Overheard: How to Build a Steady Referral Pipeline with Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek

Episode 1140 of A Well-Designed Business®

0:00

0:56:03

1140: Overheard: How to Build a Steady Referral Pipeline with Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek

Today With Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek

Today on A Well-Designed Business, three seasoned designers share how they transformed their referral marketing by working with expert Stacey Brown Randall. Rebecca Robinson went from 18 to 40 referrals per year, Lacey Michalek turned a mahjong game into multiple projects, and Darci Hether developed systems for building warm relationships with industry professionals.

You’ll learn the exact referral language that creates psychological responses in past clients, why face-to-face networking beats social media for generating real momentum, and how to turn cold prospects into warm referral sources through strategic events.

These aren’t theories, they’re proven tactics from experienced designers who’ve seen dramatic results. If you’ve been hoping referrals will just happen, this episode gives you the actionable roadmap to build relationships that consistently convert into new business.

More About Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek

Lacey Michalek:

At Lacey Michalek Interiors, the magic isn’t just in a beautiful light fixture or the perfect sofa—it’s in how the space makes you feel. Each home is designed to leave you inspired, connected, and refreshed.

Lacey designs homes that feel like art, but are made for family living. Her work is always personality-driven, never cookie-cutter—each space a reflection of the people who live there. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and holding a degree in psychology from LSU, She brings a profound understanding of relationships and business strategy to each project and family she supports. As a mother, she deeply understands how to create spaces that intimately narrate the story of a family.

With nearly a decade of experience, her portfolio includes everything from historic renovations in The Heights to modern new builds in West University, sleek downtown penthouses, and laid-back lake homes in Austin. No matter the project, Lacey’s goal is always the same: to create beautiful, livable homes that tell a family’s story.

Darci Hether:

At Darci Hether New York, our work begins with a simple belief: your home should feel like the most elevated version of your life—effortless, intentional, and deeply personal.

As the founder and principal interior designer, I bring over two decades of experience in luxury interior design, crafting residences that reflect not only how our clients live, but how they want to feel. Informed by global travel, cultural nuance, and a lifelong appreciation for detail, I specialize in creating homes that feel complete—spaces that quietly hold you, restore you, and express you.

Our clients are discerning professionals with full lives and refined taste. Whether we’re designing a New York City apartment, a Hamptons retreat, or a family home in Westchester or Fairfield County, our full-service interior design studio provides a seamless experience from concept to completion. Every detail is considered. Every decision, handled.

We’re known for calm communication, exceptional organization, and a meticulous eye. From custom upholstery to architectural detailing, we collaborate with the most skilled craftspeople to deliver results that are both polished and personal.

If you’re ready for an interior design experience that mirrors your lifestyle—with nothing overlooked and nothing left to chance—I invite you to explore our portfolio and connect with us to start the conversation.

Rebecca Robinson:

I’m Rebecca Robinson, founder and principal designer of Monarch Lane Interiors. For me, design is about more than creating beautiful rooms — it’s about guiding a transformation. Just like a butterfly, a home has the power to evolve into something extraordinary, reflecting both where you’ve been and where you’re going.

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from O’More College, nearly 2 decades of unmatched expertise, and recognition as a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD), I bring both artistry and precision to every project. My meticulous attention to detail is what allows each design to feel intentional, balanced, and beautifully resolved. Luxury, to me, is found in the thoughtful details that quietly elevate daily living.

My work has been featured in Architectural Digest, but what clients value most is the experience we share: a seamless process, open communication, and a partnership built on trust. I listen deeply, anticipate needs, and lead every project with clarity so you can feel cared for from vision to reveal.

At Monarch Lane, I believe your home should not only be elevated — it should also feel like you: soulful, functional, and welcoming. That’s the kind of luxury that lasts.

Ah Ha Moments with Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek

“I’m happier as a business owner now than I have been before because I’m starting to be really good friends with my clients… when you’re connecting with them at a different level and you’re learning and building on that relationship, I feel like it feels more natural and it feels easier.” – Rebecca Robinson

“There is more momentum behind putting yourself out there in the real world than using Instagram.” – Lacey Michalek