Page 22 – LuAnn Nigara

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

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

VRD Summit – HPXD – High Point x Design

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

01-12-202402-05-2025

947: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit: Learn About the Profitable Niche of Vacation Rental Design at the 2024 VRD Summit

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0:53:23

947: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit: Learn About the Profitable Niche of Vacation Rental Design at the 2024 VRD Summit

Today With Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Ericka Saurit, Jessica Duce, and Jane Dagmi, the masterminds behind the Vacation Rental Design Summit, happening this spring at High Point Market. According to my guests today, Vacation Rental Design is much more than beautiful spaces—it’s a scroll-stopping, memory-making, profit-building business model. And they want to teach you all about it. We’re discussing what Vacation Rental Design is (and isn’t), what kind of designer it’s best suited for, along with the content and what to expect at this year’s summit, because the more educated and better prepared you are as a designer in this niche, the more value you’ll bring to vacation rental owners and property managers, who will want to use your services again and again.

Pick It Apart

[2:25] Jessica defines what Vacation Rental Design is (and isn’t).

[7:17] Ericka, Jessica, and Jane all share how serendipitous it has been finding one another and creating together.

[11:29] LuAnn asks what type of designer Vacation Rental Design suits best.

[15:10] Ericka speaks to some of the topics they cover and educate on at the Vacation Rental Design Summit, including marketing and branding.

[20:28] The guests explain what the upcoming Vacation Rental Design Summit is and the topics covered there.

[31:30] Jane covers the structure and schedule of the upcoming summit at High Point’s Spring Market.

[33:16] Jessica explains how this category of design has different needs from brands and vendors versus standard designers.

LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Vacation rental design is not staging, it’s not residential design, it is unique…It has a lot of layers. But it also has, in my opinion, some of the greatest rewards for a designer for creativity.” – Jessica Duce

“Any one person can be inspired to “take an action” at any moment in time. But it’s the taking of the action that is the key, right? Not just hearing and feeling the inspiration—you’ve got to move. And you have to move through fear often.” – LuAnn Nigara

“The more educated and the more prepared [vacation rental designers] are, the better of value they can sell, the more they can sell design as a sales tool [for the vacation rental owner].” – Ericka Saurit

“Designers are real arbiters of taste. They curate lifestyles for their clients. They can curate vacations. Their expertise goes beyond picking the furniture…[to] create more income that way. They are really curating that person’s entire experience. That’s a big responsibility and one to really accept and embrace if you’re up for it.” – Jane Dagmi

More About Jessica Duce, Jane Dagmi and Ericka Saurit:

Ericka Saurit:

In 2020, after a 20 year global career in interior design and marketing, Ericka Saurit founded Saurit Creative with a mission to support and elevate brands across the entire home industry. Ericka believes that the more clients and customers who understand the value of working with a designer, the better world we’ll create for everyone. Ericka began her career as an interior designer, working with ESI (now NBBJ) in New York and Ralph Appelbaum Associates in Beijing for numerous cultural and hospitality clients throughout Asia, the United States, and Europe, and transitioned to a career in marketing for home brands in 2012. As a global brand marketing leader, she has overseen digital product development and brand strategy at Airbnb in San Francisco, created immersive physical and virtual brand experiences for Tag Heuer, Estee Lauder, and Procter & Gamble in addition to working with top home and lifestyle brands around the world. Ericka is an inspiring and motivating public speaker—frequently invited to lead industry discussions on marketing, brand strategy, and storytelling at conferences in the US and abroad. A southerner at heart and traveler by trade, she maintains residence in both North Carolina and the south of France.

Jessica Duce:

Jessica Duce, owner of JDuce Design LLC, has been in the design industry most of her life.

The daughter of a designer, Jessica has been creating unique and comfortable spaces since her Barbie house as a child. Jessica’s clients are nationwide with a variety of styles, budgets, and needs.

A client once referred to Jessica as a room whisperer, and it stuck. Her gift to imagine the potential of a space with or without your existing items while consciously helping the client to create their personal style is her talent and passion.

In addition to her residential clients, Jessica was asked to design a VRBO on the Oregon Coast in 2015 for a client. This learning experience inspired Jessica to create a new company specifically for the needs of the vacation rental industry — Vacation Rental Designers. Jessica saw the opportunity to share her skills in vacation rental design in 2023 and formed the Vacation Rental Designers Collective to mentor and support other designers in this category.

Jane Dagmi:

Jane Dagmi is a career storyteller, educator and connector, currently serving as the Managing Director of High Point by Design (HPxD), a non-profit organization that champions for High Point, North Carolina as a year-round destination for design, creativity and innovation by uniting and promoting the city’s rich and productive ecosystem. Prior to this role, she was the Editor in Chief of Designers Today magazine where she spent four years successfully growing the publication’s reputation, audience and community. Jane’s first trek to High Point was in the mid 90’s when she was an editor at Country Living magazine. Enamored with the city’s legacy and intrigued by its fresh potential, Jane has called High Point home since 2018, and enjoys being an active player in High Point’s changing landscape.

Connect with Ericka Saurit

VRD Summit’s Instagram

Download your free brand audit

Book a call with Erika

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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 #351: Power Talk Friday: Jane Dagmi: Editor in Chief of Designers Today

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #368: Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design

AWDB #437: High Point Market: Plan a Successful Trip

AWDB #606: Phoebe Oldrey: How a Niche Can Give New Life to Your Business

AWDB #770: Tiffany Cassidy: Niching into Vacation Home Design

AWDB #868: Jill Cole: Sustaining a Prosperous Hospitality Design Firm in an Ever-Changing World

AWDB #894: Jessica Duce: The Vacation Rental Design Summit at High Point Market

Other Resources Mentioned:

VRD Summit – HPXD – High Point x Design

01-09-202402-05-2025

946: Morgan Molitor: Running Your Interior Design Business When You Have Other Business Ventures

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0:55:31

946: Morgan Molitor: Running Your Interior Design Business When You Have Other Business Ventures

Today With Morgan Molitor:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. My guest today, Morgan Molitor, was introduced to me by Brad Leavitt, a friend of the show and Power Talk Friday expert. Morgan and Brad, along with Nick Shiffer, founded the Contractor Coalition Summit, a conference for the construction industry. Morgan is also the co-founder of construction2style, a full-service design-build firm, alongside her husband Jamie. And, as if that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Morgan also runs a media company for designers and construction firms, and a separate nonprofit, along with creating online education workshops. Oh, and did I mention she has three young kids? If that sounds essentially impossible to you, you aren’t alone. Today, Morgan breaks down how she manages to keep everything running smoothly and all the lessons she has learned along the way.

Pick It Apart

[1:04] Morgan breaks down all of the facets of her businesses and how they came to be.

[9:35] Morgan and LuAnn discuss the visionary vs. the implementer and how Morgan turns her ideas into reality.

[16:20] Morgan shares her processes and the way she prioritizes tasks.

[24:18] Morgan and LuAnn talk about work-life balance and maintaining connection when your spouse is your co-worker.

[33:56] Morgan talks about the Contractor Coalition Summit and what attendees can expect.

LuAnn Nigara and Morgan Molitor’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You have to take one thing at a time and be present in the moment. Okay, I’m in business mode. I’m in mom mode. And you know, being a business owner and entrepreneur, clients can rock you, family can rock you. All these things that we deal with every day in our personal lives can rock you.” -Morgan

“You can have the ideas, you can see the vision, you can see where it’s gonna go. But we need the person who says step one is this step two, is this step three is this. The visionary dreamer will be impacting the steps all along the way. But it’s tough to get it done without the people who are getting it done.” -LuAnn

More About Morgan Molitor

Morgan is the other half and co-founder of construction2style, alongside her husband Jamie. Wife, mom of 3, content creator, marketing strategist, stylist and designer.

For over 10 years, they’ve been tearing houses apart and creating new dream spaces not only for their clients but for themselves. Starting c2s from the ground up as a DIY blog and have since evolved into a full- service design + build and small media company. They document it all from the construction side, to how to build a website, developing multiple streams of revenue, to how to build your brand while ensuring profitability, marketing courses, in person workshops, and more.

They also run a nonprofit called resilience2reform, giving those a voice who have reformed their lives and deserve a second chance. As well as is a partner in Contractor Coalition Summit, a four day in person national workshop geared towards Contractors for those looking to elevate their brand.

MN based but nationwide, Morgan graduated from college in Long Beach, CA with a fashion merchandising and marketing degree, she has now taken that creativity and knowledge to use within their multiple businesses, clients homes and websites.

Morgan oversees all content creation, manages the brand partnerships, is the writing guru, and overall creative director. She also heads up their online education courses and in- person marketing conferences. You can always find an infectious smile on Morgan’s face and hear her contagious laugh. She’s a forward thinker, risk taker, and nothing makes her happier than when she gets to play a small part in making people’s dreams and lives thrive.

Connect with Morgan Molitor

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

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

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

01-05-202402-05-2025

945: Power Talk Friday: Courtney Pisarik: Why Consider Hiring a PR Representative as an Interior Designer?

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1:13:04

945: Power Talk Friday: Courtney Pisarik: Why Consider Hiring a PR Representative as an Interior Designer?

Today With Courtney Pisarik:

If you’ve ever contemplated hiring a PR representative, this episode is a must-listen! On this Power Talk Friday we’re joined by a friend of mine, Courtney Pisarik. If you have ever used a PR or had contact with one, then Courtney’s name might ring a bell, as she co-founded Ink PR Group following her successful starting career in the world of celebrity and entertainment PR, where she worked with A-list Hollywood talents and organizations. Her ability to help individuals and brands reach major milestones is deeply rooted in her industry relationships and ability to positively influence any situation. Today she’ll be joining me to talk about what are those things you need to consider if you’re looking to hire a PR rep, starting with the most important question, the “why” of it.

LuAnn Nigara and Courtney Pisarik’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You should not worry about the competition, you should appreciate the expertise.” – Courtney Pisarik

More About Courtney Pisarik

Courtney Pisarik co-founded Ink PR Group following her successful starting career in the world of celebrity and entertainment PR, where she worked with A-list Hollywood talents and organizations. Today, she’s taken her red carpet experience to the world of design, where she continuously helps launch some of the industry’s biggest stars including Bobby Berk, costar of Netflix’s Queer Eye, and Breegan Jane, HGTV host. Courtney’s ability to help individuals and brands reach major milestones is deeply rooted in her industry relationships and ability to positively influence any situation. She approaches each client with a combination of enthusiasm, curiosity, and intelligence that results in award-winning and influential campaigns. At the end of the day, her hands-on approach and ability to craft powerful brand narratives is what ultimately drives these superior results. Her expertise lies within a diverse group of services including media relations, brand development, and the ability to foster meaningful connections. With a focus on interior designers, architects, and brands in the home and lifestyle space, Ink PR Group’s reach is expansive and ever-evolving.

Connect with Courtney Pisarik

Facebook

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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 369 Power Talk Friday: Stephen Karlisch: Professional Tips for Getting More Out of Your Interior Design Photoshoots

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB 630: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Delaney: Networking and Press for Photographers and Interior Designers

AWDB 563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

AWDB 444: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Winchester: Talking About Copyright and Usage with an Interiors Photographer

AWDB 97: Linda Holt- From Professional Photographer to Interior Designer and Accomplished Blogger

AWDB 343: Power Talk Friday: Raquel Langworthy: Partnering with Your Interiors Photographer

AWDB 51: Power Talk Friday with David D. Livingston-Professional Interior Photographer

AWDB 623: Power Talk Friday: Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera: The Art of Making, Not Taking, a Photo

AWDB 138: Power Talk Friday – Charlotte Safavi- Why Even An Interior Designer Can Benefit From a Professional Stylist On The Photo Shoot

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Designer Within – John McClain’s book

Processes & Systems Collection

Today With Courtney Pisarik:

LuAnn Nigara and Courtney Pisarik’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You should not worry about the competition, you should appreciate the expertise.” – Courtney Pisarik

More About Courtney Pisarik

Connect with Courtney Pisarik

Facebook

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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 369 Power Talk Friday: Stephen Karlisch: Professional Tips for Getting More Out of Your Interior Design Photoshoots

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB 630: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Delaney: Networking and Press for Photographers and Interior Designers

AWDB 563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography

AWDB 444: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Winchester: Talking About Copyright and Usage with an Interiors Photographer

AWDB 97: Linda Holt- From Professional Photographer to Interior Designer and Accomplished Blogger

AWDB 343: Power Talk Friday: Raquel Langworthy: Partnering with Your Interiors Photographer

AWDB 51: Power Talk Friday with David D. Livingston-Professional Interior Photographer

AWDB 623: Power Talk Friday: Charlotte Safavi & Robert Radifera: The Art of Making, Not Taking, a Photo

AWDB 138: Power Talk Friday – Charlotte Safavi- Why Even An Interior Designer Can Benefit From a Professional Stylist On The Photo Shoot

Other Resources Mentioned:

The Designer Within – John McClain’s book

Processes & Systems Collection

01-02-202407-31-2025

944: Susan Lizan-Immerman: Lessons from a Seasoned Interior Design Veteran

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0:59:58

944: Susan Lizan-Immerman: Lessons from a Seasoned Interior Design Veteran

Today With Susan Lizan-Immerman:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Susan Lizan-Immerman, founder and CEO of MDesign Home Decor, 25+ year veteran businesswoman, and all-around #smartlady. Susan started her business journey in the garment industry when it was very much a man’s world—but she didn’t let that stop her. Through valuable relationships and connections, as well as a real CEO mindset, that we should all aspire to, Susan grew multiple thriving businesses and created a longstanding career. I am so excited to share with you my guest today, Susan Lizan-Immerman. Susan is a true seasoned veteran businesswoman. Today, she’s sharing how she did it, and how you can cultivate that CEO mindset and create a successful interior design business.

Pick It Apart

[5:16] Susan shares her journey and how she learned that connections and networking are everything.

[11:42] LuAnn and Susan discuss the importance of joining organizations and building communities, no matter what level.

[15:35] Susan talks about the importance of mentorship, both as a mentor and a mentee.

[19:52] Susan breaks down her latest venture, MDesign, and how it can benefit interior designers.

[36:10] Susan talks about what it takes to be an effective CEO.

LuAnn Nigara and Susan Lizan-Immerman’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It took telling myself, how do I feel comfortable being uncomfortable? As soon as I start feeling uncomfortable, I have to submerge myself in that in order to feel comfortable.” -Susan

“You have to be prepared to get lucky. You’re constantly preparing, you’re doing all of the right things. You’re making all of the best decisions you can each moment that you can, and then all of a sudden, something happens.” -LuAnn

More About Susan Lizan-Immerman

Conceiving, developing and executing the strategies and initiatives that drive revenue, growth, competitive market positioning, profits and shareholder value is what I do best. Throughout my career in senior executive and entrepreneurial roles with leaders in the apparel and home industry, I’ve earned a track record of success in achieving exceptional rather than expected results. I’m recognized as one who possesses the experience, capabilities and judgment for taking a business to its next level of success or resolving the deficiencies that impede its ability to grow. My management style can be described as “hands on” and decisive yet flexible. I value and reward creative thinking, initiative, teamwork, commitment and performance.

Connect with Susan Lizan-Immerman

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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

#831 Nate Berkus: The Importance of Creating An Exceptional Client Experience

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

12-29-202307-31-2025

943: Power Talk Friday: The Top Ten Listened to Episodes of 2023!

1082 What Would Lu Do The Big Shift What S Changing On A Well Designed Business And Why Thumbnail.png

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0:20:29

943: Power Talk Friday: The Top Ten Listened to Episodes of 2023!

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Join me on the last show of 2023 to do a quick recap of the best episodes we had this year! From inspiring events like LuAnn Live 2023 to the launch of our docuseries, “The Making of A Well-Designed Business,” it has been a journey of growth and connection. 2023 brought valuable lessons, including the importance of self-care. Stay tuned as we recap the top 10 most listened episodes of the year!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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

840: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB

842: Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity

847: Flashback Friday: Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success

844: John McClain: Turn Failure into Success

841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind

843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers

848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client

849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design

846: Kellie Burke: If You’re Not Failing, You’re Not Risking

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

TIE

179. Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Navigating Conflicting Messages About Money

181: Sandra Funk: A Million Dollar Mindset for Setting Boundaries and Standing in Your Space

177: Katie McDonald: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Self-Care

180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness

196: Rachael Bozsik-Johanson: The Luxury Shift: Align Your Desires and Elevate Your Brand to the Top 3% of Your Niche

182: Amber de la Garza: The Power of Prioritization: Reimagining Productivity and Embracing Balance

183: Claire Jefford: Content is Queen: Leverage Video Content That is True To You

178: Eileen Hahn: Unlocking Your Joy: Strategies for Personal and Professional Fulfillment

WTFP

161: Lynn Eastergard: Qualify Your Clients By Charging Consultation and Retainer Fees

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

134: Deb Barrett: Why Textiles Matter

122: Jill Ballew: Her System for Chasing Post Installation Issues

137: Richard Bernath: Networking for a More Profitable Window Treatment Business

169: Lori Ann Jones: Broke to Stoked! Building a Profitable Window Treatment Business, the Lean Way

164: Julie Wood: Let Passion and Enthusiasm Be Your Guide

Other Resources Mentioned:

The “3 Fives” Routine: 15- Minutes A Day To Uplevel Your Whole Life by Joshua Smith

Interior Design Standard

Profit Insiders Academy with Nancy Ganzekaufer

The Designer Within Book by John McClain

12-26-202307-31-2025

942: Delyse Berry: The Execution of the Design Project is as Important as the Design Result

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0:50:48

942: Delyse Berry: The Execution of the Design Project is as Important as the Design Result

Today With Delyse Berry:

Today, I am joined by Delyse Berry, owner of Upstate Down, an interior design studio and real estate brokerage, with also a home decor store. Delyse uses a process built around a holistic approach which entails a clear formula for clients to understand what they do, their vision , and the best execution process. This framework delivers an incredible experience for clients, a streamline process for them, and has grown their business faster and more effortlessly. Listen in to get the details!

Pick It Apart

[3:07] How Delyse shares the process with clients without overwhelming them.

[10:30] Trusting yourself so others can trust you.

[12:36] Delyse breaks down what is on the spreadsheet that clients see, and the spreadsheet that only she and her team see.

[17:00] Backing up all of your documents.

[24:03] How Delyse built momentum in her business in such a short period of time.

[:55] Since they charge hourly, Delyse shares how they track the hours and how they invoice.

LuAnn Nigara and Delyse Berry’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The execution process is as important as the end result.” – Delyse Berry

“I think the industry needs to look at the way in which it is executed. If a client isn’t happy about something, we need to look at how we contribute and deliver the news to them.” – Delyse Berry

“Laying out as much up front as you can during your initial conversation with a client is very important.” – Delyse Berry

“A beautiful outcome can’t come from a crappy process.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Delyse Berry

CEO & Principal Broker. Rhinebeck resident by way of New Jersey and Brooklyn. Interior Designer and Principal Broker with 10+ years experience in high end Real Estate in the Hudson Valley. Holiday enthusiast, treasure collector, and proud mama. Is secretly re-designing every room she enters.

Connect with Delyse Berry

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #930: April Gandy: The Key to Managing a Successful Renovation Project

AWDB #936: Heather Vitti Pruett: Resilience and Relationships: Keys to Success in Her Interior Design Business

12-22-202307-31-2025

941: Power Talk Friday: Erin Moore: A Personal Approach to Sales in the Design Industry

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1:18:39

941: Power Talk Friday: Erin Moore: A Personal Approach to Sales in the Design Industry

Today With Erin Moore:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Erin Moore. After more than a decade of experience as a sales leader in the often male-dominated tech, Erin developed a female-focused approach that she wasn’t finding in traditional sales books. Now, she passionately teaches women how to sell in an authentic and personal way through her business, A Sales Conversation. Erin is here with actionable steps on how we can open our minds, expand our skill sets, and practice the art of effective selling by navigating through the three modes of selling: transactional, neutral, and emotive.

Pick It Apart

[1:38] LuAnn asks Erin about her philosophy on sales.

[10:42] Erin talks about the importance of being able to pivot between sales modes based on the conversation.

[15:18] Erin defines relational, transactional, and neutral as sales mode terms.

[20:51] LuAnn and Erin discuss how to move forward with this mindset and the importance of being in community with others and taking care of ourselves.

[28:48] Erin speaks to the importance of building skills, getting coached, and practicing.

[37:23] Erin shares how knowing and owning your strengths is directly related to your pricing and value.

[42:17] LuAnn and Erin discuss the practice of deregulating the nervous system.

LuAnn Nigara and Erin Moore’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Don’t lose that person that’s compassionate and passionate and wants to help and so please, but just expand and then open your mind that there are skill sets that you can learn and one of them is sales. So you can still be you, but you actually have skills.” – LuAnn Nigara “I want to let every woman know your whole self is also clear, direct, firm sets boundaries, says no.” – Erin Moore “The difference between somebody who’s skilled and somebody who isn’t skilled in relationship to sales is you know how to pivot in and out of those three things of transaction of neutral, and emotive.” – Erin Moore “When we’re inside the bottle, we can’t see the label.” – Erin Moore “It’s not one size fits all, it’s helping and trying to identify where our strengths are. And then, to [Erin’s] point, expanding to include the other skill sets.” – LuAnn Nigara “Perfect practice makes great play.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Erin Moore

Erin Moore has been a sales leader in the tech industry for over a decade. She has acted as a powerful force for the companies she has worked for such as Marquam and Centerspan, bringing a strategic mindset and technical skillset to directing their sales teams. While working in this male-dominated field, she began to develop a female-focused sales mindset approach that she wasn’t finding in traditional sales books. Now, Erin is passionate about teaching women how to sell in an authentic and personal way. Company: A Sales Conversation.

Connect with Erin Moore

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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 #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: AWDB #760: Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth

12-19-202302-05-2025

940: Christine Vroom: An Honest Conversation about Mental Health and the Interior Design Industry

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0:57:25

940: Christine Vroom: An Honest Conversation about Mental Health and the Interior Design Industry

Today With Christine Vroom:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Christine Vroom of Christine Vroom Interiors in Los Angeles, California. Christine spaces focus on enhancing mental health, along with physical and spiritual well-being, and that’s by design. Through her own mental health journey, Christine has learned how to better take care of herself, surrounded herself with a supportive team, and translated her own difficult times into compassion and understanding toward her clients. Just as our systems and processes play a role in our business, so does our mental and physical health. Christine has put a lot of time, thought, and effort into finding the best ways to care for herself in order to show up better as a business owner. But it’s a journey. Today, she is sharing her story and some of the wisdom she has learned along the way.

Pick It Apart

[2:34] Christine and LuAnn discuss the importance of open, honest conversations about mental health, especially as it pertains to the interior design industry.

[5:18] Christine expands on the pressure of perfectionism in this industry and shares her strategies on how to take care of ourselves and our mental health within those expectations.

[10:10] Christine tells the story of her struggle to recover from an eating disorder—which is actually an anxiety disorder.

[19:06] LuAnn asks Christine what triggers her now and how she puts safeguards up to protect her mental health.

[26:12] Christine speaks about evolving with her mental health and why she considers it a blessing in disguise.

[39:21] Christine and LuAnn chat about how taking care of our own mental health can give us more compassion toward others and how that can especially serve us in our businesses.

LuAnn Nigara and Christine Vroom’s Ah-Ha Moments

“We do have to have that level of perfectionism [in the interior design industry]. But the question is, how do we take care of ourselves?” – Christine Vroom “We’re beyond that. We’re beyond the ruminating. We’re beyond the mental obsessions. We’re beyond really caring if somebody thinks that you didn’t do what you know you did. We gotta let it go.” – Christine Vroom “I don’t need to ride on your roller coaster.” – Christine Vroom “When you’re evolved, and you do know yourself well enough to know that you have anxiety or ‘fill in the blank’ then the tactic now is to actively protect your own psyche through that roller coaster ride.” – LuAnn Nigara “If we picked out our best, best, best trait, it is also our Achilles heel.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Christine Vroom

Christine Vroom Interiors is a full service interior and exterior design firm in Los Angeles, California, founded by senior designer Christine Vroom. Bringing together her love of timeless design with a fashion-forward attention to detail, Christine has made an impression on homeowners, developers, architects, and business owners alike. Guided by the philosophy of ‘beauty meets function,’ Christine creates liveable luxury through inviting, well designed spaces that directly enhance mental health, physical and spiritual well-being.

Connect with Christine Vroom

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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 #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:

AWDB #899: Power Talk Friday: Janine Aurichio: The Inside Job: 3 Keys to Calm, Clear, and Joyful Creativity

TIE #180: Jude Charles: Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Wellness

12-15-202302-05-2025

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

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1:9:04

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

Today With Amy Flurry:

Join us on this episode as we welcome Amy Flurry back to the show. Amy operates a boutique communications and brand development firm in Athens, Georgia. Along with her team and advisor, they partner with companies in the home furnishings industry to develop and implement focused communication plans, expand marketing strategies to connect to the interior design trade and apply trend direction to product development. In today’s episode she’ll be telling us all about Aloka Homes, a company that re energizes vintage quilts, made of layers of saris that were hand-stitched in India 60-80 years ago. Prepare to be inspired by the artistry and story behind these remarkable pieces!

More About Amy Flurry

Amy Flurry operates a boutique communications and brand development firm in Athens, Georgia. Along with her team and advisor, they partner with companies in the home furnishings industry to develop and implement focused communication plans, expand marketing strategies to connect to the interior design trade and apply trend direction to product development.

Amy has two decades of editorial experience, producing features and writing for top print and online publications. In 2011 Amy authored Recipe for Press (Pitch Your Story and Create a Buzz,) and is a nationally recognized speaker on the subject of DIY PR. Recipe for Press (Designer Edition) is her newest book with the tools interior designers need to take advantage of the press opportunities available to creative professionals. The book took shape after two years as creative director of the first-of-its kind project management app for interior design professionals.

Amy is co-founder of Paper-Cut-Project, a company that conceives highly crafted installations for fashion houses including Hermes, Kate Spade, Valentino, Christies and the Victoria & Albert Museum. She is also principal in aloka, a home accessories company with an emphasis on limited-supply vintage pillows and throws thoughtfully styled for today’s living.

Connect with Amy Flurry

Aloka Home

Recipe For Press’ Instagram

Get the books!

Aloka Home’s Instagram

Post Press Kit

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!