A Well-designed Business® | Interior Design | Designers | Business |interior Design Success

Today With Elle Odoi & Yvette Pappoe: In this episode, I sit down with Elle Odoi & Yvette Pappoe, the incredible sisters behind Décorelle Studio, a luxury interior design firm serving the DMV area and beyond. Elle, the CEO and Principal Designer, brings over a decade of experience to the table, along with an MBA and a certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell. Her sister Yvette, the Co-Founder and COO, is a licensed attorney and law professor who manages the firm's operations with her sharp analytical skills. Together, they share their journey of building a successful Black-owned, women-owned design business, discussing everything from the challenges they've faced to the importance of solid business processes. We dive into their approach to client management, pricing strategies, and the value of investing in professional photography and PR. LuAnn Nigara, Elle Odoi & Yvette Pappoe's Ah-Ha Moments “As we've like changed our process and honed it, it has gotten us to the right people…to the right perso

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In today's episode we dive into the upcoming High Point Furniture Market Fall 2024! Join me as I share all the details about our amazing lineup of free panel discussions that you won’t want to miss. From turning your design passion into profit to harnessing technology in our industry, we’ll cover it all! Plus, I’ll be moderating sessions with some of the brightest minds in design. This is your chance to gain actionable insights, network with fellow creatives, and gear up for a successful 2025. Let’s get ready to elevate your business together! 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. 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: 

Today With Jecks Stone: Today, we're joined by Jecks Stone, a sustainability-focused interior designer and owner of Persona Abode Interiors. Jecks shares her journey from childhood 'Earth Keeper' to champion of 'people, place, and planet' design. We explore how she integrates environmental consciousness into her thriving business, from client interactions to material choices. Jecks reveals her unique approach to understanding client needs, balancing vegan principles with client preferences, and the power of active listening in design. We also discuss her involvement with Interior Design Declares, a global sustainability movement. This episode offers valuable insights for designers looking to create a more purposeful and environmentally responsible business. LuAnn Nigara and Jecks Stone's Ah-Ha Moments “For me, interior design is way bigger than the space you're in and the people in that space. It's very much a holistic kind of approach to design which I think any kind of industry really should be thinking abo

Today With Ciara King: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Starting a design business is exciting, but it isn’t easy—especially when that first “real” client doesn’t come easily.  My guest for today’s on-air strategy session is in the thick of this tough spot and unsure how to move forward.  Today Ciara Robinson, founder of Ville Otis Interiors, joins me for a live coaching session to work through some of the hardest parts of starting a business—positioning yourself, converting leads, and landing that first client. LuAnn Nigara and Ciara King's Ah-Ha Moments “Every one of you wants our homes to feel like us and make us feel good. But there's a little nudge in why you're doing it. And it could be as simple as I used to do it with clothing, but it only lasts for the five hours that you have that outfit on. I wanted it to last your whole day. Whatever it is, there's a way to express that in the website, I'm sure of it.” -LuAnn More About Ciara King I'm Ciara King, proud owner and principal designer at Ville Oti

Today With Devon and Michael Wegman: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. As you know, husband and wife duos are near and dear to my heart, and we have had several great examples over the years who have shared their stories of how they divide responsibilities, support each other, and work as a team in their businesses. Today I am joined by another great spouse partnership, Devon and Michael Wegman.  Devon and Michael talk about the importance of goal-setting, how to keep yourself grounded when you grow faster than you expect, and how they work together in their business. LuAnn Nigara, Devon and Michael Wegman's Ah-Ha Moments “It’s almost like the scarier the leap is, the more motivated you are.” -Devon “It’s important to set goals, and if you’re new to the idea, don't obsess too much about what it exactly it is. You just need to have something to measure against.” -Michael More About Devon and Michael Wegman Devon was born and raised in Ridgewood, NJ, where her love of architecture and design first started. A

Today With Sonia Barney: Hello! Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today I sit down with Sonia Barney, a talented interior designer who turned her passion into a thriving business. Sonia shares her unique journey, from navigating the challenges of motherhood to discovering her entrepreneurial spirit. We dive into her experiences at Power Talk Friday in Las Vegas and discuss how embracing her strengths has allowed her to carve out a successful niche in the design industry. More About Sonia Barney I’m Sonia Barney, Owner and Principal Designer at Sonia Barney Design in Idaho Falls, Idaho. With a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design and 18+ years of experience in design, construction and education, and while raising two autistic boys with my engineer husband, I know firsthand that organization, planning, and strategic creativity are paramount. I opened my own business in 2015 and have spent the last 9 years thoughtfully building my business and team to provide expert design services in the East Idaho region. I

Today With Ann Cariola: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I firmly believe that age is just a number, and that you can start a successful business at 20, 80, or anything in between.  But I also know that the idea that it is too late is common. Maybe you wanted to start your own business or you were always interested in design, but you kept putting it off, focusing on other things, building your career or your family—and maybe now it does feel like it’s slipped past you.  My guest today, Ann Cariola, took the leap at age 60 to start her own design business. And she firmly believes that it’s never too late to have the life or the career you want. Today, she’s here to share how she did it—and how you can make the leap no matter what your age is. LuAnn Nigara and Ann Cariola's Ah-Ha Moments “Just because you enjoy it doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable.” -Ann “You’ve got to know what you bring to the table before you can tell someone else what you bring to the table.” -Ann “Vin was the system person, not me. I

Today With Lisa Haukom: In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Haukom, an award-winning photographer and personal brand strategist known as the "Imposter Syndrome Slayer." Lisa shares her expertise on helping entrepreneurs, particularly women in creative fields, overcome their fears of visibility and confidently showcase themselves online. Whether you're struggling to show up on camera or looking to elevate your brand's visual storytelling, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Tune in to learn how to transform your relationship with the camera and confidently step into the spotlight of your business. LuAnn Nigara and Lisa Haukom's Ah-Ha Moments “I shoot with my iPhone because it's fabulous and it's all you need. So to remove that excuse, which is the number one excuse, which is I can't take my own photos because I don't have a nice camera. Yeah, you do. It's in your pocket. Pull it out and use it." - Lisa "Take a minute, acknowledge the wi

Today With Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible: Today I am joined by Susan Hayward and Jillian Hayward Schaible from Susan Hayward Interiors. With nearly two decades of experience in both residential and commercial projects, this mother-daughter team prioritizes uncovering each client's unique style. Their approach ensures every design, whether for home or business, truly represents the client's personality and needs. They will be sharing how it can be a viable revenue stream, what it’s like working commercial, how to get into it, and everything they learned the hard way. LuAnn Nigara, Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible's Ah-Ha Moments “With every job we do, we work very well with the people we work with, so they will become our next referral or point of contact,” - Susan Hayward More About Susan Hayward & Jillian Hayward Schaible In 2006, Susan Hayward began her firm, Susan Hayward Interiors, with the simple philosophy that interior design should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the client

Today With Connie Whitman: Today, we're diving deep into the world of sales with the amazing Connie Whitman, and let me tell you, this woman knows her stuff! Known for her high-energy, passionate, heart-centered, and enthusiastic approach to sales, teaching, and coaching, Connie has been the CEO of Changing the Sales Game for over 20 years. She's been helping business owners, leaders, and sales teams build powerhouse organizations, and today she's here to share that wisdom with us. LuAnn Nigara and Connie Whitman's Ah-Ha Moments “That first meeting should never be to sell your thing and give your proposal on the spot, that's not fair to you, but that's not fair to the client. Go in with no agenda, you go in with a prepared agenda of your questions, but you don't go in with, here's the solution. You don't know the solution until you speak with the client.” - Connie Whitman More About Connie Whitman Known for her high-energy, passionate, heart-centered, and enthusiastic approach to sales, teaching, and coaching

Today With Dean Keyworth: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. My guest today is Dean Keyworth, founder of Armstrong Keyworth, who recently published a book through the Royal Institute of British Architects called New Country: City Style for Rural Living, that teaches you how to create practical designs that work for country homes and also provide functionality for the modern world.  There are so many details in the book that explain how this specific expertise in design impacts rural clients, and why it matters.  Beyond this, Dean shares the big picture concept about the value you bring to your clients and the impact you have on their daily lives. LuAnn Nigara and Dean Keyworth's Ah-Ha Moments “The design has to work practically, but it doesn't have to be that radically different. If you're already contemporary, stay contemporary.” -Dean More About Dean Keyworth After a first career in travel marketing for British Airways and Hilton Hotels, Dean Keyworth re-trained with a diploma in Interior Design and set u

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Hello! Welcome back to another episode of A Well-Designed Business. Today, we're diving deep into a topic that resonates with so many of us—resilience. After our recent episode featuring Sandra Funk, Robin Burrill, and Antonio DeLoatch, I received an overwhelming number of messages from listeners expressing how much they needed to hear those stories of struggle and triumph. Running a business is no easy feat, and it can often feel isolating. But remember, you are not alone in this journey. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies to build resilience, tackle challenges head-on, and keep moving forward. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s navigate these business challenges together! 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. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase L

Today With Charlene Miranda: Today, I am sitting down with Charlene Miranda, Creative Director of Miranda and Co. During her childhood living in Kuwait, Charlene's summers spent in India with her grandparents ignited her passion for creativity as she fell in love with the interior designs at her grandmother's friends' homes - a true creative from the very beginning! Join in as Charlene and I delve into her journey from Project Manager overseeing million-dollar projects to pursuing her deep-seated passion for interior design. More About Charlene Miranda We are an interior design firm based in Brooklyn working on high-end residential projects in New York City, Connecticut, the Hamptons, Westchester, and beyond. We curate beautiful spaces for our wonderful clients that reflect their lives and loves. Our designs strike a balance between warm minimalism with vibrant accents. We achieve this by layering neutral-statement-investment pieces and sprinkling in vivid art and accessories. Our Creative Director, Charlene

Today With Michele Williams: Hi, welcome to A Well Designed Business! Today I’ll sit down with Michele Williams for an insightful conversation. We’ll reflect on her journey together, discussing the evolution of Michele's career, her impactful CFO to Go program, and the importance of understanding finances in business. If you're looking to enhance your financial literacy and gain confidence in your numbers, this episode is packed with valuable insights and personal anecdotes. Tune in for an engaging discussion that promises to empower your business decisions! More About Michele Williams Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals to own the financials of their business. With an eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michele has carved a niche in providing strategic business coaching and financial analytics to help business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. At Scarlet Thread Consul

Today With Elan Design House: Today, with Kilian Camp, Alison Green, and Kadie Chiera of Élan Design House, we explore the dynamics of running a successful interior design firm as a trio. These talented women share their journey from co-workers to co-founders, revealing how they've leveraged their complementary skills to create a thriving business. We discuss the importance of clear role definition, effective communication strategies, and maintaining work-life balance in a partnership. In this conversation we also discuss crucial business aspects, including legal considerations, financial management, and the value of outsourcing. Whether you're considering a partnership or looking to optimize your solo practice, this episode offers valuable insights on building a sustainable and enjoyable design business. More About Elan Design House To do something with élan \ā-’län\ is to do it with spirited confidence and style. It is with this intention that Élan Design House guides the discovery, coordination and actuali

Today With Angie Viehman: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I hear from designers all the time who want to start online businesses on the side. And while it’s easy to understand why this is appealing—creating some passive income and diversifying your revenue—the truth is that I usually see this as a distraction. My advice is almost always to stay focused on what you’re doing now instead of chasing a new business or a new idea.  And in most cases, I stand by that. But my guest today, Angie Viehman, specializes in helping women entrepreneurs start more strategic online businesses—ones that don’t distract or derail, but instead complement existing businesses by targeting current and past clients. Today, she’s here to share how to do it More About Angie Viehman Angie Viehman is a seasoned Certified Operations Expert and E-Commerce Business Builder with over two decades of experience working with industry giants such as Target, Crate&Barrel, Room&Board and Blu Dot. Angie brings a refreshing approach to the e-co

Today With Nicole Arnold: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. My guest today, Nicole Arnold, came to interior design as her second career after a corporate background at Levi Strauss.  She took the lessons she learned interacting with C-suite executives in her corporate career and applied them as a designer, learning lessons along the way but becoming an industry leader.  Today, she’s here to share what she believes are the three core foundational pieces that lead to a successful transition into our industry. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Arnold's Ah-Ha Moments  “If a client has to call us to find out what's going on, something is wrong.” -Nicole “We keep hearing that AI is killing the industry, and I’m sorry, but that’s not the industry’s problem. The problem is in each of our own businesses. If we’re not showing up and managing a project from start to finish in a way where it’s clear that we are the leader of the project, with grace, kindness, and professionalism, that’s the problem.” -LuAnn More About Nicole Ar

Today With Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill In this episode of Overheard, we’re exploring the crucial topic of mental resilience in running a design business. I’m joined by three industry powerhouses: Sandra Funk, founder and CEO of House of Funk and creator of the Interior Design Standard; Antonio DeLoatch, of Antonio DeLoatch Design + Interiors; and Robin Burrill, the creative visionary behind Signature Home Services. Our guests share personal stories of overcoming challenges, from health crises to difficult client interactions, offering valuable insights on maintaining resilience in the face of adversity. We discuss practical strategies for staying centered, the importance of clear communication, and how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. More About Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill Antonio Deloatch Jr: Living in New York & Los Angeles with a global state of mind equals the best of both worlds. My love for décor and design started early. I realized that I wan

Today With Taylor Zack: Today, I am sitting down with Taylor Zack from Rever Design Co. If you dream of your own design firm and team but need to change your mindset, then this is the episode for you. In barely two years, Taylor has grown a profitable, well-designed business.  Taylor has almost reached the two-year mark with her own firm and has seen some quick success. She does have seven years of experience working freelance and for some other design firms, so she didn't go in blind, but she did go in intentionally. Tune in to learn how new designers can succeed quickly with a growth mindset. LuAnn Nigara and Taylor Zack's Ah-Ha Moments “Saving for an office right off the bat was mr immersing myself in a tight knit community, establishing myself as a business, and giving me confidence.” - Taylor Zack More About Taylor Zack With an eye for interiors that are artful and elevated, Taylor has garnered clients and followers from coast to coast. She has spent nearly a decade honing in on her craft, staying true t

Today With Barb Davids: Hi! Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! If you've ever felt frustrated working with an SEO company, wondering whether your investment is truly paying off, then you'll want to tune in to this insightful episode. I’ll sit down with digital marketing expert Barb Davids to shed light on the common challenges business owners face when navigating the world of search engine optimization. Barb offers a candid perspective, acknowledging the lack of transparency that has plagued the industry, and shares strategies for how SEO providers can build more trust and accountability. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting to invest in your online presence, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to make smarter decisions when partnering with SEO professionals. More About Barb Davids Founder of Compass Digital Strategies since 2018, and digital marketing strategist for nearly 20 years. From my Las Vegas location, I’ve analyzed, optimized, tested and tinkered with SEO for lar