991: Chloe Bullock: Conscious Design

Chloe Bullock
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Today With Chloe Bullock:

Today with Chloe Bullock, we explore the world of sustainable and conscious interior design. As an award-winning, B Corp Certified, BIID Registered Interior Designer based in Brighton, UK, Chloe shares her journey from being my first ever coaching client to becoming a pioneer in vegan and sustainable design.

In this episode, Chloe reflects on finding her authentic voice and niche in sustainable design, and we discuss her new book, “Sustainable Interior Design.” Chloe’s passion for educating clients and fellow designers about the power of making conscious choices shines through as she shares insights on embracing the circular economy, supporting local craftsmanship, and aligning personal values with design practice. She emphasizes the ripple effect that even small sustainable choices can have on the industry as a whole.

LuAnn Nigara and Chloe Bullock’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Don’t be afraid to claim your niche. You’re so much louder in a small space — when it’s the space that means something to you.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I think sustainability can be quite complicated, but actually, in places, it’s super simple. And half the time we’re doing a lot of these things already.” – Chloe Bullock

“I don’t want to bring that [misery] to my clients when I can bring them next generation materials…bio based materials, things that are problem solving and beautiful and have lovely storytelling — because we all love to tell a story about the things that we have around us in our homes.” – Chloe Bullock

More About Chloe Bullock

Brighton’s award-winning, B Corp Certified, BIID Registered Interior Designer

Offering advice and design of low impact interiors, products and communities. Working to improve the sustainability of fellow designers work and businesses, and manufacturers on their products.

Working within the circular economy and avoiding the use of animals, delivering healthy spaces centred around the humans using them. Design where nature and humans thrive.

Connect with Chloe Bullock

Website

Chloe’s Book ‘Sustainable Interior Design’ commissioned by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)

Instagram

LinkedIn

Resources

Interior Design Declares UK designers join 

Other countries – set up a Declare for your country 

BIID Sustainable Specifying Guide

British Institute of Interior Design

Deborah Di Mare’s website: Vegan Design

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 Power Talk Friday Tour

Mydoma: Get 20% off your first three months by going to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness

Other Shows Mentioned:

#15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich

#82: Deborah Rosenberg – Tailoring Your Interior Design Firm to Your Core Beliefs

#117: Power Talk Friday: Deborah Rosenberg- Cruelty Free Design Certification is Here!

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

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

#526: Jaipur Living, CEO Asha Chaudhary

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

#965: Mona Nahm: Equitable Design for People and the Planet

990: Power Talk Friday: 4DBiz: An Executive Team for Your Interior Design Business.

Evelyn Roberts And Shayna Pellino 4dbiz(1)

Today With Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino:

Today, on A Well-Designed Business, our Power Talk Friday is sponsored by 4DBiz. We had Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino of 4DBiz on the podcast last year to talk about the virtual assistant team division of their business, that supports your interior design business in marketing, admin, and design. 

After the impressive outpour from designers, they are back to talk about the services they offer as the executive team to solidify your foundation.

Pick It Apart

[1:43] Evelyn and Shayna explain what the executive division of their team entails.

[10:42] Shayna shares an example of when a consumer could get, what she calls, crooked. 

[14:43] Evelyn provides comfort and facts for those nervous about “automation.” 

[30:29] The benefits of having a team, rather than a “you” and the lesson Shayna learned.

[34:12] Always thinking about your competition.

[36:45] How 4DBiz’s executive team helps you build your own team.

LuAnn Nigara, Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“We’re a great partnership where Shayna will help you look at your business from the lens of you as the business owner I will help you look at it from the lens of your client,” – Evelyn Roberts

“As a designer, you have seven million avenues of business going on at once, but you still need to run the ship and there still needs to be an internal operation your team can live by.” – Shayna Pellino

“Good design cannot be overcome by bad process.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino

Shayna Rose

Shayna Rose is the CEO and Founder of both Shayna Rose Interiors and 4Dbiz. Shayna never expected to create the modern business model that would change the way interior designers run their business! 4Dbiz was born out of her own experience, failures, successes, and needs as an interior designer/business owner.

After working in the interior design industry for three years, Shayna knew she had to set out on her own. Working for someone else, Shayna was astounded by the unnecessary obstacles that she was working with – from overly-extended lead times, to a lack of custom solutions, to poor service all along the supply chain. She truly felt she had no choice but to start her own business and revolutionize the industry standard.

In 2017, Shayna Rose Interiors was born, followed by 4Dbiz in 2019. Shayna’s guiding principle is “Everyone wins.” She is most inspired by what other people see as problems. She is a solution-oriented visionary, hell bent on changing people’s lives with her ideas and execution – starting with the design industry.

Evelyn Roberts

Evelyn Roberts is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of 4Dbiz. After 4 years working in digital marketing for small businesses and tech startups, Evelyn joined Shayna Rose Interiors in 2019. Since then, she has been focused exclusively on marketing for interior designers.

Working with design businesses all over the country, she helps interior designers refine their brand, create concise and powerful messaging, optimize for search engines, and set up automations that save time and achieve results.

Evelyn’s philosophy for marketing in the interior design industry is “less is more.” Understanding the hectic interior designer/business owner lifestyle, she helps designers hone in on the marketing initiatives that will make measurable progress toward their most critical business goals, within their budget.

Connect with Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino

Website

Facebook 

Client testimonial, Hannah Lowe Interiors

Client testimonial, Leone Interior Designs

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by 4DBiz.

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB: #923 Power Talk Friday: Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino: A Virtual Team for Your Interior Design Business

989: Brett and Giselle Sugerman: Portraying Your Authentic Brand to Attract the Right Clients

Giselle Loor Sugerman (1)

Today With Brett and Giselle Sugerman:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Brett Sugerman and Giselle Loor Sugerman, founders of B+G Design, Inc., an award-winning Miami-based interior design firm. They are here to spill the tea on their journey to success, as well as, how you can present your authentic brand to attract the right clients.

LuAnn Nigara and Brett and Giselle Sugerman’s Ah-Ha Moments

“When we decided to open up our company, we did it for the love and the passion of our craft. We really wanted to do projects that we were excited about and that reflected our personal taste,” – Giselle Loor Sugerman

More About Brett and Giselle Sugerman

B+G Design, Inc. is an award-winning Miami-based interior design firm founded by Brett Sugerman and Giselle Loor Sugerman. The highly sought-after luxury design firm is recognized for their innovative bespoke interiors that exude their signature aesthetic combining functional minimalism with a warm contemporary appeal.

From their home base in Miami to projects in New York, D.C., Aspen, Los Angeles and abroad, their team’s modern and elevated designs are timeless, seamlessly blending clean lines with luxe finishes, natural materials, and pared down color palettes. Taking inspiration from their travels, Brett and Giselle incorporate their one-of-a-kind furniture and lighting designs with chic pieces and sculptural elements that translate into distinctive environments integrating form and function.

Featured on NBC, CBS and HGTV, the husband-and-wife team are considered leaders in the industry, frequently sharing their design expertise across multiple media platforms. B+G projects have been featured in AD Pro, AD Mexico, Aspire, Business of Home, Casa Vogue Brazil, Florida Design, Interior Design, Luxe, Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times among many others. They are recipients of the Luxe magazine RED Awards for Best Interior Design; ASID South Florida Design Excellence Award and their lighting design won a Best of Year nomination with Interior Design magazine. Featured by 1st Dibs, they are on the “Designers to Watch List” and are among Ocean Home’s Top Coastal Designers.

Connect with Brett and Giselle Sugerman

Website

B and G Unfiltered

Beyond Design

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:

Go to kravet.com and use our code AWDB10 get 10% off on any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

WTFP #269: Bound by Business: Working With the In-Laws

WTFP #272: Bound by Business: Working With a Parent or Child

988: On Air Strategy Sessions: Cassandra Thurston: Building a Pipeline to go from Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

Cass Thurston 7 (1)

Today With Cassandra Thurston:

It’s another On-Air Strategy Session! Today I’m sitting down with Cassandra Thurston, a talented interior designer from Long Beach Island, NJ (my happy place). But here’s the thing…Cass Thurston Interiors is still a side hustle.

Cass is ready for this business to be more, so she came to me for some help filling her pipeline. Listen to find out what she needs to do to navigate this transition and make her dreams a reality.

More About Cassandra Thurston

I’m Cassandra, an experienced creator of beautiful and functional home interiors that embody the coastal lifestyle. With a focus on my beloved Long Beach Island, New Jersey, I specialize in designing homes that exude a perfect blend of relaxed elegance, modern comfort, and seaside charm.

My approach to coastal design is rooted in the principles of light, openness, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. By carefully curating natural materials, a soothing color palette, and thoughtfully selected furnishings, I aim to create harmonious spaces that connect with our beautiful coastal environment.

I understand the unique needs and desires of second home owners on Long Beach Island, whether you seek a serene retreat to escape the city’s hustle and bustle or a vibrant family gathering place for generations to come. Beyond aesthetics, I prioritize functionality and practicality in every design decision. From durable materials that can withstand the salt air environment to smart storage solutions that maximize space, I strive to create homes that are as functional as they are beautiful.

Whether you’re a longtime resident of LBI or a new owner seeking the perfect coastal sanctuary, I can help you create a home that celebrates the extraordinary beauty of LBI and the ocean that has captured our hearts.

I invite you to explore my portfolio and imagine the possibilities. I would be honored to transform your home into a coastal retreat that brings you joy, serenity, and a timeless connection to the ocean.

Connect with Cassandra Thurston

Website

Instagram 

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:

My Chairman of the Board program

Power Talk Friday Tour

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #291: Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

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

AWDB #644: Kat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior Designers

AWDB #878: Throwback Tuesday: Brad Leavitt: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

AWDB #950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People

AWDB 649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

AWDB 615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process

AWDB 580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders

AWDB 560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

AWDB 542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche

Kate Wood Headshot (1)
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Today With Kate Wood:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Do you find yourself knowing you want a niche but not sure how to determine what makes you special? You’re far from alone—this is where so many designers get hung up. 

Today’s guest, Kate Wood of Worth Preserving, went through this journey. She listened to the podcast, she took in the advice, and she tried to put everything into action, but it just wasn’t clicking together for her. Then she came to me for Chairman of the Board—and it wasn’t long before it became so clear that she was trying to do all the things she thought a designer was supposed to do, without realizing that her strengths and her passions were not traditional design. 

After we tapped into what made Kate truly special, she pivoted her business entirely. She’s here to share how she discovered her niche, embraced her passion, and created something special for herself.

LuAnn Nigara and Kate Wood’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I think it’s about believing in your own magic—what it is that you bring to a project that no one else can. Someone once said, ‘What do you do that can’t be Googled?’ That’s what it’s about.” -Kate

“When my Chairman of the Boards offboard, I ask them, ‘Who’s the next person in your ear?’ Because I believe you do have to keep going, keep coaching.” -LuAnn

“There’s so much knowledge and skill in the design world, and I think that my own sense of insecurity and inadequacy when it came to not having those skills was holding me back. I just had to get over it and really lean into what it is that I do know.” -Kate

More About Kate Wood

Preservation is my passion, rooted in a childhood spent exploring historic sites; an education in archaeology, anthropology, urban planning and historic preservation; and over 15 years’ experience as the CEO of a major organization advocating for New York City landmarks. I earned two Master’s degrees from Columbia University, where I have taught preservation planning, advocacy and law.

I co-authored the book, Interior Landmarks: Treasures of New York, published in two editions by Monacelli Press. I am also a licensed real estate broker.

Connect with Kate Wood

Website

Instagram 

YouTube

LinkedIn

Free Download “Worth Preserving: A Guide to Identifying Historic Character for Interior Designers”

Book: Interior Landmarks: Treasures of New York

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:

#976: On Air Strategy Sessions: Is a Disconnect Causing Your Ideal Clients to Walk Away?

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

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

#06: Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward

#424: Power Talk Friday: Re-Visiting Michele Williams’ Tips for Time Management

#395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business

#180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matters to You

#811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

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

Awdb Sandra Funk Headshot (1)

Today With Sandra Funk:

Today with Sandra Funk, we explore the crucial role of setting expectations and boundaries when building a successful interior design business. Sandra shares a captivating personal story from her past that perfectly illustrates the importance of ongoing communication and reconfirmation in both personal and professional relationships. We discuss key strategies and insights from her proven process, the Interior Design Standard, which has helped countless designers create thriving, profitable firms. From defining clear project paths to maintaining regular client updates, Sandra offers invaluable advice for navigating the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in the design industry.

Pick It Apart

[1:45] Sandra shares the story of her “non-engagment” and a trip to the circus.

[13:55] Sandra and LuAnn discuss having expectations, and why it’s so important to remind and reconfirm them with clients throughout the interior design process.

[23:59] Sandra explains the different ways she has tried to communicate her contract with clients, and how storytelling can help make it memorable.

[33:40] Sandra tells LuAnn that she sends an email to every client every week no matter what.

[47:16] LuAnn and Sandra discuss The Interior Design Standard and how to get started in the program.

LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“You can make all the plans and you can make all the agreements, but if it has to be reminded and reconfirmed.” – Sandra Funk

“If they don’t really know what the boundaries are, how can they stay in them?” – LuAnn Nigara

“You have to explain your business…If it takes you more than two minutes to explain your pricing model — it’s too complicated. And it’ll go right over their head. Yeah. So it just has to be simple, clear, concise…And then remind and reiterate.” – Sandra Funk

More About Sandra Funk

Sandra Funk is a trusted advisor and the celebrated design leader who built the boutique firm, House of Funk and her proven process, the Interior Design Standard. Over 30 national press outlets – Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, to name a few – have recognized Sandra for her award-winning designs and innate entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite her business degree, a background in business process consulting and a design education from Parsons, it took Sandra over a decade – and the help of several experts – to develop and fine-tune her business model for a thriving interior design firm.

Today, Sandra is 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.

Connect with Sandra Funk

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Interior Design Pricing

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Sandra Funk and Interior Design Standard

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#845 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating

#801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation

#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business

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

#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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Interior Design Standard

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

Vy Truong And Han Dang Headshot (1)

Today With Han Dang and Vy Truong:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am excited to welcome Han Dang of Very Handsome Studio. 

Han and her business partner Vy Truong met in design school and became friends, later starting their firm in 2020 and focusing on hospitality and commercial design. 

Han and Vy are an interesting duo. They describe themselves as a yin and a yang, bringing not just different personality types but also different design styles to the business. And yet, through teamwork, communication, and mutual respect, they have managed to create something special that is growing and continues to do so. 

Today, Han is here to share how she and Vy have overcome obstacles, learned lessons the hard way, and continue to meet challenges and grow their business.

Pick It Apart

[1:42] Han shares how she learned the hard way that the details of the business are so much more than just designing.  

[10:00] Han reflects on how she and Vy had to learn to embrace themselves and show up with authenticity. 

[18:40] Han discusses how she and Vy discovered their “superpowers” along the way. 

[24:20] Han talks about her cultural upbringing and the role it played for her. 

[34:58] Han and LuAnn discuss pricing and the importance of knowing your value.

[53:35] Han discusses how she wants to help her staff uncover their superpowers and play to their strengths.

LuAnn Nigara, Han Dang and Vy Truong’s Ah-Ha Moments

“We work in a diverse area, so we have to be open to learning and adapting to every culture and the research behind those stories.” -Han

“Have you learned yet that when you raise your rates, as your prices go up and you have that fear of losing the current clients, that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen? We’re leaving those clients behind and moving on to the next level. That’s exactly what raising rates is supposed to do.” -LuAnn

More About Han Dang and Vy Truong

Vy Truong:

Vy has 6 years of experience in the Design Industry,focusing on Hospitality

and Commercial Design. She provides initial grand concepts for each project and speaks through colors.

Han Dang:

Han has 6 years of experience in the Design Industry, focusing on Education and Commercial Design. She provides detailed insights on every project and is the queen of minimalism

Connect with Han Dang and Vy Truong

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Publications

Publications

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:

#811 Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Power Talk Friday Tour

984: Power Talk Friday with Katie Krimitsos: A Well-Designed Life = A Well-Designed Business

Katie Krimitsos Headhsot

Today With Katie Krimitsos:

Today with Katie Krimitsos, we explore the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness, especially for entrepreneurs. As the founder of the Women’s Meditation Network, Katie shares her personal journey of using meditation to navigate the challenges of life, motherhood and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Katie dives deep into the practical tools and strategies she uses to stay grounded and focused, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. From the importance of creating space for self-reflection to the power of listening to your intuition, Katie offers insights for creating a well-designed life and a thriving business that truly align with your purpose.

Pick It Apart

[00:55] LuAnn shares the story of how she first met Katie at a podcasting conference in 2016 and how their friendship has evolved.

[05:33] Katie explains how her meditation podcasts provide tools for women to get to know themselves, listen to their intuition, and make decisions to build a well-designed life and business.

[12:20] Katie reads the beginning of a raw, relatable meditation she wrote about losing her temper with her child, illustrating how she creates meditations to help women process real-life experiences and emotions.

[20:58] LuAnn and Katie discuss the importance of asking for help and support when you need it, and being willing to receive it, as Katie shares an example from her own life.

[25:53] Katie and LuAnn explore the idea of using meditation as a tool for self-discovery and making space to hear your inner voice, not just for relaxation or sleep.

[34:44] Katie emphasizes that our seasons change and our needs change, especially as entrepreneurs, encouraging finding what works for you in each moment.

LuAnn Nigara and Katie Krimitsos’s Ah-Ha Moments

“[Meditation] is is a tool for self awareness that allows us to not be held down by the guilt or the shame of what it was and the humaneness that we’re experiencing in moments, and allows us instead to open a space to this deep spiritual person that we are, and it allows that intuition to speak to us. And then we can then move forward based on what that intuition tells us, because she’s always right.” – Katie Krimitsos

“Taking time for…meditation exploration — that’s giving the place in my mind for all of the thoughts that come during all of those activities to show up…the really important things that my goddess voice wants me to know will bubble up in that complete quiet and rest.” – LuAnn Nigara

“In that recognition that you are the observer of the thoughts and not the thoughts themselves, there’s an enormous amount of space that gets created there — this sort of separation…So it just allows space for that voice to start coming through and start having you pay attention to it or having you having it guide you to whatever needs to be done.” – Katie Krimitsos

More About Katie Krimitsos

The new beginning of the Women’s Meditation Network began when Katie was going through a painful ending. She had just discovered she was pregnant with her second daughter and all of a sudden, she knew the podcast and business she had been running was no longer for her. Confused and uncertain, she slowed down and got quiet. Within that quiet, the Women’s Meditation Network – and her daughter -was born in 2018.

Never perfect and always real, Katie has been using meditation as a tool to come within so she can create an intentional life. She’s a mom of two incredible daughters, wife to a soulful husband, and loves animals so much, she won’t kill a bug. Most of her wisdom has come from the depths of pain, and her writing seeks to connect us all in this human experience.

Connect with Katie Krimitsos

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

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:

#253: Katie Krimitsos – Discussing the Common Struggles of Entrepreneurship

#533: Power Talk Friday: Katie Krimitsos: Listening to Ourselves

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Schwartz Design Showroom on May 22nd

Join my Email List! Click here and scroll to the bottom to fill out your request!

983: Kathy Kuo: The Power Behind Establishing Core Values in Your Interior Design Business

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Today With Kathy Kuo:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Have you taken the time to identify your core values? To actively write them down and define what they mean to you? And if so, have you taken it a step further and pulled those values into your interactions, your hiring, your firing, and your feedback? Core values might be easy to push to the side. But if done right, they reduce conflict, make decision-making easier, and provide important clarity for your business.  Today, I’m joined by Kathy Kuo to unpack core values and discuss how to embody them in your business and your processes.

Pick It Apart

[4:52] LuAnn and Kathy discuss the importance of values not just to you but to your clients, your employees, and the culture of your business.

[12:52] LuAnn reflects on what happens when you don’t establish company values.

[19:06] Kathy and LuAnn talk about how to decide which values are important enough to make the core values list.

[38:36] Kathy shares the process she uses to make tough employment decisions.

[47:28] Kathy discusses her design trade program and what it offers for designers.

LuAnn Nigara and Kathy Kuo’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The real question is, are you hiring and firing based on these values, and how does that actually translate to your customers, because your clients actually buy your core values.” -Kathy

“When we sat down to write out the values, I had a list of 10, which I knew was too many. And the integrator said, these are all important to your business. But this was the money line. He then asked me, what are the things you would hire and fire on? And that was the lightning bolt of clarity for me.” -LuAnn

More About Kathy Kuo

Kathy Kuo is the CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, a recognized tv personality, and a celebrated interior designer. Published in the press as an international guru within the home and lifestyle space, Kathy has an unmatched eye for curating, sourcing and designing luxury furniture and homewares. Today, she continues to develop the fastest growing online platform in the home and design industry. Kathy has 20+ years of experience in the home industry and now serves as a speaker and activist for female entrepreneurs. It is her mission to support women to intentionally grow and scale value-focused teams.

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Other Shows Mentioned:

#190: Kathy Kuo – How Kathy Kuo Home, the Online Boutique, Can Assist Your Interior Design Firm

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Schwartz Design Showroom on May 22nd

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