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Today With Jill Cole: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I'm joined by Jill Cole, an icon of the hospitality interior design industry. At Cole Martinez Curtis and Associates, Jill has made a name for herself, designing fabulous hotel and resort interiors worldwide for over 40 years. She joins us to discuss how she has sustained this impactful and extensive career in an ever-changing world. This is a great conversation with one of the best in the business that touches on a little bit of everything, from finding inspiration to embracing tech and staying true to your core values. Pick It Apart [11:13] Jill talks her first hotel design, the Adolphis Hotel in Dallas, and how that motivated transitioning her firm from office and retail design into hospitality design [18:17] Jill and LuAnn discuss designing high-end senior living, how it mimics luxury resorts and was another opportunity for Jill’s firm to consider when other interior design projects were slowing due to the financial collapse of 2009. [2

Today With Casey Gromer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Casey Gromer, of C-Suite Boutique. Casey and her team currently serve women entrepreneurs as Fractional Integrators. Under their leadership, clients have scaled their businesses while working less and spending more time doing things they love. Casey tells us all about what a Fractional Integrator is, in addition to a COO, DOO, and OBM, and how these roles may benefit your design business. Pick It Apart [2:00] Casey explains when it is time to hire an executive assistant. [10:46] What is a director of operations? [18:38] Casey shares what we should be on the lookout for when incorporating these roles into our business. [31:50] What should we be looking for when hiring an integrator or fractional integrator? [36:52] Strategies to develop accountability within your team. [47:55] Casey tells us what she thinks is important to look for in an ideal candidate while hiring. LuAnn Nigara and Casey Gromer's Ah-Ha M

Today With McCall Dulkys: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by McCall Dulkys, Founder and Principal Designer of Interiors By McCall. McCall successfully grew her design firm in Florida while living thousands of miles away. McCall has quite the story to share and I think it may humble some of you hearing challenges she faced while building her business. McCall has consistently doubled her yearly revenue and she is here to share how. Pick It Apart [6:20] McCall shares how the time she spent in Europe sparked her love of design. [14:08] McCall shares what was happening personally during this experience. [17:10] McCall’s experience with postpartum depression. [20:15] McCall explains how during all of the hurdles she was thrown, how she was building her design business. [35:54] McCall and LuAnn talk about the value from Richelle Plett’s How to Sell Upholstery Without a Sit Test course at LuAnn University. LuAnn Nigara and McCall Dulkys' Ah-Ha Moments “Living in a wide va

Today With Terri Taylor: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today, I’m joined by my friend Terri Taylor for the 8th time. This episode is sponsored by her Interior Design Business Academy and specifically The Real Deal which takes place this May 10th, 11th, and 12th 2023.  You know that Terri is an expert at coaching designers on how to be profitable on remodeling jobs. One of the factors of a successful remodel job is how you communicate and interact with your contractor. Today, she is sharing the five mistakes to avoid when working with a contractor.  This information is just a taste of what Terri has in store for her upcoming Real Deal presentation. Her once-a-year three-day event is, in her own words, the recipe for a highly profitable remodeling job. Pick It Apart [23:38] A common occurrence for when a designer gets a lead on a remodel job. [32:04] Terri explains what an exploratory agreement is and why you should have it. [47:57] The last mistake designers make when work

Today With Hillaire Pickett Martin: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. On today’s episode, I am joined by Hilaire Pickett Martin. Hilaire runs the day-to-day operations at Design Lines, an interior design firm started by her mother, Judy Pickett, in 1979. Hilaire is here to share how she finds operational gaps and implements technological frameworks to support the workflow at Design Lines, with helpful tips and applications you can utilize in your own business. Listen in and learn how to streamline your systems, save time, and maybe even take next Tuesday off. Pick It Apart [2:33] Hilaire talks about her background and coming to work for her mother’s design firm. [6:48] Hilaire explains how she compartmentalizes the operational tasks and organizes processes by mapping them out and understanding the different steps involved to see where any gaps might be. [11:57] LuAnn and Hilaire discuss the pros and cons of implementing new technology, some platforms Hilaire loves, and how the user experience can infl

Today With Howard A. Lim: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. What does it take to build a ten-figure world-class brand? Today, Howard A. Lim of HOW Creative is here to walk us through all of the steps and inner work needed to build a brand on this level. Even if you aren’t striving to be known around the world, Howard’s DNA of a brand that he teaches us will benefit you and take you where you want to be. Howard says that you must clearly define your Brand Architecture at the outset in order to sustain value, growth, and equity. So there’s some inner work to do first. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [7:11] Howard shares what we should be thinking about if we want to be a big brand name in the industry. [13:55] Howard explains the importance of your vision and how it works.  [17:45] Ideas so we can tap into our philosophy when we don’t have one.  [30:54]  You’ve done all of the inner work and defined your brand, now how do we attract big brands and become known globally? [39:08] If we become lucky enough to achie

Today With Bryan Mason and Jeanine Hays: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of AphroChic—a media and design brand celebrating African Diaspora cultures through their lifestyle magazine, podcast, and product lines. Jeanine and Bryan are helping us relearn history as we dive into their latest book, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home. This is essential reading, not only for designers, but for everyone, and the conversation we have around it is an important one so that we can be an active part of the change in this country. Pick It Apart [2:48] Janine talks about how the AphroChic blog was inspired by a gap she saw among home décor blogs at the time that left out people of color. [15:20] Bryan explains that design is diverse by nature, and is a human thing to do so it happens in cultures all over the world, yet here in America, Eurocentric design is the only story that has been told for many years, forgetting the work of the rest

Today With Darla Powell: Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Darla Powell of Wingnut Social. If you’re an avid listener of the show, you know how much of a social media guru Darla is. Now, she has come out with a course called Instagram for Interior Designers which consists of everything you would learn about Instagram if you were to personally pick her brain. Pick It Apart [10:13] Darla tells us about her new course Instagram for Interior Designers. [23:20] The importance of knowing yourself and your value proposition before tackling your social media strategy. [31:00] Why you need to have your ducks in a row, for example having your website in order.  [35:20] LuAnn and Darla talk about module two of Instagram for Interior Designers. [53:25] Wingnut’s specific impact on client Anne Gillyard’s business grOH! Playrooms. [59:25] How we can get the Instagram for Interior Designers course. LuAnn Nigara and Darla Powell's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s a no-brainer to me. You can’t not be investing in

Today With Antonio Deloatch Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What’s the difference between a designer who thrives in business and one who doesn’t? It isn’t talent. It isn’t passion. It isn’t motivation. It’s simply the ability to commit and get things done. My guest today, Antonio Deloatch Jr, is one of those real action-takers—someone who I just have no doubt is going to be big and successful, not just as a designer, but at whatever he puts his mind to. It’s a combination of his outlook, his attitude, and his ability to put one foot in front of the other and make it happen. Today, he’s sharing his story and insights with us. Pick It Apart [3:39] Antonio shares his experience at the Black Interior Designer’s networking event. [7:30] Antonio discusses how grassroots marketing worked for him.  [21:00] LuAnn and Antonio talk about marketing opportunities that can make a difference.  [25:11] Antonio shares his “why” and the pillars of his business. [28:47] LuAnn and Antonio talk about how to make thing

Today With Robyn White: We all know that marketing matters. But so often when I’m talking to newer designers, I realize that marketing is misunderstood—especially when it comes to the luxury client.  My guest today, Robyn White, understands that. Today, she’s here to talk about what marketing really is, how marketing for the luxury client is unique, and how to incorporate your personality and story into your messaging. Pick It Apart [2:26] Robyn and LuAnn reflect on what marketing really means. [6:54] Robyn explains the difference in marketing to a luxury client. [15:54] LuAnn and Robyn discuss how important it is for your website to show what makes you unique.  [27:43] Robyn explains how to convey luxury through your website.  [43:14] Robyn and LuAnn reflect on how important your website is. LuAnn Nigara and Robyn White's Ah-Ha Moments “The more marketing you do, the more you’ll start to realize that people don’t care that much about what you’re trying to sell to them, because it’s not about them.

Today With Veronica Solomon: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Veronica Solomon of Casa Vilora Interiors. Veronica is an award-winning designer and business mentor who believes that knowing yourself, understanding your convictions, and trusting your purpose can impact your business for the best. She has turned self-awareness into her superpower, and she is here today to encourage you to do the same so that you can run your business with intention. Pick It Apart [6:14] Veronica shares that competition has never been something she has focused on in her business. [13:01] Veronica talks about how she feels like she was predestined to become an interior designer, and because of that is is called to always show up as her true, authentic self. [15:29] LuAnn and Veronica discuss what it means to develop a signature style.  [23:55] Veronica shares why she will never complain about a client. [38:03] LuAnn and Veronica discuss the importance of having your picture on your website becau

Today With Shannon Lopez: You’ve heard of the PPP, but did you know that there’s another government program waiting to give you as much, if not more money back? It’s called the ERC. Today, Shannon Lopez breaks down the program, who it’s for, how you can take advantage of it, and the deadlines you need to know. Pick It Apart [8:55] Shannon breaks down what the ERC is and why it matters. [13:53] LuAnn and Shannon discuss the challenges of running a business at the beginning of the pandemic.  [31:16] Shannon explains who qualifies for the ERC.  [44:00] Shannon walks us through how her company can help.  [53:53] Shannon and LuAnn talk about why this program isn’t more well-known. LuAnn Nigara and Shannon Lopez's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s so incredibly important. We’re really lucky that we have someone like you that really understands it and has spent the last two and a half years pivoting her business in order to become an expert at this.” - LuAnn Nigara “This program is as financially impactful, if not more,

Today With Enrique Crespo: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Enrique Crespo of Crespo Design Group. Enrique is here to share how developing a Type A personality approach can ensure success, especially in an industry as creative as interior design. Type A personalities are organized, ambitious, and like to have an agenda. But don’t worry—you don’t have to be one to become one. Over the years, Enrique has refined this mindset and honed the skills to guide and grow his firm, and he shares those stories with us today. Pick It Apart [1:57] Enrique explains how Type A personality traits can help maintain a well-run business through organization, which allows you to offer a higher level of luxury service. [8:50] LuAnn and Enrique discuss how he invested in his business by hiring someone who specializes in interior design processes, and how he tailored that structure to the specific needs of his firm, along with other ways he invests in his business. [10:30] Enrique talks about how he

Today With Hunter Lowder: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. We’ve all heard that we should free ourselves up for CEO-level tasks. But knowing we should and actually following through with it are very different things. It can be hard for entrepreneurs who feel like they have to carry everything in their business. Sometimes, the operations get jumbled along the way. My guest today, Hunter Lowder, runs a business that steps in and serves as fractional COO to get designers back on track. She’s sharing how we can let go, how to find the right person for the job, and how the process of bringing someone in actually works. Pick It Apart [1:48] LuAnn and Hunter discuss what bringing in an outside COO looks like and how it can work.  [5:15] Hunter shares why business owners often experience overwhelm.  [10:33] Hunter and LuAnn discuss the importance of mission, vision, and values when bringing someone into the COO role.  [18:23] Hunter shares two tips for people who might need assistance in their operations. 

Today With Lindye Galloway: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode features Lindye Galloway, of Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop. Lindye is here to share the inspiring story of how she followed her heart, creating a business model for her e-commerce shop and Designed by Lindye collection that does good for others by giving a portion of the profits to provide microloans to entrepreneurs in underserved parts of the world. Lindye encourages us to find meaning through our own business ventures by exploring our whys and living our truths. Pick It Apart [1:39] Lindye tells the story of how she and her husband Winn started the e-commerce shop alongside her design studio in 2020 as a way to make a meaningful impact and help others. [17:47] Lindye and LuAnn examine the logistics of running an e-commerce site. [22:08] Lindye talks about the importance of offering unique, custom products in her shop to set it apart from other e-commerce sites.  [28:00] LuAnn explains the importance of having your missio

Today With Brittany Murphy: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Brittany Murphy of One Thing Marketing joining me. Just when you think you are starting to understand SEO, Google switches up the algorithm.  SEO is a very important element to our businesses. A lot of us wonder; how do we incorporate SEO? Who do we hire that we can trust to help us? These are very important and common questions and Brittany is here to answer them, and then some. Enjoy! Pick It Apart [2:19] Brittany starts us off by explaining SEO and what it means. [8:34] What to look for in finding a reputable SEO company.  [12:16] What should you be seeing from a marketing company to know they are getting you results.  [31:11] Brittany gets into some DIY tips for those who want to try improving SEO themselves. LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Murphy's Ah-Ha Moments “Google has gotten a lot smarter to prioritize resourceful articles from websites they trust. SEO is how you build that trust.” - Brittany Murphy “Whether you’re de

Today With Nicole Salceda: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I’m joined by Nicole Salceda! Her career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She is going to share with us how she built the amazing team that is behind her brand, the “not so pretty” things she had to overcome during the first years in business, and how she manages her Instagram account of over 295,000 followers. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Salceda's Ah-Ha Moments “The error isn’t in investing in your business, the error was in understanding how, where, and when the tracking of it.” - LuAnn Nigara “It was time for me to find the right people, get them in the right seats so I could really scale this business” - Nicole Salceda “Once an entrepreneur fully owns their finances, the whole business changes” - LuAnn Nigara More About Nicole Salceda: Nicole Salceda's career in interiors began as a passion for making the polished, functional design more accessible. She left her job as an ele

Today With Alexis Varbero: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today with Alexis Varbero, we discuss how she expanded the family-owned business Schwartz Design Showroom. How? Well many ways, but one way that is no stranger of a topic to the show, is by building relationships. Alexis strengthened the relationships her mom started to form with interior designers when she owned the business. A big way she was successfully able to do this was how she built and maintained positive relationships with her manufacturers. Listen in to see how fostering relationships in your business can go full circle. Pick It Apart [2:44] Alexis shares the history of Schwartz Design Showroom starting with her mom and grandfather. [12:11] Alexis explains how she is that support for the design teams she works with.  [15:30] The importance of building a supportive team. [37:50] How a designer from outside of New Jersey can work with Schwartz Design Showroom. LuAnn Nigara and Alexis Varbero's Ah-Ha Moments “I want people to see

Today With Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb on the show. They met on Instagram and are now design besties—together hosting the Hot Young Designers Club podcast, where they explore the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design world. Shaun and Rebecca are here today to inspire community, not competition, between fellow designers, and we’re talking about relationships, boundaries, rates, and red flags. We hope that you join us. Pick It Apart [4:28] Rebecca and Shaun talk about how they met and became friends [11:50] Rebecca explains how the peer-to-peer mentorship between her and Shaun works and why it is helpful to have this relationship [22:32] LuAnn digs into how Shaun and Rebecca run the back end of their businesses [27:29] Rebecca explains how she uses automation to create boundaries with her clients [38:50] Rebecca and Shaun discuss rates and how they have both exper

Today With Staci Davidson: Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am joined by Staci Davidson, owner of Everything but Design, where she does just that. Staci is capable of taking on every aspect of an interior design business, from accounting and bookkeeping to consulting and customer service, freeing up her clients so that they can get back to what they do best: Design. Staci is here to talk about her experience and the value that outsourcing your back-end operations can bring to your business, boosting not only your confidence, but your profits. Pick It Apart [3:39] Staci recounts her experience as an operations manager and bookkeeper for a residential design firm, handling “everything but design” in the business and growing it to a multimillion-dollar firm. [10:47] Staci and LuAnn discuss the services Everything but Design offers beyond just bookkeeping, and Staci explains how outsourcing administrative tasks to someone that understands the design industry allows her clients to focus more on the