1024: On Air Strategy Sessions: Ciara King: Setting Yourself Apart and Landing Your First Client

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Today With Ciara King:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Starting a design business is exciting, but it isn’t easy—especially when that first “real” client doesn’t come easily.

My guest for today’s on-air strategy session is in the thick of this tough spot and unsure how to move forward.

Today Ciara Robinson, founder of Ville Otis Interiors, joins me for a live coaching session to work through some of the hardest parts of starting a business—positioning yourself, converting leads, and landing that first client.

LuAnn Nigara and Ciara King’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Every one of you wants our homes to feel like us and make us feel good. But there’s a little nudge in why you’re doing it. And it could be as simple as I used to do it with clothing, but it only lasts for the five hours that you have that outfit on. I wanted it to last your whole day. Whatever it is, there’s a way to express that in the website, I’m sure of it.” -LuAnn

More About Ciara King

I’m Ciara King, proud owner and principal designer at Ville Otis Interiors, a full-service interior design firm nestled in the heart of Northern Georgia.

I’m taking a fresh approach to design that sets me apart from the crowd. Rather than chasing the latest trends, my focus is on delving into your distinct personality and preferences to craft a one-of-a-kind space that truly feels like home. I’m not just designing interiors; I’m bringing your authentic self to life in the very walls around you.

As someone who wears multiple hats, balancing the roles of a business owner, a wife, and a stepmom to three, I empathize with the desire to return to a relaxing and comfortable home, especially after a demanding day at work, a full day tending to the kids, and everything in between.

I believe in doing hard things and achieving the impossible, so allow me to take your vision, elevate it beyond your wildest dreams, and turn it into a reality. When you place your confidence in Ville Otis Interiors, you can expect open and transparent communication, along with a well-defined design process that will make your upcoming project a seamless and stress-free experience!

Connect with Ciara King

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:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Book a quick intro call with Duke Renders!

ASID New Jersey Design Expo on October 8th, 2024 in Bell Works

Other Shows:

AWDB #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours

AWDB #759 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

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

AWDB #362 Breegan Jane: Interior Designer, Podcaster, Entrepreneur

AWDB #833 Flashback Friday: Mikel Welch: Be Determined and Get the Job Done

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

1023: Devon and Michael Wegman: Flexing and Adapting as Your Interior Design Business Grows

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Today With Devon and Michael Wegman:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. As you know, husband and wife duos are near and dear to my heart, and we have had several great examples over the years who have shared their stories of how they divide responsibilities, support each other, and work as a team in their businesses. Today I am joined by another great spouse partnership, Devon and Michael Wegman. 

Devon and Michael talk about the importance of goal-setting, how to keep yourself grounded when you grow faster than you expect, and how they work together in their business.

LuAnn Nigara, Devon and Michael Wegman’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s almost like the scarier the leap is, the more motivated you are.” -Devon

“It’s important to set goals, and if you’re new to the idea, don’t obsess too much about what it exactly it is. You just need to have something to measure against.” -Michael

More About Devon and Michael Wegman

Devon was born and raised in Ridgewood, NJ, where her love of architecture and design first started. As a child, Devon was drawn to everything creative and artistic. When she was seven years old, her parents built a home in Cape Cod, MA, and Devon was exposed to the process of architecture, design and building. From this young age, she knew this was something she wanted to be a part of when she got older.

Michael Wegman is a dynamic and accomplished Owner and Principal at DGI

Design-Build, an innovative, multidisciplinary design-build business nationally recognized for incredible residential designs, use of cutting edge design and visualization software, and commitment to construction execution. Michael brings a unique blend of tech-savviness, operational acumen, and visionary leadership to the design-build industry, drawing on his multifaceted career in software sales, consulting, and business growth.

Today, Devon and Michael live in Lincoln Park, and recently moved the growing team into a fully renovated studio space in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood.

Connect with Devon and Michael Wegman

Website

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:

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

Power Talk Friday Tour – October 25th!

Hiring Toolkit Bundle

Other Shows:

AWDB #270 Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

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

1022: Power Talk Friday: Sonia Barney: The Journey Post-Power Talk Friday Tour

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Today With Sonia Barney:

Hello! Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I sit down with Sonia Barney, a talented interior designer who turned her passion into a thriving business. Sonia shares her unique journey, from navigating the challenges of motherhood to discovering her entrepreneurial spirit. We dive into her experiences at Power Talk Friday in Las Vegas and discuss how embracing her strengths has allowed her to carve out a successful niche in the design industry.

More About Sonia Barney

I’m Sonia Barney, Owner and Principal Designer at Sonia Barney Design in Idaho Falls, Idaho. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design and 18+ years of experience in design, construction and education, and while raising two autistic boys with my engineer husband, I know firsthand that organization, planning, and strategic creativity are paramount. I opened my own business in 2015 and have spent the last 9 years thoughtfully building my business and team to provide expert design services in the East Idaho region. I am the first to admit that I am a total design nerd who prefers space planning and spreadsheets to pillows and décor. Organization and planning are my love languages thus our clients receive full design books and detailed specifications on all construction projects. No matter the project size, our goal is to provide clients with thoughtful, elevated solutions that contribute to exceptional living.

Connect with Sonia Barney

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Email

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:

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 Eileen Hahn, Jennifer Tokatyan, Stacey Brown Randall, Rick Camposand me at High Point this October 25th for Power Talk Friday Tour!

Other Shows:

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

AWDB #574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy

AWDB #499: Power Talk Friday: Shauna Lynn Simon: Passion, Purpose, and Pink Hair – The Secret to My Success

AWDB #901: Power Talk Friday: Anna Nelson: The Power of Being a Strengths-Based Entrepreneur

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

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

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Today With Ann Cariola:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I firmly believe that age is just a number, and that you can start a successful business at 20, 80, or anything in between. 

But I also know that the idea that it is too late is common. Maybe you wanted to start your own business or you were always interested in design, but you kept putting it off, focusing on other things, building your career or your family—and maybe now it does feel like it’s slipped past you. 

My guest today, Ann Cariola, took the leap at age 60 to start her own design business. And she firmly believes that it’s never too late to have the life or the career you want. Today, she’s here to share how she did it—and how you can make the leap no matter what your age is.

LuAnn Nigara and Ann Cariola’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Just because you enjoy it doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable.” -Ann

“You’ve got to know what you bring to the table before you can tell someone else what you bring to the table.” -Ann

“Vin was the system person, not me. I committed to them basically just to be able to say that I did it—so that even if there was a mistake I could point out, ‘Well, I followed the system.’ But the crazy thing is, the more I followed the system, the less mistakes there were. And then I thought, ‘Oh, okay, this really works.’” -LuAnn

More About Ann Cariola

In a nutshell, I strive to be the most enthusiastic, approachable, and resourceful interior decorator you will ever meet! I love helping vibrant women reimagine and create beautiful, functional homes that support a full and happy life as their children start to leave the nest.

My journey to AGC Home Styled has been a long one. Although I have always loved design, I hold a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Communication Disorders and enjoyed a long career as a Speech Pathologist and Executive Functions Coach. This experience, coupled with my love of design and all things “home,” has given me a unique perspective on interior design, emotional well-being, and the processes that bring it all together.

Connect with Ann Cariola

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:

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

Other Shows:

AWDB #463 Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity

AWDB #514 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Investing in Your Success

AWDB #524 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough

WTFP #919 Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects

AWDB #89 Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm

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

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

AWDB #777 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self

AWDB #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset

1020: Power Talk Friday: Lisa Haukom: A Unique Approach To Photography, Branding, And Self Portraits

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Today With Lisa Haukom:

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Haukom, an award-winning photographer and personal brand strategist known as the “Imposter Syndrome Slayer.” Lisa shares her expertise on helping entrepreneurs, particularly women in creative fields, overcome their fears of visibility and confidently showcase themselves online.

Whether you’re struggling to show up on camera or looking to elevate your brand’s visual storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Tune in to learn how to transform your relationship with the camera and confidently step into the spotlight of your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Lisa Haukom’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I shoot with my iPhone because it’s fabulous and it’s all you need. So to remove that excuse, which is the number one excuse, which is I can’t take my own photos because I don’t have a nice camera. Yeah, you do. It’s in your pocket. Pull it out and use it.” – Lisa

“Take a minute, acknowledge the wins. Like I did something good, don’t go blowing by it, right?” – LuAnn

More About Lisa Haukom

Lisa Haukom is an award-winning photographer, author, and creative consultant renowned for her innovative No More Bad Photos method. She empowers CEOs, creatives, entrepreneurs, and brands to overcome self-doubt, transform their self-image, and elevate their visual presence.

Connect with Lisa Haukom

Website

Instagram 

LinkedIn

X

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:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

The Pose with Purpose Free Guide

Amber De La Garza’s VIP Business Planning Event – Las Vegas, November 2nd and 3rd

Other Shows:

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

#317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen

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

#516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand

#626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design

#651: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Gaining Credibility in Interior Design

#718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos

#724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals

#759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

#953: Power Talk Friday: Raj Banyopadhyay: Connecting With Your Audience Through Personal Branding Photography

#982: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik Johanson: Leveraging Your Superpower to Attract Dream Interior Design Clients

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

1019: Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible: Adding Small Commercial Design to Your Residential Design Business.

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Today With Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible:

Today I am joined by Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible from Hayward Design House. With nearly two decades of experience in both residential and commercial projects, this mother-daughter team prioritizes uncovering each client’s unique style. Their approach ensures every design, whether for home or business, truly represents the client’s personality and needs. They will be sharing how it can be a viable revenue stream, what it’s like working commercial, how to get into it, and everything they learned the hard way.

LuAnn Nigara, Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible’s Ah-Ha Moments

“With every job we do, we work very well with the people we work with, so they will become our next referral or point of contact,” – Susan Hayward

More About Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible

In 2006, Susan Hayward began her firm, Hayward Design House, with the simple philosophy that interior design should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the client, not the designer. Joined by her daughter, Jillian Hayward Schaible, the New England-based mother-daughter team strives to uncover every client’s unique tastes and personal style. After nearly two decades of designing residential and commercial projects, Susan and Jillian approach every design with the needs of the client at the forefront. A central ethos of the firm, Susan and Jillian are dedicated to providing both form and function. As such, the firm believes that it’s not enough for a room to look good, it has to work well and function, too.

In addition to their personalized approach, Susan and Jillian believe everyone deserves a beautifully designed space. A testament to their passion for creating accessible beauty, they work with different budgets and have created design service options to ensure cost isn’t a limiting factor in working with professional interior designers. Hayward Design House brings a homeowner’s dream to life with beautifully curated interior design for all.

Connect with Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible

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:

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

Mydoma Studio – get 20% off your first three months

Other Shows:

AWDB #41: Cheryl Janis: Create Clarity for Your Interior Design Firm and Watch Your Profits Grow

AWDB #569: PTF: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health & Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition

AWDB #991: Chloe Bullock: Conscious Design

WTFP #275: Bound by Business: Bloomin’ Blinds, Working with Your Brothers

WTFP #277: Bound by Business: Fathers and Daughters

AWDB#671: Kate Bendewald: High End Commercial Design to Motherhood and Entrepreneurship.

AWDB #392: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner

AWDB #162: Power Talk Friday – Natalie Norcross – The Dynamic Leader of A Design Partnership

AWDB #804: Sherry Schmidt: Closing the Sale in Commercial Interior Design

AWDB#276: Judi Kieffer: Steps to Build a Hospitality / Commercial Interior Design Firm

1018: Power Talk Friday: Connie Whitman: Heart-Centered Strategies to Successful Selling

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Today With Connie Whitman:

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of sales with the amazing Connie Whitman, and let me tell you, this woman knows her stuff! Known for her high-energy, passionate, heart-centered, and enthusiastic approach to sales, teaching, and coaching, Connie has been the CEO of Changing the Sales Game for over 20 years. She’s been helping business owners, leaders, and sales teams build powerhouse organizations, and today she’s here to share that wisdom with us.

LuAnn Nigara and Connie Whitman’s Ah-Ha Moments

“That first meeting should never be to sell your thing and give your proposal on the spot, that’s not fair to you, but that’s not fair to the client. Go in with no agenda, you go in with a prepared agenda of your questions, but you don’t go in with, here’s the solution. You don’t know the solution until you speak with the client.” – Connie Whitman

More About Connie Whitman

Known for her high-energy, passionate, heart-centered, and enthusiastic approach to sales, teaching, and coaching, Connie Whitman has been the CEO of Changing the Sales Game for 20+ years, helping business owners, leaders, and sales teams build powerhouse organizations.

Connie is a four-time #1 International Best-Selling author, including her book ESP (Easy Sales Process): 7-Steps to Sales Success, speaker, and podcast host. Her inspired teaching, transformational tools, and content ensure that business owners and salespeople grow their revenue streams through enhanced communication skills.

She is thrilled to share inspiring content on her international podcasts “Changing the Sales Game” and “Enlightenment of Change.”

Connect with Connie Whitman

Personal Facebook

Business Facebook Page

X

YouTube

Changing the Sales Game Podcast

Enlightenment of Change Podcast

Book Links

Communication Style Assessment (CSA)

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:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

The Power Talk Friday Tour – High Point, October 25th

Other Shows:

#760: Jessica Harling: The 7-Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

#769: Power Talk Friday: Leah Neaderthal: Sales Techniques for Introverts

#931: Power Talk Friday: Matthew Finlin: The Key to Selling with Authenticity and Compassion

1017: Dean Keyworth: Designing Modern Spaces Fit for Rural Living

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Today With Dean Keyworth:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. My guest today is Dean Keyworth, founder of Armstrong Keyworth, who recently published a book through the Royal Institute of British Architects called New Country: City Style for Rural Living, that teaches you how to create practical designs that work for country homes and also provide functionality for the modern world. 

There are so many details in the book that explain how this specific expertise in design impacts rural clients, and why it matters. 

Beyond this, Dean shares the big picture concept about the value you bring to your clients and the impact you have on their daily lives.

LuAnn Nigara and Dean Keyworth’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The design has to work practically, but it doesn’t have to be that radically different. If you’re already contemporary, stay contemporary.” -Dean

More About Dean Keyworth

After a first career in travel marketing for British Airways and Hilton Hotels, Dean Keyworth re-trained with a diploma in Interior Design and set up his own practice, Armstrong Keyworth Ltd in 1997. As well as his client projects, Dean has written for magazines and newspapers in the United Kingdom and Europe on design matters.

Following 3 years on the board, Dean was elected as President of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) in 2006. In 2017, he was given the prestigious BIID Merit award for services to the industry.

His conversion of an 1821 church into a family home received a highly commended award for the ‘best re-use of a Georgian building’ from the Georgian Group in 2021

In December 2022, he published a book, ‘The New Country’ about bringing city sophistication to rural projects. He is currently working on his second interiors book about the changing trends in luxury design.

Connect with Dean Keyworth

Website

Instagram

The New Country Book

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:

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

Go to Kravet and use code J24 when placing your order!

Other Shows:

#991 Chloe Bullock: Conscious Design

#987 Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche

#971 Vicente Wolf: How to Bring True Artistry into Interior Design

1016: What Would Lu Do?: You Are Not Alone: Navigating Business Challenges Together

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Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Hello! Welcome back to another episode of A Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us—resilience. After our recent episode featuring Sandra Funk, Robin Burrill, and Antonio DeLoatch, I received an overwhelming number of messages from listeners expressing how much they needed to hear those stories of struggle and triumph.

Running a business is no easy feat, and it can often feel isolating. But remember, you are not alone in this journey. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies to build resilience, tackle challenges head-on, and keep moving forward. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s navigate these business challenges together!

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:

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

Register for Window Works Lunch and Learn!

Power Talk Friday Tour – High Point!

Other Shows:

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

AWDB 222: Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way

AWDB 974: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: How to Prioritize Your Well-being in Your Interior Design Business

AWDB 881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business

1015: Charlene Miranda: Transitioning to an Interior Design Career

1015 Charlene Miranda Transitioning To An Interior Design Career Thumbnail.png

Today With Charlene Miranda:

Today, I am sitting down with Charlene Miranda, Creative Director of Miranda and Co. During her childhood living in Kuwait, Charlene’s summers spent in India with her grandparents ignited her passion for creativity as she fell in love with the interior designs at her grandmother’s friends’ homes – a true creative from the very beginning!

Join in as Charlene and I delve into her journey from Project Manager overseeing million-dollar projects to pursuing her deep-seated passion for interior design.

More About Charlene Miranda

We are an interior design firm based in Brooklyn working on high-end residential projects in New York City, Connecticut, the Hamptons, Westchester, and beyond.

We curate beautiful spaces for our wonderful clients that reflect their lives and loves. Our designs strike a balance between warm minimalism with vibrant accents. We achieve this by layering neutral-statement-investment pieces and sprinkling in vivid art and accessories.

Our Creative Director, Charlene Miranda, has a unique vision for every space that is influenced by her very multi-cultural background. Having grown up in Kuwait, she spent summers in India with her grandparents where she found herself enamored with the design of her grandmother’s friends homes. Upon graduating, she moved to Canada where she lived for 10 years and eventually found herself in NYC. Being somewhat of a nomad, Charlene has always had to cultivate the feeling of home wherever she lived which ultimately fueled her creativity and passion for creating homes for other people that reflect their lives and things that they love. 

Her experience with New York based, award winning interior design firms, such as Chango & co. and Michael Dawkins Home, drives her to work on high-end residential projects that incorporate custom furniture and vintage finds. We work with you and your investment to bring your vision to life.

We want you to love your space and guide you through the exciting design development process, all the while ensuring good communication and effective collaboration.

Connect with Charlene Miranda

Website

Instagram

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour

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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:

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

Register for Window Works Lunch and Learn!

Recipe for Press for Interior Designers

Other Shows:

AWDB #12: How to Get Your Interior Design Projects Published with Ren Miller

AWDB #108 Power Talk Friday- Amy Flurry-How To Pitch and Get Press For Your Interior Design Firm

AWDB #321: Power Talk Friday Ashley Hotham Cox: Why Regional Press is Important

AWDB #323: Amy Flurry: How to Pitch Press and Build Relationships

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