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1099: NEW SHOW: Shea McGee: From Dream to Empire: How Shea Built Studio McGee 3.0

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Today With Shea McGee:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I’m welcoming back Shea McGee—celebrity designer, co-founder of Studio McGee and McGee & Co., and star of Netflix’s Dream Home Makeover.

In this episode, Shea opens up about:

  • The original vision she held—and how it evolved
  • What it takes to manage multiple branches of a growing brand
  • How she balances creative leadership with strategic growth
  • Why she’s still dreaming bigger, even after a decade in business

LuAnn Nigara and Shea McGee’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“If the goal is to make e-commerce be an arm of the design business, you can. It’s just, if you’re trying to reach a scale, it requires a lot of money to build something that is sustainable and helpful to consumers.” -Shea

More About Shea McGee

Shea McGee is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee, leading the creative direction for all facets within the Studio McGee Inc. portfolio of brands— Studio McGee, the interior design arm, and McGee & Co., the product side. Shea’s path to launching Studio McGee in 2014 began years before when she left her position at an ad agency in order to manage the remodel of her and her husband Syd’s first California home. Documenting the process on social media, Shea became an early online influencer, quickly attracting a loyal following with her approachable style and ethos. The online success led to the launch of her own interior design firm, Studio McGee.

The design business experienced rapid growth, paving the way for the launch of their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co., along with a lineup of licensing partnerships and marketing opportunities that amplified their design voice—an autobiography, Make Life Beau+ful, a coffee table book, The Art of Home, a long-running show on Netflix, Dream Home Makeover, and product collaborations with brands like Target, Kohler, Ann Sacks, and Pura.

Connect with Shea McGee

Studio McGee

McGee And Co

Studio McGee Instagram

McGee And Co Instagram

YouTube

The Art Of Home Book

⁠

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Duke Renders⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Other Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Duke Renders

Other Shows:

AWDB #236: Shea McGee of Studio McGee Joins Me Today!!!!

AWDB #270: Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

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

AWDB #869: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders – How Interior Designers Can Price Themselves Right

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

AWDB #783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders for Interior Designers

AWDB #389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula

AWDB #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients

AWDB #159: Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer

AWDB #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich

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1098: LuAnn Featured: Speaking Your Brand: Creating and Preparing for a Keynote Presentation with LuAnn Nigara [Coaching]

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Today With Carol Cox (Speaking Your Brand):

So… you’ve been asked to give a keynote. Cue the excitement—then the panic. I get it. Keynotes aren’t your average “share some tips” kind of talk. They’re about stepping up, owning your message, and taking your audience on a journey. And trust me, it takes work.

In this episode of the Speaking Your Brand podcast, I joined Carol Cox for a deep-dive debrief of the keynote I recently delivered at a major industry conference.

We talk through:

  • Why I was invited—and why I said yes
  • The three-month process I used to prepare
  • The one thing I underestimated (and wouldn’t next time!)
  • How I approached memorization and transitions
  • The real message I wanted to leave the audience with

If you’re thinking about stepping into the keynote spotlight, or just curious about what it actually takes to deliver one that hits home, this episode is for you.

It’s honest. It’s actionable. And yes—it’s all the behind-the-scenes I wish someone had told me before I got started.

Check the Speaking Your Brand Podcast with Carol Cox

LuAnn University – Join Now!

If you’ve been asked to do a keynote talk at a conference – or one of your goals is to do a keynote – this episode is going to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to prepare and deliver a keynote.

Keynotes are meant to be inspirational and aspirational, which is different from a standard business presentation or breakout session where you’re sharing tactical, step-by-step things that people can do.

Instead, in a keynote, you want to take the audience on a journey, weaving in your own stories and experiences, and sharing with them your big idea.

In this episode, I talk with one of my clients, LuAnn Nigara, and we do a debrief of the keynote she recently gave at a large industry conference.

You’ll hear about the process we went through to create the speech, how LuAnn felt on stage, and LuAnn shares with us some things she would do differently. I knew she would nail her keynote – and she did!

You’ll love LuAnn’s energy – she was a lot of fun to work with and to have on the show.

Let me tell you about LuAnn’s background: She is an award-winning window treatment authority, host of one of the most popular podcasts for the design industry, A Well-Designed Business, and overall business dynamo. She has a multi-million-dollar window treatment business in New Jersey, which has serviced over 24,000 customers over the past 35 years.

Be sure to subscribe to the show if you haven’t already. I have more training and coaching calls coming up, including on TEDx talks and pitching the media, so this way you’ll automatically get the new episodes.

And share this episode with a friend, especially if you know someone who will be doing a keynote or wants to in the future.

Highlights:

  • Why LuAnn was invited to do a keynote
  • How LuAnn prepared for the keynote, starting 3 months ahead of time until a few days before
  • What LuAnn felt like she needed the most help
  • How LuAnn and I worked together to create her message and keynote speech
  • How LuAnn decided to start her keynote
  • Lessons she learned and what she would do differently next time
  • LuAnn’s decision to memorize her talk and how she went about doing that
  • The importance of really knowing your transitions between sections
  • The feedback she received after her keynote
  • The core message from LuAnn’s keynote

Links:

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1097: NEW SHOW: Margalit Lankry: Designers with Intention. A Community with a Collaborative, Abundance Mindset

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Today With Margalit Lankry:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am excited to welcome the wonderful Margalit Lankry to the show. Margalit is a working interior designer with over 26 years of experience, but she’s also the founder of something truly special—a group called Designers with Intention. This community of nearly 300 female designers has created genuine collaboration over competition in an industry where that’s rare.

What started as Margalit’s honest moment of wondering why other designers were getting projects she wasn’t became a movement that proves there really is enough work for all of us when we choose abundance over scarcity. These women, many of whom could be bidding on the same projects, have instead become friends who celebrate each other’s wins and share real business advice.

LuAnn Nigara and Margalit Lankry’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“My design is my passion and when someone finds their passion and they’re able to tap into it, they are so much more of a happy person and it’s such a gift to be able to use that in this world.” – Margalit Lankry

“The more everyone in business levels up and behaves with professionalism, the better they will do.” LuAnn Nigara

More About Margalit Lankry

Margalit Lankry, has been a leader in the world of interior design for over 25 years. She is best known for her portfolio of high-end commercial spaces. Her passion for her craft bursts though in every project she undertakes. She infuses each space with a unique blend of elegance, functionality, and style. Yet, amidst her achievements, Margalit remains grounded and generous, always willing to share her wealth of knowledge and expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs and designers.

Margalit’s dedication to her work, coupled with her unwavering commitment to helping others succeed, sets her apart as a true leader and inspiration in the field of interior design and entrepreneurship. With every project she takes part in, Margalit Lankry continues to leave an indelible mark on the industry, shaping the future of design and business for generations to come.

Connect with Margalit Lankry

Website

Instagram

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Design Trade Service⁠

Other Shows:

AWDB #1035: Lindsay Hunter: The Equestrian Interior Designer: Getting Ultra-Specific with Your Niche

AWDB #1085: Best of Show: Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

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

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1096: LuAnn Featured: Eventual Millionaire: A Well-Designed Business With LuAnn Nigara

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Today With Jaime Masters (Eventual Millionaire):

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat.Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry.In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions.If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below.

Check the Eventual Millionaire Podcast with Jaime Masters:

https://eventualmillionaire.com/a-well-designed-business-with-luann-nigara/

Check Their Show Notes!

Here’s what you’ll learn from LuAnn about A Well-Designed Business:

– How to avoid feeling stagnant without the need to jumping from project to project all the time.

– Your body always tells you when you’re working too hard. Discover how LuAnn recognizes the signs before it’s too late!

– How to master the work-life balance when you’re running a business with your spouse.

– Can you “get it all done”? without actually needing to get it all done?

– Do THIS to save your business from getting haywire.

– How to “trick” yourself into feeling on top of things again.

– The single most important question you must be asking yourself every single day. (It’s not what you think.)

Tune in and listen: A Well-Designed Business With LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website: LuAnnNigara.com

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1095: Best Of Show: Amber Lewis: Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference

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Today With Amber Lewis:

She was a Key Note Speaker at the recent Design Blogger’s Conference. LuAnn didn’t get to talk to her at the conference, so she’s really happy to interview Amber on today’s show, as there were parts of her story that LuAnne thought were really fun and interesting. LuAnn finds Amber’s body of work and what she’s managed to accomplish at such a young age, to be incredible. Listen in now and get some great tips for gaining followers on social media.

More About Amber Lewis

Amber Interior Design is a California-based interior design studio created by Amber Lewis. With vast experience in residential and commercial projects, her multi-faceted approach to design has garnered her clients far and wide who seek to create aspirational yet functional spaces that celebrate heritage-inspired concepts built to stand the test of time.

Amber celebrates classic design concepts in her projects. She is recognized for her ability to seamlessly layer eclectic and vintage furniture pieces, found textiles, and natural design elements that result in livable and elevated environments. Amber’s aesthetic transcends the boundaries of traditional design and aims to immerse her clients into a world that feels current, approachable, and timeless.

In addition to the design firm, Amber is the owner of a burgeoning retail outlet, Shoppe Amber Interiors, author of two best-selling interior design books, Made for Living and Call It Home, and creator of the editorial site, All Sorts Of. Amber’s content-first philosophy in the social media sphere has enabled her to grow a community of individuals from around the world who value her unique aesthetics as a tastemaker in design, fashion, and style.

Outside of her robust interior design portfolio, Amber has collaborated with a multitude of brands to design original collections with Anthropologie, Loloi, Four Hands, Visual Comfort, and Etsy. Spanning the categories of furniture, accessories, art, lighting, bedding, rugs, pillows, and more, Amber’s affinity for eye-catching details and distinctive forms is showcased in her partnerships, making her aspirational designs available to everyone and solidifying her status as a household name.

Connect with Amber Lewis

Website

Instagram

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business podcast.⁠

⁠Kravet⁠ – Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order

Other Shows:⁠AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why⁠

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1094: NEW SHOW: Alison Melnick: Systems, Support & Strategy: A Designer’s First Year

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Today With Alison Melnick:

Today with Alison Melnick, we’re diving into a story of bold pivots, transferable skills, and the power of building your business with intention. Alison is the founder of Catherine Rose Design & CO., a New Jersey-based interior design firm known for creating beautiful, functional homes for modern families. But before launching her business, Alison was living a very different dream — working in PR and marketing at Madison Square Garden.

In this episode, Alison shares how she transitioned from the corporate world to entrepreneurship, how she used her background to her advantage, and why she treated her design firm like a real business from day one. You’ll hear how she built her portfolio with strategy, invested in branding and systems, and developed trade relationships that now support her growth.

LuAnn Nigara and Alison Melnick’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“If I’m going to start this business, I’m going to do it the right way. I’m going to get a brand. I’m going to get a logo. I’m going to get a website. I’m going to build a social media platform. I’m going to make content.” – Alison

“If you’re going to do something, do it like a grown-up business. Because a grown-up business starts faster if you do it faster.” – LuAnn

More About Alison Melnick

A mother of two with a passion for designing beautiful and inviting spaces, Alison Melnick founded Catherine Rose Design & CO. to help others turn their houses into homes. An expert in construction consulting and design, Alison is trusted by her clients as someone who can ease the remodeling process and curate a beautiful and functional family home.

With years of experience working with local contractors, Alison earned her design certificate at Berkeley College in 2020 and has since worked on dozens of interior projects. Previously a publicist and marketing professional at Madison Square Garden, Alison’s background in project management, event logistics, and creative solutions translate perfectly into her day to day at CRD&CO.

Connect with Alison Melnick

Website

Blog

Instagram

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠

AHD and Co. Trade

Demystifying Interior Design Fees: Clarity, Confidence, and Client Conversations – Recording of our Window Works Launch & Learn with Anastasia Harrison

Recording of our Window Works Launch & Learn with Nicole Heymer

Nicole Heymer’s Website

Design Trade Service

Other Shows:

AWDB #06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

AWDB #950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People

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

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1093: LuAnn Featured: Profit Is A Choice: Excellence is the Key to Repeatable Profitability

1093 Luann Featured Profit Is A Choice Excellence Is The Key To Repeatable Profitability Thumbnail.png

Today With Profit Is A Choice Podcast:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry.

In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions.

If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below.

Visit Profit Is A Choice

Check Their Show Notes!

Joining us today is LuAnn Nigara. LuAnn is the co-owner of Window Works NJ, a window treatment and awning retailer, a best-selling author and the engaging host of the design industry’s number 1 podcast, A Well-Designed Business. LuAnn brings her energetic and straightforward style to all that she does.

Topics Mentioned:

Excellence

Ownership

Systems

Thoughts from LuAnn:

If you make the decision to start a firm, make the further decision to be accountable to make it great.

LuAnn’s tagline is Excellence is a decision. It is understanding the power of deciding it is my choice and it is up to me.

Barriers and/or Challenges to excellence can be confidence, accountability and owning it.

If you aren’t taking credit for what is broken, how can you be a part of the solution?

Systems to be successful are everything. If you don’t have a system, you have a ‘you’ not a business. A system makes your business sellable.

The systems are the things that keep you going when the going gets tough.

Excellence can mean repeatability.

Working in alignment with who you are and what you believe is critical. It is difficult to work out of alignment.

Links and Resources:

LuAnn’s website- https://www.luannigara.com

Understanding your Financials course by Michele Williams

Books:

Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark C. Winters

E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz

212 The Extra Degree by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson

The Making of – A Well Designed Business by LuAnn Nigara

Socials:

Instagram: @LuannNigara

Facebook: @awelldesignedbusiness

YouTube:- https://www.youtube.com/awelldesignedbusiness

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1092: Best Of Show: Stacy Garcia: A Thoughtful Conversation with a Design Visionary

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Today With Stacy Garcia:

What does it take to build a brand that stands the test of time? In this Best Of Show episode, LuAnn Nigara sits down with internationally recognized designer and entrepreneur, Stacy Garcia, to unpack the lessons behind her multi-faceted design empire.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How Stacy built a business rooted in vision, strategy, and family legacy
  • What it takes to license your name and scale your design voice globally
  • Why trend forecasting is an essential skill—and how to cultivate it
  • How collaboration and partnership have been central to Stacy’s success

More About Stacy Garcia

Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, to parents who “spent a little too much time following the Grateful Dead on a motorcycle”, Stacy’s strong heritage and love of travel have helped to form her unique design philosophy, inventive use of color and remarkable pattern design skills.

After graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in Surface Pattern Design, Garcia worked for Ralph Lauren’s Home Collection and then a large textile firm in NYC designing for their hospitality division. At 26, she founded her textile company, LebaTex, named after her great-grandmother, Leba. In 2004, she launched the Stacy Garcia Design Studio to license her patterns and designs to other manufacturers.

Since then, she has partnered with some of the world’s leading manufacturers and retailers to create products that span from floor to ceiling for resorts, hotels, and homes all over the world.

As a forecasting and design expert, Garcia serves as a chair holder of the Color Marketing Group, the international association of color professionals. She was voted one of the 10 leading voices in the hospitality design industry and honored by ASID for Design Excellence. Her work has been featured in Interior Design, Boutique Design, LUXE, Architectural Digest and Traditional Home. Stacy also serves as the Executive Chair for NEWH’s Martha’s Mentor Program, a transformative, 10-month initiative designed to connect aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry with experienced industry mentors.

Connect with Stacy Garcia

Website

Stacy Garcia New York

Blue Label

Stacy Garcia Home

Stay

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

LinkedIn

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠⁠

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠⁠

Watch the full 3-part Docuseries here. See behind the scenes of what it took to build A Well-Designed Business podcast.

Kravet – Don’t forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order

Other Shows:

AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

Posted on

1091: New Show: Mikel Welch: Celebrity Interior Design Insights: If You Want It, You Have to Work for It

1091 New Show Mikel Welch Celebrity Interior Design Insights If You Want It You Have To Work For It Thumbnail.png

Today With Mikel Welch:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am very excited to welcome Emmy-winning television host and celebrity designer Mikel Welch back to the show.

Long-time listeners of the show will know that Mikel’s original episode is a long-standing favorite, one that I have re-aired and referenced many times, and with good reason. Mikel’s television appearances and design accolades include HGTV, The Drew Barrymore Show, Elle Decor, Kip’s Bay, and so much more.

But as we heard in his first episode, Mikel didn’t stumble into success just by luck. He also put in plenty of hard work and blood, sweat, and tears along the way, starting with no experience and couch surfing his way to a design career. Today, he’s here to share his story, update us on his journey, and offer his insight into how to make opportunities happen for yourself.

LuAnn Nigara and Mikel Welch’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“You do what you have to do. If you want it bad enough, then you have to work for it. And you have to be willing to show up with all the grit and to create those relationships along the way and to just like you are, you always kind of check yourself and say, yep, okay, little humble pie here is just fine.” -LuAnn

“I met all these people way back, you know, and these circles just keep like circling. If I drew my life, it would just be scribbles of circles that just keep connecting.” -Mikel

More About Mikel Welch

Emmy-winning host of Hack My Home on Netflix and weekly contributor to The Drew Barrymore Show, Mikel splits his time between New York City and Los Angeles. He shares his expertise on The Today Show and Good Morning America. As the creative force behind Mikel Welch Designs, his work has been showcased in the 2024 Kips Bay Showhouse and featured in Architectural Digest, People, and Elle Decor. Mikel’s high-profile projects include designs for Faith Hill, Steve Harvey, and VIP green rooms for Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Halle Berry. He also owns Mikel Welch Home at The Gallery at 200 Lex in New York City and his debut Design book The Forever Home: Classic, Clever Design to Help You Put Down Roots will be released in Fall 2025.

Connect with Mikel Welch

Website

The Forever Home Book

Instagram 

Mikel Welch Home Store

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠⁠

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠⁠

Other Shows:

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

#1085 Best of Show: Shea & Syd McGee: Building a Design Empire Involves a Lot of Hustle

Posted on

1090: New Show! On-Air Strategy Session: Michelle Blemel: Stop Attracting the Wrong Clients: Redefine Your Messaging and Boundaries

1090 On Air Strategy Session Michelle Blemel Stop Attracting The Wrong Clients Redefine Your Messaging And Boundaries Thumbnail.png

Today With Michelle Blemel:

Michelle Blemel, Principal Designer of Amberleaf, Inc., has over 25 years of experience serving high-end residential and commercial clients. But despite her deep expertise, Michelle found herself attracting clients who weren’t aligned with the luxury, turnkey service she wanted to deliver.

In this On Air Strategy Session, we dive into the real behind-the-scenes struggles that many seasoned designers face:

Why vague website messaging leads to misaligned clients

How flexibility can backfire when you’re positioning yourself as the expert

What to change in your testimonials and proposals to reinforce your value

How to conduct project “autopsies” to continually refine your client experience

If you’re ready to move from “custom to chaotic” to a streamlined, high-touch design business, this episode will show you how to make the shift.

Plus, be sure to revisit Episode 1048 with Melanie Lybrand for another powerful positioning breakthrough.

LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Blemel’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“A strong brand doesn’t mean you’re for everyone. It means you’re the perfect choice for the right people.” – Michelle Blemel

More About Michelle Blemel

Owner and Principal Designer at Amberleaf, Inc. in Pasadena California, Michelle Blemel has over 25 years of experience in all phases of design and project management. She leads a full service design firm facilitating all aspects of design from concept to completion.

She received her Associates Degree in Interior Design from the Colorado Institute of Art, and continued her education at Parsons in Paris and Los Angeles.

Known for her creative approach to customized design and use of color. With clients in high-end residential as well as commercial projects, including restaurants, ski resorts, hotels and medical offices.

Michelle has distinguished herself as a creative problem solver, providing innovative solutions to tough design questions.

Connect with Michelle Blemel

Website

Facebook

YouTube

X

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

⁠⁠⁠⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠

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 Resources:

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

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

⁠⁠⁠⁠AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠Inside Voice – Sign Up!⁠

Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠
AWDB 1048: On Air Strategy Session: Melanie Lybrand: Overcoming the Fear of Raising Your Interior Design Rates