A Well-designed Business® | Interior Design | Designers | Business |interior Design Success

Today With Jay Jeffers: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Every day as a business owner is full of decisions—and while there are not always hard-and-fast rules, how you approach your decisions is a good indicator of how successful your business is going to be. Today, I’m joined by renowned interior designer Jay Jeffers. Celebrating 25 years in the industry, Jay shares the business philosophies that have sustained his A-list firm, including his approach to pricing and profitability, the lessons learned from navigating economic downturns, and his thoughts on building a team and a legacy for the future. LuAnn Nigara and Jay Jeffers’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I did everything myself... I finished this project. Did this project make me any money? Look, how much did I spend on myself? Was the profit enough? Was the markup enough?" -Jay "It's 25 years later, I'm still defending my value. You are valuable, and what you are giving to somebody is worth money that they're going to pay you." -Jay "It can't just be, 'O

Today With Julia Marcum: You are in for a treat with this re-air of one of my favorite conversations—with the fabulous Julia Marcum, one half of the powerhouse DIY duo behind Chris Loves Julia. Julia has been blogging for over a decade, and together with her husband Chris, they've built a wildly successful brand grounded in authenticity, creativity, and their unwavering "why." In this episode, Julia shares how they transitioned from a personal blog to a full-time business that inspires millions. We talk about what it means to know who you're serving and why that clarity drives everything—from content creation to partnerships to staying motivated through tough seasons. Heads up: If you love this episode, go listen to Ep. 1048 with Melanie Lybrand, where we dig into the mindset shifts around pricing and worth. It’s another heart-opening convo that pairs beautifully with this one. More About Julia Marcum Chris and Julia are a fresh, honest, and creative DIY duo, blogging about the daily feats and failures

Today With Rebecca Hay (Resilient by Design): You know I’m usually the one asking the questions—but in this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting on the other side of the mic as a guest on Resilient by Design, hosted by my friend and fellow podcaster Rebecca Hay. Let me tell you—it was such a fun, thoughtful, and energizing conversation. We talked about all the things I love most: how to build a strong, profitable business, why you must know your numbers, and yes—why markup is not optional in this business. (Seriously, if Baskin-Robbins gets a markup on ice cream, why wouldn’t you as a designer?) Rebecca shared how A Well-Designed Business® helped her back in the early days of running her firm—and I was truly touched. And of course, we got into the mindset work that really separates successful entrepreneurs from the ones still spinning in circles. I’m so excited to re-air this episode for you. Big hugs to Rebecca for inviting me and allowing me to share it with all of you here. ⁠Check the Res

Today With Corey Damen Jenkins: In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn welcomes back Corey Damen Jenkins—AD100 designer, author, and creative powerhouse—for a conversation that goes far beyond beautiful rooms. Corey shares the intentional strategies behind his new book, Design Reimagined, and his groundbreaking new streaming series, Design Reimagined. From creating instant rapport with clients, to managing imposter syndrome like a seasoned pro, Corey offers tactical insights every designer and creative professional needs. You'll learn how to build deeper client relationships, set confident boundaries, and protect your emotional "enamel" in a demanding industry. Whether you're scaling your business or simply finding your voice, Corey’s wisdom will inspire you to show up smarter, stronger, and more authentically in your work. Pre-order your copy of Design Reimagined today, and don’t miss the premiere of Design Reimagined on YouTube starting May 15th! More About Corey Damen Jenkins Corey Dame

Today With Kim Dawson: Are you charging enough to actually turn a profit? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Dawson—business strategist and pricing expert—to tackle the one thing too many entrepreneurs skip: how to create a pricing formula that sets you up for success. If you’ve ever said “I don’t know what I should be making,” or “I have no idea if I can afford to hire,” this episode is your wake-up call. Kim brings her no-nonsense strategy for building a plan that supports both your life and your business. Learn how to define your financial goals, map your income targets, and finally stop guessing your way through pricing. More About Kim Dawson Kim is a lifelong entrepreneur. She has started many businesses of her own, including a local health and fitness studio, and she has also co-founded a software setup. Kim’s experience lies both in locally-focused, service-oriented businesses, and in online product-based businesses. Connect with Kim Dawson⁠ Website A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Spons

Today With Renee Bier (Only Girl on the Jobsite): Today, I’m bringing you something a little different—and extra special. This episode originally aired on Only Girl on the Jobsite with my friend Renee Biery, and now I’m thrilled to share it right here on A Well-Designed Business®. Renee invited me on her show to dig into one of my favorite topics: leadership in interior design, especially when it comes to managing construction projects. We tackled the tough stuff—what leadership really looks like on the jobsite, why so many designers shy away from it, and how to step into your power to protect your profit, your timeline, and your reputation. You’ll hear some classic LuAnn straight talk, but also the heart of what I’ve seen over 40+ years in business: that leadership is a choice—and a critical one if you want to run a profitable firm. This conversation is packed with strategy, a few rabbit holes (the fun kind), and actionable insights that will shift the way you show up as the CEO of your business. Whether

Today With Rachael Johanson: Today with Rachael Johanson, luxury brand strategist, we explore transitioning from mid-market to luxury positioning in design. Rachael shares how she's evolved her business to focus on five high-touch Brand Launch Weekend clients annually, helping designers move from 30 projects a year to 10 at double the budget. We discuss the language shifts that separate luxury messaging from mid-market positioning, why "we and you" marketing works against you in the luxury space, and how your headshots might be sabotaging your expert positioning. Rachael reveals that 80% of designers are "sitting on gold" in their portfolios but haven't claimed their expertise, and shares her approach to identifying your niche through past project patterns. This episode is essential listening for designers ready to position themselves for fewer, bigger, better projects. LuAnn Nigara and Rachael Johanson’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I've heard so many women say that they lose themselves in motherhood. And I'm like

Today With Erika Ward: In this insightful replay, Erika Ward, a powerhouse designer and former accountant, joins LuAnn to share how her career in finance laid the perfect foundation for a thriving design business. You’ll hear how Erika approached her pivot with strategic clarity, how she grew her audience by serving them consistently, and why understanding your transferrable skills is crucial to long-term success. More About Erika Ward Erika Hollinshead Ward is an acclaimed and published interior and furniture designer, distinguished as the visionary behind Erika Ward Interiors—a design firm and showroom celebrated for seamlessly blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. With a passion for crafting timeless interiors and fostering lifestyle and wellness, Erika has become a sought-after figure among both discerning consumers and reputable brands. Equipped with a robust background in business and finance, coupled with over a decade of experience in the interior design realm, Erika has emerged as a tr

Today With Shea McGee: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I’m welcoming back Shea McGee—celebrity designer, co-founder of Studio McGee and McGee & Co., and star of Netflix’s Dream Home Makeover. In this episode, Shea opens up about: The original vision she held—and how it evolved What it takes to manage multiple branches of a growing brand How she balances creative leadership with strategic growth Why she’s still dreaming bigger, even after a decade in business LuAnn Nigara and Shea McGee’s Ah-Ha Moments: “If the goal is to make e-commerce be an arm of the design business, you can. It's just, if you're trying to reach a scale, it requires a lot of money to build something that is sustainable and helpful to consumers.” -Shea More About Shea McGee Shea McGee is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee, leading the creative direction for all facets within the Studio McGee Inc. portfolio of brands— Studio McGee, the interior design arm, and McGee & Co., the product side. S

Today With Carol Cox (Speaking Your Brand): So… you’ve been asked to give a keynote. Cue the excitement—then the panic. I get it. Keynotes aren’t your average “share some tips” kind of talk. They’re about stepping up, owning your message, and taking your audience on a journey. And trust me, it takes work. In this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, I joined Carol Cox for a deep-dive debrief of the keynote I recently delivered at a major industry conference. We talk through: Why I was invited—and why I said yes The three-month process I used to prepare The one thing I underestimated (and wouldn’t next time!) How I approached memorization and transitions The real message I wanted to leave the audience with If you’re thinking about stepping into the keynote spotlight, or just curious about what it actually takes to deliver one that hits home, this episode is for you. It’s honest. It’s actionable. And yes—it’s all the behind-the-scenes I wish someone had told me before I got started.

Today With Margalit Lankry: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am excited to welcome the wonderful Margalit Lankry to the show. Margalit is a working interior designer with over 26 years of experience, but she's also the founder of something truly special—a group called Designers with Intention. This community of nearly 300 female designers has created genuine collaboration over competition in an industry where that's rare. What started as Margalit's honest moment of wondering why other designers were getting projects she wasn't became a movement that proves there really is enough work for all of us when we choose abundance over scarcity. These women, many of whom could be bidding on the same projects, have instead become friends who celebrate each other's wins and share real business advice. LuAnn Nigara and Margalit Lankry’s Ah-Ha Moments: “My design is my passion and when someone finds their passion and they're able to tap into it, they are so much more of a happy person and it's such a gi

Today With Jaime Masters (Eventual Millionaire): Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat.Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry.In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions.If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below. Check the Eventual Millionaire Podcast with Jaime Masters: https://eventualmillionaire.com/a-well-designed-business-with-luann-nigara/ Check Their S

Today With Amber Lewis: She was a Key Note Speaker at the recent Design Blogger’s Conference. LuAnn didn’t get to talk to her at the conference, so she’s really happy to interview Amber on today’s show, as there were parts of her story that LuAnne thought were really fun and interesting. LuAnn finds Amber’s body of work and what she’s managed to accomplish at such a young age, to be incredible. Listen in now and get some great tips for gaining followers on social media. More About Amber Lewis Amber Interior Design is a California-based interior design studio created by Amber Lewis. With vast experience in residential and commercial projects, her multi-faceted approach to design has garnered her clients far and wide who seek to create aspirational yet functional spaces that celebrate heritage-inspired concepts built to stand the test of time. Amber celebrates classic design concepts in her projects. She is recognized for her ability to seamlessly layer eclectic and vintage furniture pieces, found textil

Today With Alison Melnick: Today with Alison Melnick, we're diving into a story of bold pivots, transferable skills, and the power of building your business with intention. Alison is the founder of Catherine Rose Design & CO., a New Jersey-based interior design firm known for creating beautiful, functional homes for modern families. But before launching her business, Alison was living a very different dream — working in PR and marketing at Madison Square Garden. In this episode, Alison shares how she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, how she used her background to her advantage, and why she treated her design firm like a real business from day one. You’ll hear how she built her portfolio with strategy, invested in branding and systems, and developed trade relationships that now support her growth. LuAnn Nigara and Alison Melnick’s Ah-Ha Moments: “If I'm going to start this business, I'm going to do it the right way. I'm going to get a brand. I'm going to get a logo. I'm going to

Today With Profit Is A Choice Podcast: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry. In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions. If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below. Visit Profit Is A Choice Check Their Show Notes! Joining us today is LuAnn Nigara. LuAnn is the co-owner of Window Works NJ, a window treatment and awni

Today With Stacy Garcia: What does it take to build a brand that stands the test of time? In this Best Of Show episode, LuAnn Nigara sits down with internationally recognized designer and entrepreneur, Stacy Garcia, to unpack the lessons behind her multi-faceted design empire. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Stacy built a business rooted in vision, strategy, and family legacy What it takes to license your name and scale your design voice globally Why trend forecasting is an essential skill—and how to cultivate it How collaboration and partnership have been central to Stacy’s success More About Stacy Garcia Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, to parents who "spent a little too much time following the Grateful Dead on a motorcycle", Stacy's strong heritage and love of travel have helped to form her unique design philosophy, inventive use of color and remarkable pattern design skills. After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Surface Pattern Design, Garcia worked for Ralph Laure

Today With Mikel Welch: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am very excited to welcome Emmy-winning television host and celebrity designer Mikel Welch back to the show. Long-time listeners of the show will know that Mikel’s original episode is a long-standing favorite, one that I have re-aired and referenced many times, and with good reason. Mikel’s television appearances and design accolades include HGTV, The Drew Barrymore Show, Elle Decor, Kip’s Bay, and so much more. But as we heard in his first episode, Mikel didn’t stumble into success just by luck. He also put in plenty of hard work and blood, sweat, and tears along the way, starting with no experience and couch surfing his way to a design career. Today, he’s here to share his story, update us on his journey, and offer his insight into how to make opportunities happen for yourself. LuAnn Nigara and Mikel Welch’s Ah-Ha Moments: “You do what you have to do. If you want it bad enough, then you have to work for it. And you have to be wi

Today With Michelle Blemel: Michelle Blemel, Principal Designer of Amberleaf, Inc., has over 25 years of experience serving high-end residential and commercial clients. But despite her deep expertise, Michelle found herself attracting clients who weren’t aligned with the luxury, turnkey service she wanted to deliver. In this On Air Strategy Session, we dive into the real behind-the-scenes struggles that many seasoned designers face: Why vague website messaging leads to misaligned clients How flexibility can backfire when you're positioning yourself as the expert What to change in your testimonials and proposals to reinforce your value How to conduct project “autopsies” to continually refine your client experience If you’re ready to move from "custom to chaotic" to a streamlined, high-touch design business, this episode will show you how to make the shift. Plus, be sure to revisit Episode 1048 with Melanie Lybrand for another powerful positioning breakthrough. LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Blemel’s Ah-H

Today With Wingnut Social Podcast: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry. In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions. If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below. Check Their Show Notes! Have you always wanted to write a book? Have you also wondered if it’s worth the investment? LuAnn Nigara has written two amazing book

Today With Melanie Rosenburg: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What does it mean to create a truly luxury experience? You’re not just creating something nice to look at. You’re creating the space that they are going to live in, foreseeably for a long time. And you’re bringing an expertise and a vision into the picture that they can’t do for themselves. But today we’re going a level deeper into what that luxury service really entails. A luxury experience for your client is about all of those things, absolutely. But there’s something that takes it to the next level: being able to hear what a client really wants and needs, even when they don’t know how to articulate what that is. My guest today, Melanie Rosenburg, is here to share how she creates one-of-a-kind, truly authentic projects that form that true luxury experience. LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Rosenburg’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I stopped asking my clients what their budget was, and I stopped asking my clients what their style is...I always ask them,