A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Overview
Episodes

Details

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.

Recent Episodes

1049: What Would Lu Do?: Celebrate Your Wins and Set Your Goals: A New Year’s Challenge
DEC 31, 2024
1049: What Would Lu Do?: Celebrate Your Wins and Set Your Goals: A New Year’s Challenge
Today With LuAnn Nigara: As we wrap up 2024, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the lessons, challenges, and wins from this past year—and looking ahead to 2025. In this episode, I share the stories and milestones that shaped my year, the powerful insights I’ve gained from incredible people, and a challenge for you as you step into the new year. Whether you’re celebrating a big win, planning your next move, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode will leave you motivated to embrace excellence, invest in yourself, and create the success you deserve. 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 Katie Decker Erickson’s Success By Design episode: The Future of Interior Design in 2025 [The Table] A Well-Designed Business® 4-Part Docuseries CFO2GO LuAnn’s University Other Shows: AWDB #996: Power Talk Friday: Katie Decker-Erickson: Building True Confidence Through Knowledge and Experience AWDB #790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions AWDB #774: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide Celebrates 4 Years! AWDB #981: Jennifer Chukwujekwe: Global Collaboration with Nigerian Designer and Entrepreneur AWDB #1010: Overheard: Developing Resilience in Interior Design Business Leadership with Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill AWDB #1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles! AWDB #1004: Power Talk Friday: Announcing Mydoma Studio is Acquired by Studio Designer! Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet AWDB #169: Amber Lewis- Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference AWDB #184: Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm
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35 MIN
1048: On Air Strategy Session: Melanie Lybrand: Overcoming the Fear of Raising Your Interior Design Rates
DEC 27, 2024
1048: On Air Strategy Session: Melanie Lybrand: Overcoming the Fear of Raising Your Interior Design Rates
Today With Melanie Lybrand: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! In today’s on-air coaching session, I’m helping my guest, Melanie Lybrand, conquer an ongoing fear of raising her rates–one that’s so strong it keeps creeping back even after she’s committed to changing it. Today, we’re working through the stories she’s been telling herself and making a tangible action plan to get her over the hump that’s holding her back. LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Lybrand's Ah-Ha Moments “Here’s what you do with fear. The next time you come up with a fee, I want you to come up with it and I want you to add to it. Next time you calculate, you think it's 10,000, you are going to say $11,000, period. You are not passing go, you're not collecting $200, do it, okay? Because here's what I know, somebody that will pay 10 will pay 11.” -LuAnn “If you remember nothing about sales, remember when it truly is about the other person and your actual depth of understanding that you are the answer for that person. You are now in service of them.” -LuAnn More About Jennifer Tokatyan Melanie is the owner of Happy House Interiors, based in Santa Cruz, CA. Even as a little girl she was fascinated by houses and their interiors, but it wasn’t until her 40s that it dawned on her she could make a career out of that passion. After finishing a design program she spent her first 7 years in the field as a kitchen and bath designer. Realizing she wanted to branch out and be her own boss, Melanie started Happy House Interiors in 2023, a boutique interior design firm specializing in eclectic interiors with an emphasis on historical homes. Connect with Jennifer Tokatyan Website Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn Houzz 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 Book a quick intro call with Duke Renders! LuAnn University – Registration Open! Other Shows: AWDB #811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate
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77 MIN
1047: NeKeia McSwain: Saying No to Say Yes: Lessons on Alignment and Leadership
DEC 24, 2024
1047: NeKeia McSwain: Saying No to Say Yes: Lessons on Alignment and Leadership
Today With NeKeia McSwain: In today’s episode of A Well Designed Business, I sit down with the inspiring NeKeia McSwain, a trailblazer in the interior design industry. NeKeia shares her journey of embracing authenticity and the importance of showing up as your true self in both personal and professional settings. We dive deep into her experiences, discussing the challenges and triumphs she’s faced in an industry that can sometimes prioritize facade over genuine connection. NeKeia emphasizes the value of building supportive circles and the need for emotional intelligence in our interactions, whether with clients, industry peers, or brand partners. Join us as we explore how to navigate the complexities of the design world while remaining true to ourselves. NeKeia's insights remind us that authenticity is not just a personal mantra but a vital element in creating meaningful relationships and successful collaborations. Tune in to discover how you can apply these lessons in your own journey and foster a community where everyone can thrive. More About NeKeia McSwain NeKeia ‘Keia’ McSwain is an award-winning interior designer, product designer, and Principal of NeKeia & Co., a full-service luxury design firm specializing in the marriage of functionality and stunningly custom interiors. Her creative projects often incorporate eye-popping colors and textures that are as unique as each client's. Born in the Southeast and based in Denver, CO, Keia has designed residential and commercial customers across the U.S. Most recently, Keia has furthered her talents in the world of product design with her inaugural collection of handmade leather artisanal lighting called ‘The NeKeia Collection’ for Ngala Trading. She has been prominently featured across the pages of The Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, Forbes, and LUXE Magazine to name a few, and was named an Emerging Star by Architectural Digest and People to Watch by Designers Today. An activist and pioneer for diversity in design, Keia serves as the President of Black Interior Designers Inc., the nation’s largest and longest-established organization for designers of color. In this role, Keia uses her voice to elevate those who are traditionally marginalized, particularly black interior designers and aspiring design professionals, through a supportive community that exposes, encourages, and empowers black interior designers with personal and professional growth opportunities. Connect with NeKeia McSwain Website Instagram The NeKeia Collection for Ngala Trading Black Interior Designers Network 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 LuAnn University – Registration Open!
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66 MIN
1046: Jennifer Tokatyan: Building a Culture that Drives Business Results
DEC 20, 2024
1046: Jennifer Tokatyan: Building a Culture that Drives Business Results
Today With Jennifer Tokatyan: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I speak with Jennifer Tokatyan, leadership consultant and partner with Eileen B Hahn. With over 20 years of experience, Jennifer shares her proven 7-step framework for building strong company culture that drives team performance and business growth. Don't miss information about her upcoming LuAnn University course, "Build an Exceptional Team that Gets Results," starting January 2025. LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Tokatyan's Ah-Ha Moments “Culture matters the moment you have another human being you are interacting with because you are now interdependent on them to execute on the very things you are trying to deliver,” - Jennifer Tokatyan “Once you clarify yourself as the leader and you exemplify that and are consistent, the whole team will follow. And the ones who don't, you can show them the door,” - LuAnn Nigara More About Jennifer Tokatyan Jennifer Tokatyan is a leadership consultant and a consulting partner with Eileen B Hahn. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in small and large organizations across multiple industries in public, private and nonprofit sectors. She has worked with and for Fortune 500 companies as well as fast-paced entrepreneurial start-ups and Founder-led companies including interior design, hospitality, real estate, apparel, retail, manufacturing, non-profit and more. Jennifer provides leadership, talent optimization, organizational development, strategic HR consulting and coaching to organizations seeking to grow their people and business, deliver on their brand promise, create the culture and environment where its people flourish and achieve exceptional results. She has several active interior design clients across the United States and was on the expert panel at LuAnn Nigara’s Power Talk Friday at High Point Market in October, 2022. Connect with Jennifer Tokatyan Website 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 Hiring Toolkit Bundle LuAnn University – Registration Open! Other Shows: AWDB #68: Chad James- “Think Forward” – Employee Management
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67 MIN
1045: What Would Lu Do?: Big Decisions, Bigger Lessons: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Process
DEC 17, 2024
1045: What Would Lu Do?: Big Decisions, Bigger Lessons: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Process
Today With LuAnn Nigara: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Have you ever faced a business opportunity that made you stop in your tracks? It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying, isn’t it? On this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at how I navigated one of those moments. With insights from trusted advisors like Kate O’Hara, I learned valuable lessons that can help YOU handle those big decisions in your business: How to slow down, gather information, and make a thoughtful choice. Why having a network of advisors is a game-changer. How to balance confidence with strategy in decision-making. Listen now for real-world strategies and actionable takeaways. 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 The Power Talk Friday Experts books The Making of a Well-Designed Business: The Workshop on January 8th, 2025! Other Shows: AWDB #1042: In Good Company: CEO Conversations with Kate O’Hara: End-of-Year Business Strategies for Designers: Pipeline, Productivity, and Press AWDB #1030: In Good Company: CEO Conversations with Kate O’Hara: Insights and Strategies on Successful Scaling
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28 MIN