1011: Nicole Arnold: 3 Steps for a Successful Transition to Interior Design

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Today With Nicole Arnold:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Nicole Arnold, came to interior design as her second career after a corporate background at Levi Strauss. 

She took the lessons she learned interacting with C-suite executives in her corporate career and applied them as a designer, learning lessons along the way but becoming an industry leader. 

Today, she’s here to share what she believes are the three core foundational pieces that lead to a successful transition into our industry.

LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Arnold’s Ah-Ha Moments

 “If a client has to call us to find out what’s going on, something is wrong.” -Nicole

“We keep hearing that AI is killing the industry, and I’m sorry, but that’s not the industry’s problem. The problem is in each of our own businesses. If we’re not showing up and managing a project from start to finish in a way where it’s clear that we are the leader of the project, with grace, kindness, and professionalism, that’s the problem.” -LuAnn

More About Nicole Arnold

As president of an award-winning Dallas interior design firm, she’s earned widespread acclaim for her ability to “make space meaningful” for the customized, personalized residential interiors and the commercial facilities she designs in prestigious the Dallas area communities such as Preston Hollow, University Park, Kessler Park, Southlake, Highland Park, Allen, Frisco, Plano, Irving, Flower Mound, and more. In addition to her work in Texas, she has also completed projects in Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arizona, Colorado, and New York. She also consults and guides custom home builders and realtors so they can enable their clients to visualize their new space.

Nicole co-founded the North Texas Design Group in 2013, an alliance of designers working directly with manufacturers to provide clients with competitive pricing and a wide assortment of exclusive furnishings. Additionally, she holds a dual major Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Professional Sales from Kennesaw State University. She is an IDS Professional and ASID Associate.

She is currently a member of the Interior Design Society’s National Board of Directors.

Connect with Nicole Arnold

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

LinkedIn

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

AudiobookThe 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:

The Hiring Toolkit

Power Talk Friday Tour – October 25th at High Point

The Interior Design Society (IDS) – Power Talk Friday attendees will receive $75 off when joining IDS

Other Shows Mentioned:

#451 Elissa Grayer: Starting From the Ground Up, After 19 Years

#739 Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life

1010: Overheard: Developing Resilience in Interior Design Business Leadership with Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill

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Today With Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill

In this episode of Overheard, we’re exploring the crucial topic of mental resilience in running a design business. I’m joined by three industry powerhouses: Sandra Funk, founder and CEO of House of Funk and creator of the Interior Design Standard; Antonio DeLoatch, of Antonio DeLoatch Design + Interiors; and Robin Burrill, the creative visionary behind Signature Home Services.

Our guests share personal stories of overcoming challenges, from health crises to difficult client interactions, offering valuable insights on maintaining resilience in the face of adversity. We discuss practical strategies for staying centered, the importance of clear communication, and how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

More About Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill

Antonio Deloatch Jr: Living in New York & Los Angeles with a global state of mind equals the best of both worlds. My love for décor and design started early. I realized that I wanted to use my talents outside of the sales floor or cubicle. I started my design business in 2014 and my main goal still to this day is to bring quality, as well as affordable designs to any consumer.

Sandra Funk: Sandra Funk is the founder and CEO of the boutique interior design firm, House of Funk. After 20 years as a luxury designer, Sandra is now a business strategist deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.

Robin Burrill: Robin Burrill, RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDS, CAPS, is an award-winning professional kitchen, bath, and interior designer.

Robin and her husband, Robert Mathews, have owned Signature Home Services for nearly three decades, establishing a superior in-house team with a reputation for delivering meticulous and innovative design to their many repeat clients.

Connect with Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill

Antonio Deloatch Jr

Antonio DeLoatch

Instagram

Sandra Funk

Interior Design Standard

Interior Design Standard Sneak Peek

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Interior Design Pricing

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Interior Design Pricing

Robin Burrill

Signature Home Services

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

AudiobookThe 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:

ASID New Jersey Design Expo – October 8th

Interior Design Standard – Next Launch: September 12th

Other Shows Mentioned:

#986 ​​Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things

#895 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers

#860 Antonio Deloatch: Believe in Yourself, Believe in Relationships

#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems

#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm

#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

1009: Taylor Zack: Embracing a Large-Scale Mindset to Launch Your Design Business

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Today With Taylor Zack:

Today, I am sitting down with Taylor Zack from Rever Design Co. If you dream of your own design firm and team but need to change your mindset, then this is the episode for you. In barely two years, Taylor has grown a profitable, well-designed business. 

Taylor has almost reached the two-year mark with her own firm and has seen some quick success. She does have seven years of experience working freelance and for some other design firms, so she didn’t go in blind, but she did go in intentionally. Tune in to learn how new designers can succeed quickly with a growth mindset.

LuAnn Nigara and Taylor Zack’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Saving for an office right off the bat was mr immersing myself in a tight knit community, establishing myself as a business, and giving me confidence.” – Taylor Zack

More About Taylor Zack

With an eye for interiors that are artful and elevated, Taylor has garnered clients and followers from coast to coast. She has spent nearly a decade honing in on her craft, staying true to her intimate design approach, and has developed a sought-after style.

Originally from Long Island, New York, and after having moved West to California, Taylor has married timeless East Coast aesthetic with California’s laid-back, natural touch. Bold prints, a mix of modern lines and organic elements are the pillars that define and distinguish a Rever home.

Today, with Taylor at the lead, Rever Design Co. provides designs for large-scale residencies throughout Southern California, working with architects and contractors to bring the distinct visions seen in her work, to life, and into your home.

Connect with Taylor Zack

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

AudiobookThe 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:

Join us for our free Pre CEO Conference Zoom open house!

Wine + Design Sunbrella Tour – August 21st!

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design

AWDB #959: Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: How to Take Calculated Risks in Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles!

1008: Power Talk Friday: Barb Davids: The SWEET Framework for Effective SEO

Barb Davids Headshot

Today With Barb Davids:

Hi! Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! If you’ve ever felt frustrated working with an SEO company, wondering whether your investment is truly paying off, then you’ll want to tune in to this insightful episode. I’ll sit down with digital marketing expert Barb Davids to shed light on the common challenges business owners face when navigating the world of search engine optimization.

Barb offers a candid perspective, acknowledging the lack of transparency that has plagued the industry, and shares strategies for how SEO providers can build more trust and accountability. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to invest in your online presence, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to make smarter decisions when partnering with SEO professionals.

More About Barb Davids

Founder of Compass Digital Strategies since 2018, and digital marketing strategist for nearly 20 years.

From my Las Vegas location, I’ve analyzed, optimized, tested and tinkered with SEO for large corporations and small-medium businesses.

Being fascinated by what I do means I’ve helped clients achieve: Increases of organic traffic by 256%, converting 22% more leads, increases of keyword visibility by 39%, 66% more revenue through email marketing, and 51% sales increase from Google organic search.

Connect with Barb Davids

Website

Instagram 

X

LinkedIn

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

AudiobookThe 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:

Power Talk Friday Tour – High Point, October 25th

Compass Digital Strategies Resources!

Other Shows Mentioned:

#466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

#853: Power Talk Friday: Brittany Murphy: Hiring An SEO Specialist For Your Interior Design Firm

#746: Power Talk Friday: Daniela Furtado: How to Get SEO Traffic to Your Portfolio

1007: Lauren Li: Interior Design Blogging to Interior Design Book Deals

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Today With Lauren Li:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Many designers dream of getting a book deal, but aren’t sure where to start. 

My guest today is interior designer and author Lauren Li, sharing her journey from blog posts to book deals. Lauren, the founding director of Melbourne-based interior design studio Sisällä, has recently published two books with Thames & Hudson: “The New French Look” and “Beachside Modern.” 

Lauren emphasizes the importance of putting your expertise out into the world and reveals how becoming an author can elevate your design business and attract high-quality clients. She shares insights into how consistent content creation can lead to unexpected opportunities and the realities of the book writing and publishing process, along with strategies for developing an authentic writing voice. Of course, we discuss the business side of publishing, too, including contracts and image rights. Whether you’re harboring dreams of writing your own design book or simply looking to expand your professional reach, Lauren’s experience offers valuable lessons for designers at all stages of their careers.

LuAnn Nigara and Lauren Li’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You don’t really make a lot of money from books. It’s more of a marketing thing.” – Lauren Li

“I like to write like I’m speaking to someone — like talking to a friend. So that sets me apart.” Lauren Li

“Be prepared to be lucky.” – LuAnn Nigara

“A lot of people are serious people with serious knowledge. But putting that serious information on a pen to paper is a whole different animal.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Lauren Li

With an innate ability for translating the client’s personality into an interior space, Lauren skillfully applies texture and color to create atmospheric spaces. No two projects are the same.

Lauren Li is the founding director of the interior design studio, Sisällä, based in Melbourne, Australia. She has more than 20 years of experience across the residential, retail, and commercial sectors, and holds a Bachelor of Design, Interior Design (Honors) from Swinburne, and a Diploma of Arts, Interior Design & Decoration from RMIT.

Lauren founded sisällä in 2012 with a passion to create beautifully rich spaces reflective of her clients’ context, lifestyles, and individual desires. The studio’s name sisällä, meaning ‘inside’ in Finnish, is both a tribute to Lauren’s ancestors and her fondness for Scandinavian inspired interiors merging beauty with functionality.

Connect with Lauren Li

Website

Instagram 

Book: The New French Look on Amazon

Book: Beachside Modern on Amazon

The Design Society: workshops, courses and mentoring for interior designers

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

AudiobookThe 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:

Join us for our free Pre CEO Conference Zoom open house!

Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness and get 20% off your first three months!

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #381: Power Talk Friday: Julie Broad: Write a Book to Market Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

AWDB #844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success

AWDB #862: AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home

1006: Power Talk Friday: Tammy Nagem, CEO, High Point Market Authority. Why You Should Go to HPMKT

Tammy Nagem Headshot

Today With Tammy Nagem:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I don’t have to tell you that in our industry, High Point is one of the biggest to-dos. And yet, I know that many of you out there haven’t been yet for a variety of reasons—from hesitancy at making the investment to an uncertainty about what exactly is so appealing about it.

Today, I’m joined by Tammy Nagem, president and CEO of the High Point Market Authority to discuss what makes High Point unique and special, how the team works to create a special experience for attendees, and how attending can kickstart something of value for your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Tammy Nagem’s Ah-Ha Moments

Watching people’s faces just sort of light up as they talk about how they got started and get to tell their story is something special. I think we all sort of feel it, whether there’s a long family history or just an affinity to this industry, and High Point is where it all comes together.” -Tammy

“I get that a designer is coming to High Point to shop for furniture. It’s not lost on me. But no one will tell me that there isn’t value in a whole different way for your business, even if you do spend three days doing panel discussions and interacting with other attendees.” -LuAnn

More About Tammy Nagem

Tammy Nagem was named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the High Point Market Authority (HPMA) in 2023, overseeing strategic business development, marketing communications, and operations for High Point Market, the world’s largest home furnishings trade show.

Nagem and her 13-person team manage onsite logistics for nearly 75,000 domestic and international visitors to High Point Market each spring and fall, and are additionally responsible for educational programming, wayfinding, large-scale entertainment events, and HPMA-sponsored hospitality.

HPMA stakeholders include the State of North Carolina, Guilford County, and the City of High Point, along with approximately 2,000 vendors exhibiting the latest trends in home furnishings products within 11 million square feet of showroom space, spanning 13 blocks of the City’s downtown area.

Connect with Tammy Nagem

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

YouTube

X

LinkedIn

Check out these videos!

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

AudiobookThe 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:

#996: Power Talk Friday: Katie Decker-Erickson: Building True Confidence Through Knowledge and Experience

#407 Century Furniture and Carrier & Company Launch New Line at High Point Market April 2019

#437 High Point Market: Plan a Successful Trip

#526 Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary

#757 Power Talk Friday: Nitesh Chaudhary: Jaipur Living: The Manchaha Initiative

#768: Jaipur Living: A New Collaboration with Kate Lester

#677: Megan Molten: To Succeed, Focus on Your Why

#14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships

#397: Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now?: Cheryl Luckett: Dwell By Cheryl

#408: Power Talk Friday: Visual Comfort & Rottet Studio Launch New Line at High Point Market 2019

1005: Campbell Minister: Building a Referral Based Interior Design Business

Campbell Minister Headshot

Today With Campbell Minister:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Building a referral-led business isn’t always easy. It takes commitment, dedication, integrity, and accountability. Most of all, it takes the ability to navigate speed bumps and navigate challenges. 

My guest today, Campbell Minister, knows what it takes to do all of those things. She has created clear processes, learned how to set up proactive client expectations, and built strong relationships that bring referrals and repeat business her way. Today, she’s sharing her insights on what it takes to create those relationships and bring referrals your way.

LuAnn Nigara and Campbell Minister’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s a testament to understanding the core belief that interior design is a personalized, high-level luxury service. You’re not in competition with everyone, and you’re not the right fit for everyone.” -LuAnn

“Discipline and dedication are it. Really, at the end of the day, what makes me happy is if my clients are happy, so I am always thinking about what it takes to create that client experience. What do you want people to say about you?” -Campbell

“It’s not who’s right or wrong. It’s who’s bringing their perspective and that lens, and what’s their lens for the situation. There’s your story and my story, but there’s always a third story.” -Campbell

More About Campbell Minister

Campbell Minister Design (CMD) is a boutique, referral-led decorating firm.

Campbell started her firm in 2016 while taking courses in interior design. She dove headfirst into a new build construction project, forcing her to become intensely focused on project execution, and working under tight construction timelines. Fast forward 7 years later and you will find Campbell leading a team of designers, operational support staff, and tradespeople to bring her clients’ vision to life.

Campbell acts on behalf of her clients at every step of the design process, caring for their home as if it was her own. She leverages strong working relationships with trusted vendors to execute each client’s vision.

As the daughter of a serial decorator, artist, and antique shop owner, Campbell has an innate sense of style and an eye for good design. Merging this background along with degrees in communication, education, and art history, Campbell uses these skills to successfully turn clients’ design ideas into gorgeously real spaces.

Connect with Campbell Minister

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

AudiobookThe 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:

Hiring Toolkit Bundle

Other Shows Mentioned:

#346 Do Not Let Us Design: Taylor Dieterich & Yashlie Negron

#547 Power Talk Friday: Jamie Lieberman of Hashtag Legal: 5 Steps to Sharpen Your Negotiation Skills

#939 Power Talk Friday: Amy Flurry: From Creating Media Opportunities to Creating a Product line; Aloka Home

#282 Blanche Garcia – You Teach Clients How to Treat You

#370 Kesha Franklin: A Different Path to a Career in Interior Design

#374 Ellie Mroz: The Reveal Install & Working with Trades

#704 Power Talk Friday: George Oliphant: George to the Rescue

#871 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Out of Overwhelm: Why Time Management Begins With Your Mindset

1004: Power Talk Friday: Announcing Mydoma Studio is Acquired by Studio Designer! Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet

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Today With Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet:

Hi! Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this can’t-miss episode, we welcome Sarah Daniele of MyDoma Studio and Keith Granet of Studio Designer to discuss an exciting new partnership between the two design technology companies.

Sarah and Keith share valuable insights on building tools that empower designers, the benefits of strategic acquisitions, and the importance of understanding the evolving needs of the interior design industry. This episode is a must-listen for any creative entrepreneur looking to scale their business while staying connected to their community.

Don’t miss this inside look at a game-changing move in the design space!

More About Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet

Sarah Daniele:

Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the premier platform for interior designers; a workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast.

Keith Granet:

Keith Granet is Founder and CEO of Studio Designer, the interior design industry’s leading software company. Granet is also President of Granet & Associates, a management consulting firm formed in 1991 to provide strategic, financial, operational management and licensing services to the design industry. He is the founder of Designer Speakers’ Bureau and co-founder of The Leaders of Design. Granet is the author of the Business of Design, balancing creativity and profitability, Princeton Architectural Press 2011, The Business of Creativity, how to build the right team for success, Princeton Architectural Press 2016, and The Business of Design 10th Anniversary Edition Princeton Architectural Press 2021. Granet guest lectures at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. Granet executive produces and hosts of Inside the Business of Design, an interview series that explores the business side of successful design practices.

Granet’s vision has always been to strengthen the business side of the profession by establishing good business practices with the firms he works with, develop the profession from within, and ultimately communicate the value of design to the consumer at large.

Granet is a graduate of Hartwick College (‘79) and lives with his family in Los Angeles.

Connect with Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet

Mydoma

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest 

Studio Designer

Instagram 

Facebook 

X

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Mydoma Studio and Studio Designer!

Other Shows Mentioned:

#879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation

#555: Sarah Daniele: 19H The Blueprint, Create Resiliency in Your Business

#177: Power Talk Friday- Sarah Daniele, CEO of Mydoma Studio is back to tell us what’s new for you at Mydoma Studio!

#119: Christmas Encore: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio

#91: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio

1003: Erin Coren and Lina Galvao: Curated Nest: Scaling an Interior Design Business to $5 Million

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Today With Erin Coren and Lina Galvao:

Today, I am joined by Erin Coren and Lina Galvao, co-owners of the Curated Nest. With Erin as Creative Director and Lina as the Director of Business Development, Curated Nest is a complete partnership. Both ladies bring value to the table, collaborating in what has resulted in a growth of 500k to almost 5 million.

Erin and Lina joined forces in 2016 and have continued to grow since then. I’m honored that they said they used this podcast’s value and resources as part of their journey. Of course, they, themselves, have contributed much to their business in the form of transferable skills, talent, and professionalism.

Listen in to learn their secrets to scaling!

LuAnn Nigara, Erin Coren and Lina Galvao’s Ah-Ha Moments

“A critical part of scaling your business is hiring the right people and placing them in the right seats.” – LuAnn Nigara

“It starts in the hiring process because you want to hire people who are proactive, curious, and passionate and who want to play with the tools of the trade and continuously learn.” – Lina Galvao

More About Erin Coren and Lina Galvao

Erin Coren:

Erin holds a B.S. in Interior Design and is a NYS Certified Interior Designer, Professional member of the American Society of Interior Design, and a National Council of Interior Design Qualifications certificate holder.

Lina Galvão:

Lina holds a Bachelor of Science from Yale University in addition to a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University, and studied Interior Design at Fashion Institute of Technology. Prior to becoming a designer, Lina was a business consultant for healthcare organizations for ten years, with an interest in how environments can promote patients’ wellbeing.

Connect with Erin Coren and Lina Galvao

Website

Instagram 

Facebook

TV Show

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

AudiobookThe 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:

Hiring Toolkit Bundle

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #438: Monica Wilcox: Systems Create Strength & Confidence

AWDB #634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

AWDB #882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability

AWDB #969: Pure Salt Interiors: Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln: Licensing Partnerships

AWDB #979: Hygge Design + Build: Becky and Nate Vandenbroek on Tips for a Successful Design/Build Business

AWDB #980: Power Talk Friday: Shelli Warren: Recognizing That Your Small Business Brings Value to the Right Employee

AWDB #985: Han Dang and Vy Truong: The First 4 Years: Insights and Lessons

AWDB 68: Chad James- “Think Forward” – Employee Management

AWDB 622: Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director

AWDB 363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

AWDB 589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million

1002: Power Talk Friday: Sara Kravet: VP Furniture at Kravet Inc.

Sara Kravet Headshot

Today With Sara Kravet:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I’m thrilled to be joined by Sara Kravet, a 5th generation member of the renowned Kravet design family. Sara shares a unique perspective, having started in the Kravet showrooms before going on to work at First Dibs, and now serving as VP of Furniture.

We’ll hear about the ‘mandate’ for Kravet family members to work elsewhere before joining the family business, and how Sara’s diverse experiences have shaped her approach in her current role. Sarah offers an insider’s look at the legacy and evolution of the iconic Kravet brand. This is a can’t-miss conversation for any design enthusiast!

More About Sara Kravet

Sara Kravet is the Vice President of Furniture at Kravet Inc., having joined the family business in 2011. Sara is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied art history. After graduating, she worked for 1stdibs in New York, honing her love for antique furniture. Sara then moved her life to Boston, where she currently lives with her husband and two daughters, and fell in love with the city’s sense of historicism and fall leaves. Sara has spent the last thirteen years learning the ins and outs of the Kravet Inc. family business through a sales lens in the Boston Kravet showroom and becoming an integral part of the New England design community. Sara joined the Kravet Inc. Furniture team eight years ago and manages product development for the Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, and Donghia brands. She oversees the Visual Merchandising team and the design of all corporate showroom floors. Sara is also a member of the Historic New England, the Royal Oak Foundation, Friends of the Public Garden and sits on the board of the DFA, Decorative Furnishings Association.

Connect with Sara Kravet

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A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Kravet Inc.

Other Resources Mentioned:

Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order. Go to kravet.com to set up an account!

Other Shows Mentioned:

#173: Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc

#961: It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 1

#962: It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 2

#100: Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!

#360: David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited

#446: Power Talk Friday: Jesse Lazarus: Technology & Innovations in the Design Industry