Page 5 – LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Buildertrend

Mydoma Studio

Design Trade Service

Jude Charles’ Website

Other Shows:

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

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

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

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

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

#709: Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors:The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business

#644: Kat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior Designers

#724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals

AWDB #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos

#626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design

#516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand

04-15-202506-27-2025

1079: Amber Guyton: Being Bold in Entrepreneurship

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1:36:09

1079: Amber Guyton: Being Bold in Entrepreneurship

Today With Amber Guyton:

Today on A Well Designed Business, I’m joined by Amber Guyton, the creative force and entrepreneurial mind behind Blessed Little Bungalow. Amber’s journey from corporate America to the design world is anything but typical – she left a six-figure tech job to pursue her passion, and has since created a multi-faceted business as a designer, influencer, product creator, and soon-to-be property investor.

LuAnn Nigara and Amber Guyton’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“I am all about community over competition.” – Amber

“You know who doesn’t feel imposter syndrome? Actual imposters. They’re not worried about imposter syndrome. They’re just out here doing.” – Amber

“Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” – Amber

“Burnout is real and you have to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup…You have to be just a forever student and remain curious, but that gut feeling? You can’t ignore it because that’s wisdom.” – Amber

“When it’s a ‘No’ for you, it’s not going to be good for either one of you. So you’re doing a diservice to both of you…If it’s ‘No,’ just get the emotion out of it and recognize something isn’t fitting.” – LuAnn

More About Amber Guyton

Amber Guyton is the owner of Blessed Little Bungalow, an interior design firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. A passionate champion for personal finance, she believes that interior design should not be a luxury reserved for the privileged few and is committed to democratizing the industry one home at a time. A lover of soulful maximalism, Amber has served dozens of clients across the country designing colorful, affordable, and aesthetically pleasing residential and commercial projects. She founded BLB in 2016 after decorating her entire renovated 1948 bungalow in San Antonio, Texas bungalow in less than a week. Since then, Amber’s blog and social media following quickly grew and transformed her former hobby and side hustle into a nationally known brand and business. In 2021, she left her fintech marketing career in San Francisco, California to pursue this dream and take BLB full-time.

Connect with Amber Guyton

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Design Trade Service – Sign Up Today!

Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference – May 7th!

Upcoming Events with LuAnn!

Other Shows:

AWDB #419: Tobi Fairley- Say No to Busy and Yes to Health, Wealth and Joy

AWDB #440: Power Talk Friday: Tobi Fairley: Her Design You Coaching Program

AWDB #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years

AWDB #903: Power Talk Friday: Adam Stevison: Give Your Clients an Interactive, Luxury Experience at the Home Depot Design Center

AWDB #993: Libby Langdon: How to Create Long-term Income from Licensing Deals

04-11-2025

1078: On-Air Strategy Session: Rebecca Pearson: Acquiring a Company and Creating Smooth Processes

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1078: On-Air Strategy Session: Rebecca Pearson: Acquiring a Company and Creating Smooth Processes

Today With Rebecca Pearson:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s on-air strategy session,

I’m joined by Rebecca Pearson, who recently acquired Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy. Rebecca finds herself facing several challenges during the transition, starting with smoothing out processes and creating SOPs.

Rebecca’s situation might be unique, but it comes down to the same core problem that so many business owners face—how to find the time to create the systems and processes you know you need to make everything else run smoother.

LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Pearson’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“It’s never going to feel like there’s time for SOPs and regular meetings—you have to carve it out, or it just won’t happen.” – LuAnn

“We can’t continue to give the same personal touch our clients expect if we don’t have clear processes documented.” – Rebecca

“You don’t know what you don’t know—so having processes documented ensures consistency, especially through transitions.” – Rebecca

“These team meetings aren’t for no reason—a lot of good comes out of them.” – LuAnn

More About Rebecca Pearson

As Creative Services Director for Waterfield Hill, a family-run investment company focused on the interiors sector, I oversee business growth, design, brand, and marketing across our three subsidiaries—DBSJ, Denne Joinery, and Design I.D.

After studying architecture at university, my career has spanned creative services in the interiors sector, working with contractors, consultants, and design studios before co-founding Waterfield Hill in 2022 alongside my father, mother, brother, and husband. Since then, we have strategically expanded our group — acquiring DBSJ in 2022, Denne Joinery in 2023, and Design I.D. in 2024 — with a shared vision: to create exceptional interiors, together. In 2024, we were honoured to be recognised by The Sunday Times as one of Britain’s Top 20 fastest-growing private companies and by Construction News as Fit-Out Specialist of the Year (DBSJ).

My current focus is successfully integrating our latest acquisition, Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy, ensuring a seamless transition into our group. I thrive in fast-paced environments, bringing clarity and structure to complex challenges, and am dedicated to setting up our businesses for continued success, profitability, efficiency, and growth.

Connect with Rebecca Pearson

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Design Trade Service – Sign Up Today!

2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit

Kravet

04-08-2025

1077: Noel Gatts: Why Character-Driven Design Creates Authentic Spaces & Streamlines Your Process

1077 Noel Gatts Why Character Driven Design Creates Authentic Spaces And Streamlines Your Process Thumbnail.png

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1077: Noel Gatts: Why Character-Driven Design Creates Authentic Spaces & Streamlines Your Process

Today With Noel Gatts:

Today I am joined by Noel Gatts, founder of beam&bloom interiors and HGTV Host on “Home Inspector Joe” and “What’s Wrong With That House?” With a unique background spanning from Broadway to interior design, Noel brings a character-driven approach that transforms how designers connect with clients. In this episode, she reveals how her theatrical training informs her design process, helping her understand clients as “characters” with unique needs and stories, moving beyond standard questionnaires to questions that lead to deeper discovery.

Through examples from both her design practice and television experience, Noel demonstrates how investing time in understanding clients’ characters leads to fewer revisions, stronger relationships, and spaces that authentically reflect who they are. Her candid discussion about the realities of design television offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how designers create impact despite tight timelines and budget constraints, while providing practical strategies for creating a character-driven approach that saves time and builds trust in your own design business.

LuAnn Nigara and Noel Gatts’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“We can learn so much if we don’t make it about what we want to do, but use our talents to enhance what the client wants to do,” – Noel Gatts

More About Noel Gatts

HGTV Host and Designer on two popular hour long renovation shows since 2022, “Home Inspector Joe” and “What’s Wrong With That House?” and creator of the “heart+home+harmony LIVE” series on Instagram and YouTube, Noel is known for her warm & spirited personality and her penchant for statement earrings. A hallmark of her ethos is her ability to authentically, compassionately & intuitively connect with her audience, colleagues and clients. Her character driven approach to design, and her focus on savvy and sustainable investments is prevalent in all of her work.

Connect with Noel Gatts

Beam & Bloom, Interior Design Studio

Noel Gatts, TV/Hosting/Personality Page

YouTube, Interior Enthusiast Chanel, with heart+home+harmony “podcast” LIVE archives

YouTube

TikTok

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Design Trade Service – Sign Up Today!

Other Shows:

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

AWDB # 833: Flashback Friday: Mikel Welch: Be Determined and Get the Job Done

AWDB #1005: Campbell Minister: Building a Referral Based Interior Design Business

AWDB #704: Power Talk Friday: George Oliphant: George to the Rescue

04-04-2025

1076: Power Talk Friday: Porsche Williams: Create a Better Client Experience by Outsourcing Interior Design Back-End Tasks

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1076: Power Talk Friday: Porsche Williams: Create a Better Client Experience by Outsourcing Interior Design Back-End Tasks

Today With Porsche Williams:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, Porsche Williams, founder of The Prototype, joins me to discuss the power of streamlined backend operations for interior designers.

Porsche’s company specializes in seamlessly managing client onboarding, discovery calls, lead management, and more, freeing designers from administrative overwhelm. She believes that “your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized” (a money line if ever I’ve heard one)! Today, she shares how delegating tasks leads to a better client experience, more creativity, and more profitability.

LuAnn Nigara and Porsche Williams’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized.” – Porsche Williams

“Just because it’s on your to-do list doesn’t mean you have to be the one checking it off.” – Porsche Williams

“Clients don’t expect you to handle every detail personally; they expect professionalism, clarity, and consistency in your process.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Porsche Williams

Porsche Williams is the CEO of The Prototype, a Business Concierge firm dedicated to supporting interior designers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. The Prototype enhances the client experience for interior design firms by handling essential business tasks, allowing designers to focus on their craft. With a team of Client Experience Specialists, they serve clients across the US, Canada, and Australia. The Prototype partners with IDS, ASID, Business of Design, and Business of Home, and was awarded the inaugural ASID Diversity in Design Small Business Grant in 2024.

Connect with Porsche Williams

Unlock the Secrets to Successful Discovery Calls

Free 30-minute Client Experience Audit for LuAnn Listeners!

Plus, LuAnn Listeners will get an exclusive bonus for our self-paced course “The Designer’s Guide to Reliable Lead Generation”! Open for enrollment from today to April 11th!

The Prototype – Apply To Work With Us

Free Resource – The Lead Generation Jumpstart

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Jenny Blake’s Concept of Permission Slips Episode

04-01-2025

1075: What Would Lu Do?: The Ultimate Guide to Mounting a Designer Show House

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0:16:21

1075: What Would Lu Do?: The Ultimate Guide to Mounting a Designer Show House

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Are you thinking about saying yes to a designer show house? Before you commit, listen to this episode.

A show house can be an incredible opportunity—but only if you approach it the right way. Too many designers assume that just participating will bring them business. It won’t.

Today, I’m sharing the smartest, most strategic insights from three powerhouse designers at different stages in their careers:

Barbara Ostrom – The “Queen of Show Houses” explains why some rooms bring in clients while others don’t.

Laura Hodges – Managed an entire Southern Living Idea House and reveals how to juggle a massive project while keeping your business on track.

Naika Andre – A first-timer who learned, the hard way, what works, what doesn’t, and what she’ll do differently next time.

We’ll cover:

The real costs (hint: it’s not just the furniture)

How to make sure a show house actually leads to press and clients

Why marketing yourself is non-negotiable—no one will do it for you

The tight deadlines and fast decision-making required to pull it off

If you’re serious about making a show house work for your business, this is the episode for you.

And if you want more details, listen to the full interviews with Barbara, Laura, and Naika—links are in the show notes.

PLUS: If you’re in NJ, PA, or NY, check out the Mansion in May and Bucks County Designer House, where Hannah Goldberg and Lori Bruno will be showcasing their work. Window Works is honored to be providing the window treatments for both!

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Mansion in May

Bucks County Designer House & Gardens

Other Shows:

AWDB #08: Barbara Ostrom: Curtain Up! Thirty Years of Spectacular Showhouse Rooms

AWDB #960: Laura Hodges: The Behind the Scenes of the Southern Living Showhouse

AWDB #1055: Naïka André: Do It Scared – A Designer’s Journey Through Her First Show House

03-28-2025

1074: Live from KBIS 2025: Alexander Dornbracht on Kallista, Creating Authentic Luxury, Product Innovation & Family Legacy

1074 Live From Kbis 2025 Alexander Dornbracht On Kallista Creating Authentic Luxury Product Innovation And Family Legacy Thumbnail.png

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0:47:24

1074: Live from KBIS 2025: Alexander Dornbracht on Kallista, Creating Authentic Luxury, Product Innovation & Family Legacy

Today With Alexander Dornbracht:

Today I am joined by Alexander Dornbracht, VP and General Manager of Kallista, a brand renowned for authentic luxury plumbing and brassware. Recorded live from our KBIS podcast booth, Alexander shares how his family legacy in the industry—his grandfather founded Dornbracht—shaped his passion for excellence in design.

Alexander reveals why Kallista stands out as a designer-driven luxury brand, explaining that despite its premium positioning, they maintain the personal touch that designers value. He discusses his passion for product development and shares his philosophy: “If you lead with the best possible design product at the highest quality with the best after-sales service, that’s a solid foundation to win.”

Learn about Kallista’s engineering innovations, including the industry’s thinnest spout and custom stone tubs, plus their evolution from working with small European suppliers to becoming part of the Kohler family while maintaining their distinct luxury identity.

Whether you specify luxury products or appreciate exceptional craftsmanship, this episode offers valuable insights into how true luxury brands balance heritage with innovation.

LuAnn Nigara and Alexander Dornbracht’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“We are the brand that can always say yes to the designer vision,” – Alexander Dornbracht

More About Alexander Dornbracht

Alexander serves as the Managing Director for Kallista, a leading luxury brassware brand in the global bathroom and kitchen space. He built his career within multiple roles in sales and marketing organizations across a variety of industries and holds an intl. MBA from the University of San Diego.

His heritage in the kitchen and bath industry has allowed him to grow up with a unique perspective and depth of knowledge, that continues to serve as a strong foundation for leadership and entrepreneurship.

Alexander found his true passion in the interior design community and is committed to driving industry innovation and evolution in the luxury goods sector.

Connect with Alexander Dornbracht

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Other Shows:

AWDB: 1069: Live from KBIS 2025: Richard Anuszkiewicz on Elevating Design, Brand Collaborations & Crafting a Successful Career

03-25-202503-25-2025

1073: On Air Strategy Session: Jessie Surber – Embrace Your Small Market to Set Up Long-Term Success

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1:9:30

1073: On Air Strategy Session: Jessie Surber – Embrace Your Small Market to Set Up Long-Term Success

Today With Jessie Surber:

In this On-Air Strategy Session, I work with Jessie Surber of Jessie Surber Design to tackle the challenge of growing a design business in a small town. Based in Greenville, Ohio (population 12,000), Jessie is passionate about British-inspired interiors but struggles with converting website visitors into inquiries. I provide strategic guidance on whether to fully embrace her niche now or take a more gradual approach while building her client base, particularly considering her young family. This episode offers valuable insights for designers in smaller markets, those balancing business growth with family responsibilities, and anyone questioning how much to niche down in the early stages of business.

LuAnn Nigara and Jessie Surber’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Be prepared to be lucky.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Jessie Surber

Jessie Surber is the founder and principal designer of Jessie Surber Design, a full-service interior design firm with a passion for British-inspired interiors. Driven by her love of art and craftsmanship, she helps clients create warm and personal homes designed for the way they live.

With a background in home renovations and construction, Jessie has a keen eye for detail and a practical approach to transforming spaces. She has worked on full-scale renovations, home additions, and custom design projects, collaborating closely with contractors and artisans to bring her client’s visions to life.

When she’s not designing, Jessie loves exploring art galleries, gardening, and spending time with her three children—which fuels her creativity.

Connect with Jessie Surber

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

New blog: Why Niching Your Business is the Smartest Move You’ll Ever Make

On Air Strategy Sessions with LuAnn

Other Shows:

316: Wendy Woloshchuk: FaceBook: The Primary Marketing Tool for Her Interior Design Business

527: Power Talk Friday: Where Are They Now? Wendy Woloshchuk: Grow Your Business Through Action

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

03-21-202503-24-2025

1072: Maya Crowne & Price Latimer: Alkemis Paint is Disrupting the Industry with Sustainable Luxury

1072 Maya Crowne And Price Latimer Alkemis Paint Is Disrupting The Industry With Sustainable Luxury Thumbnail.png

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1:5:27

1072: Maya Crowne & Price Latimer: Alkemis Paint is Disrupting the Industry with Sustainable Luxury

Today With Maya Crowne & Price Latimer:

In today’s episode, I sit down with Maya Crowne and Price Latimer, the visionary co-founders of Alkemis Paint. What started as a personal search for a healthier alternative to conventional paint turned into a groundbreaking company redefining the industry with plastic-free, plant-based, high-performance paint.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why most conventional paints contain plastic—and how that impacts indoor air quality and the environment

How Maya and Price turned a personal frustration into a thriving business that challenges industry norms

The power of educating your clients about healthier, smarter alternatives

Actionable strategies for building a brand that aligns with your values

How to differentiate your business by identifying gaps in the market

LuAnn Nigara, Maya Crowne & Price Latimers Ah-Ha Moments:

“We’ve been painting our walls with plastic for decades—without questioning it. Once we realized that, we knew there had to be a better way.” – Maya Crowne

“If we care about clean beauty, organic food, and air purifiers, why aren’t we thinking about the air we breathe inside our own homes?” – Price Latimer

“Innovation starts with frustration. I couldn’t paint my tiny apartment without suffocating—so I started asking why paint has to be this way in the first place.” – Maya Crowne

More About Maya Crowne & Price Latimer

Maya Crowne, CEO and Co-Founder of Alkemis Paint

After a successful corporate career, I felt the desire to return to my creative roots and focus on my love of color by creating a paint company that is truly all-natural, non-toxic and sustainable, with the addition of functional wellness benefits.

Price Latimer, CCO and Co-Founder of Alkemis Paint

Humans currently spend approximately 90% of their time in enclosed spaces. Whether in residential or public settings, we are invariably surrounded by paint products almost every minute of the day and yet are often oblivious to their deleterious aspects. Alkemis Paint was founded because we can—and we must—do better for ourselves and for the planet. It is well-established that colors, nature, and aesthetics can positively influence our mood.

Connect with Maya Crowne & Price Latimer

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

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

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

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

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

Other Resources:

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Other Shows:

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

AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

03-18-202503-24-2025

1071: Brenda Danso: How Interior Designers Can Protect Their Mental Health & Avoid Burnout

1071 Brenda Danso How Interior Designers Can Protect Their Mental Health And Avoid Burnout Thumbnail.png

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1:17:46

1071: Brenda Danso: How Interior Designers Can Protect Their Mental Health & Avoid Burnout

Today With Brenda Danso:

As an interior designer, you do more than create beautiful spaces—you guide clients through major life transitions, juggle countless responsibilities, and often take on an emotional load that goes far beyond design. But how do you protect your own well-being in the process?

In this episode, Brenda Danso, founder of BD Interior Design and mental health expert, shares powerful insights on recognizing burnout, managing stress, and creating environments that promote emotional well-being—for both yourself and your clients. Learn how to set boundaries, navigate emotionally charged client interactions, and design a business that truly supports your mental health.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward a healthier, more sustainable design business.

LuAnn Nigara and Brenda Danso’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Burnout doesn’t always show up as exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like resentment—toward your work, your clients, or even yourself for taking on too much.” – Brenda Danso

“Your business should fit into your life, not the other way around. If it doesn’t, you have to step back and ask—what needs to change?” – Brenda Danso

“Success isn’t just about how much money you make—it’s about how you feel while making it. If you’re constantly drained and stressed, is that really the business you want?” – LuAnn Nigara

“Sometimes we’re so busy pushing forward that we don’t realize we’re running on empty. Taking a pause isn’t failure—it’s what allows you to keep going.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Brenda Danso

Brenda Danso, the visionary behind BD Interior Design, brings a unique perspective that intertwines mental health and design. Originally from California, she seamlessly transitioned from a career in mental health therapy to pursuing her true passion for design. Brenda is widely acclaimed for her approachable nature, making her clients feel comfortable and understood throughout the design process.

In addition to her design expertise, Brenda has emerged as a trusted figure in the design world. She frequently shares her insights and knowledge as a recognized expert on Cityline TV, where she delves into the intersection of design, well-being, and mental health. With her deep understanding of branding and mental health, Brenda has achieved remarkable success, becoming a source of inspiration for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs alike.

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