738: Power Talk Friday: Beth Bender: Back End Operations for Your Interior Design Firm
737: What Would Lu Do?: Honor Your Best Self When Setting Your Goals
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is a follow-up to last week’s show where I suggested a framework for setting meaningful goals for your business. If you missed it, go ahead and listen to Episode 735 for all the background details of the DTBE goal-setting framework. In today’s episode, I am going to share a story and a lesson based on the first step of the DTBE goal-setting framework— The D for Design.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#735 What Would Lu Do?: Goal Setting 2022: Decide To Be Excellent!
What We Talked About:
Self-Care with S.A.S.S. 5-Day Challenge!
The Job You Were Born For by Eileen Hahn
Today’s Sponsor:
Mydoma:
Hit the reset button and shake up your mindset and processes to reach those big goals on your vision board. Register now for the Mydoma Studio’s 19H, a one-day seminar to set you on the path to the success you’re dreaming of. There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains – no matter how well you’ve weathered the storm, no doubt you’ve felt the effects somehow. Fresh, actionable advice. Bold ideas. Helpful tools and templates. In short, everything you need in one action packed day to have the best 2022 possible. To get your ticket head on over to mydomastudio.com/19hluann/ – and just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event.
737: What Would Lu Do?: Honor Your Best Self When Setting Your Goals
736: Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation
Today with Frank Eybsen:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today we speak with Frank Eybsen, founder of Buildlane. Buildlane’s mantra is to make custom easy for designers. We all know how daunting the custom process can be. Whether you are near or far, seasoned or new, Buildlane provides an experienced team and talented builders to carry out your specific custom furniture needs. Tune in to learn how to join the Buildlane platform and all of its wonderful benefits. Hint: Your Buildlane experience will leave you with an unexpected custom education.
Pick it apart:
- [14:45] Frank explains all of the different opportunities to specify custom furniture through Buildlane.[29:28] Frank tells us the criteria for someone to be a part of Buildlane and also how a designer is given the opportunity to meet and get to know their builder.
[35:45] Frank explains the benefits of their templates program and how to use it.
[43:48] We learn the difference between 8 way hand tied versus springs.
[47:33] LuAnn and Frank discuss how Buildlane has come at the right time, in terms of being eco friendly they can make it happen, especially with the help of Carla Pile.
[54:53] Frank tells us how designers can get signed up for a trade account with Buildlane.
LuAnn and Frank Eybsen’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Working with Buildlane you will have an extension of your own design team that is entirely in charge of managing your production.” – Frank Eybsen
“From designers who are really green to experienced designers from big firms, everybody comes in with some knowledge gaps. The amazing thing that’s happened with Buildland is that we’re educating people throughout the process. They learn that the mistakes that could have happened, didn’t happen.” – Frank Eybsen
“I love the transparency of being able to see the piece of furniture all through the process.” – LuAnn Nigara
“With the sit test for those who can’t test the quality of the furniture before they order, we like to say to designers to have your client sit in something and tell us what it is that they loved, and we’ll be able to reproduce that. We know what everybody is building with and what materials they are using.” – Frank Eybsen
“Truly I think the biggest thing with pricing has to do with the workforce behind the work. You can tell when you look at the details in the craftsmanship.” – Frank Eybsen
Connect with Frank Eybsen
More About Frank Eybsen:
Frank Eybsen is an entrepreneur in the home industry from Los Angeles, California. While originally a fixture in the LA Tech Startup, his love for building things and manufacturing led him to the heart of furniture production in California – South Los Angeles. It was here that he received a hands-on education in upholstery and case good construction. This experience led to the founding of Buildlane – a platform where the country’s best craftspeople come together with the country’s most creative designers to create custom furniture.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Thank you to Buildlane for sponsoring this show!
736: Power Talk Friday: Buildlane: Innovating Custom Furniture Creation
735: What Would Lu Do?: Goal Setting 2022: Decide To Be Excellent!
Today on A Well-Designed Business:
Today is a What Would Lu Do episode! Today is the first show of the new year, so let’s work together and make sure 2022 is a productive and profitable year! In this episode, I will be talking about goal setting and strategies that can help us all tackle the year ahead.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Windowworksnj.com
Shop38east.com
Comfortex.com
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
Sara Brennan: #463, #514, #524, #607.
Shea McGee: #236, #270
Amber Lewis: #169, #184
Jacklyn Marie: #515
Demetrious Robinson: #687
Cheryl Luckett: #292, #397, #573
The Vogue Room Foundation and The Vogue Room Interior Foundation started by Ebony Staten of The Vogue Room
735: What Would Lu Do?: Goal Setting 2022: Decide To Be Excellent!
734: Power Talk Friday: Chelsie Butler: Tips from the Executive Editor of Kitchen Bath & Business, the Official Publication of KBIS
Today with Chelsie Butler:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday! Today I am joined by Chelsie Butler. Chelsie is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen and Bath Association and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show.
I think we can all agree that to be featured in a magazine would be amazing! Today, Chelsie explains not only the benefits of being published in a trade magazine, but also the best practices on how to approach a trade magazine. I think you’ll be excited to learn all of the opportunities available to designers that Kitchen & Bath Business offers. From the KBB Person of the Year to being a guest on the podcast to being a judge at their awards program, Kitchen & Bath Business is much more accessible than you would think, to market your business.
Pick it apart:
[1:55] Chelsie explains to LuAnn the criteria and qualifications of how someone can become KBB’s Person of the Year.
[9:20] This is where Chelsie and LuAnn start to pick apart all of the benefits of being published in a trade magazine.
[18:40] Chelsie explains how the case is not always KBB finding the designer and doing a Q&A, but that a designer can pitch themselves, a topic, AND write the article.
[28:45] Chelsie and LuAnn offer information and reassurance about nominating yourself for an awards program or Person of the Year.
[35:15] Chelsie talks about the editorial advisory board and how you can be involved in that.
LuAnn and Chelsie Butler’s Ah-Ha moments:
“In terms of being published in a trade magazine, you’re able to elevate yourself among your peers.” – Chelsie Butler
“When you submit yourself for the magazine, it’s not just the end result of being selected, which is exciting, but it’s also the creation of the relationships with the editors, writers, other designers etc. Sometimes the benefit is truly the building of the relationship because you can trace back so many other benefits that result from the relationship.” – LuAnn Nigara
“We want to show the pretty projects and pictures, but we want the audience to come away learning something. The more information we can get from the designers, the more likely we will be able to feature your project.” – Chelsie Butler
“We’re open to the designer actually writing the article and then I will edit it. We’ve worked with designers where there has been a lot of editing, and then after several more articles there is minimal editing. We’ve worked with designers where there is minimal editing right off the bat.” – Chelsie Butler
“As a content creator, you are putting a magazine out, you are putting the podcast out, you are putting the webinar out, you are probably spending 60% of your week looking for people and ideas. So anybody that puts their hand up and expresses interest, that is a win win. It’s an opportunity for the person and less research that you have to do.” – LuAnn Nigara
“When submitting your project, professional photos are what we are looking for if you have that.” – Chelsie Butler
Connect with Chelsie Butler
More About Chelsie Butler:
Chelsie Butler is the executive editor of Kitchen & Bath Business, the official publication of the National Kitchen & Bath Association and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. She has been an editor for various trade magazines in the Atlanta area since graduating from the University of Florida with a journalism degree in 1993. Titles relevant to her current position have included Atlanta Home Improvement, Commercial Construction, Hospitality Construction and Commercial Kitchens magazines, as well as Design:Retail, a KBB sister publication. She has participated in panels at multiple industry events, including Coverings, KBIS and ICFF, and during her time in her current position, the magazine has won two prestigious Azbee awards and one from Trade Association Business Publications International. Besides her career, another of Chelsie’s passions is volunteering at local animal rescue shelters, which she has been involved with for 10 years.
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Mydoma:
There has been no shortage of shakeups in the industry the last little while. From the need to do things more virtually, to the issues with supply chains – no matter how well you’ve weathered the storm, no doubt you’ve felt the effects somehow. But instead of continuing to run up-hill, it’s time to pause, and join me, and Mydoma, for 19H: The Re-think on January 19th, 2022. This one-day seminar put on by Mydoma Studio will have you rethink your mindset, rethink your business model, and rethink your marketing with a number of presentations that come with fresh, actionable advice, and helpful tools and templates. Just for podcast listeners, the early bird pricing has been extended right up until the day of the event. Get your ticket at: https://mydomastudio.com/19hluann
734: Power Talk Friday: Chelsie Butler: Tips from the Executive Editor of Kitchen Bath & Business, the Official Publication of KBIS
733: Ippolita Rostagno: From Vision to Business Enterprise
Today with Ippolita Rostagno
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m talking with Ippolita Rostagno, founder of her eponymous 20 year-old jewelry brand, and co-founder of the luxury e-tailer, Artemest.com.
While taking a leave of absence from her jewelry company, Ippolita learned to trust her professional intuition through all of her challenges, from people saying “no,” to certain technological challenges.
Ippolita and I discussed the, “Come to Jesus” moments she faced with her jewelry business and while building Artemest.com. We discuss the importance of recognizing “failure,” to fail quickly, and to listen to your intuition. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to temporarily leave IPPOLITA Jewelry. Listening to her intuition led Ippolita to buy back her jewelry company, grow it, while also growing Artemest from 60 artisans to 2000. This is a good one, folks!
Pick it apart:
- [9:15] Ippolita explains how she gained the trust of the artisans in Italy who had resistance to sell online in addition to questioning how the beauty and detail of their craft could be portrayed.
- [17:50] Ippolita talks about how instinct and knowledge let her know that there are potential customers for these artisans and where there is demand.
- [21:57] Surprising lessons that Ippolita has learned along the way.
- [31:00] Ippolita and LuAnn discuss how not giving up, reflecting, and being persistent will lead to success, with examples.
- [42:00] Ippolita explains how Artemest works.
LuAnn and Ippolita Rostagno’s Ah-Ha moments:
“If you just start to research your industry, you can make choices along the way that really inform your path.” – Ippolita Rostagno
“Execution is everything!” – Ippolita Rostagno
“We say all the time, if you’re not making any mistakes then you’re just playing it too safe and you really aren’t stretching yourself in any way, shape or form. But it’s easy to forget that all of us make mistakes, no matter how amazing, we look at Artemest and think how everything must have been so easy.” – LuAnn Nigara
“Living a life that is full of love and satisfaction is very important and I think it looks different for everyone. You can’t be motivated by money, you have to be motivated by your passion. It’s all going to take a lot of work. Being an entrepreneur means that you have a certain kind of courage to not align yourself to any one process; that you’re willing to find a solution. Put your money where your mouth is, devoting your time, energy, and resources to making your dream come true.” – Ippolita Rostagno
“It’s a good reminder that when we look at two of your businesses, how lucky they are, but there was a lot of intentional strategizing to make them happen. We can take those lessons to our own businesses; interior design firms, architecture firms, photography firms….” – LuAnn Nigara
More about Ippolita Rostagno:
Born and raised in the hills of Florence, Ippolita has always been inspired by the richness and simplicity of Italian culture. As a young girl, she discovered her love for jewelry in the shops and stalls of Ponte Vecchio. An artist first and a designer second, Ippolita studied sculpture and ceramics for five years at the Istituto D’Arte in Florence. After working in bronze and stone on large-scale works, Ippolita was inspired to apply her aesthetic to the world of adornment when she launched her eponymous jewelry collection in 1999 in New York with Bergdorf Goodman. A reverence for women and the female body has informed her style and her design vocabulary from the start. Her highly personal approach to fine jewelry is expressed in the sculptural nature of the organic shapes of her precious metals. A proprietary blend of 18K Gold and other precious metals creates a distinctive “green” hue, flattering to all skin types while her 925 Silver is a color with a brilliance all its own. The stone cuts Ippolita uses are characterized by their artfully random, larger-than-normal facets that conspire to create plays of light and shadow against the skin. Ippolita’s jewelry is an encounter with beauty. That beauty is an experience shared – between seller and buyer, wearer and creator, lover and loved one, devotee and neophyte. It is generous, participatory, outward-facing, welcoming, and open to all. “Beauty in our everyday lives brings joy to the human experience and fosters a culture of care.”
“Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”
“I want to sculpt feminine ease using shape and form in organic unity. Celebrating raw materials while also revealing evidence of the maker’s hand. All the while investing in wearable certainty.”
“Wear the mark of the maker. Age-old craftsmanship and the texture of the hand-wrought process are essential and defining to every piece I design.”
Connect with Ippolita Rostagno:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
Inside Voice, Outside Voice Monthly Virtual Events
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
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
Revel Woods offers a line of handcrafted and custom curated, premium hardwood and resilient flooring. If you want easy-to-clean flooring for your allergen-free home environment, check out Revel Woods and become a Revelwoods Trade Designer today. Find out more at https://www.revelwoods.com.
Other Shows Mentioned
# 40 Meryl Santopietro- How to Re-invent, Revitalize Your Firm, Even After 20 Years.
# 540 Robin Baron- Strategic Thinking on Product Development
