why we’re bringing back Amber Lewis’ 2017 episode. Amber and I talked about what it was that catapulted her to a level above her own in the beginning, the importance of figuring out your system and the chain of command in your firm, parenting and running a business and so much more! Let’s dive right into it. More About Amber Lewis: As principal at Amber Interior Design and founder of the blog, All Sorts Of, she has garnered clients and followers from around the world. As pioneer of the white-wall, laid back California aesthetic, Amber’s eclectic design approach and affinity for found objects has made her a household name. Amber imbues a bit of California eclectic in all of her projects, but craves a design challenge and opportu

Today With Desi Creswell: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s sponsored show, I’m sitting down with Desi Creswell, a friend of the show, Power Talk Friday expert, and creator of Out of Overwhelm—a six-month, intimate group experience for interior designers that will take you from overwhelmed & stressed to in control and profitable. What really impresses me about Desi isn’t just her ability to teach people time management skills. As you’ll hear in today’s episode, the skills, tools, techniques, and practices are only half of the puzzle. Desi’s real ability lies in the other half—the mindset hurdles that are blocking us from transforming our relationship with time. Pick It Apart [2:13] Desi shares why time management is much more than the perfect color-coded calendar or time-blocking system.  [7:45] LuAnn and Desi discuss the concept of a relationship with time and how to change it.  [13:30] LuAnn and Desi talk about why the lack of time isn’t the real issue—the problem is often so much deeper

Today With Jillian Lare: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Jillian Lare, of Morris Lare. Jillian achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur. Today, she’ll tell us the different systems she uses to keep track of her numbers. More About Jillian Lare: Jillian Lare is a native of northeastern Pennsylvania. She achieved a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering from Lehigh University and spent her early career with Intel Corporation. During her time as an engineer, she honed the invaluable skills of critical thinking, project management, leadership, and effective communication, which she applies every day as an interior designer and entrepreneur. Jillian made the swi

Today With Nancy Ganzekaufer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored episode, I’m welcoming my friend Nancy Ganzekaufer back to the show. If you’re a long-time listener, you’ve probably heard of Nancy’s coaching program, Profit Insiders for Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind. In today’s episode, you’re going to hear why Profit Insiders is not your average coaching program, beginning with a testimonial of how it helped someone quintuple—yes, quintuple their revenue. LuAnn Nigara and Nancy Ganzekaufer's Ah-Ha Moments “Nothing irritates me more than seeing interior designers work so hard and not make enough money for whatever they want to use it for.” - Nancy “Whatever you want in your business, however, you want your business to look, my only goal is…do it the way you want, I’m going to help you make it profitable.” - Nancy “Not every business coach offers life coaching, but when you have that skill set and you do, it is valuable, because if your life is in disarray it’s hard to