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1126: Nicole Heymer: Rethink SEO for ChatGPT and Google AI

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Today with Nicole Heymer

Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that’s changing how potential clients find interior designers. We’re living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google’s AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you’re getting most of your business from referrals or you’re heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant competitive advantage.

LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Heymer’s Ah-Ha Moments

“We are at a moment in history where all online search at this point is evolving into AI based stuff. It is different and a big moment in history.” – Nicole Heymer

More About Nicole Heymer

Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique marketing agency specializing in branding, websites, automation, and SEO for interior design firms, builders, and architects. Since 2011, Nicole’s clear, practical take on branding and digital marketing has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from Business of Home to the Design Influencer’s Conference. You’ll find her methods in print, on podcasts, and in design school classrooms.

Inquire about services at gloryandbrand.com/contact

Connect with Nicole Heymer

Website

Instagram

Facebook

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.

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:

#125- Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!

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

#1087- Best of Show: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen

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1125: Kimberly Horton: How to Turn Client Frustrations Into Smart Business Moves

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Today with Kimberly Horton

Welcome! Today we’re talking about how to turn client frustrations into actionable change. Kimberly shares the simple but powerful tool she uses — the Frustration Tracker — to capture issues in real time, identify patterns, and make smart adjustments to her processes. From tightening contracts to setting clearer boundaries, Kimberly shows how documenting frustrations can lead to stronger systems, better client experiences, and a more profitable business. Plus, she’s sharing her Frustration Tracker template so you can start using it in your own firm.

LuAnn Nigara and Kimberly Horton’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you’re feeling that frustration, nine out of ten times, your client is feeling it too.” – Kimberly Horton

“You’ve got to treat your process like a living document that evolves with every lesson you learn.” – Kimberly Horton

“It’s not about complaining for the sake of complaining. It’s about learning from the complaint, analyzing it, and turning it into actionable change.” – LuAnn Nigara

“We always say: work on your business, not just in it. And this is a living, breathing example of that.” – LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Kimberly Horton

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.


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 858: Veronica Solomon: Cultivating Self-Awareness as a Superpower

AWDB 892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes

AWDB 1050: Power Talk Friday: Amy Posner: How Interior Designers Can Be the Expert, Not the Order Taker

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1124: BEST OF: Megan Molten: Another Side Hustle Success Story

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Today With Megan Molten:

Welcome! Today we are really excited to have Megan Molten on the show with us. Megan reached out to LuAnn in an email a while ago, telling her that she learned everything she knows about the business of interior design from this show, and it’s changed her life. She went on to explain that after twelve years of being in health-care sales and having listened to the podcast every day for the last year, she finally quit her day job to become an interior designer. Listen in today, to hear Megan’s story.

Before quitting her job, Megan managed to have an incredible 29 interior design clients on the side, over six months, while still working full-time, for fifty hours a week! Now, a year later, she has a full-time business manager, a full-time designer, she has leased warehouse space, she has a studio space, she has an e-commerce business, and she has 19 000 followers on Instagram! In her first year, Megan brought in $600 000 in revenue, and she also planned her wedding and got married last May! She has been featured on eighteen different sites, from Serena and Lily to Apartment Therapy and Bungalow. Megan has achieved all of this because she truly understands that to make her dreams a reality, she has to actually do the things that she learned from the different guests on this show. In today’s episode, she talks to us about the things she learned and how she’s applied them. Tune in now, to find out more!

Show Highlights:

  • Megan talks to us about the moment that she finally decided to quit her day job.
  • It all began with social media, with Instagram in particular, for Megan.
  • One of the first things that Megan did was to hire a photographer.
  • Starting afresh, both professionally and personally.
  • Having the support of her entrepreneurial parents really helped Megan a lot.
  • Do what you do best, and outsource the rest.
  • Making her first hire was one of the best decisions Megan has ever made.
  • E-commerce makes so much sense but it really takes a lot of work.
  • Using the services of a purchasing agent.
  • Having conversations and making connections.
  • The importance of finding the blind spots in your processes.

More About Megan Molten:

Megan’s love for all things interiors has been around for as long as she can remember and soon became a reality after she purchased her first home in Charleston, South Carolina and started the design process herself. She began sharing with the world all of her favorite finds and amazing transformations on social media and the world responded! It was this incredible response to Megan’s designs that encouraged her to start helping friends, then friends of friends and eventually clients transform their spaces too. This exciting new “hobby” she devoted every hour to while not working her very full-time job in medical sales quickly turned into a business. She quit her 12-year career in corporate America to chase a dream-a dream that was her true passion in life-helping others achieve beautiful spaces they love.  Her passion for light and airy design, go-getter attitude and attention to detail has quickly created a strong following and brand for #designsbymeganmolten and she can’t wait to continue to watch her big dream grow!

Links:

Website: Megan Molten

Shop: Megan Molten Shop

Instagram: Megan Molten

Facebook: Megan Molten

Pinterest: Megan Molten

Houzz:  Designs By Megan Molten

Other Shows Mentioned:

Shea McGee #236

Cheryl Luckett – Dwell by Cheryl #291 and #397

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

Ali Faulkner Headshot

Today with Ali Faulkner

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We’ve talked before about conducting an autopsy of a project—looking back and figuring out exactly what went right, what went wrong, and where to improve.

But what about conducting an autopsy of projects that you didn’t win? My guest today, Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors, lost several bids in a row, and decided to make a big change; she reached out to those potential clients and asked for feedback afterward.

Ali is sharing the exact questions she asked and how they changed everything for her business.

Ah-Ha Moments

“I realized I was chasing what everyone else wanted to chase rather than what I actually needed to be profitable and continue to build my business.” -Ali

“You get a quote to do a roof. One guy is 20K, one guy is 30K and the other guy is 35. Like I’m sorry, who’s even thinking about the 20K guy? You’re just like, you’re off the list, right? Because… you automatically distrust the 20.” – LuAnn

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Revelwoods

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

AWDB #790 Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions

#803 Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You!

AWDB #856 Enrique Crespo: Describing His Type-A Personality Mindset

AWDB #1059 Rachel Usher: Creating Community and Strength in the Interior Design Industry

Other Resources:

https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/podcast

https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/podcast-for-interior-designers/

https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/retreat-registration/

https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/2025-community-summit

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

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1122: New Show: Chelsea Viau: Add Pattern (and Profit) to Your World

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Today With Chelsea Viau:

Today with Chelsea Viau of Chelsea Lane & Company, we’re talking about the numbers behind your wallpaper—and why they matter more than you might think. Chelsea shares what every designer needs to know before sourcing wallcoverings, including the costly mistakes that can derail your budget, timeline, and client trust. We also dig into vendor relationships, client education, and the importance of working with experts who protect your process and your profit. Whether you love wallpaper or avoid it entirely, this episode is a reminder that every detail counts in a well-designed business.

LuAnn Nigara and Chelsea Viau’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Designers are not wallpaper experts. That’s where we come in.” – Chelsea

“If your numbers are off, that’s on you. The vendor didn’t tell you to order the wrong quantity.” – LuAnn

More About Chelsea Viau

Chelsea Lane & Company is an interior design showroom and home decor boutique, specializing in the sale of wallpaper and textiles. The showroom caters to homeowners, designers, and builders. Owner, Chelsea Lane, has over 20 years of experience in the wallpaper industry and her knowledge and expertise has been shared with her staff through extensive training. The shop, which has been open since 2010, is home to a curated collection of home decor, furniture and lighting, as well as features the largest wallpaper library in Palm Beach County, open to the public.

Chelsea Lane has a robust virtual showroom program where clients can have access to the top Palm Beach design house from anywhere in the world!

Connect with Chelsea Viau

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Houzz

Pinterest

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠⁠

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Interior Design Society⁠ (IDS)

Join ⁠⁠⁠LuAnn University’s Proven Path to Profit⁠⁠⁠!

Other Shows:

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

AWDB #1097: NEW SHOW: Margalit Lankry: Designers with Intention. A Community with a Collaborative, Abundance Mindset

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1121: Best Of: Cheryl Luckett: From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

1121 Best Of Show Cheryl Luckett From Side Hustle To Full Time Interior Design Thumbnail.png

Today With Cheryl Luckett:

What does it take to leave behind the security of a corporate job and build a thriving design business? For Cheryl Luckett, principal of Dwell by Cheryl, it took vision, courage, and a commitment to excellence.

In this conversation, Cheryl shares how she transitioned from her career as a registered dietitian and HR professional at a Fortune 500 company to becoming one of Charlotte’s most sought-after interior designers. We talk about the transferable skills she brought into her design business, the mentors who guided her, and how she now pays it forward by mentoring other designers.

Cheryl’s story is a masterclass in believing in yourself, building on your strengths, and taking bold steps toward your dreams. Whether you’re still in a corporate job dreaming of design or you’ve already taken the leap, Cheryl’s insights will inspire you to design not only beautiful spaces but also a business you love.

More About Cheryl Luckett

Cheryl Luckett wants to give her clients homes they never want to leave. Since 2012, Dwell by Cheryl Interiors has kept clients raving about Cheryl’s ability to transform their homes into classic, colorful, cultured spaces – not to mention her professionalism and attention to detail. Full of creative solutions to her clients’ design challenges, Cheryl and her team champion their projects from start to finish.

Like Cheryl’s southern roots, her love for design runs deep. Growing up in Mississippi, she soaked up her grandmother’s and great-great-grandmother’s keen interest in design (the latter even sold catalog home furnishings to friends and neighbors who admired her talent for putting together beautiful spaces!).

Connect with Cheryl Luckett

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!

Join ⁠⁠⁠LuAnn University’s Proven Path to Profit⁠⁠⁠!

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

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1120: Sponsored Show: Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb: Ciana x Varaluz: Building a Lighting Partnership with Purpose

1120 Sponsored Show Ron Henderson And Kevin Plumb Ciana X Varaluz Building A Lighting Partnership With Purpose Thumbnail.png

Today With Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb:

Today on A Well Designed Business, Ron Henderson from Varaluz and Kevin Plumb from Ciana Lighting share the story behind their recent acquisition—and what it means for designers. This isn’t your typical corporate takeover. When their planned 30-minute meeting turned into four and a half hours because they instantly felt like “family,” you knew something special was happening. We cover the practical details designers need to know: same-day shipping, under 1% defect rates, their new High Point showroom opening in just two months, plus trade pricing with no minimums. Whether you’ve worked with Varaluz before or you’re discovering them for the first time, this conversation gives you the inside perspective on a partnership that’s reshaping how lighting companies serve the design trade.

LuAnn Nigara, Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“You ever have one of those meetings where you meet people you don’t know at all. And within 10 minutes, you know, you’re somehow in family.” – Ron Henderson

More About Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb

Kevin Plumb:

Kevin Plumb is a visionary business strategist with a proven track record of launching, scaling, and transforming companies into high-performing, high-value brands. With deep expertise in startups, turnarounds, and strategic acquisitions, he has built multiple businesses that have been successfully acquired by public companies and private equity groups.

In 2017, Kevin helped found CIANA and served as Co-President, playing a key role in shaping the company’s direction and growth in the custom and hospitality lighting market. Under his leadership, CIANA has combined artistic vision with operational excellence to deliver lasting value.

Following CIANA’s recent acquisition of Varaluz, Kevin has stepped into the role of CEO of CIANA x Varaluz, bringing his sharp market insight and growth-driven mindset to expand the brand’s reach and impact. He is known for his ability to translate vision into execution, consistently driving increases in revenue, EBITDA, and brand equity.

Whether launching new ventures or revitalizing established ones, Kevin is passionate about building businesses that perform with purpose and scale with integrity.

Ron Henderson:

Ron Henderson is the founder and creative force behind Varaluz, a lighting brand celebrated for its bold, artful designs and commitment to sustainability. With a background in tech and an eye for the unexpected, Ron has spent nearly two decades designing fixtures that push the boundaries of form and function. His passion lies in crafting pieces that are not only visually striking but also environmentally responsible—using recycled materials, upcycled components, and low-VOC finishes long before it was cool. Ron brings wit, warmth, and a rebellious edge to everything he touches, always seeking to prove that conscious design doesn’t have to compromise on style.

Connect with Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb

Ciana Lighting

Instagram 

Facebook 

Varaluz

Instagram

Facebook

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
⁠Ciana Lighting
Varaluz⁠

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠

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1119: What Would Lu Do?: This Is the Difference Between Business Owners Who Wait and Those Who Act

1119 What Would Lu Do This Is The Difference Between Business Owners Who Wait And Those Who Act Thumbnail.png

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Right now, the economy feels shaky. Projects are slowing down. And if you’re like a lot of business owners, you’re wondering: Is it just me? Is something wrong? Should I be doing something—or should I be bracing for impact?

In this WWLD episode, LuAnn walks you through what truly separates business owners who ride out uncertainty with strength—and those who quietly slide into chaos.

You’ll hear:

  • 3 free strategies (and 1 must-do mindset shift) to stabilize your business today
  • A powerful story of two designers—same market, totally different outcomes
  • Why marketing should never stop (yes, even now)

What LuAnn University has become in Fall 2025—and how it’s now structured like a real business degree built for our industry

Whether you enroll in a class or not, this episode is a business coaching session in your ears. If you’re feeling off, overwhelmed, or unsure—press play and take back control.

Go to luannuniversity.com now

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠⁠

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

Join LuAnn University’s Proven Path to Profit!

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Other Shows:

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

AWDB #532: LuAnn Nigara: Thoughts on Leading Your Business Through the Covid-19 Crisis

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1118: Sponsored Show: Jamie Gasparovic: Why I Invested in the Interior Design Standard

1118 Sponsored Show Jamie Gasparovic Why I Invested In The Interior Design Standard Thumbnail.png

Today With Jamie Gasparovic:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What comes to mind for you when you think of investing in yourself for the benefit of your business? It’s something we talk about a lot on the show—it’s no secret that I believe every designer, every business owner period, needs to be investing in themselves as soon as possible.

But too often, even when business owners do invest in their own growth, it stays behind the scenes. They take courses or hire coaches, and they don’t really talk much about it. And that leaves so many other business owners asking themselves, “Is it REALLY worth it?”

In today’s sponsored show, my guest Jamie Gasparovic is doing the opposite—she’s here as a spokesperson for Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard, sharing the difference it’s made in her business, and why she will invest in herself again and again to grow her CEO skills.

LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Gasparovic’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“That’s what’s in the standard. It’s not just do as I say, it’s hear how I say it.” – LuAnn

“The first project I did after the standard was so smooth… I just set the expectations up front. Everything went off without a hitch. And it was like, wow, that was way, way easier than what I’ve been doing.” – Jamie

“The standard is not a course. It is the back end that successful design firms are using.” – Jamie

“Business owner hat first wins the day. Show up as designer second.” -LuAnn

More About Jamie Gasparovic

Jamie Gasparovic is the dynamic Founder and Principal Designer behind her boutique full-service interior design firm, Studio Gaspo. Recently, her moody modern aesthetic has been celebrated by Forbes, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, and Apartment Therapy.

With close to a decade of expertise in luxury, large-scale construction ranging from new builds to full-scope renovations, Jamie has created a powerful name for herself in Central Florida. Her robust client list includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and busy professionals. Today, she frequently partners with prominent builders and architects to design turnkey properties from floor plans to furnishings.

Connect with Jamie Gasparovic

Website – House of Funk

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Website – Studio Gaspo

Instagram

Pinterest

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

House Of Funk

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!

Other Show:

AWDB #973 Jamie Gasparovic: How Investing In Your Business Can Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

AWDB #660 Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”

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

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1117: Best Of: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity

1117 Best Of Show Joshua Smith Sell The Experiences Not The Commodity Thumbnail.png

Today With Joshua Smith:

Joshua Smith’s journey from interior designer to high-performance coach is one packed with lessons every business owner needs to hear. In this episode, Joshua pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to design a life and business you love—one that’s profitable, sustainable, and in alignment with your values.

We talk mindset, boundaries, and the courage to make big changes when your business model isn’t serving you anymore. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes or chasing the wrong goals, Joshua’s wisdom will inspire you to pause, re-evaluate, and create a plan that actually fuels your success.

More About Joshua Smith

Joshua graduated from the New York School of Interior Design and started his career in 2012. After Joshua graduated, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm that specialized in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. In 2013, Joshua Smith, Inc. was created and earned national recognition as featured in New York Times, Huffington Post, and Rizzoli’s 2019 book, “On Style”.

With projects on both coasts, Joshua Smith Inc, offers full-service residential interior design – and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day.

Connect with Joshua Smith

Website 

Instagram 

Facebook 

Blog

The “3 fives” routine

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Revel Woods⁠⁠⁠

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠