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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
Author: LuAnn Nigara
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In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.
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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
Today With Carla Titus:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business Podcast. Today we are joined by financial expert Carla Titus, founder and CEO of Wealth & Worth Within, a financial planning company offering fractional CFO services to transform business profitability.
Carla helps us understand what a fractional CFO is and how this service can provide the financial support and insight many businesses need to achieve financial clarity and plan for a profitable future. She specializes in helping 6- and 7-figure businesses gain control of their numbers with a 5-step framework she calls 2C3P that tackles financial health from all sides. Listen in to find out more.
LuAnn Nigara and Carla Titus’ Ah-Ha Moments
“The beauty of bringing an expert into your business is that you do not need to know everything. That is the whole point of outsourcing your finances. You’re bringing that knowledge, and also that person that’s going to guide the process from beginning to end, [to] make you feel empowered and comfortable around your finances and your numbers.” – Carla Titus
“Don’t overthink what you don’t know.” – LuAnn Nigara
“There’s times where you need to step into that CEO role and work on your business, not in your business.” – Carla Titus
“Managing the influx and outflows of cash really can help a business be more financially stable, but also feel completely in control of what’s happening.” – Carla Titus
“If you want to sell your business one day, if you want to run a successful long term company, there has to be a salary for someone that is in charge.” – Carla Titus
More About Carla Titus:
Finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and established online businesses fractional CFO consulting experience. Our company provides a vast array of on-demand CFO services that leverage our industry expertise. A well-rounded CFO team with Finance, Sales & Marketing, HR, Supply Chain, Online Business, Operations, Execution, Planning, and Tech background.
She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners. Wealth & Worth Within’s mission is to empower business owners to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind, so that they can get back to what they enjoy.
She is dedicated to imparting financial knowledge in order to properly manage finances and achieve profitable results. She has applied that expertise to businesses, helping them grow by creating simple yet effective systems to improve cash flow management and bottom-line results.
Connect with Carla Titus
Website
Instagram
Facebook
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:
#489: Power Talk Friday: Brad Clinard: Intentional Planning for Abundant Living
#719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s
#395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business
#464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner
#361: Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Does Your Interior Design Business Need a CFO?
Today With Cyrus Loloi:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. You likely know the Loloi name—they are a powerhouse in our industry. But on today’s sponsored show, I am excited to chat with Cyrus Loloi about the sister brand, Joon Loloi.
Joon Loloi maintains many of Loloi’s values (including a commitment to quality, intention, and integrity). But it differs in many ways—not only does it offer a full range of home furnishings, but it is not exclusive to the trade. That’s an intentional decision—Cyrus and his brother Stephen saw a shift in how designers are sourcing and decided to create a brand that answers the need for a seamless digital shopping experience. That paved the way for Joon Loloi.
Today, he shares the story of the newer brand, how he maintains the family name’s trust and reputation, and how Joon Loloi is meeting modern needs for interior designers.
More About Cyrus Loloi:
Cyrus Loloi is an experienced marketing and business leader specializing in brand strategy, e-commerce growth, and organizational leadership. He plays a central role in shaping the strategic direction of Loloi and Joon Loloi, overseeing key initiatives in performance marketing, creative operations, customer experience, and cross-team collaboration
Ah Ha Moments with Cyrus Loloi:
"We just felt like there's an opportunity to speak to the trade in more modern, sort of novel ways that Loloi is not currently positioned to do." –Cyrus Loloi
"Every single product has to be mutually exclusive from Loloi. Number one, there's no reason to just launch something that's entirely redundant. And number two, we didn't want to sort of sell from under the retailers and designers that have supported Loloi all these years." –Cyrus Loloi
"You’re not outsiders coming from tech and trying to figure out how to sell furniture and rugs to you to make money. You’re insiders who have observed that there's another lane inside here." –LuAnn Nigara
"I believe one of the biggest mistakes in the industry is assuming that all 80,000 or so designers in the United States shop the same way, think the same way, business model is set up the same way." –Cyrus Loloi
Connect with Loloi:
Website
Instagram
Tik Tok
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 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:
When it comes to high-end projects, collaboration isn’t optional and it definitely isn’t casual. It has to be intentional. In this solo episode, LuAnn breaks down the systems, scripts, and standards that every designer needs to lead confidently alongside architects, builders, and trades.
If you've ever felt like you're managing chaos instead of driving results, this episode will show you how to step into true project leadership without sacrificing your sanity or your margins.
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:
Operations 201: Project Workflow for Construction-Based Design” with Jenny Slingerland
“Operations 301: Project Leadership in Construction” with Kat Anderson
Today with Marianna Zimmerman
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Marianna Zimmerman, owner of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS, LLC.
“Your current situation doesn’t have to be your final destination.” This quote from Marianna gives you a little clue of what we’re discussing today. For years Marianna was working in administration at a hospital. She questioned if she was able to do what she REALLY wanted to do, own her own design business. With the support of her husband and her decision to believe in herself, she has successfully owned her firm for 12 years. If you have any doubt or fear or questions about your abilities, know that this episode will give you the kick in the pants you need.
LuAnn and Marianna Zimmerman’s Ah-Ha moments:
“I didn’t want to feel like I was playing catchup, but I had to realize that it’s not about playing catch up or competing. It’s more about sharing my gift and what I can offer to the world.” – Marianna Zimmerman
“Not every project is photo worthy. The reason you do what you do is to make the client happy. In the end, a happy client is the goal, not the professional shot.” – Marianna Zimmerman
“You have to be the one to do it. Whether you have the emotional, physical or financial support of someone or you’re on your own with no support, ultimately you have to be the one to do it. You have to decide to be excellent and make the decision to execute.” – LuAnn Nigara
More about Marianna Zimmerman:
Marianna Zimmerman, Brooklyn NY Native lived many years in Boston Ma until eventually settling down 9 yrs ago in good ole Dallas Texas. After Graduating from QC Design school 2001, She became a Certified Interior Designer and then a ASP Home Stager in 2009. With over 20 years of experience and helping friends and family design their homes part time while always working 2 jobs as a single mom, She moved to Texas and her husband encouraged her to use her gift & venture into her own business.
She launched The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC in 2011.
Marianna believes “great design is about creating a beautiful space that you feel comfortable coming home to.” She is devoted to designing with luxury and style that is affordable. She has always believed in the motto “your current situation doesn’t have to be your final destination”… The Best is yet to come!
While specializing in Modern aesthetics, she has traveled all over helping clients with a variety of different styles and genres. She is a self proclaimed decor fanatic and always finds that “one unique piece” that she incorporates & leaves her stamp in the project.
She believes being an East Coast girl, living in a Texas world is what separates her from other local Interior Designers- Her modern, edgy, “think outside the box” flare combined with her passionate work ethic & outgoing friendly personality makes it natural for her to work with each client’s specific style and needs.
Connect with Marianna Zimmerman:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Other Shows Mentioned:
# 167 Kelsey Grose- Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017
# 203 Darla Powell- How to Launch an Interior Design Firm
# 455 Megan Molten- Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business
# 631 Ariella Horowitz- Success for Design-Build Firms is in the Details
# 677 Megan Molten- To Succeed, Focus on Your Why
Today With LuAnn Nigara on Speaking Your Brand Podcast with Carol Cox:
In this panel conversation hosted by Carol Cox, LuAnn joins fellow powerhouse women to talk about what it really means to build a thought leadership platform. From podcasting and speaking to owning your niche and telling your story, this episode is packed with insight for anyone ready to step up and be seen.
LuAnn shares her journey from launching A Well-Designed Business to growing it into a multi-million-download platform, and how her focused, niche-driven approach helped her become a sought-after speaker and mentor in the interior design industry. You’ll hear her thoughts on consistency, visibility, and the mindset shifts that separate dabblers from real business leaders.
Whether you’ve thought about hosting events, sharing more of your voice, or simply showing up more powerfully in your brand, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting and start leading.
What You’ll Hear:
How LuAnn built visibility and authority through podcasting and live events
Why niche clarity is critical to growth
The difference between vulnerability and over-sharing in business
What it takes to speak with confidence—and why it’s a skill worth learning
Why generosity and collaboration fuel long-term success
More About Carol Cox:
Carol Morgan Cox is the founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand®, host of the weekly Speaking Your Brand® podcast, and a sought-after presenter and trainer on public speaking, business storytelling, AI strategy, and women's leadership.
Connect with Carol Cox:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
YouTube
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
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
Carol Cox's Shows on A Well-Designed Business:
Episode 140: Today We Celebrate the 1st Birthday of A Well-Designed Business! Carol Cox of Speaking Your Brand Interviews LuAnn!
Episode 307: Carol Cox: How To Be a Great Panelist at an Interior Design Event
Today with Chanae Richards
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. The journey to building a well-designed business isn’t always linear. Sometimes designers come from the most unlikely of careers. That’s something we have heard many times on the show. But today Chanae Richards shares the story of how she founded her firm Oloro Interiors. Not only did she come into the space as a second career, but she even built her interior design business in an unusual and unexpected way. She has made some very unique decisions along the way that have led to her success.
LuAnn and Chanae Richard’s Ah-Ha moments:
“There’s the confidence, and there’s the know-how behind that confidence. It’s not just the showy ‘I know it all,’ but it’s why you know it and how you know it and having them believe that you understand the guts to it.” -Chanae Richards
“What’s interesting about this is that when you think about if somebody hypothetically said, ‘I want to be an interior designer…I have my education and my internships and I have my chops and I’m ready to go, but I don’t have clients yet. Should I start focusing on a rental space while I try to build my design business?’ You could line up ten business coaches and more than 50% of them would say, ‘No, don’t divert your attention.’ But you did it because you didn’t ask anyone’s permission, and that’s sometimes the best thing in the world. And it worked for you.” -LuAnn Nigara
“I’m able to do all that I do, simply because I have hired and cultivated great teams, both at the firm and the Center. I have a number of people who are simply brilliant and I mean that. I hire great people and empower them to do great teams both inside and outside the firm.” -Chanae Richards
More about Chane Richards:
Chanae Richards is the CEO & Principal Designer of ọlọrọ interiors, an interior design firm with offices in Philadelphia and New York. Her curated spaces and design expertise have been featured in ELLE Décor, Business of Home, Philadelphia Magazine, and Apartment Therapy as well as on national syndicates including MSNBC, National Geographic, Vice, CNN, and The Travel Channel. An inaugural Philadelphia Mural Arts Fellow, Chanae also serves as the Managing Director of Philadelphia Housing Authority’s Entrepreneurial Resource Center, a groundbreaking initiative providing residents with free business resources and support for community innovation.
Chanae received her BA from Temple University and MA and MPA from Rutgers University. She is also an alumna of Bank of America Women’s Institute at Cornell University and a member of the Black Interior Designer’s Network.
Connect with Chanae Richards:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn
Pinterest
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
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma is your complete designer toolkit. Mydoma makes it easy to streamline your processes, track projects, communicate with clients, and get organized. It’s created by designers for designers, specifically to address what you need as a business owner. I’ve said countless times that systems and processes are how you reach the next level of profitability. Mydoma Studio makes it easy to do that. You can get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward
AWDB #711 Christine Platt: The Afrominimalist























She speaks way too fast and that is coming from a Jersey Girl! Gave me anxiety.
💘 Chairish...