851: Power Talk Friday: Alexis Varbero: Making Connections that Matter
850: Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb: How To Stay Young and Hot As a Designer
Today With Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb on the show. They met on Instagram and are now design besties—together hosting the Hot Young Designers Club podcast, where they explore the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design world.
Shaun and Rebecca are here today to inspire community, not competition, between fellow designers, and we’re talking about relationships, boundaries, rates, and red flags. We hope that you join us.
Pick It Apart
[4:28] Rebecca and Shaun talk about how they met and became friends
[11:50] Rebecca explains how the peer-to-peer mentorship between her and Shaun works and why it is helpful to have this relationship
[22:32] LuAnn digs into how Shaun and Rebecca run the back end of their businesses
[27:29] Rebecca explains how she uses automation to create boundaries with her clients
[38:50] Rebecca and Shaun discuss rates and how they have both experiments with hourly rates and flat fees.
[51:24] Shaun talks about dispelling the myth that designers can’t create a sustainable living for themselves
LuAnn Nigara and Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb’s Ah-Ha Moments
“We attract the type of clients that are attracted to our personality type and the type of business that we run. I think that’s why there’s so much room for all of us, because there’s so many different kinds of people.” – Rebecca Plumb
“I’ve learned a lot about my personality in this business.” – Rebecca Plumb
“One of the biggest things that’s come from developing relationships with Rebecca and other designers and creatives is this dispelling of the myth that designers can’t create sustainable livings for themselves…It is possible to create a decent quality of life for ourselves that still has room to grow.” – Shaun Crha
“When you run it like a business you can do your creative all day long.” – LuAnn Nigara
More About Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb:
Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) came to interior design after other career paths. They met through Instagram while completing the popular One Room Challenge and turned their online banter into a real-life friendship while attending the semi-annual Las Vegas Market. They bring a sense of humor and irreverence to running their design businesses that spills over into the podcast. Their advice always come from a place of helpfulness delivered by your big sister and gay best friend.
Connect with Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions
#739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life
#826: Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Finding Success & Switching Careers with Confidence
#822: Layton Campbell: The Drama of Interior Design: A Former Broadway Performer Sets the Stage for Building a Design Business
#814: Michelle Lynne: What Constitutes Billable Hours in an Interior Design Business?
850: Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb: How To Stay Young and Hot As a Designer
Today With Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb on the show. They met on Instagram and are now design besties—together hosting the Hot Young Designers Club podcast, where they explore the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design world.
Shaun and Rebecca are here today to inspire community, not competition, between fellow designers, and we’re talking about relationships, boundaries, rates, and red flags. We hope that you join us.
Pick It Apart
[4:28] Rebecca and Shaun talk about how they met and became friends
[11:50] Rebecca explains how the peer-to-peer mentorship between her and Shaun works and why it is helpful to have this relationship
[22:32] LuAnn digs into how Shaun and Rebecca run the back end of their businesses
[27:29] Rebecca explains how she uses automation to create boundaries with her clients
[38:50] Rebecca and Shaun discuss rates and how they have both experiments with hourly rates and flat fees.
[51:24] Shaun talks about dispelling the myth that designers can’t create a sustainable living for themselves
LuAnn Nigara and Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb’s Ah-Ha Moments
“We attract the type of clients that are attracted to our personality type and the type of business that we run. I think that’s why there’s so much room for all of us, because there’s so many different kinds of people.” – Rebecca Plumb
“I’ve learned a lot about my personality in this business.” – Rebecca Plumb
“One of the biggest things that’s come from developing relationships with Rebecca and other designers and creatives is this dispelling of the myth that designers can’t create sustainable livings for themselves…It is possible to create a decent quality of life for ourselves that still has room to grow.” – Shaun Crha
“When you run it like a business you can do your creative all day long.” – LuAnn Nigara
More About Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb:
Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) came to interior design after other career paths. They met through Instagram while completing the popular One Room Challenge and turned their online banter into a real-life friendship while attending the semi-annual Las Vegas Market. They bring a sense of humor and irreverence to running their design businesses that spills over into the podcast. Their advice always come from a place of helpfulness delivered by your big sister and gay best friend.
Connect with Shaun Crha & Rebecca Plumb
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions
#739: Marianna Zimmerman: It’s Never Too Late to Design Your Life
#826: Tanya Smith-Shiflett: Finding Success & Switching Careers with Confidence
#822: Layton Campbell: The Drama of Interior Design: A Former Broadway Performer Sets the Stage for Building a Design Business
#814: Michelle Lynne: What Constitutes Billable Hours in an Interior Design Business?
849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design
Today With Staci Davidson:
Welcome to A Well Designed Business. Today I am joined by Staci Davidson, owner of Everything but Design, where she does just that. Staci is capable of taking on every aspect of an interior design business, from accounting and bookkeeping to consulting and customer service, freeing up her clients so that they can get back to what they do best: Design. Staci is here to talk about her experience and the value that outsourcing your back-end operations can bring to your business, boosting not only your confidence, but your profits.
Pick It Apart
[3:39] Staci recounts her experience as an operations manager and bookkeeper for a residential design firm, handling “everything but design” in the business and growing it to a multimillion-dollar firm.
[10:47] Staci and LuAnn discuss the services Everything but Design offers beyond just bookkeeping, and Staci explains how outsourcing administrative tasks to someone that understands the design industry allows her clients to focus more on their designs, builds confidence, and ultimately generate more revenue
[22:22] LuAnn and Staci talk about the importance of systems and processes, and how the way a project is managed can be more important than the beauty of the design to clients
[29:20] Staci explains how she uses best practices as a bookkeeper to help business owners analyze their margins, adjust prices, and gain profits
[42:01] Staci and LuAnn talk about the importance of systems and standards, especially when communicating with clients by setting expectations beforehand
LuAnn Nigara and Staci Davidson’s Ah-Ha Moments
“You need someone that has your back, and they aren’t just pushing data, they’re ensuring that it’s accurate and advising you on next steps, best practices, ways to save money, or improvements into your process.” – Staci Davidson
“When a designer is in their lane, and focusing on the design, all of the other things fall into place.” – LuAnn Nigara
“When you have really satisfied clients who feel like they were taken care of, the referrals are going to come in.” – Staci Davidson
“Really feeling confident in yourself, your design, and your processes will elevate your business so much.” – Staci Davidson
More About Staci Davidson:
Staci discovered her love for the business of Interior Design in 2016 when she was hired as the Operations Manager of a residential design firm. She quickly realized so much more went into running a successful design business. Her true passion is freeing up the designer, taking over all aspects of the business and allowing the owners to focus on creating amazing spaces their clients will cherish for years to come.
She has done blog posts for Design Manager and has been asked to speak at High Point on best practices for running a successful business.
Offering a wide variety of services, Staci and her team can do Everything but Design!
Connect with Staci Davidson
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB Episode 349: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: The Designer CPA
AWDB Episode 464: Power Talk Friday: Peter Lang: Understanding Your Finances #FreeTheDesigner
AWDB Episode 843: Power Talk Friday: Carla Titus: Think Like a CEO By Outsourcing Your Numbers
AWDB Episode 845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating
WTFP Episode 125: Debra Scarpa: The Power of a Visionary & Integrator Relationship
Other Resources Mentioned:
849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design
849: Power Talk Friday: Staci Davidson: Why You Need Someone to Handle Everything But Design
848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client
Today With Amy Youngblood
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s no secret that I love systems and processes. They are the absolute backbone to increasing your profitability. My guest today, Amy Youngblood, principal of Amy Youngblood Interiors, has a very specific process that has helped her not just increase her profitability and bring in more clients, but also to bring in the right clients. She’s taking us through her intake process and discussing why and how it works to ensure that she works with her ideal clients.
Pick It Apart
[0:57] Amy shares her story of why she realized she needed to make a change in her business.
[7:07] Amy and LuAnn begin a deep-dive into Amy’s contact form.
[20:58] Amy highlights why it’s important to ensure that partners in a home are on the same page.
[43:58] Amy and LuAnn discuss the value of thinking outside of the box, even when you have systems and processes in place.
LuAnn Nigara and Amy Youngblood’ Ah-Ha Moments
“What you’re saying is the first critical key in finding the happiness and joy in your business if it’s lacking is, are you working with the type of people and the type of projects that you enjoy.” – LuAnn Nigara
“What I love about this is that we’re having an inside conversation about our reaction to consumer’s responses. But even if you have ten inquiries a month, if you have two or three every month that are searching for designers but plan to shop on their own, it’s a disconnect of the garden variety consumer disconnecting with design. They think of it as a commodity industry of you just picking things out for them.” – LuAnn Nigara
“People want to hear back from you. Even if it’s not a good inquiry, I still respond back and say why, and I say it as respectfully as possible.” – Amy Youngblood
More About Amy Youngblood:
Amy began her career in interior design over 20 years ago. She has worked for several design firms, both residential and commercial. With a strong background as an accomplished artist, Amy fused her creative abilities along with her business and design experience to launch Amy Youngblood Interiors in 2009. Both Amy’s artwork and design commissions have been featured over the years in the local and national media. Amy’s appreciation of all styles has made her known for her clean-lined, yet comfortable, sophisticated look.
Born in Michigan, Amy received her Bachelor of Arts degree at DePauw University with a Major in Communications, and later received a degree in Interior Design at Mount Saint Joseph University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with an emphasis on Art History. Amy has since taught interior design courses at the Mount Saint Joseph University in addition to having served as President of the school’s ASID Chapter. Amy also serves on various charity boards and is a consultant and investor in the local fashion and design industry in Cincinnati. As past President of Cincinnati Business Network, Amy enjoys networking with and mentoring other entrepreneurial business owners. She is also an active member of the OTR Chamber of Commerce, a member of the ArtsWave’s Women’s Leadership Roundtable, a founding member of the Contemporary Arts Center’s prestigious Women’s group, and a regular expert guest on local television. In addition, Amy has been named one of “Ohio’s Top Interior Designers” by The LuxPad, an international publication specializing in high-end interior design. Her work is also regularly featured on HGTV.com. Amy has also been a featured speaker at NeoCon, an honor of being chosen among hundreds of interior designers.
When Amy is not growing her eponymous firm, she enjoys traveling with her husband Tom and two teenagers as well as exploring the food and culture of Cincinnati. An avid fitness buff, she can be found at her trainer’s studio or at a Pilates class. She is also a fashion lover and integrates it into her designs. Check out Amy’s fashion, style, and local events blog, Cincinnista. Amy continues to accept prestigious art commissions as her schedule allows. Please view her work at amyyoungbloodsportsart.com.
Amy Youngblood Interiors is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) through the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women in the U.S.
Connect with Amy Youngblood
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
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
Other Shows Mentioned:
#372: Laura Michaels: How to Talk Budget with your Interior Design Clients
#820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No
848: Amy Youngblood: Why Your Contact Form is Critical in Identifying Your Ideal Interior Design Client
847: Flashback Friday: Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success
Today With Julia Marcum:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today’s show is a Flashback Friday, an episode from the archives that was so good, and so relevant, we wanted to share it with you again! I hope you enjoy Julia Marcum’s episode that originally aired as episode 480!
Julia started blogging more than ten years ago, and her readership has grown to include millions of people. In 2016, Chris left his day job to join Julia as a blogger on a full-time basis. With their blog, this remarkable couple shares their original, authentic, and sincere perspective on the daily coups and challenges of their DIY home renovations. People follow them to learn how to improve their space and to get inspiration, tips on trends, and motivation to get things done.
In today’s episode, Julia explains that they know exactly why they’re doing what they do, and they know who they do it for.
LuAnn Nigara and Julia Marcum’s Ah-Ha Moments
“There is zero downsides to growing your Instagram presence” – Julia Marcum
“Maximize whatever you already have on hand” – Julia Marcum
“Consistency is what really drives audiences, they want to know when and what they can expect from you” – Julia Marcum
More About Julia Marcum:
We’re a couple of progress-embracing home renovators, bloggers, brand ambassadors, and educators. We love: modern cottage design, s’mores around the fire pit, and our three cute kids (but not in that order).
We started this blog in 2009, the year after we got married. But it wasn’t always a business! Like most bloggers back then, we were all about showing off our home projects and cute pictures of our kids. Our budget for home improvements was $20/month, and we were DIYing our hearts out (with borrowed tools).
In 2015, we took Instagram by the horns and started photographing our home and our projects with a *real* camera. We started talking to our audience every day. We got really consistent with our content, and we took big, go-with-your-gut risks.
A year later, Chris quit his day job, and we were pinching ourselves: We get to work on our house as a *job*. And we get to work right alongside each other.
Looking back, I probably should have known that the girl who would beg the local bakery to let her design their store window (and get paid in cookies) would find a way to make a living out of making spaces beautiful — a truly sweet life.
Connect with Julia Marcum
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
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
Other Resources Mentioned:
847: Flashback Friday: Chris Loves Julia: Quality Content Creation is Key to Their Success
