1186: BEST OF: Candy Scott & Rachel Cannon: Interior Design is a Service Business Not a Commodity Business

1186 Best Of Show Candy Scott And Rachel Cannon Interior Design Is A Service Business Not A Commodity Business Thumbnail.png

Welcome to today’s show! We are really happy today to have Candy Scott and Rachel Cannon join us on the show! In today’s episode, these two smart ladies will be talking to LuAnn about the changing landscape in the business side of interior design. Candy and Rachel are both highly organized, with finite systems in place for running their businesses and they truly understand that you really need to know and sell your own value, as a designer, rather than the value of the products that you specify. Listen in, to find out what they have to share with you on the show today.

Candy is the principal of Mood Design and Build, which is located in Chicago. She has won multiple awards during her seventeen-year career in designer and she’s worked with large developers and corporate clients, outfitting high-rise condominium lobbies, club rooms, and model showrooms.

Rachel is based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has clients from Palm Springs to Palm Beach, with over fifteen years of experience in residential and commercial interior design. She opened her own firm, Rachel Cannon Interiors nine years ago and her work has been featured in Traditional Home, The Wall Street Journal, HGTV, My Domain.Com, and Southern Home. Tune in now!

Both Rachel and Candy are going to be at LuAnn Nigara Live, It’s About The Conversation.

Show highlights:

  • Business disruptions are not a new thing.
  • The future of the interior designer with the disruptive emergence of products being available online to the consumer.
  • Being a designer is not just about selling merchandise- it’s so much more about the relationship.
  • As designers, you need to be the innovators!
  • Why you have to start charging for your services.
  • If you make your money on a flat fee, you don’t have to focus on selling furniture.
  • Creating tracking documents for orders.
  • Surviving the changes in the industry.
  • The layer of service that Candy has added to her business, to really set it apart.
  • The value of having the designer run the project.
  • Rachel’s ideas for designers to make money, going into the future.
  • The middle end of the market is going to go away.
  • Rachel’s approach to design consult packages.
  • The importance of branding.
  • As an entrepreneur, you just have to be open to change.
  • Some things to consider when creating your brand.

Rachel Cannon is an interior designer from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with clients ranging the nation from Palm Springs to Palm Beach. She has over 15 years of experience in residential and commercial interior design, nine of which are at her namesake interior design firm, Rachel Cannon Limited. Armed with a degree in interior design and a background in art history, Rachel joins together classic principles with a decidedly contemporary tone. She provides her clients with sophisticated interiors that exude an effortless combination of subtle color, rich architectural detail, and a beguiling mix of livable, tailored and luxe details. With a clientele of professionals and families with demanding schedules, Rachel is most praised for her ability to simplify the interior design process while paying meticulous attention to planning and detail. The finished product: a livable yet polished space the entire family can enjoy. Rachel’s work has been featured in Traditional Home, The Wall Street Journal, HGTV.com, MyDomain.com and Southern Home. Her captivating wit and knowledge of art, design, and architecture have made her a favorite on television, radio, and podcasts. While always on the go, the Rachel Cannon Limited team is headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

In 2014, Candy Scott founded MOOD Design and Build where she continues to work with residential clients, business owners, and development partners on their homes, offices, and commercial interiors. As a designer, Candy is most inspired and intrigued by the transformation process. Both for the people who inhabit the spaces and the physical spaces themselves. She believes bringing consciousness to our spaces greatly impacts the way we think, feel, and behave.

Candy graduated from Meredith College in Raleigh, NC with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design. Through the years, she has won multiple awards and has worked with large developers and corporate clients outfitting the high rise condominium lobbies, clubrooms, and model showrooms. She has worked with small to medium-sized businesses as well, transforming their lobbies and offices to places employees love to work.

Previous shows mentioned on this episode:

Candy #227

Rachel #306

Wendy Woluschuk #316

Links:

Rachel Cannon:

Rachel Cannon Limited

Instagram: RCL Interiors

Facebook: RCL Interiors

Candy Scott:

Mood Design Build

Instagram: Mood Design Build

Facebook: Candy Scott

Book mentioned in the show: Start With Why- How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Portfolio.  

1185: Kia Weatherspoon: The Cost of Performing Leadership

1185 Kia Weatherspoon The Cost Of Performing Leadership Thumbnail.png

Today With Kia Weatherspoon:

Today with Kia Weatherspoon, we explore what it truly means to lead, not performatively, but fully and honestly. As the founder of Determined by Design, Kia has built a mission-driven firm rooted in the belief that interior design is not a luxury for a few, but a standard that should serve all people. In this conversation, she shares how that belief has shaped her work in affordable housing, her approach to advocacy and the way she articulates value in spaces often overlooked by the industry.

But this episode goes deeper than business and design. Kia opens up about the cost of performing leadership, the importance of honoring your own humanity and how the way you see yourself directly impacts how you serve others. This is a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose and the responsibility we carry as designers to create spaces, and businesses, that truly support the people they are meant to serve.

LuAnn Nigara and Kia Weatherspoon’s Ah-Ha Moments

“The humanity you give to yourself is reciprocated in how you serve others.” – Kia

“I am my own hero.” – Kia

“Interior design is not a luxury for a few—it is a standard for all.” – Kia

More About Kia Weatherspoon:

The most decorated black interior designer of a generation.

Kia Weatherspoon, ASID, CID, IIDA, NCIDQ, D.F.A (h.c) is unafraid to take risks. Her superpower is that she jumps – defying every design stereotype as she’s moved through the industry. The most damaging – interior design is a luxury reserved for a few.

Being the child of an addict was not something that happened to her – but for her. For a long time, she strived for this yearning to be seen and in that she realized showing up as her most authentic self was her greatest strength. Understanding showing up as who you are is what makes great leaders – she doesn’t see titles and sees others as who they are. In that she goes above and beyond not to just see them – but searches for ways to elevate, celebrate, uplift and make sure their voices are heard.

Often asked what the key to her success at Determined by Design is, simply put the success is that she has always checked her ego and searched for humanity. She is unafraid to challenge anyone who doesn’t see the humanity and softness every person deserves. Her vehicle to doing that happens to be through interior design – founding Determined by Design. Her voice, presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners in economically challenged communities to not just take notice of her work—but to do better. Her innovative approach to design for everyone is why Determined by Design is the only interior design firm in the nation that provides Design Equity services.

She is an advocate, educator, speaker, business owner, leader and most of all – she is just Kia. That is enough and why she’s been recognized as the ICFF Design of the Year, has an Honorary Doctorate from New York School of Interior Design, the ASID National Design for Humanity recipient, the HIP Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, the CREW Washington, DC Raise Your Voice Awardee, a part of the Washington Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Class and the International Interior Design Association Luna Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient. She is many things but all of them are the things that make her determined by design.

Connect with Kia Weatherspoon:

Website

Determined by Design

Instagram 

Determined by Design Instagram

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠

⁠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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

LuAnn’s ⁠Website⁠

LuAnn’s ⁠Blog⁠

⁠Power Talk Friday⁠

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

1184: Geraldine Morrison (NKBA): Stop Guessing—Use Industry Insight to Grow Your Business

1184 Geraldine Morrison Nkba Stop Guessing Use Industry Insight To Grow Your Business Thumbnail.png

Today With Geraldine Morrison:

What happens when you stop guessing in your business… and start making decisions based on real industry insight?

In this episode, LuAnn is joined by Geraldine Morrison, Chief Partnerships Officer for Domestic and Global Brands at NKBA | KBIS. With leadership experience at brands like Samsung and LIXIL, Geraldine brings a unique perspective on how manufacturers, designers, and industry organizations intersect—and why that matters to your business.

Recorded live at KBIS 2026, this conversation goes beyond what NKBA is and gets into how it actually supports you as a business owner.

Because here’s the truth: many designers are making decisions in isolation. They’re relying on instinct, past experience, or what they’re seeing on social media. But that only gets you so far.

Geraldine shares how access to real data, market research, and industry connection can change the way you operate. From understanding shifts in consumer behavior to recognizing where opportunities are emerging, this is about making smarter, more strategic decisions.

You’ll also hear how NKBA is expanding its reach, from global initiatives like Global Connect to its growing presence at High Point Market, creating more opportunities for designers to connect, learn, and grow.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re making decisions without the full picture, this episode will challenge you to think differently about where you get your information and who you’re connected to.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

Watch the Docuseries!

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

AJ Madison Pro is the industry’s trusted appliance source for

professionals who need fast, reliable access to top brands.

Backed by nationwide shipping and a powerful logistics network,

delivery is precise and dependable.

With over 150 premium brands – including Sub-Zero, Wolf and

Cove, Miele, Viking, Thermador, Gaggenau, and more –

AJ Madison Pro is your single source for appliance specification.

Qualified builders and architects can save up to 15% on luxury

brands through exclusive trade programs, with registration

handled for you.

AJ Madison Pro. Smarter appliance sourcing starts

at ajmadison.com/pro.

1183: BEST OF: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours

1183 Best Of Show Fred Berns Own Your Only Word And Tips To Discover Yours Thumbnail.png

The guest on today’s Power Talk Friday is Fred Berns, the only Interior Design Industry Business Coach, and Speaker.  Fred was a Speaker at the Design Blogger’s Conference, held in L.A. In March, where he spoke about how to create your bio, so this show is tagged onto the Design Blogger’s Series. This is the fourth time that Fred has appeared on this show and LuAnn is really happy to have him back again because he always brings so much value. (He previously appeared on shows #22, #48 and#96.) Today, Fred will help you to figure out your ‘only‘, so listen in now and find out why it’s so important.

 

Fred creates personal bio’s and other promotional materials for design professionals, worldwide. He has had more than twenty-five years of experience, training design professionals and creating their online profiles, website, and social media copy, blogs, and marketing forums. He also offers a wide range of business coaching services, including his High-End Performance Coaching Program, his bio briefing and his website once over. Listen in to today’s show to find out from Fred how you can really stand out in the marketplace.

 

Today, Fred talks to LuAnn about:

 

  • Why it’s so important for you to figure out your ‘only’.
  • How he helps designers to arrive at their ‘only’.
  • Some categories to consider when trying to figure out your ‘only’ phrase.
  • How to be sure that you are really the ‘only’ one when making that claim.
  • How to subtly modify your ‘only phrase’, if necessary.
  • Using the word ‘specializes’ to better describe your ‘only’ and to differentiate yourself.
  • That your ‘only’ doesn’t have to be a big thing.
  • How having an ‘only’ helps you to charge a higher fee.
  • How he helps people to draft letters to inform customers that they are raising their fees.
  • How educating people about your value helps to overcome their resistance to your charging top dollar.
  • Why he encourages you, as a designer, to highlight rather than hide your past.
  • That it’s often the small things that make you unique.
  • Some examples of how you can incorporate your ‘only phrase’ into your bio, to make yourself memorable.
  • Ways for newly graduated designers to set themselves apart.
  • His victory vocabulary.
  • Using the law of attraction to draw the kinds of clients you’d like to work with towards you.
  • That the most financially successful designers are not necessarily the best designers.
  • ‘Only’ is not the only word, but it’s the best one!

1182: Sponsored Show: Studio Kasa, How to Source Art That Elevates Your Projects and Increases Your Profit

1182 Sponsored Show Studio Kasa How To Source Art That Elevates Your Projects And Increases Your Profit Thumbnail.png

Today With Josh Kasper of Studio Kasa:

Art is one of the most overlooked, and under-monetized, elements in interior design.

In this sponsored episode, LuAnn sits down with Josh Kasper, founder of Studio Kasa, to talk about how designers can approach art differently, not just as a finishing touch, but as a strategic part of both the design and the business.

Josh shares how his firm helps designers source art efficiently, elevate their projects, and create an additional revenue stream without adding more work to their plate. From understanding how to guide clients through art decisions to avoiding the endless rabbit hole of online sourcing, this conversation reframes what’s possible when you have the right process and partner in place.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to confidently incorporate art into your projects, or how to make it profitable, this episode will open your eyes to a smarter way of doing it.

More About Josh Kasper:

Having spent almost a decade on Wall Street at iconic firms including Goldman Sachs, Josh Kasper launched himself into the art world as a collector. While engaging with traditional advisors and galleries he found the art to be too expensive and mostly based on what was considered “in” versus his unique tastes.

This brought him directly to artists’ studios, which led him to develop an Instagram feed (@_Studio Kasa_) where he could share both artists’ stories and their creation process. One day someone asked him to source artwork for their home… the rest is history.

Today Josh Kasper leverages his experience in financial services and as an art curator working almost exclusively with interior designers offering various solutions at all pricing thresholds, while providing a seamless client experience.

Today, his company Studio Kasa serves as a trusted resource for interior design professionals:

  • Curating artwork tailored to each client’s aesthetic and the unique character of every space
  • Managing the full end-to-end process from sourcing through shipment and installation
  • Negotiating pricing and offering competitive designer referral fees
  • Saving designers valuable time so they can focus on their clients and core design work

Connect with Studio Kasa:

Website

Instagram

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Join the giveaway!

Through May 5th, when you book and attend a discovery call or webinar with Josh, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a featured piece of art. (See it below!)

Pretty cool, yes.

But the real opportunity is this:

You will learn how to turn something you’re already doinginto a structured, profitable part of your business.

Go to studiokasa.art/luannand choose the session that fits your schedule and you will be entered to win!

Luann Giveaway (1)

Screenshot
Screenshot

1181: Sponsored Show with Duke Renders: Is AI Saving You Time… or Wasting It?

1181 Sponsored Show With Duke Renders Is Ai Saving You Time Or Wasting It Thumbnail.png

Today With Duke Renders and Jenna Gaidusek:

AI is everywhere right now.

Some designers are excited about it. Others are frustrated by it. And many are quietly wondering…

Is this actually helping my business or just adding more noise?

In this episode, LuAnn sits down with Mina Duque of Duke Renders and AI expert Jenna Gaidusek to cut through the confusion and get to the truth.

What is AI actually good for in the design process?

Where does it fall short?

And most importantly… what happens when you present something to a client that isn’t fully thought through?

Because once you present it, it’s no longer an idea. It’s a promise.

You’ll hear why AI can be a powerful tool for early-stage exploration—but why it cannot replace the accuracy, accountability, and decision-making required for real-world execution.

Mina breaks down Duke Renders’ structured process, from clay renderings to final visuals, and how that process helps designers catch costly mistakes before they happen.

And Jenna explains exactly why AI-generated images can look beautiful at first glance… but fall apart when you zoom in.

This episode will change how you think about:

• AI as a brainstorming tool—not a final deliverable

• The difference between inspiration and execution

• Why accuracy protects your profit• How better visuals lead to better decisions not just prettier presentations

If you’ve been wondering whether you still need professional renderings in the age of AI, this conversation will give you your answer.

And it will likely raise your standards in the process.

Connect with Duke Renders:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Houzz

Get The Goodies!

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

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

Episode 951Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: More Interior Designers Share the Value Of Using Duke Renders For Your Rendering Projects

Episode 905Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: Why Successful Design Firms Choose Duke Renders for Their Rendering Projects

Episode 823Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan

Episode 722Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business

1180: BEST OF: Denise Wenacur: The Design Build Business Model

1180 Best Of Show Denise Wenacur The Design Build Business Model Thumbnail.png

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On this episode, LuAnn sits down for a chat with Denise Wenacur, the principle of DW Design & Décor in Croton on the Hudson, which is a beautiful community just outside of NYC.

Design-build is the hot topic of the day, and you’ll learn the importance of having an interior designer as the point person for the client between the architect, the builder and themselves. She discusses the ways having an interior designer on their team from the outset truly benefits the process and the result of the project.

If that wasn’t enough, Denise will share tips for connecting with people who can introduce you to the type of projects you are looking for.

Tune in to this engaging and informative conversation!

Show Highlights:

  • Denise recounts why and how she changed her business model to include the construction part.
  • She is always the first point of contact as the interior designer. She rounds out each team with an architect, contractor, and whichever trades need to be added, as well.
  • Each team member has their unique perspective and experience that they bring to the job, all working together for the good of the client and a perfect outcome.
  • Making a 3D version of the architect’s plans can assist in both the design and the build in amazing ways.
  • Denise has a video on her website explaining the pros and cons and importance of having a designer involved at the beginning of construction.
  • One big successful project will generate referrals.
  • Sharing on social media tips and ways that your services have made a positive impact will further help you to get noticed.
  • Denise also holds a Construction Manager certificate from Pace University. This helps build confidence when she’s working with the rest of the team.
  • Communication is everything, and it’s all about the client.
  • Denise feels like she’s doing a good job when she gets new clients from her referral partners.
  • Denise shares some ideas on how to meet architects and builders in the area.
  • It’s important to create the relationship first.
  • A CFO surprise!
  • When you know your numbers, it instills confidence and that comes across to your clients.
  • Potential clients will know if you know what you’re doing.

Resources:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review!

Purchase LuAnn’s Book!

Power Talk Friday

LuAnn Live

Connect with Denise!

Denise’s Website

Denise’s Facebook

Denise’s Instagram

Denise SINGS!The 1-4-5’s YouTube Channel

Other episodes mentioned:

#380 Circle Design, John and Theresa Dorlini

#361, #442, Kimberly Merlitti

#441 4Pt Design Build, Laura and Cliff Muller

#181 H2 Design Build, Angela Rasmussen

#202 Enoch Sears

#292 Jana Phipps

1179: The Business of Interiors Community Summit: The Room That Changes Your Business

1179 The Business Of Interiors Community Summit The Room That Changes Your Business Thumbnail.png

Today With Rachel Usher and Rick Campos:

The Business of Interiors Community Summit: The Room That Changes Your Business

What if the thing that changes your business isn’t another course, another podcast, or another late night Googling session, but simply getting in the right room?

In this episode, LuAnn talks with Rachel Usher, founder of The Business of Interiors, and Rick Campos, creator of the Design Biz Survival Guide, about the power of community, candid conversations, and why designers need spaces where the real business of interior design is discussed openly.

This isn’t about inspiration for inspiration’s sake. It’s about sitting in a room with other designers who are asking the same questions you are, navigating the same challenges, and willing to share what’s actually working in their businesses today.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your business on your own, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to. And more importantly, you shouldn’t.

More About Rachel Usher and Rick Campos:

Rachel Usher: Rachel Usher is a luxury Interior Designer, podcast host and business mentor. With over a decade of experience running an award-winning Interior Design business Rachel is now breaking down barriers within the Interior Design industry through her company The Business Of Interiors, a platform to unite designers and build a community through her podcast If These Walls Could Talk and her annual Business Of Interiors Community Summit. Rachel’s  award-winning studio Usher & Co Interior Design is going from strength to strength, working on illustrious properties across the UK & internationally.

Rick Campos: Rick Campos is a business coach specialising in helping interior designers run profitable, efficient businesses. Through his Design Biz Survival Guide,  Rick’s practical insights help designers streamline their processes and achieve long-term success.

Connect with The Business of Interiors Community Summit:

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

Pinterest

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

1178: BEST OF: Amy Lynn Allard: Tactics for Team and Project Management

1178 Best Of Show Amy Lynn Allard Tactics For Team And Project Management Thumbnail.png

Today with Amy Lynn Allard:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Looking for advice on systems to turbo-charge your business? Amy Lynn Allard of Boston’s Amy Lynn Interiors learned to thrive using well-crafted, meticulous systems. She is big on time blocking, but that’s not all. Amy walks through two of her most powerful systems, the team agenda and an invaluable spreadsheet she uses to create a multiple-project timeline.

Pick it apart:

  • [17:53] Amy explains her approach to adding specs to elevations.

    [25:47] Amy walks through how she creates her agenda.

    [42:14] Amy explains her Monday morning overview meeting.

    [45:22] Amy shares how she creates a schedule for new client work.

    [46:42] LuAnn recaps Amy’s new client schedule creation process.

    [53:52] Amy shares about her business coach.

LuAnn and Amy Lynn Allard’s Ah-Ha moments:

“Hire and fire off your core values.” – Amy Lynn Allard

Connect with Amy Lynn Allard:

Website

Instagram 

Pinterest 

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

luannuniversity.com

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

1177: Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: Define Your Personal Brand for Long-Term Career Stability

1177 Aga Artka And Jenny Rebholz Define Your Personal Brand For Long Term Career Stability Thumbnail.png

Today With Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz:

When you hear the phrase “personal brand,” do you immediately think of your color palette and your website layout? What if we are getting so caught up in the visual pieces that we are forgetting what a brand really is, and why it has to reflect who we are as humans? 

My guests today, Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz, authors of The Brand of You, join the show to discuss what a personal brand really means, why your “why” is the ultimate survival tool for your business, and the importance of human connection. 

More About Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz:

Aga Artka 

Aga is known for bringing creative energy, analytical thinking, hard work, and heart to all that she does. From her work as Owner & Creative Director of Aga Artka Interior Design to her role as a mentor and community activist, she uses her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to challenge the status quo, reimagine possibilities and influence positive change. She seeks knowledge, expands her perspective and gains inspiration from the world around her. Aga’s fearless approach to her career journey exemplifies that if you have the will, then there is a way.

 

Jenny Rebholz

Jenny is known for her compassion, positive energy, sense of responsibility and wordsmithing. As Principal of PushPoint Marketing, she focuses her creativity and communication skills on elevating others, helping professionals shine and businesses thrive. She’s the ultimate connector—whether teaching, consulting, or collaborating, Jenny prioritizes building relationships. She defines her own success by leveraging her strengths, seeking and creating opportunities. Jenny’s commitment to building impactful content and meaningful connections has forged a fulfilling career path, demonstrating that words matter and who you know is just as important as what you know.

Ah Ha Moments with Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz:

“You may choose to say whatever it is that you want to be known for. But when you’re not in the conversation or when you’re not in the room, if people say something different about you, then that promise that you just shared with the world—it didn’t stick.” -Aga

“When you start to connect with who you are as a designer, what your values are, what your purpose is…when you hit the hard moments, you know you can cry a minute, you you can scream, whatever you need to do, but when you know who you are and are clear on your brand and what you bring to the table, you’re ready to figure out the next step.” -Jenny

“If you don’t start with mission, vision, values, like, I’m sorry, you are going to get your teeth kicked in and you’re not gonna know how to stand up.” -Luann

Connect with Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz:

Website

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Aga Artka

LinkedIn Jenny Rebholz

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

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

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

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

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

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

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

Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

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

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

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Other Shows Mentioned:

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

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

#1136 David Neagle: Three Powerful Choices That Will Change Everything in Your Interior Design Business