Page 20 – 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

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Hiring Toolkit Bundle

LuAnn University – Registration Open!

Other Shows:

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

Find Jennifer on Boardroom for Creatives

12-17-2024

1045: What Would Lu Do?: Big Decisions, Bigger Lessons: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Process

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0:28:03

1045: What Would Lu Do?: Big Decisions, Bigger Lessons: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Process

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Have you ever faced a business opportunity that made you stop in your tracks? It’s equal parts exciting and terrifying, isn’t it? On this episode, I share a behind-the-scenes look at how I navigated one of those moments. With insights from trusted advisors like Kate O’Hara, I learned valuable lessons that can help YOU handle those big decisions in your business:

How to slow down, gather information, and make a thoughtful choice.
Why having a network of advisors is a game-changer.
How to balance confidence with strategy in decision-making.

Listen now for real-world strategies and actionable takeaways.

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

The Power Talk Friday Experts books

The Making of a Well-Designed Business: The Workshop on January 8th, 2025!

Other Shows:

AWDB #1042: In Good Company: CEO Conversations with Kate O’Hara: End-of-Year Business Strategies for Designers: Pipeline, Productivity, and Press

AWDB #1030: In Good Company: CEO Conversations with Kate O’Hara: Insights and Strategies on Successful Scaling

12-13-2024

1044: What Would Lu Do?: Think Different: Applying Lessons from Steve Jobs to Your Interior Design Business

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0:39:21

1044: What Would Lu Do?: Think Different: Applying Lessons from Steve Jobs to Your Interior Design Business

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Recently, I listened to Steve Jobs’ biography, and it sparked some big ideas. Steve was more than a tech innovator—he was a master of customer experience, a ruthless prioritizer, and a perfectionist when it came to excellence. In this episode, I’ll reflect on his genius and how we can apply it to our interior design firms.

From branding and systems to productivity and storytelling, we’ll cover practical strategies inspired by Jobs and blended with advice from my Power Talk Friday Experts books. By the end, you’ll have a roadmap to simplify, streamline, and succeed in your business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why your customer experience is your brand’s story—and how to control it.
How to create systems that simplify your life and delight your clients.
Why saying “no” is the key to productivity and growth.
The art of storytelling to create emotional connections with your audience.
Why excellence is a daily choice that leads to a lasting legacy.

Grab your notebook and tune in 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

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

The Power Talk Friday Experts books

Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard

Darla Powell’s Instagram for Interior Designers

Other Shows:

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

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

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

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

12-10-202402-26-2025

1043: Kristin Bartone: Pivoting Your Interior Design Business When Life Throws You Curveballs

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1:25:50

1043: Kristin Bartone: Pivoting Your Interior Design Business When Life Throws You Curveballs

Today With Kristin Bartone:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. What would happen to your business today if something happened with you or a family member that uprooted everything in your life? Would you be able to continue your work.

The truth is that even a well-designed business can struggle in life circumstances. My guest today, Kristin Bartone, knows all about that.

She’s here to share a story of handling the unexpected—and how she kept her business afloat even when her personal life demanded her entire focus.

LuAnn Nigara and Kristin Bartone’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Trying to focus on the family and being together and repairing the family unit, you know, is really important to all of us. So we’re just focusing on that and then just trying to keep things chugging along.” -Kristin

“You’ve had to get more efficient to do it from a distance. And that’s never gonna be a bad thing. The business is never gonna be like, dang it, you made me more efficient!” -LuAnn

More About Kristin Bartone

Kristin has been around design and home remodeling her entire life. Growing up in a family of seven, she experienced first hand how home renovations improved the quality of life for her and her family! Kristin’s namesake firm, Bartone Interiors, is located in Richmond, Virginia and services clients across the country.

Kristin is an experienced leader and advocate for sustainable, timeless design solutions that take a holistic, regenerative approach to space and the idea of home. She champions the idea that every designer should create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible, restorative and inclusive. Her approach ensures that each project looks great and feels amazing; reflecting her commitment to creating enduring spaces that resonate with all who experience them.

Connect with Kristin Bartone

Sustainable Living Magazine (sign up)

Bartone Interiors Mission for Sustainable, Restorative Design

Bartone Interiors Portfolio

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Mydoma Studio – Get 20% off your first three months!

LuAnn University – Registration Open!

12-06-202408-10-2026

1042: Ceo Conversations with Kate O’Hara: End-of-Year Business Strategies for Designers: Pipeline, Productivity, and Press

1042 In Good Company Ceo Conversations With Kate O Hara End Of Year Business Strategies For Designers Pipeline Productivity And Press Thumbnail.png

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1:25:24

1042: Ceo Conversations with Kate O’Hara: End-of-Year Business Strategies for Designers: Pipeline, Productivity, and Press

Find Kate on Boardroom for Creatives

Today With Kate O’Hara:

In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, we sit down with Kate O’Hara, CEO of O’Hara Interiors, to discuss effective end-of-year business strategies for designers. As the holiday season approaches and client activity slows, Kate shares actionable tips on optimizing workflow, reconnecting with past clients, creating engaging holiday content, and thoughtful gifting strategies. Whether you’re a solo designer or leading a team, this conversation is packed with insights to help you set your business up for a successful new year.

More About Kate O’Hara

Kate O’Hara grew up in the world of design. After a decade with the company, she stepped into the role of CEO + Creative Director, expanding the family design firm into new regions of the U.S. When she isn’t traveling between our Minnesota and Texas offices, you can find Kate speaking at conferences, working with our design team, and connecting with new clients and furniture lines.

Connect with Kate O’Hara

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

LuAnn University – Registration Open!

Other Shows:

AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors

AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors

AWDB #958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso

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

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

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

WTFP #40: Linda Holt: Learn to Take Expert Photographs of Your Window Treatments From Your Smartphone

Find Kate on Boardroom for Creatives

12-03-202402-26-2025

1041: Megan Atkinson: Leveraging Relationships with Trades to Build a Strong Business

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1:21:18

1041: Megan Atkinson: Leveraging Relationships with Trades to Build a Strong Business

Today With Megan Atkinson:

Today with Megan Rose Atkinson of MEGANROSE Interiors, we’re discussing one of the most critical aspects of running a successful design business — vendor relationships. Megan shares her journey from wearing a tool belt with leather pants to building a thriving design firm with locations in Michigan and Arizona. With a “cheetah mindset” and philosophy of “whatever you are, be a good one,” she breaks down exactly how she approaches these crucial industry partnerships.

Megan shares specific strategies for building vendor networks in new territories, managing tough budget conversations, and maintaining strong relationships while staying in your lane. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to strengthen your existing vendor partnerships, Megan’s practical approach to collaboration offers valuable insights for every stage of business growth.

LuAnn Nigara and Megan Atkinson’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I’d rather have one hard conversation than 10 million terrible conversations along the way.” – Megan

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Megan

More About Megan Atkinson

Founder and principal designer of MEGANROSE Interiors, Megan Rose Atkinson is an entrepreneur driven by a passion for home. With an established career in real estate, Megan launched her interior design company in 2020 at the beginning of a global pandemic. At a time when most were closing their doors, Megan was looking to open a new door into the construction and design world. As Principal Designer, Megan oversees all design projects from concept to completion. Megan’s design approach lies in her devotion to creating reflective spaces based on clients’ lifestyles.

Megan splits her time in Novi, Michigan with her husband and their three young children and their family home in Scottsdale, AZ. In Megan’s free time she can be found on the soccer sidelines cheering on her kids, browsing a dusty antique store, or teaching at her beloved barre studio.

Connect with Megan Atkinson

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

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Other Shows:

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

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

#681 Paul Dashevsky: A Proven Process for Vetting Contractors

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

#14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships

#703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity

#635: Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business

#439: Beth Diana Smith: Client Expectations, Contracts, and Hard Conversations

#370: Kesha Franklin: A Different Path to a Career in Interior Design

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

#614: Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: Creating Another Revenue Stream for Your Interior Design Business

11-29-202406-17-2026

1040: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: 5 Steps to an Exceptional Hire

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1:27:49

1040: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: 5 Steps to an Exceptional Hire

Find Eileen on Boardroom for Creatives

Today With Eileen Hahn:

Today on Power Talk Friday, I am joined by my cousin and hiring expert Eileen Hahn, who brings her 30 years of expertise in helping businesses find and retain exceptional talent. After seeing countless design firms struggle with hiring (and making some expensive mistakes myself), I knew we needed Eileen’s proven 5-step formula for making outstanding hires. Whether you’re building your team or planning your next hire, these simple, actionable steps will transform your hiring process and help you build the dream team your design business deserves.

LuAnn Nigara and Eileen Hahn’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you do nothing else from this whole process, do an assessment at whatever level that is. Have them do a task you’re going to have them do a week later,” – Eileen Hahn

“Ask behavior-based interview questions because the best predictor of future performance is past behavior,” – Eillen Hahn

More About Eileen Hahn

Best-selling author of The Job You Were Born For: Seven Steps to Align Your Work With Your Life Mission. Influential business consultant who enhances revenue and productivity, while fostering joy and engagement among employees in Fortune 500 companies like Anheuser-Busch, General Motors, Pfizer and over 100 interior design firms. She teaches leaders in these organizations how to hire and lead exceptional employees who bring fire and energy to their work, achieve high levels of performance, generate financial results, and live and work in joy.

Connect with Eileen Hahn

Interior Designer Job Descriptions

YouTube

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Hiring Toolkits For Interior Design Firms

Other Shows:

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

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

#950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People

Find Eileen on Boardroom for Creatives

11-26-202411-26-2024

1039: Melanie Zaelich: Consultation-Only Interior Design: How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Scope Creep

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1:27:49

1039: Melanie Zaelich: Consultation-Only Interior Design: How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Scope Creep

Today With Melanie Zaelich:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Many new designers try out consult-based design only to find themselves struggling with scope creep and feeling undervalued.

But my guest today, Melanie Zaelich, runs a thriving consult-only business. She’s a former full-service designer who deliberately chose to transition to this model—and she did so with intention, systems, and processes. Today, she shares how to avoid scope creep, provide clarity, and set boundaries for a successful consult-only design business.

LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Zaelich’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You’ve thought a lot about what you want to do. And that’s what we have to think about. You don’t have the itch for the whole, you know, kit and caboodle of projects that last six months or two years till we get this thing done. Others are just so passionately driven to do it—but it’s not where your passion lies. And the thing is, every industry has all of its lanes, and they all need to be filled by people who are talented and passionate about that lane.” -LuAnn

More About Melanie Zaelich

Melanie Zaelich is an accomplished, award winning interior designer, known for her down-to-earth approach and creativity. As the only interior with a consult-based, à la carte business model in the Twin Cities, Melanie is transforming the way people experience interior design.

Connect with Melanie Zaelich

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Digital Course for Interior Designers: Discount Code for LuAnn listeners: LUANNROCKS10

Other Shows:

WTFP #284 Melanie Zaelich: Connecting Charitable Giving and Branding to Elevate Your Business and Life

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

11-22-2024

1038: What Would Lu Do?: Make 2025 Your Year!

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0:28:51

1038: What Would Lu Do?: Make 2025 Your Year!

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

In this week’s episode of A Well-Designed Business, I’m sharing the no-fluff, practical strategies you need to set 2025 up for success. From defining what success truly means for you, to aligning your goals with your current season of life, to building the systems that keep you moving forward—this episode is your blueprint. Whether you’re scaling back or ready to seize new opportunities, it’s time to get intentional.

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

LuAnn University – Registration Open!

11-19-2024

1037: Kelley Gable: A Strategic Approach to Success in Dual Markets

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0:58:38

1037: Kelley Gable: A Strategic Approach to Success in Dual Markets

Today With Kelley Gable:

Today, with Kelley Gable of Gable Interior Designers, we dive deep into the world of niche marketing and luxury coastal design. Kelley shares her journey of redefining coastal aesthetics, moving beyond cliché beach motifs to create sophisticated, contemporary interiors. We explore her unique business model of serving clients with homes in both urban areas and coastal Delaware, and how she’s structured her team to support this dual-location approach. Kelley offers valuable insights on educating clients about modern coastal design, building strategic partnerships with builders, and creating targeted marketing strategies. We also discuss her hiring process for different roles across her two offices, providing practical advice for growing a design team. Whether you’re looking to carve out your own niche or expand your business across multiple locations, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on positioning your design business for success.

LuAnn Nigara and Kelley Gable’s Ah-Ha Moments

“When hiring, you attract what you put out, so it’s important to attract people who see your vision and what to drink your “Kool-Aid, rather than just hiring too quickly,” – Kelley Gable

“Relationship building blocks are the foundation for how you can get into a new market,” – Kelley Gable

More About Kelley Gable

Owner & Principal Designer, Kelley Gable, was born and raised in Maryland and currently shares her time between the shores of coastal Delaware in Rehoboth Beach and Severna Park, Maryland with her husband and two children.

Kelley’s distinct style can be described as clean, functional and open. She finds beauty in blending her traditional East Coast roots with a casual California lifestyle inspired by laid-back living. With a background in merchandising and design, Kelley brings her ability to marry style and function in each space.

Connect with Kelley Gable

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara