Page 20 – LuAnn Nigara

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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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.

Connect with Shelli Warren

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

Intro Call with Duke Renders

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Shelli’s Stacking Your Team website

Shelli’s Stacking Your Team podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching

AWDB #214 Rachel Moriarty: How FaceBook Live Can Be A Game Changer For Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #707 Rachel Moriarty: Authenticity and Visibility in Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #906 Katie Wick: My Path in Interior Design; My Choice to Be an Employee.

04-30-202408-09-2024

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

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

Today With Becky and Nate Vandenbroek

Hi, Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have on Becky and Nate Vandenbroek from Hygge Design+Build.

If you are someone who wants to get into the design-build industry, this episode is for you. Becky and Nate know how to help designers who want to break into the design/build world and share what to consider when choosing to collaborate with builders.

Both possessing Erika Ward transferable skills, Becky with her upbringing with a builder dad and Nate as a previous project manager, they ditched their 9-5 and in 2020 formed Hygge Design+Build.

As you can tell, they are thriving. They are here today to explain the process of working with design/build clients, give advice to designers looking to start a relationship with a builder, as well as red flags.

LuAnn Nigara and Becky and Nate Vandenbroek’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you’re not able to have a clear line of communication with a builder and you’re not on the same page with his process, it’s going to be a disaster.” – Becky Vandenbroek

“If you can find a builder who doesn’t have a designer on staff and the both of you mesh well with the design aesthetic, it could be a win-win for both of you.” – Becky Vandenbroek

More About Becky and Nate Vandenbroek

Ok, let’s get this right out of the way…It’s pronounced who-guh even though it looks like hi-gee.

Hygge Design+Build was formed in 2020 after Becky and Nate Vandenbroek decided to ditch their 9-5 and start their own design+build company in Grand Rapids, MI. Becky grew up in the construction industry while watching her dad develop land, build spec homes, and commercial properties. Nate had always been interested in building, renovating, and creating. They took their love of home building and design and turned that into what is now known as Hygge Design+Build.

Hygge Design+Build homes are designed and built with a focus on creating a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that promotes well-being and comfort. Their Hilltop Farm home was featured in the national publication of Dwell Magazine in collaboration with Marvin Windows and was awarded a National Best in American Living award by the NAHB. Their most recent project, The Slate House was chosen by Marvin Windows for their national ad campaign and will also be featured in Dwell Magazine.

They are all about designing “outside of the box” when it comes to designing and building their homes.

Connect with Becky and Nate Vandenbroek

Facebook

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

Duke Renders Strategy Session

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

LuAnn University

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

WTFP: #264 Jessica Harling: Compensation Strategies: Part 2- Installers and Administrators

04-26-202401-27-2025

978: Power Talk Friday: LoriAnn Kuntz: How to Love (and Understand) Your Interior Design Business Numbers

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978: Power Talk Friday: LoriAnn Kuntz: How to Love (and Understand) Your Interior Design Business Numbers

Today With LoriAnn Kuntz

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am excited to welcome LoriAnn Kuntz, founder of Profit Priority, a bookkeeping and financial management company for creatives. Understanding your numbers matters. But it’s equally as important to understand when and why to outsource your bookkeeping. Hear LoriAnn’s insights on why strategic bookkeping matters—and how you can take control of your numbers.

Pick It Apart:

[3:18] LoriAnn and LuAnn discuss why knowing your numbers matters—and what it means to “love” those numbers.

[7:31] LoriAnn explains why business owners should consider outsourcing bookkeeping from the beginning.

[15:51] LoriAnn breaks down the numbers we really need to know in our businesses.

[24:59] LoriAnn shares why a holistic approach to your finances is important.

[33:09] LuAnn and LoriAnn reflect on what most people miss when it comes to their numbers.

LuAnn Nigara and LoriAnn Kuntz’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The secret to loving your numbers is to find someone who understands them.” -LoriAnn

“When I work with someone, it’s not just about the business, it’s about them as a person. And it’s about their life and their lifestyle.” -LoriAnn

“It’s clear that you are willing to go down the different roads and that is the thing that we really need in a bookkeeper.” -LuAnn

More About LoriAnn Kuntz

Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I saw firsthand what it was like to run a successful business.

And having a good financial system and knowing the numbers was a big part of that.

The opportunity to learn about money management and bookkeeping from a young age sparked what I thought was a love for accounting.

I started down the traditional accounting path, but a few years into my CPA journey, I felt God calling me out of it to serve entrepreneurs differently.

Connect with LoriAnn Kuntz

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

Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Check out Kravet Inc. and use our code AWDB10 for 10% on any order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper, or trim

Eileen Hahn’s Website

04-23-202408-15-2024

977: Katie Ryan Pluer: Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner

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977: Katie Ryan Pluer: Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner

Today With Katie Ryan Pluer

Today with Katie Ryan Pluer we are discussing what it takes to build a successful business partnership in the interior design industry. Katie brings a wealth of experience in business development, marketing, and advertising — along with a successful track record of buying and selling businesses. She has a keen understanding of what it takes to create a profitable business, and has spent the past few years getting settled in the interior design industry as Vice President of Natasa Jones Interiors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

If you have a partner or are considering one, or if you are looking to scale your interior design business anytime soon, Katie is here to share valuable insights. We are getting into the nitty gritty of partnership — from evaluating the business and legalities to personalities, percentages, and profitability.

Pick It Apart:

[1:11] Katie shares how she and Natasa met while working together more than a decade ago, how they realized they were a good fit for partnership, and how they began working together again in their current roles.

[5:52] Katie discusses how she officially approached Natasha about becoming partners and the process of having the business evaluated and buying in.

[14:40] LuAnn asks Katie what business owners need to think about before they get their business evaluated for sale or partnership.

[29:03] Katie outlines how she and Natasha negotiated the terms of their partnership, including ownership percentages, legalities, and the importance of open and honest conversation.

[41:46] Katie emphasizes the value of tracking both revenue streams and profit margins.

LuAnn Nigara and Katie Ryan Pluer’s Ah-Ha Moments

“We’re kind of like a Venn diagram. Like, I have my little part, she has a little part. And then we intersect. And the stuff that we intersect—we’re just like on the same page. But we’re also not afraid to challenge each other.” – Katie Ryan Pluer “If you’re running your business, you should pay yourself.” – Katie Ryan Pluer “If you are considering a potential partnership with someone, and before you make the purchase, and the final deal, if you can’t have open and honest conversation, then…how the heck do you think you’re going to have it when you both have skin in the game?” – LuAnn Nigara “Sometimes there’s some ego in ownership and creating your own business. And if you’re willing to put that ego aside and bring someone in that can help grow your business—grow it together—it’s really worth it…If you find the right person that understands and has as much love for it as you do, I think it’ll be a good fit. – Katie Ryan Pluer

More About Katie Ryan Pluer

Katie Ryan Pluer holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of WI-Madison. Katie is an entrepreneur, and currently is a Partner & Vice President at Natasa Jones Interiors. Her expertise is in business development, marketing, and advertising. Over her 20-year professional career, Katie has used her skills to promote and grow business across several industries including interior design, finance, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. She has bought and successfully sold several businesses including (4) uBreakiFix stores and Sign Gypsies MKE.

Katie has had the honor and privilege of serving on the development committee for Nia Imani, the Board of Woman for MACC and as the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at Lueder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual. She has a passion for service and a love for Milwaukee. Katie was raised in a culture of caring for those in need, and volunteering as a way to make an impact on the community.

Connect with Katie Ryan Pluer

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

WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB 570: Natasa Jones: How to Maximize the ROI on Any Webinar, Course or Conference

AWDB 646: Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Building a Friendship and An Interior Design Partnership

AWDB 672: Flash Back Friday: Tiffannie White, The Nappy Bohemian: Your “Only” and Lessons From a New Interior Design Business

AWDB 857: Power Talk Friday: Shannon Lopez: The ERC Program – Do NOT Skip This Episode!

AWDB 876: Natasa Jones: Making Bold Moves to Achieve Big Results

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

04-19-202410-18-2024

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

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

Today With Melissa Fields

Get ready for Live, On-Air Strategy Sessions on the A Well Designed Business podcast! In this new format, I’ll be solving real business problems with designers like you, in real-time. Sometimes, it’s hard to see what’s right in front of us. That’s why I rely on my own mentors and consultants to provide a fresh perspective. And now, I’m offering the same to you!

Meet today’s guest, Melissa Fields, founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio in San Antonio, TX. Melissa’s biggest challenge is getting and retaining high-end clients. She want to elevate my business and work with clients who understand the value of investing in interior design. Despite having systems, processes, professional photography, and pricing that reflects her value, Melissa is struggling to attract her ideal clients, and that’s where I come in!

During this strategy session, we’ll dive deep and uncover what’s holding Melissa back from achieving her goals. Tune in for insights, actionable tips, and real solutions to real problems.

More About Melissa Fields

Shades of Gray Design Studio is a boutique interior design studio based in San Antonio, Texas. It was started in 2018 shortly after Melissa Fields, the Founder and CEO, retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service.

A retired Air Force officer turned interior designer, took her side hustle and deep passion for all things beautiful and developed it into a business. Melissa wanted to create amazing spaces for people who were going to stay in their homes long term and enjoy the investment they put into their space.

She shifted her focus towards designing residential spaces. Although not formally trained, she is a passionate creative who not only has an eye for design but firmly believes and understands that the details matter. Melissa also knows the power of beautiful and intentional design to truly transform people on a mind, body, and soul level. Because Melissa is so obsessed with the details and a high level of quality, she wanted to have a solid foundation and obtained a certification in residential interior design through the New York Institute of Art and Design.

Shades of Gray Design Studio believes in creating not just beautiful, functional spaces but telling the story about the humans that reside there. We are all unique and that’s what makes us so special. Our homes should reflect that. Melissa loves using color, texture, and boldness in her designs. She strives to incorporate a modern, contemporary feel while blending luxury and comfort…making it truly one-of-a-kind. It’s all about elevating the living space and empowering her clients with the knowledge that they are worthy of being surrounded by beauty.

Connect with Melissa Fields

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 915: Power Talk Friday: Masha Koyen: 7 Mistakes Interior Designers Make on Their Website Messaging

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

What Would Lu Do?

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB 859: Power Talk Friday: Robyn White: Using Your Website to Market to the Luxury Interior Design Client

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

WTFP 167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You

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

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

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

04-16-202408-15-2024

975: Joyful Abundance: Thriving in Business with a Positive Mindset

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975: Joyful Abundance: Thriving in Business with a Positive Mindset

Today With Jennifer Davis

Today on A Well-Designed Business I’m with Jennifer Davis, the founder of Davis Interiors, a boutique design firm based in Minneapolis. Jennifer’s story is proof that intention, manifestation, and a positive mindset can lead to the life and business of our dreams.

In this episode, we discuss Jennifer’s strategies and beliefs that have helped her create a joyful client experience and a successful career. From setting intentions and aligning your actions with your goals to overcoming impostor syndrome and cultivating an abundance mindset, Jennifer offers practical tips and powerful insights.

Pick It Apart:

[1:21] Jennifer introduces her business philosophy that the process should be just as joyful as the finished product, detailing aspects of her process that reflect this.

[6:42] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss technology platforms and automations they use to help their systems and processes run smoothly.

[14:45] Jennifer talks about the power of intention and how it works for her.

[17:46] LuAnn shares a story about manifesting her dream home.

[29:00] Jennifer brings up imposter syndrome and the role it plays in the interior design industry and how meditation can be a helpful tool to overcome this.

[44:48] Jennifer and LuAnn discuss the power of taking five minutes to slow down and clear your mind.

LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Davis’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I want the journey that you go through to get from start to finish to be as joyful as the joy you feel at the end of the project when you’re in your new space.” – Jennifer Davis

“I think you just have to really believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you and find good mentors and a good design community to be a part of. And then when you set the intentions, you can truly believe that you’re worthy of all these things happening.” – Jennifer Davis

“How we carry ourselves through our business relates, and comes back to us, in our personal life.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Jennifer Davis

Jennifer started her career journey in the furniture industry, where she got a taste for sales. Transitioning to an interior design studio, she started as a design assistant and swiftly advanced to a managerial position, showcasing her leadership abilities. Jennifer successfully navigated distribution management and marketing roles for a well-known national furniture retailer based in Minneapolis before leaving to raise her children.

While at home with her children, it wasn’t long before friends began soliciting her assistance with their own homes. Balancing her roles as a mother and entrepreneur, she cultivated her client base from a part-time endeavor which quickly grew into a full fledged interior design studio. Jennifer is a firm believer in the law of attraction, maintaining that our attitudes significantly influence the outcomes we experience in life.

Jennifer operates a boutique interior design firm headquartered in Minneapolis, catering to clients nationwide. Her approach to each project revolves around fostering a client experience founded on clear communication, refined processes, swift timelines, and meaningful relationships. Davis Interiors lives by the motto “We want the process to create as much joy as the finished product”.

Connect with Jennifer Davis

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

Roxie Nafousi book – Manifest

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Rebecca Hay’s episode with LuAnn

Inspired Kitchens and Baths

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

AWDB #935: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders Academy: Marketing Lessons From Taylor Swift’s Playbook

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

AWDB 972: Power Talk Friday: Lesley Myrick: Profit Insiders: How Interior Designers Can Leverage Local Marketing

04-12-202401-27-2025

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

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1:6:19

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

Today With Katie McDonald

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m excited to welcome back Katie McDonald, certified holistic health coach and instructor at b.nourished. As entrepreneurs, we do have a tendency to put ourselves on the backburner, focusing our time and attention on the needs of the business. But if we’re not creating something sustainable—if we’re heading toward burnout, are we really creating well-designed businesses? It can feel as if we need to justify rest, justify taking time for ourselves, Katie’s take is that we need to view taking care of ourselves in a whole new light—and today she and I are diving deep into the philosophical questions of creativity, well-being, and the way we are intertwined with the business.

Pick It Apart:

[0:02] Katie discusses how our well-being is interwoven into the business—and why taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury.

[5:47] LuAnn and Katie unpack the guilt entrepreneurs often feel for taking free time to rest and reset.

[12:13] Katie talks about how creativity requires rest, stillness, and space.

[17:23] LuAnn and Katie talk about what rest might look like for different people (and why that’s okay).

[29:10] Katie offers practical places to start when committing to self-care.

[38:58] Katie and LuAnn reflect on the business benefits of taking care of ourselves.

LuAnn Nigara and Katie McDonald’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The only thing that will create change is our commitment to change—our willingness to look ourselves in the eyes, look at our hear, and say, ‘Something doesn’t feel right.’” -Katie

“We’re always thinking about the future or the next big thing for our business. But in our personal lives, we’re willing to accept mediocrity.” -Katie

“Our well-being is our fuel—the engine for our business.” -LuAnn

More About Katie McDonald

Over a decade ago, the demands of Katie McDonald’s corporate career occupied her every waking moment. She was left feeling depleted and depressed—suffering from spiraling mental and physical health crises that threatened her life.

Left with no choice but to transform her body-mind relationship, Katie abandoned her corporate job and finally started applying her knowledge of self-care, alternative health, and plant-based nutrition.

Since then, Katie has been on a revitalizing journey of lifelong self-care.

Fully recovered from years of self-neglect, Katie now helps fellow doers embrace self-care so they can do more and be more while leading healthier, more intentional, and more nourished lives.

Katie leads with tough love to inspire, empower, and challenge audiences. She dispels the destructive myth that self-care is an obstacle to productivity and teaches that self-care is, in fact, a tool to create a more powerful and impactful legacy.

Connect with Katie McDonald

Speaking Site

Coaching Site and Link to Schedule a Complimentary 30 Minute Self-Care Strategy Session

Link to Bnourished Planner 15% discount code for planners LUANN

Offers from Katie:

A 15% discount off the bnourished quarterly planner using code LUANN
Access to my curated resource guide here
Download the Whole life assessment here

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

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#968 Overheard: Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola: How to Harness Creativity in Interior Design

04-09-202408-08-2024

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

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0:55:51

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

Today With Jamie Gasparovic

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Jamie Gasparovic, Founder and Principal Designer of Studio Gaspo, a boutique full-service interior design firm. Have you ever had imposter syndrome? Join the club. Jamie has a little secret to combating imposter syndrome, and that is to invest in your business. Jamie has spent thousands in investments for her business. Six figures in the last year, to be more specific. Before you drop your jaw, listen in to hear all of the value and advice Jamie has to give on investing in yourself

Pick It Apart:

[11:51] Jamie explains how investing in your business can combat imposter syndrome.

[17:35] Jamie is proactive in preventing imposter syndrome, which always seems to come up, by making consistent investments.

[22:28] Jamie shares her takeaways from Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard.

[27:16] Benefitting from just being in the room at an event and making connections.

[34:20] Jamie shares the tangible things she has learned from the programs/courses she has invested in.

[42:35] How Jamie decides what kind of investments to make.

[46:24] Jamie’s advice for those who are nervous about making that “big investment.”

LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Gasparovic’s Ah-Ha Moments

“When designers ask me if an investment I made was worth it and I say it is. I have a hard time regretting anything because I have a takeaway from everything I have invested in.” – Jamie Gasparovic

“Hearing something in business that you are already familiar with can hit differently when someone else explains it and presents it differently.” – Jamie Gasparovic

More About Jamie Gasparovic

Jamie Gasparovic is the dynamic Founder and Principal Designer behind her boutique full-service interior design firm, Studio Gaspo. Recently, her moody modern aesthetic has been celebrated by Forbes, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, and Apartment Therapy. With close to a decade of expertise in luxury, large-scale construction ranging from new builds to full-scope renovations, Jamie has created a powerful name for herself in Central Florida. Her robust client list includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and busy professionals. Today, she frequently partners with prominent builders and architects to design turnkey properties from floor plans to furnishings.

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