733: Ippolita Rostagno: From Vision to Business Enterprise
732: Power Talk Friday: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business
Today with Erica Courdae:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday! Erica Courdae, diversity and inclusion coach, is packed with simple, actionable advice ensuring our conversations and workplaces reflect a sense of kindness and inclusion. She also shares what to do when we get it all wrong as we continue to learn and grow alongside our fellow humans.
Pick it apart:
[10:10] Erica explains simultaneous realities
[13:38] Erica explains what true conversation is
[15:31] LuAnn covers a critical sales mistake
[24:44] Erica shares how she works with businesses
[39:10] Erica advises about how to communicate DEI efforts with a new, diverse hire
[44:28] Erica explains what she means by “operating on demographics without psychographics doesn’t work”
LuAnn and Erica Courdae’s Ah-Ha moments:
“You’re not expected to know it all or have access to everything. You just have to be willing to stay in action.” – Erica Courdae
“We are all processing through our own lens. There has to be a space of understanding.” – Erica Courdae
“It’s not okay to assume that somebody wants to be a part of something that you didn’t give them the opportunity to opt-out of.” – Erica Courdae
“There are learning opportunities in being less than perfect. If you get it all right, you’re not continuing to grow.” – Erica Courdae
Connect with Erica Courdae
Pause on the Play Podcast Community
Erica’s FREE Imperfect Ally’s Evaluation Checklist
More About Erica Courdae:
Erica Courdae has dedicated her life to expanding how others interact with the world through powerful conversations. As an entrepreneur and certified coach, her work is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), imperfect allyship, and imposter syndrome. This work has taken her into communities and onto national stages as a speaker and educator at noteworthy industry events like AltSummit, ShePodcasts Live, and Being Boss.
Erica is also the owner of an inclusive beauty salon, Silver Immersion, and the host of Pause on the Play, a podcast that features open dialogue on topics like company culture, visibility, and mindset. She lives in Maryland with her two children.
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:
Kravet: Window Works has been having quality conversations with Kravet since the beginning. Their people know how to listen and how to deliver a premium experience and premium fabrics for both their buyer and for the end customer. For 10% off, go to kravet.com and use coupon code AWDB10
732: Power Talk Friday: Erica Courdae: Incorporating DEI Practices in Your Business
731: Chloe Mackintosh: Chloe Mackintosh: How She Went From Blogger to Interior Designer
Today with Chloe Mackintosh
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m chatting with Chloe Mackintosh, the principal designer and creator of Boxwood Avenue.
Chloe and I discuss her journey from owning an Etsy shop in college, to developing a thriving blog, e-commerce / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. Moving to a town of 99 people, Chloe explains how she built a team of 12 people to help her conduct her business and formulate a proper “system and process.”
Pick it apart:
- [8:06] Chloe talks about how she shut down The Shop for one year and, while she is very grateful for the business that she received at the time, it’s ok to follow your intuition and put the ball down so you can put things in order and work on your other goals.
- [28:07] Chloe discusses the importance of setting clear business and financial goals and how to strategize and budget in order to achieve those goals.
- [39:47] Chloe and LuAnn discuss systems and processes and how digital platforms like Asana, along with their team, have been key in organizing their businesses and systems and processes. Examples and Chloe’s daily business routine included.
- [48:36] Chloe shares her who, when and what in terms of her content creation process for Boxwood Avenue.
- [57:30] Chloe admits how assistance with systems and processes has made her more confident in conducting her business and how, “Not passing on discounts” is important as a designer.
LuAnn and Chloe Mackintosh’s Ah-Ha moments:
“ That’s so sweet that you’ve noticed my belief of: If not you, then who? I would agree with you. It has helped me power through many things over the years as well. If you’re not going to do it, somebody else is? What trait, skill, asset…do they have that you don’t have? Figure it out. You can get what you need to have, to do it.” -LuAnn Nigara
“ To build a business out at the size that you built it out, it’s again recognizing that different things are not your superpower. Surround yourself with people who understand those things respect you as you respect them back and also share your goals.” -LuAnn Nigara
“Going above and beyond is important because one referral can lead to 5 referrals, that can lead to a really incredible project. Our biggest project came from Facebook, so don’t be afraid to showcase work that you are proud of, but also remember that focusing on the client’s experience and doing the best that you can do will grow your business.” -Chloe Mackintosh
“The confidence that having great systems and processes and Renee’s help with our deliverables allows me to present myself better to clients and vendors. The confidence has been a big turn-around.” -Chloe Mackintosh
More about Chloe Mackintosh:
Chloe Mackintosh is the founder and creative director of Boxwood Avenue. She is a designer, shop owner, and blogger. She began her journey at 17 years old with an Etsy shop and has since built her business into a thriving blog, e-com / brick & mortar shop, and design firm. With a growing social footprint of over 10 million impressions per month and 250,000 followers across social platforms, Chloe now leads a team of 12, all from a town with a population of 99.
Chloe has been featured by many publications including Domino and Country Living, she is a Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker and former contributor to Martha Stewart. In addition, she leads retreats for small business owners each in Sonoma, CA at the Boxwood Avenue Creative Business Retreat and is a speaker at The Haven List Workshop for Interior Designers. With clients spanning from coast to coast, she has worked hard to develop a solid foundation of systems and processes. Today she will share how she went from not knowing what a “system or process” was to leaning on them to scale her business.
Connect with Chloe Mackintosh:
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.
731: Chloe Mackintosh: Chloe Mackintosh: How She Went From Blogger to Interior Designer
730: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: A Legacy of Luxury and Comfort
Today with Corinne Bentzen:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today is a sponsored show with The Company Store, a premier source of luxury down bedding and home products. Corinne Bentzen, CEO of The Company Store, shares the company history, their commitment to quality, focus on responsible manufacturing, and understanding that the customer comes first.
Pick it apart:
- [9:54] Corinne share the mission of The Company Store[13:22] Corinne tells about her suppliers and responsibly created products[17:48] Corinne tells about how the pandemic has affected the company[22:22] Corinne advises designers on helping clients understand the quality of The Company Store products
[25:00] Corinne shares how The Company Store works with the trade
[30:43] Corinne speaks about how designers can set up a trade account
LuAnn and Corinne Bentzen’s Ah-Ha moments:
“We have a responsibility to make great choices for our customers.” – Corinne Bentzen
“Your home has never mattered more than now.” – Corinne Bentzen
“There’s no better gift than leaving the client with a great night’s sleep.” – Corinne Bentzen
Connect with Corinne Bentzen
More About Corinne Bentzen:
Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Corinne Bentzen began her career at Procter & Gamble, where she built brand identity for premium brands before taking the leap across the pond to join Tiffany & Co. in New York. There she put her strategic thinking, strong decision making, and leadership skills to work, ultimately leading her to The Company Store where she breathed new life into the 110-year-old home goods retailer acquired by The Home Depot in 2018. Not one to shy from a challenge, Corinne most recently took over the leadership of Home Depot’s HD Home, in addition to her leadership role at The Company Store. An avid skier and cyclist, Corinne lives in Connecticut where she enjoys an active family life with her husband, two children, and their rescue dog Rosie.
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
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 The Company Store for sponsoring this show!
730: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: A Legacy of Luxury and Comfort
729: Erica Reiner: Make More Green by Going Green
Today with Erica Reiner
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Erica Reiner of Eco Method Interiors niched down and rebranded after a few years in business. Learn what prompted her big change, what she does when the scarcity mindset strikes, and how her business has changed since she stopped trying to be everything to everyone.
Pick it apart:
[4:04] Erica shares what prompted her rebrand
[10:15] Erica shares her struggle with her scarcity mindset
[24:50] Erica advises about sourcing green products
[34:28] Erica tells about variable standards for green products
[42:50] Erica shares her thoughts about the link between environmental and social justice
[49:42] Erica and LuAnn speak about niching and overcoming the scarcity mindset
LuAnn and Erica Reiner’s Ah-Ha moments:
“Set up expectations early and often.” – Erica Reiner
“You have to figure out what is important to you and what is going to motivate you when it gets tricky and tough”. – Erica Reiner
“If you do something from your heart and explain your reasons why, no one can compete with that.” – LuAnn Nigara
More about Erica Reiner:
Erica Reiner is the owner / principal designer of Eco Method Interiors, where her company helps people transform their space, health, and the planet. As an inspired interior designer specializing in cleaner and greener spaces, Erica truly can’t decide if she likes working best in residential, commercial or short-term rental sectors with all the fun that comes with each. Erica and her team are hired by clients for full service interior design, online E-design, and event styling. Since 2015, Erica has helped clients create more joy, expression, health and wellbeing through transformational design that goes deeper than aesthetics using the “Eco Method” way. Erica loves sharing her knowledge and has been featured in Better homes and Gardens, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Reader’s digest and more. Looking forward, Erica is working towards leading the home decor and design industry into a greener, cleaner place. In her spare time, she’s hanging with her husband Reed and rescue mutt, Hank.
Connect with Erica Reiner:
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
The Power Talk Friday Tour at High Point
LuAnn Nigara and Friends Meet and Greet at High Point
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:
I’ve been doing business with Kravet through Window Works for decades so I wanted to share their statement on their furniture sustainability: At Kravet Inc. we are committed to providing quality product with limited environmental impact, pairing beauty and heirloom quality materials with sustainability to support both the planet and our future generations. The Kravet Inc. legacy is impenetrably bound to environmental awareness.
On their website, at kravet.com/furniture-sustainability, they list all their sustainability efforts. Here’s a quick sampling:
- Nearly all waste products are sustainably recycled at Kravet Furniture factories.
- Greater than 80% of the metal upholstery springs in Kravet Furniture come from recycled metal products.
- The foam padding in Kravet Furniture contains the highest possible content of soy in an effort to reduce petroleum-based substances.
Other Shows Mentioned:
Susan Inglis: episode 670
Mike Peterson: episode 569
Deborah Rosenberg, Dimare Design: episodes 82, 117, 212, 218
Lane McNab: episodes 205, 699
Asha Jaipur Living: episode 526
729: Erica Reiner: Make More Green by Going Green
728: Power Talk Friday: Danielle Hayden: Finances, Fears and Normalizing the Expectations
Today with Danielle Hayden:
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday! Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting takes us through what she’s learned from years of helping female entrepreneurs understand their money, heal from damaging money mindsets and make smart business decisions. Learn what financial considerations to pay special attention to at each stage of your growing business.
Pick it apart:
[9:38] Danielle explains her mission of helping business owners understand their numbers
[14:31] Danielle shares what CFO tasks are
[18:37] Danielle explains how deeply her team understands her clients
[23:44] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 100k in revenue
[33:11] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 250k in revenue
[35:53] Danielle reviews common setbacks for businesses with 500k in revenue
[39:11] Danielle talks about options for a managing the business while staying close to design
[42:15] Danielle talk about planning at the 2 million gross revenue level
[45:11] Danielle shares her monthly give back event where individual staff members bring ideas and causes
[48:41] Danielle shares about her system for unbiased/inclusive hiring
[56:45] Danielle talks about her Five Day Bootcamp
LuAnn and Danielle Hayden’s Ah-Ha moments:
“You cannot get to a million dollars working in your business five days a week.” – Danielle Hayden
More About Danielle Hayden:
Danielle Hayden is a reformed corporate CFO (chief financial officer) who is on a mission to help rule-breaking female entrepreneurs understand their numbers so they can gain the confidence needed to create sustainable profits. After spending 10+ years in the boardroom as a corporate finance officer, Danielle is now in her sweet spot as the co-owner of Kickstart Accounting, Inc. where she helps business owners with bookkeeping, financial analysis, and education and as the author of the Profit Planner book series. When Danielle isn’t crunching numbers on her clients’ behalf or crafting the next iteration of the Profit Planner, you can find her hanging with her two kids as she inspires them to lead their fullest lives or doing any, and almost every fitness-related activity ranging from Spartan races to pilates.
Connect with Danielle Hayden
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 Sponsor:
Mydoma Studio: Mydoma’s workflow software helps you keep your projects organized from beginning to end, and also offers a valuable, thriving designer community. Mydoma is created by designers, for designers, so you know that it can truly offer everything you need to stay organized and free up your time. You can get 20% off your first three months by signing up at mydomastudio.com/awelldesignedbusiness.
Other Shows Mentioned:
Episode 622
