A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Today With LuAnn Nigara: When your business starts working, everything changes. In Part Four of the 10-Year Birthday Series, LuAnn shares the shift that happens when success creates complexity — and why growth without structure leads to burnout. What began as one microphone and one clear promise eventually became something bigger. More responsibility. More demand. More opportunity. And with that came a critical realization: You don’t scale by saying yes to everything.You scale by designing intentionally. In this episode, LuAnn walks through how A Well-Designed Business® evolved from a podcast into a thoughtfully built ecosystem — including Power Talk Friday, LuAnn University, Chairman of the Board, and the newly emerging Boardroom for Creatives. But this isn’t about the programs. It’s about the pattern. If you’ve moved from one-room projects to full homes…If you’ve tested new services and refined your offers…If you’ve felt the pressure of success and wondered how to protect your standards… This episode will help you see your own business more clearly. Because building the house is one level. Designing it on purpose is another. And leading what you’ve built into the next decade? That’s where we’re headed next. Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Today with Marie Flanigan: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®. Today, I’m thrilled to have Marie Flanigan back on the show. Marie has more than a decade of experience as a thriving designer, one whose list of accolades goes on for days. In today’s episode, Marie is answering questions from listeners about how to make big decisions in your business— how to attract the clients and projects you truly desire, how to strategically market, how to handle client expectations, and more! LuAnn and Marie Flanigan’s Ah-Ha moments: “I think it’s so important to just live out doing the best you can— be the best at whatever you’re doing in the moment. That’s what builds the relationships, that’s what provides the contacts, that’s what gives you the 10,000 hours to become the expert and really grow into the area you want to be in.” -Marie Flanigan “You do want to turn away the business that sucks the energy out of you or that takes too much of your time away, because when the right projects come along you need to be open for that.” -Marie Flanigan “Gut instinct is very important, but you should also go on data.” -Marie Flanigan “It isn’t just about putting an ad in a newspaper— it’s all the little things that you do across your business.” -LuAnn Nigara More About Marie Flanigan: Originally trained as an architect, Marie Flanigan seamlessly unites structure with style, unlocking a unique level of depth through her mutual consideration of an interior and its framework. For more than a decade, Marie has crafted well-articulated spaces that expertly reflect the stories of those who dwell and work within. Her trademark signature of innovative simplicity is evident through the sophisticated use of color, texture, and light. Marie’s projects span the country, from luxury residences to high-end commercial showrooms, each one exhibiting her firm’s commitment to exceptional design and extraordinary service. Marie’s work and expertise have been featured by premier publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, House Beautiful, Southern Living, Domino, Traditional Home, Elegant Homes, Southern Home, and Luxe Magazine. She regularly shares her design and lifestyle advice with TV audiences, including her role on HGTV’s internationally broadcast series, Property Brothers: Brother vs. Brother. In addition to Marie’s design work, she has now launched collections with some of the industry’s top manufacturers including Visual Comfort and Aria Stone. Her debut book, The Beauty of Home, is now available for purchase. Connect with Marie Flanigan: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Twitter What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #89 Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm #50 Veronica Solomon – Powerful Marketing for your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Today With Megan Dahle: If your books are clean but your decisions still feel heavy, this episode is for you. My guest today, Megan Dahle, is a fractional CFO for creative business owners, and she has a unique way of helping entrepreneurs understand what their numbers are actually telling them without shame, overwhelm, or judgment. In this conversation, Megan shares her four-part framework for looking at your business numbers in a way that supports better decisions, calmer leadership, and long-term sustainability. We talk about the difference between historical information and future insight, why operational expenses are often misunderstood, and how clarity in how money comes in and moves through your business directly impacts your confidence as a decision-maker. This is not an accounting lesson. It’s a conversation about understanding patterns, recognizing direction, and leading your business with intention instead of fear. If you’ve ever thought, “I should feel better about my business than I do,” this episode will help you understand why and what to pay attention to next. More About Megan Dahle: As someone who has seen the intimate ups and downs inside hundreds of small businesses, including her own, Megan Dahle (pronounced “Dolly”) has an uncanny ability to spot the invisible habits, processes, and fears that make running a business harder than it needs to be. From a young age, Megan could “see” numbers inf the form of shapes and colors. Today, she uses that gift to translate confusing spreadsheets and financial statements into visual, intuitive tools that help creative business owners understand what their resources are actually buying, where growth is possible, and what kind of work truly lights them up. Megan doesn’t tell people what to do. Instead, she helps them uncover their own path by illuminating what’s been unseen and getting brutally but lovingly honest about their relationship with their business.  With a Master’s degree in accounting and 23 years of experience, Megan has spent the last nine years helping creative founders realize just how smart and capable they already are. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her wandering through gardens, playing at the bridge club, or curled up on the couch with a good book. Connect with Megan Dahle: Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Register FREE for Prereqs for Success: Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Today With LuAnn Nigara: In Part Three of the A Well-Designed Business 10-Year Birthday Series, LuAnn moves the story forward into the phase almost no one prepares you for. The moment when hustle stops being the solution. Not because the work disappears. But because the work changes. By this point, the podcast no longer depended on LuAnn doing everything herself. It depended on something else entirely. Stewardship. In this episode, LuAnn shares what happens when stepping out of the weeds doesn’t mean stepping away, but stepping into a different level of responsibility. A level she had lived through before while growing Window Works, and one she recognized just in time this time around. You’ll hear how the work shifted from execution to bigger thinking, and why growth at this stage demands more discernment, not more effort. LuAnn walks through: What replaces doing when you stop doing everything Why long-term alignment matters more than enthusiasm How LuAnn University evolved from great courses into a true business school for creatives Why speaking engagements, partnerships, and opportunities must earn their yes How responsibility expands when you’re accountable to communities, not just yourself The difference between visibility and values Why some of the hardest no’s look great on paper And how leadership without ego creates stronger outcomes for everyone involved This is also the season where decisions began running through a future lens. Five years. Ten years. Twenty years. Will this still matter? Will I still be proud of it? And what happens when I’m no longer here to run it? This episode is about the quiet shift from building something exciting to protecting something meaningful. From growth to guardianship. From proving to preserving. If you’ve ever felt the weight of success get heavier instead of lighter, this episode will help you understand why. And why that weight is not a problem to solve, but a responsibility to lead. In the next episode, LuAnn will share what came next. The structures. The systems. And the decisions that allowed the business to grow without losing its soul. Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠

Today with Sarah Magness Welcome to today’s episode! We’re really glad to have Sarah Magness, of Magness Design, with us today. Eight years ago, Sarah hatched as a ‘baby designer’ and launched right into the luxury market. Today she talks to us about the real-life experience she gained during this time, before opening her own firm. She also talks about the “New Heights” program at Marymount that she came to spearhead through her involvement with the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art. And today we also have an excellent conversation with Sarah about the best way to talk budget with clients. This is often a really tricky area of business, so listen in to get Sarah’s very straightforward and clear advice. Magness Design began in 2010 with a focus on residential design. It is located in New York City and its current focus is on the preservation of historic properties, by saving them and making them livable. Their major projects are in New York City, the Hudson Valley area, and on Long Island. Sarah received her undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin and her graduate degree in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. She is a House Beautiful “Next Wave” designer and she’s also been featured in Architectural Digest for a very large townhouse project that she saved and renovated. Listen in to find out more. Show highlights: Working for three or four different design firms is a great way to learn the business aspect of running your own design business. The different people that Sarah first worked for, to gain real-life experience. The type of apprenticeship that architecture undergraduates are required to do. Sarah’s recommendations for getting to work for the best firms, after graduating from school. New York has a really supportive and talented design community. Budget is always an issue with clients. How Sarah approaches budget conversations with her clients. How to estimate a budget for your client on the spot. The importance of having really clear communication with your clients. It is often the clients’ choices that cause a project to go over budget. Giving the client an itemized list with the cost of each item on it. How to talk to your client about going over the budget for certain items. When and how to discuss fees with a high-end client. The language to use in order to get the best response from clients when dealing with multi-faceted projects. Sarah discusses the passion-projects that she’s involved with. Sarah has created a twelve-minute documentary called The Town Home, about a seven-story 1911 New York townhouse renovation project that she did. Other episodes mentioned on the show: Andrew Suvalsky #28 Christie Leu # 182 Dr. Ellen Fisher #71 Links: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter Reference: Click the ICAA organization link find your local chapter.

Today With LuAnn Nigara: In Part Two of the A Well-Designed Business® 10-Year Birthday Series, LuAnn picks up where the story left off last week. The decision to start the podcast had been made.The show had launched.And then something else happened. It started working. In this episode, LuAnn shares what it actually looks like when consistency turns into responsibility, and when momentum begins to apply real pressure. Not the kind of pressure that comes from chaos or hustle, but the kind that forces you to grow up as a business owner. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes truth about: Carrying fixed commitments alongside unpredictable work Why “hard” doesn’t automatically mean “wrong” The difference between being busy and being purposeful When standards stop being optional and start protecting trust Why boundaries must come before systems And what changes when your work begins to carry weight beyond you This is the unglamorous middle. The part most people don’t talk about. And the part where many businesses quietly break. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of growth and wondered if you’re doing it right, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and a steadier way forward. Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Today with Kae Whitaker Welcome to another episode of A Well-Designed Business. Everyone can start doing their happy dance today because we have Kae Whitaker on the show! After doing her really great series all about Facebook, LuAnn was considering doing another series, about landing pages, click funnels, email responders etc. She was out there, in Podcast Land, listening and looking out for the right person to have on the show- someone who could really relate to you, as Designers, as well as having all the necessary know-how, when out of the blue, she got a notification that Kae Whitaker was going live on Instagram. She went on over to have a look and there was Kae, talking about click funnels and email sequences… It was like hitting the jackpot for LuAnn because she knows that Kae really talks our language, so listen in to find out what Kae has to share with you today, about Email Marketing. Today Kae is here to talk about Sales Funnels. What they are, why we need to know about them and how we can apply them to our individual interior design firms. Kae answers the questions: What kind of content should be in an email sequence and how often should I send a potential client an email?  Kay is the Owner and the CEO  of Kae Whitaker Solutions and she has more than ten years of experience in Retail Sales and Marketing Development. Now, her focus is on helping Small Businesses to stay competitive in their market and helping them to reach and surpass their revenue goals. She has worked with some of the largest national retailers and she now leverages her expertise in Retail Sales and Marketing Development to create her Premium Coaching Programs, that really help Small Business owners to tune in to what matters most in their Marketing efforts, by streamlining their processes and maximizing on their clientele. Kae’s highest achievements come from helping others to reach their goals and she really loves having the opportunity to help people to take their brand to the next level. So, listen in now, to find out how to tune in to what really matters most for your business. Show highlights: Kae explains what a Sales Funnel Why Sales Funnels are really important for Designers. The major difference in the number of conversions, and also the ability to predict revenue, that Kae has experienced in her firm, since starting with Email Marketing. Where to start, with developing your Email Marketing. Thinking about what you could offer for free, in return for an email address. You’re really not interrupting anyone, with Email Marketing, because they only opt-in if they’re interested. Why video works so well, as an opt-in. What to do, right after getting your first opt-in. How to build a great, trusting relationship, through your emails. The whole point behind Email Marketing. What the content of the sequence of emails, following the opt-in, should include. The right time to schedule a chat with someone. Working with an Automated Email Responder. (Like Acuity Scheduling) Not stopping after the first ‘no’ can really set you apart from other Designers. If you can muster up the courage to get in front of a camera, do it! The video really converts well! Some alternative ideas, if you don’t want to appear on camera. All about what’s to be expected from Kae’s soon to be launched Email Marketing Bootcamp. It will be live on Tuesdays at 8 pm (Central Standard Time) and it will be recorded, so you can still catch it if you miss the live broadcast. The importance of spending the time to learn something new. Kae will be back on the show soon, to talk about the more technical side of Email Marketing. Kae's website: https://kaewhitaker.com

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Ten years ago, A Well-Designed Business® didn’t exist. There were no downloads. No sponsors. No audience. There was just a decision. In this first episode of a four-part anniversary series, LuAnn takes you behind the scenes to the moment before the podcast, before the brand, before this became a business. She walks you through what her life and work actually looked like in 2015, running a successful, $2M business that depended almost entirely on two people. Herself and Vin. This episode is not about the launch. It’s about the choice that came before it. LuAnn shares the reality of being profitable but restless, successful but paying attention, and why the most important decisions in business are usually the ones no one applauds, likes, or even sees. If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s finished success and assumed the path was obvious or inevitable, this episode will reset that thinking. Because here’s the thing. Every business has a moment where everything changes. And it always starts with a decision. Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠

Today With Katy Cassaw, Kat Benson, Heather Peterson and Jillian Richey: In this Overheard episode of A Well-Designed Business, I sit down with four powerhouse designers — Heather Peterson, Jillian Richey Echevarria, and Katy Cassaw and Kat Benson of Nest Interiors — to talk about what it really means to step into the CEO seat. Each of these women has worked with business coach Desi Creswell to move from creative chaos to confident leadership. Together, we dig into the mindset shifts that make it possible to run a business with clarity — letting go of control, delegating effectively, setting boundaries, and learning to trust your team. Whether you’re a solo designer trying to get out of overwhelm or leading a growing team, this episode is a masterclass in how to think like a CEO, and why that shift changes everything. More About Katy Cassaw, Kat Benson, Heather Peterson and Jillian Richey: Katy Cassaw and Kat Benson: Nest Interiors, co-founded by Katy Cassaw and Kat Benson, is a full-service interior design firm devoted to transforming vision into reality. With a focus on residential design, our expertise spans new construction, remodeling, consulting, and product installation. Guided by more than 20 years of combined experience, we craft timeless interiors that balance style and functionality. Each project is an expression of our clients’ unique story, brought to life through a refined mix of design influences—bold, sophisticated, and enduringly livable. Heather Peterson: Heather is the mix master and principal designer behind the layered interiors at Heather Peterson Design. Through a collaborative approach, HPD translates clients’ individual tastes and lifestyles into homes that are effortlessly stylish, functional, and truly personal to them. A Columbia University-trained curator and former design magazine photo editor, Heather uses her trained eye and sense of story to create balanced, thoughtful, and distinctive spaces. At Heather Peterson Design, the work encompasses a variety of styles which reflect a wide-ranging passion in interior design.  The team loves the challenge of blending all the things homeowners love, want, and value into a cohesive design. Jillian Richey: Jillian Richey Echevarria is the Principal Designer and CEO of Jillian Richey Design, a luxury interior design firm based in Hinsdale, Illinois, and Crown Point, Indiana. Known for her ability to create timeless, highly detailed homes, Jillian partners with clients, builders, and vendors to bring architectural visions to life—from custom cabinetry and millwork to full-scale furnishings and curated accessories. With nearly two decades of experience in the design industry, Jillian has grown her boutique studio into a thriving business, balancing high-end residential projects with a newly launched lifestyle venture: Jilly’s Boutique Café, a Parisian garden-inspired café and retail space that seamlessly merges her love of design, hospitality, and community. Jillian is passionate about the evolution of the designer’s role—from overextended creative to confident CEO. She shares candidly about the systems, leadership, and mindset shifts that allowed her to scale her business, raise her design fees, and empower her team. Guided by principles from Who Not How, 10x Is Easier Than 2x, and The Gap and the Gain, Jillian has embraced delegation, profitability, and sustainable growth while keeping her creative spirit at the center of her work. When she’s not leading design projects or building her café brand, Jillian is a wife, mom of two, and believer that design should be both beautiful and deeply livable. Other Shows Mentioned: Overheard Collection Desi Creswell Episodes AWDB #222: Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way AWDB #445: Tori Alexander: Her Production List Increases Efficiency and Profits

Today with Vanessa DeLeon Today on the show we have a brilliant and when I say brilliant I really mean it, brilliant business woman: Vanessa DeLeon. Vanessa has starred on several television shows on some big television networks such as NBC, Bravo, HGTV and DIY Network. She has also been in several magazines such as TIME, Cosmopolitan etc. and on top of that she is a spokesperson! Wow! Talk about impressive resume! Please stay tuned to hear all of her great advice and her shared experiences. Vanessa shares with us: The triple “D’s” What she would have done differently before starting her own business at 20 When does the momentum pick up? Dreams do come true Are vision boards a yes or a no? Entitlement…I don’t think so! Vacation? What’s that? Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠Podcast⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠

Today With Kate O’Hara: Today on A Well Designed Business, Kate O'Hara from O'Hara Interiors reveals her framework for positioning your design business to attract the clients you actually want: entry-level clients need you to be discoverable, mid-tier clients need you to be distinct, and elite clients need you to be discreet. Kate explains the reality that many designers appear to work with one type of client but actually serve different clients 80-90% of the time. She breaks down how each tier has completely different expectations, from entry-level clients who need education and reassurance to elite clients who want designer-driven solutions and white-glove service. The conversation covers where each client tier actually finds designers, the messaging that resonates with each group, and how to align your brand positioning with your business goals. If you're struggling to attract your ideal clients or wondering whether your current approach matches your target market, this episode provides the framework to audit and adjust your strategy. LuAnn Nigara and Kate O'Hara's Ah-Ha Moments “At an entry level, you need to be discoverable. At a mid-tier, you need to be distinct, and at an elite tier, you need to be discreet.” - Kate O’Hara "It's really getting clear on who you want to attract so that your messaging does align." - LuAnn Nigara More About Kate O’Hara Kate O’Hara grew up in the world of design. After a decade with the company, she stepped into the role of CEO + Creative Director, expanding the family design firm into new regions of the U.S. When she isn’t traveling between our Minnesota and Texas offices, you can find Kate speaking at conferences, working with our design team, and connecting with new clients and furniture lines. Connect with Kate O’Hara ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Pinterest⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Houzz⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠http://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 1148 In Good company CEO Conversations with Kate O”Hara A Framework for Understanding Luxury Clients Episode 958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso Episode 1030: In Good Company: CEO Conversations with Kate O’Hara: Insights and Strategies on Successful Scaling Episode 1042: In Good Company: CEO Conversations with Kate O’Hara: End-of-Year Business Strategies for Designers: Pipeline, Productivity, and Press Episode 649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective Episode 615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process Episode 878: Throwback Tuesday: Brad Leavitt: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process A BIG Thank You to Today's Sponsor: Kravet Inc. continues to expand with beautiful new showrooms designed to support the way you actually work. Recent openings include Birmingham, Charleston, Water Mill, New York, and Basking Ridge, New Jersey.  Each Kravet showroom features their innovative Workspace model, an interactive environment showcasing furniture, fabric, wallcovering, trim, and carpet samples, thoughtfully merchandised to mirror how designers source. By fabric type. By category. By color. By the way you think. And quick reminder, I’ll be giving a presentation at the Basking Ridge, New Jersey showroom on January 21st, 2026. If you’re local or can get there, I would love to see you in person. Mark your calendar and come say hello. Go to luannnigara.com/event to learn more and RSVP by January 16th

Susan is founder and principal of award-winning Sweet Peas Design, which she launched 13 years ago in the Chicago suburb of Libertyville as a one-woman firm. Today Sweet Peas Design is a full-service studio with a staff of six in downtown Libertyville and a branch office in Chicago. She and her team work with a broad-based clientele of entrepreneurs, corporate executives and professionals.   Susan is an experienced speaker, whether on interior design issues or the business of design. She is a popular speaker on design at libraries on the North Shore of Chicago. Susan has been featured on NBC/LXTV’s  “George to the Rescue” and  “Open House,” and she appeared on CLTV’s “Bring It Home” program. Her work has been published in numerous national and local magazines and newspapers, including Modern Luxury Interiors Chicago, Kitchen + Bath Makeovers, Trends Kitchens, Trends Bathrooms, Color Made Easy, Crain’s Chicago Business  and Chicago Sun-Times’ magazine, Splash.   Today on the show we have Susan Brunstrum! She has a big firm in Chicago and a signature line called LivableLuxe with a tagline that says “the little black dress of interior design.” She is a business woman, she is a woman who knows what she wants, knows how to do business and knows how to present herself. Her firm has won several designer awards but today we are going to focus on the financial part of business. Show Notes: The two project fee basis systems  The six phases of projects How do you utilize the project fee? If you don’t charge for your initial consultation you should! Three things to assess on a client when you first meet them What are the red flags when assessing a client? The difference between advertising and public relations Be patient!   Resources: https://www.sweetpeas-inspired.com – Sweet Peas Design https://www.studiowebware.com  https://www.quickbooks.com

Today With Deanna Metz: In today’s episode of A Well-Designed Business, I’m joined by Deanna Metz from Sunbrella for a sponsored conversation focused on how interior designers can expand their options without compromising standards, performance, or their brand reputation. Sunbrella is a name many designers already trust, but this episode goes deeper into what Sunbrella is offering designers today. We talk about their interior product lines, including stock drapery, performance throws, and fabric by the yard, and where these offerings can strategically fit into a design business when full custom isn’t the right solution for every space. This is especially relevant for projects involving busy families, nurseries, guest bedrooms, secondary spaces, and inside-outside living areas where durability, cleanability, and long-term performance matter just as much as aesthetics. These are not trend-driven products. They are intentionally curated, best-selling fabrics backed by Sunbrella’s decades-long commitment to testing, consistency, and reliability. If you’re an interior designer looking to add flexible, performance-driven solutions to your design toolkit, this episode will help you understand why opening a Sunbrella designer trade account is worth your time. Trade accounts give designers access to trusted performance fabrics, finished products, and resources that can support both your creative work and your business decisions. To explore Sunbrella’s interior offerings and open your designer trade account, visit Sunbrella.com. More About Deanna Metz: Deanna Metz is the Director of Product Management at Sunbrella, the flagship brand of Glen Raven, where she leads go-to-market execution across a diverse portfolio of performance products. With over 15 years in the home and textile design industry, she’s built a career at the intersection of design, business, and product storytelling, translating creative vision into commercially successful products. Before joining Sunbrella, Deanna held leadership roles in design and merchandising, guiding teams through trend research, global sourcing, and product development. She’s passionate about connecting design thinking with business strategy and elevating everyday textiles into meaningful, functional products. Connect with Sunbrella: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: WTFP #212 A Window of Opportunity with Sunbrella’s New Custom Collection

Today With LuAnn Nigara: As one year closes and another begins, LuAnn steps back to talk about what leadership really looks like right now. Not resolutions. Not hustle. Not doing more. In this episode, LuAnn walks you through the CEO-level decisions that matter most when the business starts to shift, whether that shift feels fast, slow, or uncertain. She unpacks why direction matters more than speed, why better filters beat more effort, why consistency outperforms intensity, and how emotional regulation is one of the most important leadership skills you’ll ever develop. Using real-world examples from decades of running Window Works, leading Exciting Windows, coaching Chairman of the Board members, and conversations with business owners across the industry, LuAnn offers grounded perspective on how to lead with steadiness, confidence, and standards. If you’re listening during a break, on a walk, or while resetting for the year ahead, this episode will help you step back into your business with intention and authority. This is not about becoming someone new.It’s about leading the business you’re already building. Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠ Like Us: ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠Podcast⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Audiobook: ⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠ Book 2: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠ Book 3: ⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠

Today With LuAnn Nigara: As the year winds down and routines slow, LuAnn takes this quiet moment to speak directly to you, no guest, no interview, just perspective. In this episode, LuAnn walks through ten patterns she sees business owners repeat over and over again that quietly make their businesses harder than they need to be. These aren’t mistakes. They’re habits, defaults, and decisions that once made sense, but may no longer serve you. Drawing from decades of experience, thousands of conversations, her work at Exciting Windows, Chairman of the Board, LuAnn University, and her role as President of WCAA, LuAnn offers a grounded, CEO-level look at what to stop doing if you want a business that feels stronger, healthier, and more sustainable. This episode is not about goals or resolutions. It’s about perspective. If you have a quiet moment during the holiday break, on a walk, in the car, or with a cup of coffee, this is a thoughtful, focused listen designed to help you pause, reflect, and step back into your role as CEO. Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Power Talk Friday⁠ Like Us: ⁠Facebook⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠Twitter⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠Podcast What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Audiobook: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Book 2: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠ Book 3: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Today With LuAnn Nigara on The McClain Method Podcast with John McClain: Today I am excited to share Part Two of my conversation on John McClain’s podcast, The McClain Method. If Part One was about the journey, this episode is about the work. John and I dig into what actually makes a design business sustainable: mindset, pricing, branding, and the confidence to stand fully in your value. We talk candidly about what it means to be unapologetically yourself as a business owner, why professional guidance matters, and how clarity changes everything from your pricing to your client relationships. We also address the real-world challenges designers face every day: client objections, pricing conversations, markup debates, budget boundaries, and how to communicate value without overexplaining or apologizing. This is about learning to lead the process instead of reacting to it. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing confidence, client pushback, or feeling like you need to justify your expertise, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are and help you see what’s possible when your systems, mindset, and messaging are aligned. In this episode, we cover: Branding yourself with confidence and credibility The mindset shifts required for pricing growth Why transparency and communication matter in pricing Establishing systems, processes, and boundaries How to clearly communicate value to the right clients This episode is packed with practical advice and perspective to help you elevate not just your business, but how you show up inside it. More About John McClain: ⁠The McClain Method Podcast⁠ ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Audiobook: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Book 2: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠ Book 3: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Power Talk Friday⁠ Like Us: ⁠Facebook⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠Twitter⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠Podcast⁠

Today With LuAnn Nigara on The McClain Method Podcast with John McClain: Today’s episode is a little different, and one I’m really excited to share with you. This is a special "LuAnn Featured" episode where I share with you my appearance on John McClain’s podcast, The McClain Method. The conversation was thoughtful, honest, and reflective enough that we knew it belonged here on A Well-Designed Business as well. In this conversation, I share the journey that began with helping my husband, Vinny, build Window Works and evolved into creating A Well-Designed Business and the education platform that grew from it. We talk about why I saw such a clear gap in business education for designers, what it actually took to launch and monetize a podcast before podcasting was considered a “strategy,” and why having a real business plan is not optional if you want longevity. We also get personal. I talk about the importance of protecting your health, the reality of patience and burnout, the role Vinny has played behind the scenes, and the lessons that only come from decades of building, pivoting, and staying committed to the long game. This episode is full of honest stories, practical perspective, and encouragement for designers who know they’re capable of more, but may be standing in their own way. And be sure to join us next week for Part Two, where we shift into more specific strategies for building a sustainable, profitable design business. Episode Highlights: How Window Works came to be and what it taught me about running a real business Recognizing the missing business education in the design industry The birth of A Well-Designed Business and what it took to invest in its growth Why self-care, support systems, and patience matter more than we like to admit Expanding a brand with intention, clarity, and vision More About John McClain: The McClain Method Podcast Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Today With Emily Yeates: If you’ve ever found yourself whispering, “I love design but the business side is exhausting,” this episode is your wake-up call. Emily Yeates, founder of Urban Revival and creator of The Business Edit, joins LuAnn to pull back the curtain on how she built a thriving, efficient design firm and how she now teaches other designers to do the same. From contractor headaches and pricing pitfalls to intake calls and profitable proposals, Emily doesn’t teach theory. She hands you the system that actually works. Inside this conversation: – The real reason designers struggle with profitability (hint: it’s not your talent) – Why managing contractors is breaking your business and what to do instead – How to flip your intake calls, furniture sales, and vendor strategy into profit machines – Why The Business Edit is not a “market tour” and how it’s changing designers’ lives If you're ready to stop reacting and start running your firm like a business, hit play. The Business Edit returns January 27–29, 2026 in Las Vegas. Mention this episode for $1,000 off. Learn more at urbanrevivalphx.com More About Emily Yeates: Emily, the visionary behind Urban Revival, started her design firm over 15 years ago. Her passion for design ignited at a young age, growing up in a family of luxury real estate developers. With remarkable projects and record-breaking sales, Emily has been named by Luxe Magazine as one of the most promising designers across the country. Her talent has been featured in renowned publications such as Architectural Digest, Forbes International Properties, Domino, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Luxury Scottsdale, My Domaine, and more. Driven by a desire for mentorship, Emily has dedicated herself to helping designers overcome obstacles and accelerate their success. She possesses a unique ability to guide those who feel stagnant in their design businesses. Connect with Emily Yeates: Website Instagram The Business Edit What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources Mentioned: Learn about The Business Edit: UrbanrevivalphxLANDING business-edit-client-stories Book a complimentary call with Emily to review your business practices: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/businesseditinfo The Business Edit returns January 27–29, 2026 in Las Vegas. Mention this episode for $1,000 off. Learn more at⁠ urbanrevivalphx.com⁠

Today with Claudia Ricciardone: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Claudia Ricciardone, founder of Claudia Josephine Design. Claudia and I discuss those stubborn pain points that we face in starting a business. Coming from a psychology background, Claudia teaches us that pain is what actually causes us to grow in that it forces us to find a solution. Listen in as Claudia shares her own solutions as she navigated turning her hobby into a business.  I don’t know about you, but when a psychologist offers business advice, I am going to listen. LuAnn and Claudia Ricciardone’s Ah-Ha moments: “When there is a pain point, ask yourself what quality you need to develop to move past that pain point.”- Claudia Ricciardone “In addition to the content I provide for my promotional offerings, you just never know who you are going to meet that could be a colleague that you can learn from, and they learn from you, and improve your business.” – LuAnn Nigara. “Hire the best photographer you can afford. Hiring a great photographer is what got me published in my first magazine, LUX Lifestyle Magazine.” – Claudia Ricciardone. “Wherever you are in the business, you can see your goals clearly, but you can still have fear. The difference is taking the plunge or not. If you are running a business there is no getting around making an investment.” – LuAnn Nigara “When the student is ready the teacher will come. The right guides will come.” – Claudia Ricciardone More about Claudia Ricciardone: Claudia Ricciardone is a luxury residential interior designer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Claudia provides full-service interior design services with a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly furnishings and décor through the company she founded, Claudia Josephine Design.  Claudia is a certified GREEN Accredited Professional (AP), member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC), and Maria Killam Certified True Colour Expert. She served as the interior design columnist at LUX Lifestyle Magazine, where her work was published and distributed internationally. Claudia’s designs were also recently featured in Southpark Magazine. Connect with Claudia Ricciardone: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: #50 Veronica Solomon: Powerful Marketing For Your Interior Design Firm- Website to Fan Engagement on Facebook #58 Maria Killam: Color- When You Can Own It As An Expertise, You Can Charge Higher Fees #752 PTF: Kelsey Kurtis: Connection-Based Branding For Success

Today With Kate O’Hara: Have you ever had that experience where you’re working with a client on something and they just seem to resist what you’re saying…and you ask yourself, “Why won’t they just let me do what they’re paying me to do?” Maybe you have a difficult client. But more likely, the problem is that you don’t understand that particular client’s priorities or motivations. And that’s not a reflection on you, your client probably doesn’t understand this about themselves either.  Wouldn’t it be great if you had a framework for tapping into what your client really wants and needs? That’s exactly what my guest today, Kate O’Hara, has created.  Today, she breaks down three levels of clients, and more importantly, what matters most to these clients within six important criteria. More About Kate O’Hara Kate O’Hara grew up in the world of design. After a decade with the company, she stepped into the role of CEO + Creative Director, expanding the family design firm into new regions of the U.S. When she isn’t traveling between our Minnesota and Texas offices, you can find Kate speaking at conferences, working with our design team, and connecting with new clients and furniture lines. Connect with Kate O’Hara ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Pinterest⁠ ⁠Houzz⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠http://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠ Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠here⁠. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Audiobook: ⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠ Book 2: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠ Book 3: ⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠ Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠ LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠ ⁠Power Talk Friday⁠ Like Us: ⁠Facebook⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠Twitter⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠Instagram⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠Podcast⁠ Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design