Page 54 – LuAnn Nigara

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

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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

The Black Artists and Designer’s Guild

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

Resources and Links: Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club—it’s not just a showhouse.

His House for Her

Housing Works

Savvy Giving by Design

The Trevor Project

NAMI- NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL HEALTH

5 Books to consider:

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

The E-Myth by Michael Gerber

Profit First by Mike Michalowicz

What I know for Sure by Oprah Winfrey

As Man Thinketh by James Allen

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

02-12-202106-03-2025

640: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell, Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire

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0:55:44

640: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Connell, Founder of Prowess: Helping You Find Your Next Hire

Today with Ashley Connell:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today we’re going to talk about one of those key things you have to do in your business if you want to grow—outsourcing. We all know we need to do it, but finding the right fit is a major challenge. Ashley Connell of Prowess runs a business that matches you with your perfect fit business manager or employee. She’s sharing with us how she makes those perfect fits and the impact it can have on your business.

Pick it apart:

[3:40] Ashley gives an overview of what Prowess is and how it connects business owners with employees
[9:15] Ashley and LuAnn talk about the importance of finding someone that fits your personality type, work method, and communication style
[17:27] Ashley breaks down her process and how her algorithm produces results that fit your business
[25:54] LuAnn and Ashley discuss how scaling your business leads to different needs and how Prowess accounts for that
[34:42] Ashley shares her mission of advocating for women and how that plays into her business model

LuAnn and Ashley Connell’s Ah-Ha moments:

“When a designer wants to stay in his/her land of creativity, there’s a need for that other person that’s paying attention to everything that happens under the operations umbrella as opposed to being the executor of the operations umbrella.” -LuAnn Nigara

“We’re not just matching based on the skills you need, but also your behavior styles, your communication style, and your personality.” -Ashley Connell

“I believe that it is very hard to effectively manage a 2-3 million dollar firm without a strong business manager.” -LuAnn Nigara

“By staying in your lane you’re more efficient. It has been proven that if you outsource, you increase your productivity by between 10-100 percent.” -Ashley Connell

More About Ashley Connell:

Ashley Connell, CEO and Founder of Prowess, is one part fearless entrepreneur, one part fearless women’s advocate. For the first 15 years of her career, she was an award-winning tech marketer in both Austin and London. Ashley’s unstoppable drive to have both a career and time for family motivated her to start Prowess. Her commitment to changing the lives of overloaded employers, women seeking rewarding work, and those affected by the gender pay gap, has landed her thought leadership pieces in Forbes, Built in Austin and at SXSW. In her pretty much non-existent spare time she enjoys yoga, walks with her bulldog, cheering on her beloved Longhorns, and spaghetti and meatballs.

Connect with Ashley Connell:

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.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:

Kirsch has just unveiled their new Briza Motorization feature to give your clients control of their draperies from anywhere. They’re easy to install and compatible with third-party home systems, and they are available on all of Kirsch’s most popular drapery tracks. Visit Kirsch.com today to learn more.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#525 Traci Connell: Take Your Business from Setback to Success

#554 Power Talk Friday: Traci Connell: Buy Wholesale for Profit

#450 Power Talk Friday: Bethany Mabee: Outsource the 80% Business and Do the 20% Interior Design

#363 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

#589 Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million

02-09-202109-02-2025

639: Mina Duque: Starting an Interior Design Firm in a Foreign Melting Pot

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0:59:53

639: Mina Duque: Starting an Interior Design Firm in a Foreign Melting Pot

Today with Mina Duque:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Can you imagine starting your firm in a foreign city—one where you have no connections, no network, and where you haven’t even visited? That’s exactly what Mina Duque ended up doing. Today, she’s sharing her story of how she started her business in Tulum, the unique challenges presented by working in a major melting pot, and how she grew her business even without a community and network.

Pick it apart:

[18:00] Mina shares the challenges and triumphs of working with different cultures and communication styles.
[36:24] LuAnn and Mina discuss the value of mentorship and how to set parameters within the relationship.
[44:38] Mina discusses how 3D renderings not only changed the landscape of her business but gave way to her husband starting his own rendering design company.
[52:54] LuAnn and Mina talk about the book Rocket Fuel and the importance of intentionally scoping out business goals.

LuAnn and Mina Duque’s Ah-Ha moments:

“We do that all the time in business…we say to our vendors, ‘Just give it to me straight, I need to know.’ But you’re saying as a culture, that’s not likely to happen. It’s so deeply engrained…and to them, there’s a level of respect in not saying a boldfaced no.” -LuAnn Nigara

“I always tell my vendors, I so prefer that if you think that something is going to take two weeks, tell me it’s going to take four weeks, because if you deliver sooner, I’m happy, but if you deliver later, I’m not happy.” -Mina Duque

“We get really good at visualizing, but that’s not everyone’s forte. So something that sounds really good or looks good on paper, when you see it in real life, you’re like, ‘I’m not really crazy about that.’” -Mina Duque

“It builds so much more trust and confidence in my client when I can show them everything in advance before they start spending money.” -Mina Duque

More About Mina Duque:

Mina, the principal designer at Interiors Tulum, founded the firm in early 2019. Her style is influenced by her unique background growing up between Casablanca, Morocco and Los Angeles, California. Mina grew up between Casablanca, Morocco and Los Angeles, California. Her degree from USC, along with her world travels and experience as a property manager for Airbnb’s, influence her design and decision-making process every step of the way. Her Moroccan background adds a unique accent to her designs blended with the relaxed, Caribbean bohemian vibe that she works with so often. She is an ambitious, driven woman, enjoys research, suffers little risk adversity, and celebrates exploring new cultures and ideas. Now with her business expanding she has a few employees and is striving to create a company culture that reflects her values of honesty, reliability, authenticity, and passion. Working with people from different backgrounds and celebrating their cultures energizes Mina as she loves to learn about their history and discover ways that she can help them enhance their lifestyle by designing relaxing and luxurious living spaces. Currently based in Tulum, Mexico, Mina lives with her husband, Fernando, and their high-energy rescue pup, Lulu.

Connect with Mina Duque:

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:

Revel Woods: Revel Woods is dedicated to providing premium hardwood and resilient flooring curated for your design and needs. They offer a wide range of perks for perks we offer interior designers, contractors, & industry professionals. Visit revelwoods.com today to get started.

Kravet: Kravet is the industry leader in to the trade home furnishings. You can easily shop Kravet, Lee Jofa, and Brunschwig & Fils all in one place. Introducing new and easy to use search features so you can find the latest products and collections right at your fingertips. Use promo code AWDB10 for a 10% discount on Kravet fabric, trim, and wallcoverings.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#291 Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design

#267 Rasheeda Gray: A Pipeline With Over 20 Interior Design Projects in Under 2 Years

02-05-202110-03-2024

638: What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken

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

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0:39:19

638: What Would Lu Do?: Processes and Contracts: They Aren’t Made to Be Broken

Today with LuAnn:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business®, it’s time for another riveting episode of “What Would Lu Do?”, where you ask the difficult questions and LuAnn gives the expert answers you’ve been wanting.

Today, LuAnn gives her expert advice on what to do when a client won’t pay. Is there something more you can do to protect yourself?

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:

Kirsch is reliable, dependable and innovative so think of them when you need to specify drapery hardware. From the motorized Briza collection, to the recently updated Buckingham collection to the tried and true architectural collections, go to Kirsch.com to find a dealer near you.

Other Shows Mentioned:

Jamie Lieberman: #547 and #454

02-02-202102-11-2025

637: Carley Page Summers: Lift Others As You Climb to Success.

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0:55:08

637: Carley Page Summers: Lift Others As You Climb to Success.

Today with Carley Page Summers:

Carley Page Summers shares her journey to interior design that began only after she first built a robust photography business catering to the design trade. 184k Instagram followers strong, Carley chronicles how just nine years ago, she pulled herself out of a dark place, found hope, and is now on a mission to inspire hope in others.

Pick it apart:

[2:49] Carley shares her journey from photographer to designer

[7:34] Carley shares her philosophy about the attraction to natural settings

[11:50] Carley shares how she started her virtual design business

[18:53] Carley shares her Instagram strategy

[42:56] Charley shares her mission statement

LuAnn and Carley Page Summers’ Ah-Ha moments:

“Lift as you climb.” – Carley Page Summers

“The world would say I’m a failure…but it goes to show that you can set your mind to something and hope and grow.” – Carley Page Summers

“It is useless to look back on your path and feel shame. Instead, see the accomplishment and joy you have created.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Carley Page Summers:

Photography has been a passion of mine since a young age and is not just my career path but is also part of my soul. During an especially difficult time in my life, while living & volunteering in Haiti, I was inspired by the culture and all the people around me and was able to use photography as a way to help narrate their stories. After returning home, I studied art and graduated with a fine arts degree with a focus in photography and painting. Interiors and design became an interest turned passion and naturally there was a union of the two things that inspired me, photography and interiors.

With interior photography, I am able to help clients and brands narrate their stories. Clients have the benefit of being able to choose full-service options with my packages because they include creative, styling and photography all in one.

Additionally, with interiors, I love helping create a truly sacred space for clients and their loved ones to enjoy. I love a mixture of curated textiles, clean whites, and of course plants to make a space feel peaceful yet full of life. With my interior styling services, I hope to not only style a space but also to document it for others to see so they can also be inspired.

Connect with Carley Page Summers

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:

At Mydoma Studio they are always iterating to continually serve you better, and more intuitively. Mydoma Studio is the best place to manage your interior design projects easily and efficiently. Everything from mood board creation, invoicing, QuickBooks integration, and vendor and client communication within the specific project the communication. Go to mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbuisness for the special offers they have for you as a listener of this podcast.

01-29-202109-02-2025

636: Window Treatment Friday Ep. 13: On-Air Coaching with Vita

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0:54:23

636: Window Treatment Friday Ep. 13: On-Air Coaching with Vita

Today with Vita Vygovska

For Window Treatment Friday, LuAnn and Vita conduct a live coaching session around a big issue that so many businesses encounter when they scale—clients wanting you on their project, not your staff. Listen to see how LuAnn advises Vita and prepares her to eliminate her problem with confidence and some carefully chosen words.

LuAnn and Vita’s Aha-Moments

“Having the combination of a virtual hug and a little bit of a whip is very unique.” – Vita Vygovska

“If you only get comfort, then you don’t learn how to avoid that the next time.” – LuAnn Nigara

“If I don’t press you and urge you to find the place where only you could have changed the outcome, you’re destined to repeat it.” – LuAnn Nigara

“We can go back and own the moment.” – LuAnn Nigara

Picking It Apart

[11:34] LuAnn shares why we could all benefit from coaching

[16:13] Vita shares the struggle she is having in her business

[19:17] LuAnn gives an example of how she solves the same problem at Window Works

[26:02] Vita asks LuAnn to help her solve a nuance of her original struggle

[30:08] Vita asks LuAnn to help her solve a second nuance of her original struggle

[38:37] LuAnn shares a funny story about what happened when she didn’t take her own advice

More About Vita Vygovska

Vitalia Vygovska (Vita for short), CWFP, MBA, is an award-winning window treatment specialist, author, speaker, mom, wife, and a ballroom dance enthusiast. Her company, Vitalia, Inc, provides all-encompassing concierge-level, tech-driven fabrication, measurement, installation, and project management services exclusively for interior designers. In business for over a decade, Vita and her team are experts in their narrow field, providing designers with superb quality product and excellent communication. Most importantly, they take off the stress, save time, and give peace of mind in the job is well-done.

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

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

Kirsch is a reliable go to resource for all of your drapery hardware needs. Have you heard about all of the features Kirsch has built into their motorized Briza rod? Let me tell you a few: Motor mounts to the back of the track which allows a seamless look if you have motorized and cord or baton traverse rods in the same room.

The Drapery fabrication specs do not need to change between cord or baton controlled draperies and motorized draperies– this is nice- cuts down on errors— ask me how I know–lol No additional returns or any special instructions– also very nice feature Limits are set automatically after installationRemote control is radio frequency and easily pairs with the motorTug feature; when drapery is pulled the motor will traverse the draperyNew Neo Smart Controller allows for easy integration with third party home systems.

So go to Kirsch.com today, find the dealer in your area and learn how Kirsch can help you on your next window treatment project.

01-26-202108-15-2024

635: Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business

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1:11:50

635: Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business

Today with Beth Diana Smith

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, we welcome Beth Diana Smith back to the show! Beth was last on the show over a year ago, and since then she’s made some major changes to her processes and her business. She’s going to take us through those changes, the way she revamped her processes, and what she’s looking to do in the future. We’re also diving into diversity and inclusivity in the industry, and what all of us can do to contribute and be better allies.

Pick it apart

[5:12] Beth walks us through the actual steps she took to improve the processes in her business.
[12:10] Beth shares the way she checks in weekly to review her client work and projects to find areas of improvement.
[14:11] Beth discusses two big projects she has completed since her last appearance and what they’ve meant for her business.
[24:11] Beth and LuAnn discuss inclusivity and diversity in the industry and the importance of not staying silent.
[37:57] LuAnn and Beth talk about the need to highlight Black artists and be intentional about diversity.

LuAnn and Beth Diana Smith’s “Ah-Ha” Moments

“I’m always saying to all the designers I work with and coach, and my own team, ‘Ok, so this stinks, this went wrong, but where can you personally wind this back where you could have changed the outcome.’ And there’s always a place, even if 15 other people along the way also made a mistake or dropped the ball.” -LuAnn Nigara

“I always want to make sure that my client feels excited because that’s how I want them to feel throughout the process.” -Beth Diana Smith

“That moment where I was able to transform something so drastically and people were able to see it throughout the entire house—it was great content.” -Beth Diana Smith

“I want people to realize that your silence is just as bad as the person that is the racist, because you are enabling their behavior.” -Beth Diana Smith

More About Beth Diana Smith

After more than a decade in accounting and finance at companies like Viacom and Johnson & Johnson, Beth Diana Smith left the corporate world to launch her own interior design firm. Her eye for aesthetics paired with her project management experience culminates in a truly unique approach to design. Her signature style is modern and eclectic with luxurious finishes and custom furnishings. Each vignette is a functioning art installation in its own right. Above all, her work is client-centric as she helps each homeowner hone in on their own style and create a space that inspires them and enhances their lifestyle. Beth’s goal for each project is to elevate the lives of her clients by first elevating their daily environment.

Beth holds a MBA and a degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She is a member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, the House Beautiful Advisory Council, and the New York School of Interior Design Task Force on Diversity. And Beth’s work has been on NBC and HGTV, and featured in various outlets including House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Real Simple, Lonny Magazine, and the Business of Home.

Connect with Beth Diana Smith

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

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 is the complete designer toolkit—a place for you to manage all of your projects, from time tracking to communication to product approvals. Mydoma can help you free your time up to focus on your business and serve your clients. You can get 20% off your first three months at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.

Other Shows Mentioned:

#439 Beth Diana Smith: Client Expectations, Contracts, and Hard Conversations

#184 Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm

#06 Identifying Your Transferrable Skills with Erika Ward

#573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something

01-22-202108-08-2025

634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

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1:13:14

634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire

Today with Jessica Harling:

Stop the turnover in your business! Listen in as Jessica Harling, founder of Behind the Design, and a leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations guides us through a simple (not easy) and actionable process of hiring, training, and retaining top staff.

Pick it apart:

[16:52] Jessica reviews week 1: Process

[25:31] LuAnn reviews how she would use Shadowing at Window Works

[29:35] Jessics reviews week 2: Product/Services

[33:05] Jessica reviews week 3: Paperwork and Pricing

[37:58] Jessica reviews week 4: People

[47:35] LuAnn and Jessica review how to set goals for non-sales role such as Office Administrator

LuAnn and Jessica Harling’s Ah-Ha moments:

“It would be easier to train somebody in the papertrail process if they actually had been physically through the full process.” – LuAnn

More About Jessica Harling:

Jessica Harling is a 4th Generation Window Treatment Specialist, founder of Behind the Design, and leading expert in employee and process development for design organizations. Her specialty in recruiting, training and change management drives innovative and high-producing results while keeping your team inspired. Behind the Design offers recruiting, onsite and online training, and operations development consulting for design organization to streamline costs, increase productivity, and develop rockstar employees to take the company to the next level.

Connect with Jessica Harling:

Twitter

Behind the Design Blog

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

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:

Kirsch is a valuable partner to you, the interior designer, as well as to us, window treatment professionals. More than 100 years of innovation in design and technology, creating beautiful as well as functional drapery hardware for any window application you can imagine. Curved rods, ripplefold rods, decorative rods, had draw rods, cord draw rods, motorized rods…when I say everything you need, I do mean everything. Go to Kirsch.com to find a dealer near you.

Other Shows Mentioned:

Janelle Photopoulos on episode 364

Joni Vanderslice on episode 101

01-19-202102-11-2025

633: Joyce Downing Pickens: Building an Interior Design Business with Hard Work, Press & Pricing without Fear

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1:9:19

633: Joyce Downing Pickens: Building an Interior Design Business with Hard Work, Press & Pricing without Fear

Today with Joyce Downing Pickens:

LA interior designer, Joyce Downing Pickens of JDP Interiors used to intern for Nathan Turner and now she’s running her own design business. Joyce shares how she got amazing press as a #babydesigner, what helped her not fear an empty pipeline, and what she’s rethinking as she graduates to her sixth year in business.

Pick it apart:

[21:31] Joyce shares about the press needing content

[22:03] Joyce shares advice from Nathan Turner about submitting projects to press

[36:50] Joyce shares about how her rates have changed since she started her business

[45:57] Joyce shares about her mindset surrounding her pipeline and plans for a shift in the next year

[49:20] Joyce shares her ideas about the scalability of interior design and her interest in product design

LuAnn and Joyce Downing Pickens’s Ah-Ha moments:

“The best learning experience is working for yourself. You have to juggle so many hats and you learn quicker than learning underneath someone.” – Joyce Downing Pickens

More About Joyce Downing Pickens:

Joyce is a Los Angeles based interior designer and owner of JDP Interiors. After traveling throughout her childhood, Joyce’s love of design was born. She strives to create beautiful, comfortable and textural spaces, while providing her clients with superior customer service and project management. She continually collects and curates to achieve the perfect blend between vintage and modern and consistently enjoys watching her visions come to life – there’s nothing better than a good “before and after”!

“The Pretty”

Connect with Joyce Downing Pickens:

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

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 sponsored our show from the very beginning and is a designer’s go-to source for excellent fabrics, trims, and accessories. Get 10% off at Kravet.com when you use coupon code AWDB10. And our friends at Kravet Inc. are committed to ensuring a safe, sanitary, and secure experience for you, in all their showrooms and locations. Kravet promises to serve you from a distance by adhering to CDC guidelines and by taking extra precautions. Their warehouses are open and operational, so that means Kravet is ready to ship your orders quickly and efficiently! Visit https://www.kravet.com for more information and to book an in-person or virtual appointment with your sales rep.

01-15-202109-02-2025

632: Power Talk Friday: John Dupra: Taking The Fear Out of Flooring for Interior Designers

0:00

1:8:19

632: Power Talk Friday: John Dupra: Taking The Fear Out of Flooring for Interior Designers

Today with John Dupra:

John Dupra, Co-Founder and Director of Marketing for Revel Woods returns to the show to walk us through how designers can offer a valuable service to their clients and increase their project profit by becoming a flooring expert. Revel Woods is known for catering to the design trade by offering substantial training, concierge level service and customizable flooring options that allow interior designers to confidently include flooring in their new-build and renovation projects.

Pick it apart:

[41:26] John and LuAnn discuss how to work around the builder so you can spec the flooring

[55:28] John reviews how the flooring selector on his website works

[1:06:07] John explains how Revel Woods has disrupted the flooring industry’s retail model

[1:08:13] LuAnn recaps the value Revel Woods bring to the designer

[1:13:09] John explains the initial education and guidance needed to specify flooring

[1:21:34] LuAnn recaps the main benefits Revel Woods offers to designers

LuAnn and John Dupra’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Revel Woods is a hyper-personalized concierge service.” – John Dupra

“For projects that designers have flooring in, the designer should be the conduit for that industry.” – John Dupra

“This is an area where there’s money left on the table.” – John Dupra

More About John Dupra:

John Dupra (pronounced DU-pray)’s father Craig started in the wood flooring business before John was born as an installer and refinisher, which he did for 24 years before eventually opening his own wholesale wood flooring distribution company in Rochester, NY.

John grew up helping his father when not in school before taking a job for Saint-Gobain, a large materials manufacturing company that made sundries for the flooring industry. He traveled the country as a sales engineer working with flooring contractors for eight years before deciding to join the family business in wholesale distribution.

It was there John saw the need to evolve the industry, by evolving its sales channels. If the correct platform was built, designers would be just as integral a part of the flooring industry as flooring stores. Making flooring a lucrative avenue for the designer, while providing a better experience to their clients. Revel Woods is that platform. Now designers are empowered to add flooring to their projects in a way that’s never been seen before.

John has been featured in a number of publications, and has been a guest on a wide range of podcasts including being recognized in Hardwood Floors Magazine’s first ever 40 under 40: https://hardwoodfloorsmag.com/2017/10/02/hardwood-floors-magazine-introduces-first-ever-40-40/

His favorite podcast to be on is A Well Designed Business and he doesn’t care who knows it.

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