896: Cléophée Poli: A Unique Interior Design Niche Serving English-Speaking Clients in Paris

Cléophée Poli

Today With Cléophée Poli:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business today. I am very excited to welcome to the show a long-time listener, Cleo Poli.

Cleo is from Paris, but traveled abroad, living in several different places around the globe. She worked in interior design in London, but moved back home to Paris when she found out she was expecting a baby. It was there that she discovered her niche—her Fred Berns only—serving English-speaking clients in France.

Today, she’s here to share what she has learned embarking on an interior design career in Paris, establishing and developing her niche, and serving an unfulfilled need for English-speaking clients.

Pick It Apart

[4:00] Cleo shares her journey and how she ended up back home in Paris serving English-speaking clients.

[9:04] LuAnn and Cleo discuss how Cleo’s niche took shape and the importance of niching.

[14:54] Cleo explains how interior design is fundamentally different in Paris.

[31:16] Cleo shares how and why she uses a pricing structure that’s unusual to the area.

[41:21] Cleo reflects on her insights from the show and building her firm.

LuAnn Nigara and Cléophée Poli’s Ah-Ha Moments

“It’s important to know yourself first, right? Know yourself first, figure out your why, and then move. And it doesn’t matter if it’s the same or different than anybody else’s—it just matters that it’s true to you, that you know that you’re doing what you really want the way you want to do it.” -LuAnn

More About Cléophée Poli

Cléophée was born and raised in Paris and has spent the best part of the last decade living overseas (Malawi, Australia, England and now Paris again) with her Australian partner. This time abroad heightened her understanding of the need to have a home away from home as well as the chance to discover many different cultures and their affiliated designs.

Her father is an antiques and collectables merchant and her mother a multidisciplinary artist.

Growing up surrounded by art and vintage decor magazines, Cléo developed an eye for design from a very young age. Since she was a child, she scouted Parisian flea markets, museums and collector shows across Europe and the US. Design became a staple in her everyday life.

Her appreciation for good design and the arts has allowed her to tailor a very particular service offering, Kids’ Artwork, for her English-speaking expatriate clientèle based in Paris.

Connect with Cléophée Poli

Website

Instagram

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#169 Amber Lewis- Keynote Speaker at Design Blogger’s Conference

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

#670 Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know.

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

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

Awdb Sandra Funk Headshot (1)

Today With Sandra Funk:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that thriving in business takes a specific mindset. But what is the millionaire mindset, really? How can we break out of fear mode and start doing what it takes today to take our business where we want to be?

In today’s sponsored show, Sandra Funk is here to chat about the Interior Design Standard and the millionaire mindset for designers.

Pick It Apart

[7:54] Sandra and LuAnn discuss why waiting for the “right time” hurts designers.

[21:26] Sandra and LuAnn talk about the importance of investing in your business.

[40:07] Sandra and LuAnn share the value of setting expectations with your clients.

[45:44] Sandra shares how important it is to have a process for estimates—and to stick to it.

[49:36] Sandra shares details about the upcoming session of the Interior Design Standard.

LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk’s Ah-Ha Moments

“When we’re not process driven, and we don’t have it documented, then we are making up the conversation.” -LuAnn

“There are so many designers who are doing this designer discount and charging 10% or 20%, or even 30% markup. I tracked it people—that is break-even. 35% markup is break-even.” -Sandra

More About Sandra Funk

Sandra Funk is a trusted advisor and the celebrated design leader who built the boutique firm, House of Funk and her proven process, the Interior Design Standard. Over 30 national press outlets – Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, to name a few – have recognized Sandra for her award-winning designs and innate entrepreneurial spirit.

Despite her business degree, a background in business process consulting and a design education from Parsons, it took Sandra over a decade – and the help of several experts – to develop and fine-tune her business model for a thriving interior design firm.

Today, Sandra is deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.

Connect with Sandra Funk

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Interior Design Pricing

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business

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

#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems

#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm

#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

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

Jesica Duce

Today With Jessica Duce:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Jessica Duce, principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers is back on to talk about her Vacation Rental Design Summit she held in spring 2023 at High Point. We talk about the importance of noticing gaps in the industry and how she used them to her, and everyone’s benefit, in more ways than one. We also learn about the membership program she and her partners started, and everything else Jessica has been up to since she was last on!

Pick It Apart

[1:45] Jessica fills us in on why she was so passionate to create the Vacation rental Design Summit.

[5:00] Jessica explains that there are, in fact, differences between vacation rental design and regular design.

[13:09] Jessica shares what the new summit consisted of for both new and old vacation rental designers.

[24:20] Jessica talks about the membership program her and her partners launched at the summit.

[36: Jessica tells us about the evolution of Vacation Rental Designers since she was last on the podcast.

LuAnn Nigara and Jessica Duce’s Ah-Ha Moments

“People want to stay somewhere that doesn’t look like their home.” – Jessica Duce

“Brands want to be apart of a rental, so guests or designers that they bring in can experience these brands there instead of in a showhouse.” – Jessica Duce

More About Jessica Duce

In business for almost 20 years, interior designer Jessica Duce brings her creativity and expertise to both residential and commercial projects. With Houston as homebase, she works with clients across the country which she says affords a unique perspective on regional design trends and needs. The principal designer at both JDuce Design and Vacation Rental Designers, she saw the latter as a much-needed niche service bringing value to short-term rental property homeowners who require a unique mix of budget and modern style. Together with business partner and real estate consultant Julia Harmon, they are creating new opportunities for designers and owners in that space.

As an accomplished speaker and presenter, Jessica has appeared on numerous panels and podcasts, and she has been featured in community lifestyle publications as well as trade magazines including Business of Home, Furniture Today, Designers Today and KBIS magazine. Most recently, she announced her role as key strategist in the inaugural Vacation Rental Design Summit to be held in conjunction with High Point Market in April 2023. Jessica is the incoming President for IDS Houston as well as National IDS membership. Additionally, Jessica is proud of her ongoing relationship with Modenus and its Design Hounds Influencer program.

Connect with Jessica Duce

Vacation Rental Designers

Website

Instagram

Vacation Rental Design Summit

Instagram

Jessica Duce

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development

#305: Elizabeth Scruggs- The Things I Learned From A Well-Designed Business

#368: Jessica Duce: VRBO Interior Design

#540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

893: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Clayton: Essential Strategies to Uplevel Your Branding

Michelle Clayton

Today With Michelle Clayton:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, it’s Power Talk Friday. I am sitting down with Michelle Clayton, the Brand Strategist, and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. Michelle wanted to come on and first of all, give us some great actionable branding tips, but also to debunk the misconception that using Fiverr or Pinterest for your logo is a good idea. Spoiler alert, it’s not. Michelle will explain why and what you should be doing for your brand.

Pick It Apart

[3:25] Michelle tells us the first place we should turn to when considering a rebrand.

[14:58] Michelle explains the difference between your brand logo made from someone on Fiverr compared to a professionally made logo.

[30:45] Michelle and LuAnn discuss brand consistency among all of your platforms.

[39:49] Additional actions you should skip when formulating your brand.

[46:20] Michelle explains that re-branding or tweaking your current brand doesn’t mean changing yourself.

LuAnn Nigara and Michelle Clayton’s Ah-Ha Moments

“If you present your brand one way on Instagram, and a completely different, or old, way on your website and they just don’t line up, it’s a hard no for me.” – LuAnn Nigara

“People need that consistency in their brand across all platforms, whatever that is for your business.” – Michelle Clayton

“You need to make it easy for people when they are checking you out, and give them the path of least resistance.” – Michelle Clayton

“Everyone has a brand and the beauty is you can love and keep developing the one you have or if it isn’t working for you anymore, you can always change it.” – Michelle Clayton

More About Michelle Clayton

Michelle Clayton is the Brand Strategist and Designer behind Let Her Fly, a studio for successful women who are ready to level up and look like the pro they are. She captures their personality and expertise in a clear, cohesive brand that feels just like them and attracts more ideal clients, so they can confidently go after their next big thing.

With a design degree and 30 years in the industry, Michelle’s experience ranges from in-house art departments to non-profits to two of Calgary’s largest advertising agencies. Through, Let Her Fly, she now brings that same level of expertise and eye for detail to entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Michelle loves helping women create a brand that looks as professional as they are—one that fits like their favorite t-shirt and attracts more ideal clients. She knows first-hand the insecurity that comes from outgrowing your brand, and the positive impact the right one has on your confidence and your bottom line.

Through strategic design, insightful articles, guest interviews, and online and in-person workshops, she breaks down the mystery of great design, the difference it makes, and how everyone can build a brand that feels good and delights their audience.

In 1995, Michelle traded Southern sweet tea and lightning bugs for true love in the Great White North. She speaks fluent American and Canadian, accurately using “toboggan” in either context. Home is in Calgary with her husband, two teen daughters, a hairy rescue pup, and a bottomless London Fog.

Connect with Michelle Clayton

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Podcast

Spotify playlist of guest episodes on podcasts

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#06: Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

#125: Nicole Heymer: How to Brand Your Business, Yes Again. Do Not Miss This One!

#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm

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

#492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success

#609: Lisa Haude: Rebranding to Express Who You Really Are

#882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability

892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes

Sharon L. Sherman

Today With Sharon L. Sherman:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Sharon L. Sherman, founder of Thyme and Place Design. Sharon has been practicing award-winning kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years, is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers, New Jersey chapter, and was named 2022 Innovator of the Year by Kitchen Bath Design News magazine. She has worked with every personality out there and is here to discuss personality traits.

We delve into the four personality types she categorizes: Fire, Air, Earth, and Water. We talk about their traits, how to recognize them, and how to work with each one best for successful outcomes every time.

Pick It Apart

[2:09] Sharon explains that everyone has a different idea of what a difficult client is, but by understanding our own personality traits we can better understand and work with all types of clients.

[9:30] Sharon introduces the four personality types she has defined: fire, air, earth and water.

[11:28] LuAnn and Sharon discuss the traits of the fire personality and how to handle them.

[19:26] Sharon describes the air personality as expressive, friendly, and appreciative, but also need to be appreciated.

[25:56] Sharon explains that those with the earth personality are stable and grounded and comfortable like your favorite pair of jeans.

[29:56] Sharon and LuAnn talk about the water personality, which tends to be analytical and organized.

[38:36] Sharon and LuAnn how to determine personality types and work with each one better.

LuAnn Nigara and Sharon L. Sherman’s Ah-Ha Moments

“There’s really no such thing as a difficult client. It just sounds like a match that’s not well matched.” – LuAnn Nigara

“To resolve a problem—that’s when we have to step out and detach and start to observe and see and to, quite frankly, employ those sales skills.” – LuAnn Nigara

“Clients make our world go round. Without them, we’re no longer in business..” – Sharon L. Sherman

“If you understand how to speak to your clients, and how to ask them questions, and listen to what they’re saying…you start to see who that person is going to be.” – Sharon L. Sherman

“If anybody right now has a recent interaction with any client that went negatively—just now think about the different personalities and try and identify what personality they are. Probably, you handled it from your personality. And if that ends up being true, then that is really a very foundational reason why the problem escalates—because you’re handling something from your perspective as opposed to the way they need it handled, not because it was an unsolvable problem.” – LuAnn Nigara

“I didn’t let fear overcome my love for what I’m doing.” – Sharon L. Sherman

More About Sharon L. Sherman

Sharon is the founder of Thyme and Place Design, headquartered in Wyckoff, New Jersey. She’s been practicing kitchen and bath design for the past 40 years and is a Past President of the American Society of Interior Designers – New Jersey chapter.

Her award-winning designs and editorial comments have been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, Design Milk, Bergen NJ magazine, Kitchen & Bath Design News, Woman’s Day, Country Decorating, Design NJ, New Jersey Home Magazine, 201 Magazine, The Best of Bergen, as well as several books.

Her blog “Tips from the Trade” appears in digital form on DesignNJ.com and KBBonline.com. She has also appeared on HGTV’s My Big Amazing Renovation and episodes of House Smarts with Lou Manfredini.  In 2022, she was a featured *Voices From The Industry* speaker at the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s international convention and is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of Kitchen Bath & Business magazine and has received the 2022 Innovator of the Year award from Kitchen Bath Design News magazine.

Connect with Sharon L. Sherman

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Book

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#762: Laura Martin Bovard: Do You Run Your Interior Design Business From Ego or Soul?

#808: Hailey Kolbe: How to Vet Inquiries, Spot Red Flags, and Attract Your Ideal Client

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

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

Chairman of the Board

Make a Friend 7-step sales process

891: Power Talk Friday: Judy Brower Fancher: Selecting the Right Art Can Grow Your Client Base, Your Quality Results, and Your Profit

Judy Brower Fancher

Today With Judy Brower Fancher:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am joined by Judy Brower Fancher, of Brower, Miller & Cole Art Consulting. Judy is certified in interior design, and while she isn’t currently working as one, she knows that most interior designers are not trained, nor confident, in selecting art for their clients. Judy is here to help my audience understand that buying those color Xeroxes is never the answer, and some tangible tips for those unfamiliar with the art world.

Pick It Apart

[2:32] Judy explains what she means about the difference between xerox art and real art.

[9:17]  Just explains how the budget for art should be separate from the design budget.

[20:58] Tangible benefits for an interior designer when they add art into their projects.

[25:46] Judy lets us know where we can go to source art.

[42:12] How the relationship works between the designer and an art consultant.

LuAnn Nigara and Judy Brower Fancher’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Art should be emotional. It should feel as passionate as your first kiss.” – Judy Brower

“As trusted professionals who are supplying, educating, and sourcing art for our clients, we should have some education on it and know what we are doing.” – LuAnn Nigara

“The art really adds to the luxury feel of the project and is part of showing the good taste of the home.” – Just Brower

More About Judy Brower Fancher

With two decades of experience traveling the globe to understand the art, architecture, fashion and design of various parts of the world, Judy Brower Fancher brings her own love of international cultures, mixed cultures and all things unique and remarkable to her design and storytelling skills.

Her company mission is to create the final layer on spaces that make people whole through reflecting both their current lives and their cultural heritage, while assisting clients and the interior design trade to bring fantastic original art into their lives and their interior designs.

Judy’s background includes: Purchasing art in galleries in more than 25 countries around the globe 25-plus years working with architects, developers and interior design firms Bachelor of Arts in Communications from UCLA Minor in Art History Graduate of the Interior Design Institute

Attending conferences for:

Global original art Global luxury interior design custom materials and installation global furniture and accessories Global real estate and architecture trends

Judy believes that with a highly personalized final layer, a home or workplace can embrace more than one background and tell a compelling story to those who visit. In addition, incorporating cultural elements adds beauty that never goes out of style.

Connect with Judy Brower Fancher

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Why acquire art through an art consultant

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#755: Power Talk Friday: Liz Beaman Delman: Fine Art is an Asset, Not an Accessory

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

#239: Katharine Earnhardt – How to Advise Your Clients on Art

#413: Leslie Price: Evolution of a Career in Interior Design

890: Lucy Penfield: How Interior Design is an Anthropological Process

Lucy Penfield

Today With Lucy Penfield:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Long-time listeners of the show will know that I rarely get into the pretty, the actual designs, or even the creative process itself. For the most part, I’m focused on the business—not what happens in the creative mind, but the systems and processes and moving parts on the outside of that. 

But every once in a while, I make an exception—and today’s episode is one of those. When you hear my guest, Lucy Penfield, speak, you’ll understand why. She’s going to share her creative insight into the design process—and why she relates it to an anthropological discovery. 

Pick It Apart

[3:50] Lucy explains why designing is like an anthropological dig. 

[13:43] Lucy shares how going back to school helped her redefine her design process

[part 2 [12:55] Lucy details her six-step process and how creativity plays a role at every level

[19:23] LuAnn reflects on the authenticity in Lucy’s process

LuAnn Nigara and Lucy Penfield’s Ah-Ha Moments

“We discover what is at the core, what’s at the soul for our clients, and sometimes they have their ideas and their inspiration, but what’s deeper than that? So I think so often we look at the top surface, the top layer, maybe the frosting, but what’s really underneath it all? And so as an anthropologist, I think we uncover.” -Lucy

“I love that you said peeling away the onion, and it’s almost like you could look in a room and keep discovering things in that room when you’re designing at that more elevated level.” -LuAnn

“You can get up in the morning and be ho-hum, or you can show up. I think the fun is we have an opportunity to grow.” -Lucy 

More About Lucy Penfield

Lucy Penfield is a passionate, blue sky thinker whose approach to interior design is unparalleled. Her enchantment and zeal for design have followed her throughout her career as an interior designer, lifestyle product innovator, and art aficionado. Lucy loves the magic of transforming space and creating joy for her clients.

As an award-winning interior designer, Lucy is recognized nationally for her sophisticat- ed design style, passion for color, and client-centric methodologies. Her custom, six-step approach to bespoike interiors is anthropological and digs further to uncover true meaning for her clients. With degrees in art history, interior design, and design thinking, Lucy is a dynamic, progressive thought leader. She encourages her clients and team to push the bounds of their realms. From sketching textile and wallcovering collec- tions to designing custom homes, lakeside cottages, and city condos, Lucy garners inspiration from the diverstiy in her work and conquering new challenges.

Lucy has great love for her community and is actively involved with non-profit organiza- tions. Beyond her design ventures, she finds joy in cooking exotic dishes, throwing fabulous dinner parties, traveling with her family and exploring new adventures.

Lucy’s design style is radiant, art-infused, and dazzling.

Connect with Lucy Penfield

Website

Instagram

Houzz

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

#587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

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

889: Power Talk Friday: Cathy Heflin: Capitalizing on Pinterest to Generate New Clients

Cathy Heflin Ptf

Today With Cathy Heflin:

Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know that Pinterest is a valuable tool for designers. But how you use it matters. It’s about so much more than just tossing up pretty pictures like on Instagram—in fact, in many ways, it seems like it’s more of a search engine than another social media platform.

We have so many marketing tools that we can add to our toolbox. Today, my guest, Cathy Heflin, is here to teach more about how Pinterest can help businesses grow, and how to put it to work for your business.

Pick It Apart

[2:46] Cathy and LuAnn discuss how Pinterest offers more opportunities for businesses than other social media platforms.

[10:16] Cathy shares how Pinterest helps drive traffic to your website.

[25:50] Cathy describes how to get started with Pinterest.

[31:29] Cathy explains why using a scheduler can help you invest less time and still make the most of Pinterest.

[40:09] Cathy shares how to find the best SEO keywords on Pinterest.

LuAnn Nigara and Cathy Heflin’s Ah-Ha Moments

“We have to view Pinterest as a search engine like Google and YouTube, which automatically puts it into way more valuable real estate for our brains, our energy, our money, and our advertising or marketing dollars.” -LuAnn

“Done is better than perfect. Get that content up so that you can start to have something to pin to and have places to send your clients.” -Cathy

More About Cathy Heflin

Cathy Heflin is a Pinterest Marketing Consultant and Strategist. She launched her Pinterest consulting business after personally experiencing how powerful Pinterest was as a driver of traffic to her own blog and online home decor shop. She offers organic and paid ad Pinterest Marketing strategies to help brands grow brand awareness, increase website traffic, increase sales, and grow their email list subscribers.

Connect with Cathy Heflin

Website

Instagram

Pinterest

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

#750 Power Talk Friday: Erin Harding: Paid Pinterest Campaigns for Interior Designers

#587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

#487 Power Talk Friday: Vanessa Shepherd: Pinterest Strategies to Grow Your Interior Design Business

#331 Power Talk Friday: Kate Ahl: Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm

#292 Power Talk Friday: Summer Tannhauser – How to Leverage Pinterest for Your Interior Design Firm

#223 Allison Fannin – Pinterest Tips for Your Interior Design Firm

888: Brittany Steptoe-Wright: How Consciously Curated Interior Design Sustains the Planet and Your Business

Brittany Steptoe Wright

Today With Brittany Steptoe-Wright:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Brittany Steptoe-Wright, owner of BSW Design. BSW Design is a certified Vegan Design Firm. Brittany holds design, animals, and the environment near and dear to her heart, so everything they source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. BSW Design also focuses on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or highly recycled content, Brittany’s aim is to bring ethically sound products into her client’s home. Tune in to learn more about this important and ever-growing topic, so join in and make our world a better place one client at a time.

LuAnn Nigara and Brittany Steptoe-Wright’s Ah-Ha Moments

“You don’t have to use animal by-products in your home design. You can eat meat, but it doesn’t have to be black and white. You can have a cruelty-free home and not be vegan.” – Brittany Steptoe-Wright

“This is the essence of creating the core of a highly successful business because you are living and breathing what you believe.” – LuAnn Nigara

“When the luxury consumer pushes the designer or builder back and says that they don’t need a designer in the middle, explain why you think they do need one and then let them make the decision.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Brittany Steptoe-Wright

As a designer, I feel my job is first and foremost to make the home a better place for living. I always start the design process from a place of function and lifestyle before moving into aesthetics. Our motto, Consciously Curated Interiors, encompasses both our attention to the family’s lifestyle, as well as our personal commitment to the environmental impact of everything we do. My love for design, animals, and the environment has fostered a unique sense of purpose in my business. We are a certified Vegan Design firm, meaning that everything we source is cruelty-free and animal friendly. We also put a large focus on Sustainable Sourcing, whether it be a renewable product, a sustainable manufacturing process, or a high recycled content, we attempt to bring ethically sound products into the home for the families we work with. Knowing that the pieces you surround yourself with have a story that is supportive of humanity, animals, and the environment brings a loving and high vibe energy into the home, which makes it all the more magical to live in.

Connect with Brittany Steptoe-Wright

Website

Carpentry Website

Instagram

Pinterest

Podcast

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB:

#82: Deborah Rosenberg: Tailoring Your Interior Design Firm to Your Core Beliefs

#117: Power Talk Friday: Deborah Rosenberg: Cruelty Free Design Certification is Here

#137: Michele Williams- Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management

#180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matter to You

#218: Marketing & Resources for Cruelty Free Design

#395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business

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

#809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line

WTFP:

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: An Easy Tool to Increase Your Productivity

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska: You Are the Leader in the Room

Vita’s Tip in 10 With Vita Vygovska:Entrepreneurship is Hard: Do this to Make it Easier

887: Power Talk Friday: Renee Bush: Bringing the Spark Back Into Your Interior Design Business

Renee Bush

Today With Renee Bush:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s common for business owners to feel burnt out, lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to go next. Today, Renee Bush of Tandem is sharing her insights on how to reignite the spark when you just don’t know how to move forward.

Pick It Apart

[14:21] Renee shares why creative businesses are so different from other industries, and why inspiration matters to us.

[26:33] Renee discusses the value of having a “north star” guiding you in your business.

[30:59] Renee breaks down the three pillars of taking control of how your brand is perceived.

[35:40] Renee and LuAnn discuss how to attract clients that align with your values.

LuAnn Nigara and Renee Bush’s Ah-Ha Moments

“I started figuring out that we need to solve all of this first and create a North Star that then we can use to make decisions. That really set me on a path of helping designers figure out their North Star. Who am I? What do I want? Why do I do what I do? How do I do it? What’s my superpower? Who am I trying to work with? All these key things that then become that Northstar business framework that then we use to make decisions.” -Renee

“When we have the right client, who is excited to follow our process because they see our value, that brings profitability. They go through the process the way we ask because they get it.” -Renee

More About Renee Bush

Tandem designs premium brands and solves strategic business problems for interior designers. Everything they do is centered on a strategy to help differentiate you in the market and to define and serve your ideal client. Their goal is to help you identify and define who you are as a business and to give you all the tools and resources you need to manage your premium brand effectively.

Working in the design industry for the last decade, Renee initially ran and managed a multi-disciplinary graphic design studio and helped build it from the ground up. From there she began working at Studio McGee as the Director of Design Operations where she worked to build out and refine all of the design operations and processes. It was there that Renee found her love for the Interior Design industry and her driving purpose of helping creative entrepreneurs succeed using quality branding, strategic thinking, and streamlined processes.

Renee has worked with dozens of interior design entrepreneurs to strategize, problem-solve, and refine their brands and business operations. Some of her clients include Boxwood Avenue, High Street Homes, Light & Dwell Interiors, Susannah Holmberg Interiors, and more. With her experience in the design world and a Master’s in Business Administration, Renee excels at getting straight to the heart of any issue and always has a creative solution up her sleeve.

Connect with Renee Bush

Website

Instagram 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

#720 Flash Back Friday: Cheryl Janis: Defining and Owning Your Niche

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