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

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

Connect with Darci Hether, Rebecca Robinson, and Lacey Michalek

Lacey Michalek:
Website
Instagram

Darci Hether

Website
Instagram

Rebecca Robinson

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

Other Resource 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

Stacey Brown Randall’s Newest Book: “The Referable Client Experience”

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB: #69: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall – Take Control Of Your Business – Employee Management

AWDB: #93: Power Talk Friday- Stacey Brown Randall- How To Create an Awesome Client Experience!

AWDB: #558: Rebecca Robinson: Provide Value & Create Relationships with Contractors

AWDB: #885: Power Talk Friday: Stacey Brown Randall: Generate Business Referrals Without Asking

AWDB #220: Darci Hether: Literally The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business

Today With Rebecca Ward

Mentorship can make all the difference in your design career. Yet many new designers hesitate to take the leap, unsure how to translate their skills into a business or where to find the right support. That’s why Rebecca Ward—CEO and Principal Designer of Rebecca Ward Design in Sacramento—has made mentorship her mission. With over 18 years of experience and an award-winning residential design portfolio, she knows what it takes to step into this industry with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, Rebecca and I talk about what it really means to shift from an employee mindset to an entrepreneurial one, how to reshape your money mindset so you can lead clients at any level, and why cultivating a growth mindset is essential for long-term success. Whether you’re a baby designer just starting out or a seasoned business owner, you’ll find Rebecca’s grounded wisdom and practical guidance inspiring—and packed with lessons you can put into action right away.

Her artistic skill shines in creating contemporary spaces that fit the dynamic lifestyles of families today. She believes in enhancing lives through interior design, making surroundings more  impactful for productivity and mood. Her goal is to create spaces that reflect clients’ needs,  helping them be their best selves in the world.

Beyond her design prowess, Rebecca is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents in interior design. In 2021, she launched the “My Design Mentor” program, empowering individuals to succeed in the field. Her commitment extends to elevating the profession as a whole. Following this, Rebecca expanded her reach by hosting the “Design Curious Podcast,” sharing insights with a broader audience keen on exploring the world of design.  She values a strong design community, actively investing in local peers through monthly gatherings that foster collaboration and growth.

Outside of design, Rebecca finds harmony in music, performing with her attorney husband in their acoustic duo. Cherishing family time, she enjoys moments with her two children and lively labradoodle.

Rebecca Ward’s journey is defined by her dedication to design excellence, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to both her craft and community.

Ah Ha Moments with Rebecca Ward

“Being a CEO requires so many more different skills and a whole new mindset.” – Rebecca Ward

“You cannot save your clients’ money for them. Your role is to design at the level they’ve invited you into, not to hold back because of your own money story.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I have this saying—I’ve said it a thousand times: Do I want to be right, or do I want to get what I want? Before I get on the phone, I know exactly what I want, what I’m willing to do for it, and what I’m willing to give up if I don’t get it.” – LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Rebecca Ward

Podcast

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

YouTube

LinkedIn

X

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:

AWDB #1123: Ali Faulkner: What to Do When a Client Says “No”: Lessons from a Lost Design Proposal

AWDB #1021: Ann Cariola: Launching an Interior Design Firm at Age 60—It’s Never Too Late

AWDB #1100: Best Of Show: Erika Ward: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

Today with Beth Bender:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions.

With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business.

LuAnn and Beth Bender’s Ah-Ha moments:

“One of your premises is that interior designers should invest in the back end, operations end of the business. You’re talking my language because the whole premise of my podcast is that yes, you need talent to be successful, but your talent isn’t going to be the reason that you are successful. You can get some attraction and some clients, but to create a long lived sustainable profitable business you have to learn how to efficiently run the back end.” – LuAnn Nigara

“We feel that for a design form to be able to have sustained growth you have to have a two-pronged approach. You have to be able to identify both your marketing needs and your financial needs and they have to be in step.” – Beth Bender

“At the end of the day, it really should come down to counting every penny because there are tight margins. Regardless of whether you are charging by the hour, or a set fee you still have to know, How much time did I spend on that project? What was the monetary value of that time?” – Beth Bender

More About Beth Bender:

Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. Additionally, Beth oversees human and organizational development services and she also manages strategic growth strategies at The Dove Agency.

Beth earned her degree in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University, and she brings more than 20 years of design experience to her work, enabling her to advise and assist clients with uniquely informed perspectives as she helps them maximize their time, resources, and profitability.

Combining their impeccable expertise, proficient knowledge, and well-versed viewpoints, Beth and her co-founder, Kenda, together developed services that streamline administrative processes, giving interior design professionals the time to do what they do best—design. These processes are the foundation and hallmark of The Dove Agency today.

Beth works closely with the marketing team to strategically position each designer with the tools necessary for calculated growth, increased influence, and measurable success.

Connect with Beth Bender:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

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

Other Shows Mentioned

Episode 575 Lisa Gilmore: Finance Fridays! From 850k to 2.25 Million in One Year!

WTF Episodes: #653, #645 , #610 , #586 , #551 , #539

Sara Lynn Brennan Episodes: #607 , #524 , #514 , #463