Page 18 – LuAnn Nigara

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

My Chairman of the Board program

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

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

05-28-202405-31-2024

987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche

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1:15:35

987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche

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

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

YouTube

Book: Interior Landmarks: Treasures of New York

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

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#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

05-24-202411-22-2024

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

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1:6:01

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

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

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Facebook

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

05-21-202405-31-2024

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

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1:14:13

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

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

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

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

Other Resources Mentioned:

05-17-202408-01-2024

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

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0:55:56

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

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

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

#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!

05-14-202401-27-2025

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

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1:18:16

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

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.

Connect with Kathy Kuo

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

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!

05-10-202401-27-2025

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

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1:19:08

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

Today With Rachael Bozsik Johanson:

Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. We all know by now that we should niche, but the struggle lies in the how. What IS my only? What IS my superpower? How do I figure it out? And that’s where my guest today, Rachael Bozsik Johanson, really shines. Her superpower is finding the superpower of others and teaching them how to use it to elevate their business, their services, their marketing, and their sales process. Today, Rachael is here to share how to discover that superpower of yours, and more specifically how to take it and use it to land the right clients, market yourself strategically, and transition to the true luxury market.

Pick It Apart

[1:50]: Rachael and LuAnn talk about the “5% tweak” that changes the game for branding, messaging, and positioning.

[13:46]: Rachael unpacks how to transition from the “general practitioner” to valued specialist.

[18:45]: Rachael and LuAnn discuss how to tap into your past experiences to discover the special something you’re sitting on.

[24:43] Rachael highlights how to use your superpower to craft your messaging, services, and processes.

[46:55] Rachael and LuAnn talk about the power of standing out (and how to do it right).

[57:06] Rachael shares how to use your superpower to attract clients, including leveraging partnerships.

LuAnn Nigara and Rachael Bozsik Johanson’s Ah-Ha Moments

“A lot of the women I work with aren’t clear on their story. And how can you expect your clients to get clear on your story if you aren’t clear on it yourself?” -Rachael

“The level of detail and research that you do, and the level of what’s included in the ultimate deliverable when you work with you is incomprehensible actually.” -LuAnn

More About Rachael Bozsik Johanson

Rachael Bozsik Johanson is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field.

It is Rachael’s mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think – a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael’s clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives.

Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda’s SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah’s Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc.

Connect with Rachael Bozsik Johanson

Testimonials

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

#830 Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Your Interior Design Business

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Schwartz Design Showroom on May 22nd

05-07-202408-15-2024

981: Jennifer Chukwujekwe: Global Collaboration with Nigerian Designer and Entrepreneur

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1:19:05

981: Jennifer Chukwujekwe: Global Collaboration with Nigerian Designer and Entrepreneur

Today With Jennifer Chukwujekwe:

Today with Jennifer Chukwujekwe, we’re heading to Nigeria (virtually) to learn about the incredible work she is doing to transform the interior design industry in her home country. As the President of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria and the founder, CEO, and creative director of Jenniez Designs, Jennifer shares her entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving skills as she navigates the unique challenges faced by designers in Africa.

From building a furniture factory to address sourcing issues to starting a school to educate aspiring designers, Jennifer’s resourcefulness knows no bounds. She also offers valuable insights into the cultural nuances of Nigeria’s 250 ethnic groups and how she adapts her design solutions to cater to these diverse needs.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking within the design community, both locally and internationally. Her call to action is a powerful reminder that by working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can all take our businesses to new heights.

Pick It Apart

[13:05] Jennifer discusses the challenges of interior design in Nigeria, and what she is doing to help solve these problems.

[23:48] LuAnn asks Jennifer about her business model and what kind of projects she normally takes on.

[27:49] Jennifer and LuAnn discuss the interior design school Jennifer started, Jenniez Designs, what it offers, and why it is so exciting to have this in Nigeria.

[35:59] Jennifer shocks LuAnn with more entrepreneurial ventures she has developed as solutions for students at her school.

[41:22] Jennifer explains how her design business coaching program works, and discusses common challenges with LuAnn.

[50:15] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss the diversity in Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups each with their own language and cultures, and how that impacts design.

[1:05:55] Jennifer shares a common custom in Nigeria and expands on why it is important to be respectful of your clients and their culture.

LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Chukwujekwe’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I’m on a mission. I just like to solve problems. And I tell people, I only solve problems within the industry. Once it’s outside the industry, I’m not interested…I’m just passionate about the industry. I’m passionate about interior design, and passionate about transforming lives and businesses to interior design.” – Jennifer Chukwujekwe

“I don’t think [anyone] expects each of you to be perfect…But it’s taking the time to understand your client. That’s what the onus is on the design industry — is to not just to make assumptions that this person has the same values and the same beliefs that you do about the items and the colors and the selections.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Jennifer Chukwujekwe

Jennifer Chukwujekwe is a Wife, Mother, Experienced Interior designer, Author and Coach. The first interior design business coach in Nigeria.

She teaches interior designers how to build, grow and scale their business, so they can make profit, become successful and live a fulfilling life through Design.

She is a three-time graduate of Commercial Interior Design, Business and Branding and Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute UK. She has a first degree in Geology and Masters in Applied Computing and IT from the University of Bedfordshire UK. A Graduate of Entrepreneurial Essentials from Harvard Business School Cohort November 2021.

Prior to coaching, she launched her interior design company- Jenniez Designs.

Connect with Jennifer Chukwujekwe

School website

Design website

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

AWDB #908: Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1)

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #912: Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers

Other Resources Mentioned:

Jessica Bantom’s book: Design For Identity — Jessica Bantom – Leadership Coach & Consultant

05-03-202409-27-2024

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

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1:9:11

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

Today With Shelli Warren

Today, on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Shelli Warren, distinguished Women’s Leadership Advisor, and the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast. Do you believe the misconception that success is only attached to working for a corporation? If so, you may have little faith in hiring the right team, because as you will hear from Shelli, you have much to offer the right person in the form of a career.

Pick It Apart:

[6:07] Shelli shares her philosophy that her clients should understand that they have value and can provide valuable careers for employees.

[12:28] Before you even post a position, get clear on their job responsibilities.

[16:01] When and how to build a leadership team.

[20:08] How to guide someone towards making desirable decisions and being accountable.

[27:54] Realizing that you may have to fire people because the pace of your business has changed and you need to bring in new hires.

[48:25] When a business owner is ready to sell their business, many times it is an employee who buys it.

LuAnn Nigara and Shelli Warren’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You can have a worthwhile career, and also offer people worthwhile careers.” – Shelli Warren

“People will stay working for you when they feel connected to you or their immediate supervisor.” – Shelli Warren

“The team that got you here may not be the same team to get you there.” – Shelli Warren

More About Shelli Warren

Shelli Warren is a distinguished Women’s Leadership Advisor and the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast. Her expertise lies in helping small business owners develop and nurture a leadership team that can take over the daily operations of the business, enabling the owners to focus on higher-level growth decisions.

Drawing from her impressive background, which includes successfully managing multi-million dollar projects for Fortune 50 corporations and iconic billion-dollar brands, Shelli has spent nearly a decade coaching business owners.

Now in its fifth year, The Stacking Your Team podcast stands as a top-rated show with over 500,000 downloads. It serves as a source of inspiration and education for women leaders, guiding them on how to build capable leadership teams that can effectively provide the daily direction needed to exceed their company’s clients’ expectations.

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

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Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

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