Page 15 – LuAnn Nigara

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

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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:

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

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

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:

Hiring Toolkit Bundle

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

07-19-202408-15-2024

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

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

Today With Sara Kravet:

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

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

More About Sara Kravet

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

Connect with Sara Kravet

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

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A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by Kravet Inc.

Other Resources Mentioned:

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

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

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

07-16-202408-15-2024

1001: Nicole Roe: How Having Your Own In-House Receiving Warehouse Can Improve Your Projects

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1001: Nicole Roe: How Having Your Own In-House Receiving Warehouse Can Improve Your Projects

Today With Nicole Roe:

Today with Nicole Roe, we’re discussing her decision to open an in-house receiving warehouse for her design firm, R. Nickson Interiors. Nicole shares her journey from the challenges she faced working with third-party receiving companies to the process of establishing her own warehouse, including vetting the idea, analyzing costs, and finding the perfect space.

In this episode, Nicole dives discusses the numerous benefits of having an in-house warehouse, such as increased control over the receiving process, the ability to close more deals, and providing a higher level of service to her clients. Her story is an inspiring example of how thinking outside the box and being willing to innovate can set your design business apart from the competition.

LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Roe’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s one of those moments where people look at you, and then they look at you again. And they’re like, Oh, this is actually an option. And for those that want that full service experience that don’t want boxes coming to their door, that don’t want to have to move stuff around, that don’t want to have to meet the wallpaper installer, like their lives are literally changed.” – Nicole Roe

“You were finding these people out there because even though they had never done it before, it was only because it was never offered to them before and they just needed to know that it was available…and with those people come people like them.” – LuAnn Nigara

“You’re trading the stress of not having control with the stress of having control.” – Nicole Roe

More About Nicole Roe

Nicole is the founder of R. Nikson Interiors and has over 10 years of experience in the design field. With a degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, internship with a luxury developer, worked for a team of construction companies heading up their business development & marketing as well as personal renovation projects. To say that Nicole recognizes the full scope of a design project would be an understatement. With hands-on experience in construction, renovations & interior design – Nicole has done it all.

From floor plans to installations – Nicole understands the terminology, methods & everything included in a project rundown from start to finish. Valuing the function of space as highly as how the space looks, Nicole has an eye for design and can envision the completed project before it begins.

Nicole spends her free time with her citrus grower husband, their four boys focusing on nature, exercise and renovating their own home. Nicole is never found without multiple beverages, dark chocolate or a podcast in her ear.

Connect with Nicole Roe

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

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:

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

#620: Melissa Leclair: Figuring It Out As You Grow Your Modern Interior Design Business

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:

Hiring Toolkit Bundle

Other Shows Mentioned:

#786: Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed

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

07-12-202408-15-2024

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

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1:33:17

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

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

We made it to the 1000th episode of A Well-Design Business, and can I just say…wow?!! What a road it has been!

It really is incredible to have 1000 episodes under my belt. I can’t express enough how honored I am to have met and interviewed so many wonderful people in this industry, many of whom have become lifelong friends.

I also want to express my immense gratitude to JudeCharles for taking the time for this interview and expertly guiding me in sharing my story. Jude has played such a valuable role in my life, both professionally and personally.

Eight years ago, I had an idea of what this podcast could become, and I am so grateful that it has succeeded in that — and so much more. The most unexpected and amazing benefit has been the relationships formed here. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to meet you, my listeners, and also collaborate with the experts and designers.

I’m so excited for you to tune in to this special episode. It’s the story of my journey every step of the way, along with the top takeaways from the show so far. And, of course, we have some laughs! Thank you all for the amazing support and for sticking with me for 1000 episodes! I am looking forward to celebrating 1000 more with you!

Always remember: Decide to be excellent!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

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:

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

Jude Charles’ Storytelling for Interior Designers

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:

A Well-Designed Business Docuseries

Hamilton Creatives

Glory and Brand

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #127: Corey Damen Jenkins- Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman

AWDB #519: What Would Lu Do?: In Light of the Coronavirus

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

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

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

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

07-09-202408-16-2024

999: Faith Fix: Built to Last: Navigating Your Design Business for the Long Term

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1:10:45

999: Faith Fix: Built to Last: Navigating Your Design Business for the Long Term

Today With Faith Fix:

Today with Faith Fix, we’re discussing the journey of building and growing a successful, sellable interior design firm. As the founder of Freestyle Interiors, Faith shares her 40+ years of experience as an interior designer and business owner, offering valuable insights on growing a design team, developing a strong succession planning strategy, and preparing your business for a seamless transition when the time comes to sell. Learn how Faith navigated the process of selling her business and discover the key factors that contributed to her success.

LuAnn Nigara and Faith Fix’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You are the essence of the point of my podcast—it’s that your talent alone is not going to be the indicator of your ability to grow and have a successful design firm, it’s the business back end, that is going to be, you know, the biggest indicator of that and the talent and the other things can layer in.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I realized early on that I was growing kind of a larger firm than typical, I wasn’t solo with just a few designers. And so I started thinking about succession planning, probably 10 years ago, just to little seeds of what’s going to happen.” – Faith Fix

More About Faith Fix

Faith Fix, founder of Freestyle Interiors in 1981, has over 40 years of interior design experience. Faith is a Florida licensed Interior Designer a well as Florida licensed Certified Public Accountant and an ASID Interior Designer. She has directed Freestyle’s growth to become a prominent SW Florida award-winning design studio. Faith has assembled a highly synergistic team of talented and experienced Lead Designers dedicated to creating beautiful environments.

Many of the area’s top architects, developers and builders have come to trust and rely on Faith and her team for their proactive, responsive communication throughout the design/build process as well as the quality of their design.

Faith oversees all of the design work and operations at the Freestyle design studio in Bonita Springs to ensure an unsurpassed quality of design and level of service for all of her clients. The fact that most of Freestyle’s work is repeat business speaks for itself.

Connect with Faith Fix

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

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:

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

#468: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Micciche: Why Every Business Needs a Succession Plan

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:

Chairman Of The Board with LuAnn

Other Shows Mentioned:

#492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success

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

#855: Power Talk Friday: Hunter Lowder: Is it Time for a Fractional COO?

WTFP #43: Peggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?

07-05-202408-16-2024

998: Power Talk Friday: Bryan Short: A New Window Treatment Option that Balances Quality and Affordability

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1:15:11

998: Power Talk Friday: Bryan Short: A New Window Treatment Option that Balances Quality and Affordability

Today With Bryan Short:

Today we’re diving into the world of product development with Bryan Short of The Sewing Loft of Avon!

The Sewing Loft specializes in custom soft furnishings like window treatments, cushions, pillows, and more. As a co-owner, Bryan wears many hats – from project prep to marketing to client experience.

Recently, Bryan and his wife Rachel launched SLA Express – a semi-custom drapery line designed exclusively for interior designers. We’re excited to have Bryan join us today to talk all about bringing a new product to market while maintaining strong client relationships.

Whether you’re in the window treatment industry or any other design field, this conversation is full of valuable insights!

LuAnn Nigara and Bryan Short’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The thinking really stems from years of listening to our trade clients” – Bryan Short

“The first and most important thing is to figure out who am I selling this to and who is going to care enough about it.” – Bryan Short

More About Bryan Short

Bryan Short is a former litigation attorney who joined his wife as co-owner of The Sewing Loft of Avon in 2013. The Sewing Loft specializes in fabricating custom soft furnishings, such as window treatments, indoor/outdoor cushions, pillows and slipcovers. Their primary clients are members of the interior design industry and homeowners.

As a co-owner, Bryan wears many hats but concentrates on prepping projects for fabrication, marketing, client acquisition and retention, customer experience and long-term planning. In addition to his work at The Sewing Loft, Bryan is the current CT chapter president of the Interior Design Society, a national organization dedicated to education and business growing of members of the interior design industry.

Connect with Bryan Short

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

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:

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

Episode 1,000th Giveaway!

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:

Other Shows Mentioned:

WTFP #58: Bryan Short: The Value of Business Coaching for a Window Treatment Professional

07-02-202408-16-2024

997: Hema Persad: Getting Published in Magazines That Align With Your Designs, With the Help of a PR Person

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997: Hema Persad: Getting Published in Magazines That Align With Your Designs, With the Help of a PR Person

Today With Hema Persad:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Hema Persad of Sagrada Studio. After only two years, Hema has quite the accolades under her belt. She has print placements in Architectural Digest, Rue Magazine, and House Beautiful. Hema was also included in AD’s New American Voices list in July 2023.

If you have ever shied away from spending a percentage of your revenue on marketing or PR, this will be a valuable episode for you. Hema and I discuss switching careers, if and how to hire a PR person, and how much you should spend on marketing, to name a few.

LuAnn Nigara and Hema Persad’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It took me 15 years from my previous careers to learn the skills to grow a design business. So if I had graduated from design school at 25, I would not have had that experience. I would not have learned about entrepreneurship and marketing. It would have taken me 15 years anyway to learn it all,” – Hema Persad

“I had no confidence as an interior designer. It took my PR person seeing something in me in the beginning and then taking my work and knowing where to place and where it belonged, not just being a blanket pitch to ‘AD’ and ‘Domino’ Magazines,” – Hema Persad

More About Hema Persad

A native of Toronto, Canada, Hema was a practicing attorney for several years before following her heart and pursuing a career in fashion. In 2014, she moved to Los Angeles to chase her goal, and spent the following 7 years dressing A-list celebrities, styling ad campaigns and editorials, and working with some of the top fashion talent in the world.

Completely self-taught, Hema’s interior design career began in 2021 when one of her styling clients asked for help decorating their home. Because of her eye for design and ability to execute her creative vision, that first project snowballed into several more. Hema now designs residential and commercial spaces around the country. As the business continued to grow rapidly, it became clear that it needed its own identity apart from Hema. In 2022 Sagrada Studio was born out of her belief that there is no more sacred (“sagrada”) space on earth than where we live and create. The Sagrada Studio mission is to honor these sacred spaces by helping clients find their own version of timeless, always with an eye towards culture, luxury, and comfort.

When she’s not working, Hema loves traveling, and discovering L.A. with her husband Ganesh, and their three daughters.

Connect with Hema Persad

TikTok

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

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:

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

AWDB #06: Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

AWDB #297: Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man

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

AWDB #861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers

AWDB #967: Breegan Jane: The Gift of Transitioning, Turning Risks into Success

06-28-202408-16-2024

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

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1:18:08

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

Today With Katie Decker-Erickson:

Today, on A Well-Designed Business, I have the amazing Katie Decker-Erickson. Her company, Color Works, has helped interior designers build the businesses they desire. Her knowledge has led her to coach others, all while balancing her personal life. With her, today We are exploring the importance of finding your ‘happy spot’ in business.

More About Katie Decker-Erickson

Katie began her career in commercial color consulting as a part-time passion project in 2007. Today, her company, Color Works has grown into a multi-million dollar commercial design company, currently operating in over 20 states nationwide, with a fully remote team of more than a dozen individuals. Katie is known for her business acumen (having grown 1500% in a single year), passion for teaching others (with 18 years teaching graduate and undergraduate courses) and this is what led her to coach other interior designers who want to scale their business to their lifestyle. She is also a mom and devoted to her two young daughters with a commitment to women’s empowerment both personally and professionally.

Connect with Katie Decker-Erickson

Color Works Firm:

Facebook

Color Works Coaching:

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

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:

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

Colorful Conversations: Networking Tips for Interior Designers with LuAnn Nigara

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources Mentioned:

#960: Laura Hodges: The Behind the Scenes of the Southern Living Showhouse

Other Shows Mentioned:

#839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years

06-25-202408-16-2024

995: Jenny Yi: Discovering a Business When Your Life Is Falling Apart

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1:4:53

995: Jenny Yi: Discovering a Business When Your Life Is Falling Apart

Today With Jenny Yi:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I talk a lot on the show about goals, drive, motivation, and having a willingness to just go out and make things happen. But what about when that doesn’t feel possible?

What about when your life is in a crisis, or you’re struggling with your mental health, or it feels like work just to get out of bed, let alone tackle the long list of things to do that entrepreneurship requires? That is a different beast altogether—and it’s a beast that my guest today, Jenny Yi, understands all too well.

Jenny’s story is a powerful one—one that I think we all need to hear, but one that is especially important for any of you out there who are struggling, whether life has just kicked you down or you’re coping with something heavy.

LuAnn Nigara and Jenny Yi’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You were telling me all the things you do in the Jenny Yi empire. But then you got quiet and you said, ‘but It’s important to me to give the path of ownership and entrepreneurship to somebody else who’s out there that wants the control of our own destiny.’” -LuAnn

“There’s one thing I want your listeners to understand and know that it doesn’t matter where you are right now—it gets better. Life gets good, even when you can’t see it, even when you can’t imagine it, even when you can’t predict it, even when people talk about how to envision good lives and you just can’t.” -Jenny

More About Jenny Yi

Jenny Yi is a vibrant traveling designer who has taken the world of hospitality by storm. With a discerning eye for transforming hotels and Airbnb spaces, Jenny’s firm specializes in makeovers that captivate guests and leave them yearning for more. Her three-figure portfolio showcases her unrivaled talent in crafting unforgettable experiences through innovative design.

Not only has Jenny made her mark in the industry with her makeovers, but she has also expanded her influence with her very own hospitality bedding line, setting the standard for luxurious comfort and problem-solving automation for hosts. Her exceptional work has been featured on platforms such as Biggerpockets, Millennial Millionaire, STR Insider, and Voyage, cementing her reputation as a go-to expert in the field. With a growing following of 50,000 loyal admirers, Jenny’s designs have inspired countless individuals to reimagine their own spaces.

Connect with Jenny Yi

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara