Page 44 – LuAnn Nigara

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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:

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

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma Studio, a software that helps you get paid faster, save time on admin work and manage your projects more efficiently. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness to learn more.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#467

#76

#123

#396

#545

01-21-202202-27-2025

740: Flashback Friday: Laurence Carr: Foundation for Success in Interior Design

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740: Flashback Friday: Laurence Carr: Foundation for Success in Interior Design

On Today’s Flashback Friday Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Flashback episode, we’re revisiting with Laurence Carr, a Manhattan-based designer who had two careers before settling on design. Learn why she formed an advisory council to coach her new business and why sticking to her core business strategy has led to her rapid success.

Pick it apart:

[6:52] Laurence speaks about how her advisory board works.

[18:32] Laurence speaks about the sustainability mission for her business

[21:37] Laurence tells about how her eBook magazine supports her email list

[22:57] Laurence explains how her previous job influenced her own business

[29:07] Laurence explains how she works with freelance designers

[35:18] Laurence explains how she hires freelance designers

[42:12] Laurence shares about her online affiliate brand marketing

[55:22] Laurence talks about her quarterly strategy meetings

LuAnn and Laurence Carr’s Ah-Ha moments:

“We talk about designing rooms, environments, space – but we have to know how to design a strategy as well.” – Laurence Carr

“Design the career you want to have.” – LuAnn Nigara

Connect with Laurence Carr

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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:

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

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet has been a pillar vendor since the beginning of Window Works. They are also an original show sponsor. I just want to say thank you to Kravet for believing in this design community and for helping the show become a reality. Explore the entire library of guaranteed in-stock fabrics at kravet.com. And get 10% off using coupon code AWDB10.

01-18-202208-27-2025

739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life

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739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life

Today with Marianna Zimmerman

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Marianna Zimmerman, owner of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS, LLC.

“Your current situation doesn’t have to be your final destination.” This quote from Marianna gives you a little clue of what we’re discussing today. For years Marianna was working in administration at a hospital. She questioned if she was able to do what she REALLY wanted to do, own her own design business. With the support of her husband and her decision to believe in herself, she has successfully owned her firm for 12 years. If you have any doubt or fear or questions about your abilities, know that this episode will give you the kick in the pants you need.

Pick it apart:

[7:00] After 20-30 years, Marianna tells us how she got into design.

[19:15] Marianna tells us about the makeup of The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC.

[21:25] Marianna explains her fee structure and advice on how to charge clients.

[45:00] Advice on taking the leap to starting your business.

LuAnn and Marianna Zimmerman’s Ah-Ha moments:

“I didn’t want to feel like I was playing catchup, but I had to realize that it’s not about playing catch up or competing. It’s more about sharing my gift and what I can offer to the world.” – Marianna Zimmerman

“Not every project is photo worthy. The reason you do what you do is to make the client happy. In the end, a happy client is the goal, not the professional shot.” – Marianna Zimmerman

“You have to be the one to do it. Whether you have the emotional, physical or financial support of someone or you’re on your own with no support, ultimately you have to be the one to do it. You have to decide to be excellent and make the decision to execute.” – LuAnn Nigara

More about Marianna Zimmerman:

Marianna Zimmerman, Brooklyn NY Native lived many years in Boston Ma until eventually settling down 9 yrs ago in good ole Dallas Texas. After Graduating from QC Design school 2001, She became a Certified Interior Designer and then a ASP Home Stager in 2009. With over 20 years of experience and helping friends and family design their homes part time while always working 2 jobs as a single mom, She moved to Texas and her husband encouraged her to use her gift & venture into her own business.

She launched The BEST is yet to come DESIGNS LLC in 2011.

Marianna believes “great design is about creating a beautiful space that you feel comfortable coming home to.” She is devoted to designing with luxury and style that is affordable. She has always believed in the motto “your current situation doesn’t have to be your final destination”… The Best is yet to come!

While specializing in Modern aesthetics, she has traveled all over helping clients with a variety of different styles and genres. She is a self proclaimed decor fanatic and always finds that “one unique piece” that she incorporates & leaves her stamp in the project.

She believes being an East Coast girl, living in a Texas world is what separates her from other local Interior Designers- Her modern, edgy, “think outside the box” flare combined with her passionate work ethic & outgoing friendly personality makes it natural for her to work with each client’s specific style and needs.

Connect with Marianna Zimmerman:

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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:

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

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma:

Hit the reset button and shake up your mindset and processes to reach those big goals on your vision board. Register now for the Mydoma Studio’s 19H, a one-day seminar to set you on the path to the success you’re dreaming of. There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains – no matter how well you’ve weathered the storm, no doubt you’ve felt the effects somehow. Fresh, actionable advice. Bold ideas. Helpful tools and templates. In short, everything you need in one action packed day to have the best 2022 possible. To get your ticket head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann/ – and just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event.

Other Shows Mentioned:

# 167 Kelsey Grose- Winner of Best New Design Blog at Design Bloggers Conference 2017

# 203 Darla Powell- How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

# 455 Megan Molten- Planning Creates Success in Your Interior Design Business

# 631 Ariella Horowitz- Success for Design-Build Firms is in the Details

# 677 Megan Molten- To Succeed, Focus on Your Why

01-14-202210-08-2024

738: Power Talk Friday: Beth Bender: Back End Operations for Your Interior Design Firm

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738: Power Talk Friday: Beth Bender: Back End Operations for Your Interior Design Firm

Today with Beth Bender:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Beth Bender, principal and co-founder of The Dove Agency where Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions.

With 20 years of design experience, Beth decided she wanted to start something that would help those in the design industry with the back end of their businesses. Supporting both the financial and marketing aspects of the design business, Beth and I discuss The Dove Agency, how it works, benefits of working with the agency, and the fact that if you don’t run your operations smoothly, no matter how talented you are as a designer, it could mean the end of your business.

Pick it apart:

[13:58] Beth offers her advice on marketing your business and how it should be an ongoing process.
[21:05] Beth and LuAnn discuss the importance of having a financial foundation in place for your business goals.

[42:30] In addition to The Dove Agency’s services Beth explains the additional ways they help design firms.

[53:00] Beth talks about Designer Discovery to connect designers and smaller brands, and how it works.

LuAnn and Beth Bender’s Ah-Ha moments:

“One of your premises is that interior designers should invest in the back end, operations end of the business. You’re talking my language because the whole premise of my podcast is that yes, you need talent to be successful, but your talent isn’t going to be the reason that you are successful. You can get some attraction and some clients, but to create a long lived sustainable profitable business you have to learn how to efficiently run the back end.” – LuAnn Nigara

“We feel that for a design form to be able to have sustained growth you have to have a two-pronged approach. You have to be able to identify both your marketing needs and your financial needs and they have to be in step.” – Beth Bender

“At the end of the day, it really should come down to counting every penny because there are tight margins. Regardless of whether you are charging by the hour, or a set fee you still have to know, How much time did I spend on that project? What was the monetary value of that time?” – Beth Bender

More About Beth Bender:

Principal and Co-Founder Beth Bender specializes in new client and strategic partner acquisitions for The Dove Agency. Beth has developed a team that expertly provides back-office operations for interior design professionals, from strategic planning and consulting to targeted marketing solutions. Additionally, Beth oversees human and organizational development services and she also manages strategic growth strategies at The Dove Agency.

Beth earned her degree in human and organization development from Vanderbilt University, and she brings more than 20 years of design experience to her work, enabling her to advise and assist clients with uniquely informed perspectives as she helps them maximize their time, resources, and profitability.

Combining their impeccable expertise, proficient knowledge, and well-versed viewpoints, Beth and her co-founder, Kenda, together developed services that streamline administrative processes, giving interior design professionals the time to do what they do best—design. These processes are the foundation and hallmark of The Dove Agency today.

Beth works closely with the marketing team to strategically position each designer with the tools necessary for calculated growth, increased influence, and measurable success.

Connect with Beth Bender:

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:

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

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Kravet Inc. has been here since the very beginning, helping me help you is a pretty incredible thing. If you have not opened your trade account with Krravet, yet, please go to kravet.com. No minimums per order or per year. Go to kravet.com today and use the code awdb10 to get 10% off any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim.

Other Shows Mentioned

#575

WTF Episodes: #653, #645 , #610 , #586 , #551 , #539

Sara Lynn Brennan: #607 , #524 , #514 , #463

01-11-202210-03-2024

737: What Would Lu Do?: Honor Your Best Self When Setting Your Goals

932 What Would Lu Do How To Turn Your Aha S Into Action Thumbnail.png

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0:24:48

737: What Would Lu Do?: Honor Your Best Self When Setting Your Goals

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is a follow-up to last week’s show where I suggested a framework for setting meaningful goals for your business. If you missed it, go ahead and listen to Episode 735 for all the background details of the DTBE goal-setting framework. In today’s episode, I am going to share a story and a lesson based on the first step of the DTBE goal-setting framework— The D for Design.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

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

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

#735 What Would Lu Do?: Goal Setting 2022: Decide To Be Excellent!

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

What We Talked About:

Self-Care with S.A.S.S. 5-Day Challenge!

The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn

Today’s Sponsor:

Mydoma:

01-07-202208-12-2024

736: Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation

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1:1:56

736: Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation

Today with Frank Eybsen:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we speak with Frank Eybsen, founder of Buildlane. Buildlane’s mantra is to make custom easy for designers. We all know how daunting the custom process can be. Whether you are near or far, seasoned or new, Buildlane provides an experienced team and talented builders to carry out your specific custom furniture needs. Tune in to learn how to join the Buildlane platform and all of its wonderful benefits. Hint: Your Buildlane experience will leave you with an unexpected custom education.

Pick it apart:

[14:45] Frank explains all of the different opportunities to specify custom furniture through Buildlane.[29:28] Frank tells us the criteria for someone to be a part of Buildlane and also how a designer is given the opportunity to meet and get to know their builder.
[35:45] Frank explains the benefits of their templates program and how to use it.

[43:48] We learn the difference between 8 way hand tied versus springs.

[47:33] LuAnn and Frank discuss how Buildlane has come at the right time, in terms of being eco friendly they can make it happen, especially with the help of Carla Pile.

[54:53] Frank tells us how designers can get signed up for a trade account with Buildlane.

LuAnn and Frank Eybsen’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Working with Buildlane you will have an extension of your own design team that is entirely in charge of managing your production.” – Frank Eybsen

“From designers who are really green to experienced designers from big firms, everybody comes in with some knowledge gaps. The amazing thing that’s happened with Buildland is that we’re educating people throughout the process. They learn that the mistakes that could have happened, didn’t happen.” – Frank Eybsen

“I love the transparency of being able to see the piece of furniture all through the process.” – LuAnn Nigara

“With the sit test for those who can’t test the quality of the furniture before they order, we like to say to designers to have your client sit in something and tell us what it is that they loved, and we’ll be able to reproduce that. We know what everybody is building with and what materials they are using.” – Frank Eybsen

“Truly I think the biggest thing with pricing has to do with the workforce behind the work. You can tell when you look at the details in the craftsmanship.” – Frank Eybsen

Connect with Frank Eybsen

More About Frank Eybsen:

Frank Eybsen is an entrepreneur in the home industry from Los Angeles, California. While originally a fixture in the LA Tech Startup, his love for building things and manufacturing led him to the heart of furniture production in California – South Los Angeles. It was here that he received a hands-on education in upholstery and case good construction. This experience led to the founding of Buildlane – a platform where the country’s best craftspeople come together with the country’s most creative designers to create custom furniture.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

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

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Thank you to Buildlane for sponsoring this show!

01-04-202210-03-2024

735: What Would Lu Do?: Goal Setting 2022: Decide To Be Excellent!

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0:24:03

735: What Would Lu Do?: Goal Setting 2022: Decide To Be Excellent!

Today on A Well-Designed Business:

Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is the first show of the new year, so let’s work together and make sure 2022 is a productive and profitable year! In this episode, I will be talking about goal setting and strategies that can help us all tackle the year ahead.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Inside Voice, Outside Voice

Windowworksnj.com

Shop38east.com

Comfortex.com

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

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

Inside Voice Outside Voice

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

Sara Brennan: #463, #514, #524, #607.

Shea McGee: #236, #270

Amber Lewis: #169, #184

Jacklyn Marie: #515

Demetrious Robinson: #687

Cheryl Luckett: #292, #397, #573

The Vogue Room Foundation and The Vogue Room Interior Foundation started by Ebony Staten of The Vogue Room

12-31-202108-08-2024

734: Power Talk Friday: Chelsie Butler: Tips from the Executive Editor of Kitchen Bath & Business, the Official Publication of KBIS

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0:52:37

734: Power Talk Friday: Chelsie Butler: Tips from the Executive Editor of Kitchen Bath & Business, the Official Publication of KBIS

Today with Chelsie Butler:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday! Today I am joined by Chelsie Butler. Chelsie is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.

I think we can all agree that to be featured in a magazine would be amazing! Today, Chelsie explains not only the benefits of being published in a trade magazine, but also the best practices on how to approach a trade magazine. I think you’ll be excited to learn all of the opportunities available to designers that Kitchen & Bath Business offers. From the KBB Person of the Year to being a guest on the podcast to being a judge at their awards program, Kitchen & Bath Business is much more accessible than you would think, to market your business.

Pick it apart:

[1:55] Chelsie explains to LuAnn the criteria and qualifications of how someone can become KBB’s Person of the Year.

[9:20] This is where Chelsie and LuAnn start to pick apart all of the benefits of being published in a trade magazine.

[18:40] Chelsie explains how the case is not always KBB finding the designer and doing a Q&A, but that a designer can pitch themselves, a topic, AND write the article.

[28:45] Chelsie and LuAnn offer information and reassurance about nominating yourself for an awards program or Person of the Year.

[35:15] Chelsie talks about the editorial advisory board and how you can be involved in that.

LuAnn and Chelsie Butler’s Ah-Ha moments:

“In terms of being published in a trade magazine, you’re able to elevate yourself among your peers.” – Chelsie Butler

“When you submit yourself for the magazine, it’s not just the end result of being selected, which is exciting, but it’s also the creation of the relationships with the editors, writers, other designers etc. Sometimes the benefit is truly the building of the relationship because you can trace back so many other benefits that result from the relationship.” – LuAnn Nigara

“We want to show the pretty projects and pictures, but we want the audience to come away learning something. The more information we can get from the designers, the more likely we will be able to feature your project.” – Chelsie Butler

“We’re open to the designer actually writing the article and then I will edit it. We’ve worked with designers where there has been a lot of editing, and then after several more articles there is minimal editing. We’ve worked with designers where there is minimal editing right off the bat.” – Chelsie Butler

“As a content creator, you are putting a magazine out, you are putting the podcast out, you are putting the webinar out, you are probably spending 60% of your week looking for people and ideas. So anybody that puts their hand up and expresses interest, that is a win win. It’s an opportunity for the person and less research that you have to do.” – LuAnn Nigara

“When submitting your project, professional photos are what we are looking for if you have that.” – Chelsie Butler

Connect with Chelsie Butler

More About Chelsie Butler:

Chelsie Butler is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. She has been an editor for various trade magazines in the Atlanta area since graduating from the University of Florida with a journalism degree in 1993. Titles relevant to her current position have included Atlanta Home Improvement, Commercial Construction, Hospitality Construction and Commercial Kitchens magazines, as well as Design:Retail, a KBB sister publication. She has participated in panels at multiple industry events, including Coverings, KBIS and ICFF, and during her time in her current position, the magazine has won two prestigious Azbee awards and one from Trade Association Business Publications International. Besides her career, another of Chelsie’s passions is volunteering at local animal rescue shelters, which she has been involved with for 10 years.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

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

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Mydoma:

There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains – no matter how well you’ve weathered the storm, no doubt you’ve felt the effects somehow. But instead of continuing to run up-hill, it’s time to pause, and join me, and Mydoma, for 19H: The Re-think on January 19th, 2022. This one-day seminar put on by Mydoma Studio will have you rethink your mindset, rethink your business model, and rethink your marketing with a number of presentations that come with fresh, actionable advice, and helpful tools and templates. Just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event. Get your ticket at: https://mydomastudio.com/19hluann

12-28-202108-27-2025

733: Ippolita Rostagno: From Vision to Business Enterprise

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1:1:11

733: Ippolita Rostagno: From Vision to Business Enterprise

Today with Ippolita Rostagno

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Ippolita Rostagno, founder of her eponymous 20 year-old jewelry brand, and co-founder of the luxury e-tailer, Artemest.com.

While taking a leave of absence from her jewelry company, Ippolita learned to trust her professional intuition through all of her challenges, from people saying “no,” to certain technological challenges.

Ippolita and I discussed the, “Come to Jesus” moments she faced with her jewelry business and while building Artemest.com. We discuss the importance of recognizing “failure,” to fail quickly, and to listen to your intuition. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to temporarily leave IPPOLITA Jewelry. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to buy back her jewelry company, grow it, while also growing Artemest from 60 artisans to 2000. This is a good one, folks!

Pick it apart:

[9:15] Ippolita explains how she gained the trust of the artisans in Italy who had resistance to sell online in addition to questioning how the beauty and detail of their craft could be portrayed.
[17:50] Ippolita talks about how instinct and knowledge let her know that there are potential customers for these artisans and where there is demand.
[21:57] Surprising lessons that Ippolita has learned along the way.
[31:00] Ippolita and LuAnn discuss how not giving up, reflecting, and being persistent will lead to success, with examples.
[42:00] Ippolita explains how Artemest works.

LuAnn and Ippolita Rostagno’s Ah-Ha moments:

“If you just start to research your industry, you can make choices along the way that really inform your path.” – Ippolita Rostagno

“Execution is everything!” – Ippolita Rostagno

“We say all the time, if you’re not making any mistakes then you’re just playing it too safe and you really aren’t stretching yourself in any way, shape or form. But it’s easy to forget that all of us make mistakes, no matter how amazing, we look at Artemest and think how everything must have been so easy.” – LuAnn Nigara

“Living a life that is full of love and satisfaction is very important and I think it looks different for everyone. You can’t be motivated by money, you have to be motivated by your passion. It’s all going to take a lot of work. Being an entrepreneur means that you have a certain kind of courage to not align yourself to any one process; that you’re willing to find a solution. Put your money where your mouth is, devoting your time, energy, and resources to making your dream come true.” – Ippolita Rostagno

“It’s a good reminder that when we look at two of your businesses, how lucky they are, but there was a lot of intentional strategizing to make them happen. We can take those lessons to our own businesses; interior design firms, architecture firms, photography firms….” – LuAnn Nigara

More about Ippolita Rostagno:

Born and raised in the hills of Florence, Ippolita has always been inspired by the richness and simplicity of Italian culture. As a young girl, she discovered her love for jewelry in the shops and stalls of Ponte Vecchio. An artist first and a designer second, Ippolita studied sculpture and ceramics for five years at the Istituto D’Arte in Florence. After working in bronze and stone on large-scale works, Ippolita was inspired to apply her aesthetic to the world of adornment when she launched her eponymous jewelry collection in 1999 in New York with Bergdorf Goodman. A reverence for women and the female body has informed her style and her design vocabulary from the start. Her highly personal approach to fine jewelry is expressed in the sculptural nature of the organic shapes of her precious metals. A proprietary blend of 18K Gold and other precious metals creates a distinctive “green” hue, flattering to all skin types while her 925 Silver is a color with a brilliance all its own. The stone cuts Ippolita uses are characterized by their artfully random, larger-than-normal facets that conspire to create plays of light and shadow against the skin. Ippolita’s jewelry is an encounter with beauty. That beauty is an experience shared – between seller and buyer, wearer and creator, lover and loved one, devotee and neophyte. It is generous, participatory, outward-facing, welcoming, and open to all. “Beauty in our everyday lives brings joy to the human experience and fosters a culture of care.”

“Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”

“I want to sculpt feminine ease using shape and form in organic unity. Celebrating raw materials while also revealing evidence of the maker’s hand. All the while investing in wearable certainty.”

“Wear the mark of the maker. Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”

Connect with Ippolita Rostagno:

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events

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:

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

Pause on the Play Podcast Community

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732: Power Talk Friday: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business

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732: Power Talk Friday: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business

Today with Erica Courdae:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday! Erica Courdae, diversity and inclusion coach, is packed with simple, actionable advice ensuring our conversations and workplaces reflect a sense of kindness and inclusion. She also shares what to do when we get it all wrong as we continue to learn and grow alongside our fellow humans.

Pick it apart:

[10:10] Erica explains simultaneous realities

[13:38] Erica explains what true conversation is

[15:31] LuAnn covers a critical sales mistake

[24:44] Erica shares how she works with businesses

[39:10] Erica advises about how to communicate DEI efforts with a new, diverse hire

[44:28] Erica explains what she means by “operating on demographics without psychographics doesn’t work”

LuAnn and Erica Courdae’s Ah-Ha moments:

“You’re not expected to know it all or have access to everything. You just have to be willing to stay in action.” – Erica Courdae

“We are all processing through our own lens. There has to be a space of understanding.” – Erica Courdae

“It’s not okay to assume that somebody wants to be a part of something that you didn’t give them the opportunity to opt-out of.” – Erica Courdae

“There are learning opportunities in being less than perfect. If you get it all right, you’re not continuing to grow.” – Erica Courdae

Connect with Erica Courdae

Salon Instagram

Salon Website

Erica’s FREE Imperfect Ally’s Evaluation Checklist

More About Erica Courdae:

Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur and certified coach, her work is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her into communities and onto national stages as a speaker and educator at noteworthy industry events like AltSummit, ShePodcasts Live, and Being Boss.

Erica is also the owner of an inclusive beauty salon, Silver Immersion, and the host of Pause on the Play, a podcast that features open dialogue on topics like company culture, visibility, and mindset. She lives in Maryland with her two children.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

insidevoiceoutsidevoice.com

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

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