A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast LuAnn Nigara

Today With Cassandra Thurston:
It’s another On-Air Strategy Session! Today I’m sitting down with Cassandra Thurston, a talented interior designer from Long Beach Island, NJ (my happy place). But here’s the thing…Cass Thurston Interiors is still a side hustle.
Cass is ready for this business to be more, so she came to me for some help filling her pipeline. Listen to find out what she needs to do to navigate this transition and make her dreams a reality.
More About Cassandra Thurston
I'm Cassandra, an experienced creator of beautiful and functional home interiors that embody the coastal lifestyle. With a focus on my beloved Long Beach Island, New Jersey, I specialize in designing homes that exude a perfect blend of relaxed elegance, modern comfort, and seaside charm.
My approach to coastal design is rooted in the principles of light, openness, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living. By carefully curating natural materials, a soothing color palette, and thoughtfully selected furnishings, I aim to create harmonious spaces that connect with our beautiful coastal environment.
I understand the unique needs and desires of second home owners on Long Beach Island, whether you seek a serene retreat to escape the city's hustle and bustle or a vibrant family gathering place for generations to come. Beyond aesthetics, I prioritize functionality and practicality in every design decision. From durable materials that can withstand the salt air environment to smart storage solutions that maximize space, I strive to create homes that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Whether you're a longtime resident of LBI or a new owner seeking the perfect coastal sanctuary, I can help you create a home that celebrates the extraordinary beauty of LBI and the ocean that has captured our hearts.
I invite you to explore my portfolio and imagine the possibilities. I would be honored to transform your home into a coastal retreat that brings you joy, serenity, and a timeless connection to the ocean.
Connect with Cassandra Thurston
Website
Instagram 
Pinterest
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: 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:
My Chairman of the Board program
Power Talk Friday Tour
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #291: Cheryl Luckett – From Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
AWDB #392: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner
AWDB #644: Kat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior Designers
AWDB #878: Throwback Tuesday: Brad Leavitt: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process
AWDB #950: Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People
AWDB 649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective
AWDB 615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process
AWDB 580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders
AWDB 560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book
AWDB 542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

Today With Kate Wood:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Do you find yourself knowing you want a niche but not sure how to determine what makes you special? You’re far from alone—this is where so many designers get hung up. 
Today’s guest, Kate Wood of Worth Preserving, went through this journey. She listened to the podcast, she took in the advice, and she tried to put everything into action, but it just wasn’t clicking together for her. Then she came to me for Chairman of the Board—and it wasn’t long before it became so clear that she was trying to do all the things she thought a designer was supposed to do, without realizing that her strengths and her passions were not traditional design. 
After we tapped into what made Kate truly special, she pivoted her business entirely. She’s here to share how she discovered her niche, embraced her passion, and created something special for herself.
LuAnn Nigara and Kate Wood's Ah-Ha Moments
“I think it’s about believing in your own magic—what it is that you bring to a project that no one else can. Someone once said, ‘What do you do that can’t be Googled?’ That’s what it’s about.” -Kate
“When my Chairman of the Boards offboard, I ask them, ‘Who’s the next person in your ear?’ Because I believe you do have to keep going, keep coaching.” -LuAnn
“There’s so much knowledge and skill in the design world, and I think that my own sense of insecurity and inadequacy when it came to not having those skills was holding me back. I just had to get over it and really lean into what it is that I do know.” -Kate
More About Kate Wood
Preservation is my passion, rooted in a childhood spent exploring historic sites; an education in archaeology, anthropology, urban planning and historic preservation; and over 15 years’ experience as the CEO of a major organization advocating for New York City landmarks. I earned two Master’s degrees from Columbia University, where I have taught preservation planning, advocacy and law.
I co-authored the book, Interior Landmarks: Treasures of New York, published in two editions by Monacelli Press. I am also a licensed real estate broker.
Connect with Kate Wood
Website
Instagram 
YouTube
LinkedIn
Free Download "Worth Preserving: A Guide to Identifying Historic Character for Interior Designers"
Book: Interior Landmarks: Treasures of New York
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: 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:
#976: On Air Strategy Sessions: Is a Disconnect Causing Your Ideal Clients to Walk Away?
#982 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik Johanson: Leveraging Your Superpower to Attract Dream Interior Design Clients
#174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
#06: Identifying Your Transferable Skills with Erika Ward
#424: Power Talk Friday: Re-Visiting Michele Williams’ Tips for Time Management
#395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business
#180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matters to You
#811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate

Today With Sandra Funk:
Today with Sandra Funk, we explore the crucial role of setting expectations and boundaries when building a successful interior design business. Sandra shares a captivating personal story from her past that perfectly illustrates the importance of ongoing communication and reconfirmation in both personal and professional relationships. We discuss key strategies and insights from her proven process, the Interior Design Standard, which has helped countless designers create thriving, profitable firms. From defining clear project paths to maintaining regular client updates, Sandra offers invaluable advice for navigating the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship in the design industry. 
Pick It Apart
[1:45] Sandra shares the story of her “non-engagment” and a trip to the circus. 
[13:55] Sandra and LuAnn discuss having expectations, and why it’s so important to remind and reconfirm them with clients throughout the interior design process.
[23:59] Sandra explains the different ways she has tried to communicate her contract with clients, and how storytelling can help make it memorable.
[33:40] Sandra tells LuAnn that she sends an email to every client every week no matter what.
[47:16] LuAnn and Sandra discuss The Interior Design Standard and how to get started in the program.
LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk's Ah-Ha Moments:
“You can make all the plans and you can make all the agreements, but if it has to be reminded and reconfirmed.” - Sandra Funk
“If they don't really know what the boundaries are, how can they stay in them?” - LuAnn Nigara
“You have to explain your business…If it takes you more than two minutes to explain your pricing model — it's too complicated. And it'll go right over their head. Yeah. So it just has to be simple, clear, concise…And then remind and reiterate.” - Sandra Funk
More About Sandra Funk
Sandra Funk is a trusted advisor and the celebrated design leader who built the boutique firm, House of Funk and her proven process, the Interior Design Standard. Over 30 national press outlets - Elle Decor, Architectural Digest and House Beautiful, to name a few - have recognized Sandra for her award-winning designs and innate entrepreneurial spirit.
Despite her business degree, a background in business process consulting and a design education from Parsons, it took Sandra over a decade - and the help of several experts - to develop and fine-tune her business model for a thriving interior design firm.
Today, Sandra is deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.
Connect with Sandra Funk
Website 
Instagram 
Facebook 
Pinterest
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Sandra Funk and Interior Design Standard
Other Shows Mentioned:
#895 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers
#845 Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating
#801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation
#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business
#660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”
#585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems
#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!
#145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10-Year-old Firm
#02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy
Other Resources Mentioned:
Interior Design Standard

Today With Han Dang and Vy Truong:
Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am excited to welcome Han Dang of Very Handsome Studio. 
Han and her business partner Vy Truong met in design school and became friends, later starting their firm in 2020 and focusing on hospitality and commercial design. 
Han and Vy are an interesting duo. They describe themselves as a yin and a yang, bringing not just different personality types but also different design styles to the business. And yet, through teamwork, communication, and mutual respect, they have managed to create something special that is growing and continues to do so. 
Today, Han is here to share how she and Vy have overcome obstacles, learned lessons the hard way, and continue to meet challenges and grow their business.
Pick It Apart
[1:42] Han shares how she learned the hard way that the details of the business are so much more than just designing.  
[10:00] Han reflects on how she and Vy had to learn to embrace themselves and show up with authenticity. 
[18:40] Han discusses how she and Vy discovered their “superpowers” along the way. 
[24:20] Han talks about her cultural upbringing and the role it played for her. 
[34:58] Han and LuAnn discuss pricing and the importance of knowing your value.
[53:35] Han discusses how she wants to help her staff uncover their superpowers and play to their strengths.
LuAnn Nigara, Han Dang and Vy Truong's Ah-Ha Moments
“We work in a diverse area, so we have to be open to learning and adapting to every culture and the research behind those stories.” -Han
“Have you learned yet that when you raise your rates, as your prices go up and you have that fear of losing the current clients, that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen? We’re leaving those clients behind and moving on to the next level. That’s exactly what raising rates is supposed to do.” -LuAnn
More About Han Dang and Vy Truong
Vy Truong:
Vy has 6 years of experience in the Design Industry,focusing on Hospitality
and Commercial Design. She provides initial grand concepts for each project and speaks through colors.
Han Dang:
Han has 6 years of experience in the Design Industry, focusing on Education and Commercial Design. She provides detailed insights on every project and is the queen of minimalism
Connect with Han Dang and Vy Truong
Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
LinkedIn
Publications
Publications
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: 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:
#811 Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate
Other Resources Mentioned:
The Power Talk Friday Tour

Today With Katie Krimitsos: Today with Katie Krimitsos, we explore the transformative power of meditation and mindfulness, especially for entrepreneurs. As the founder of the Women's Meditation Network, Katie shares her personal journey of using meditation to navigate the challenges of life, motherhood and entrepreneurship. In this episode, Katie dives deep into the practical tools and strategies she uses to stay grounded and focused, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. From the importance of creating space for self-reflection to the power of listening to your intuition, Katie offers insights for creating a well-designed life and a thriving business that truly align with your purpose.
Pick It Apart [00:55] LuAnn shares the story of how she first met Katie at a podcasting conference in 2016 and how their friendship has evolved.
[05:33] Katie explains how her meditation podcasts provide tools for women to get to know themselves, listen to their intuition, and make decisions to build a well-designed life and business.
[12:20] Katie reads the beginning of a raw, relatable meditation she wrote about losing her temper with her child, illustrating how she creates meditations to help women process real-life experiences and emotions.
[20:58] LuAnn and Katie discuss the importance of asking for help and support when you need it, and being willing to receive it, as Katie shares an example from her own life.
[25:53] Katie and LuAnn explore the idea of using meditation as a tool for self-discovery and making space to hear your inner voice, not just for relaxation or sleep.
[34:44] Katie emphasizes that our seasons change and our needs change, especially as entrepreneurs, encouraging finding what works for you in each moment.
LuAnn Nigara and Katie Krimitsos's Ah-Ha Moments “[Meditation] is is a tool for self awareness that allows us to not be held down by the guilt or the shame of what it was and the humaneness that we're experiencing in moments, and allows us instead to open a space to this deep spiritual person that we are, and it allows that intuition to speak to us. And then we can then move forward based on what that intuition tells us, because she's always right.” - Katie Krimitsos
“Taking time for…meditation exploration — that's giving the place in my mind for all of the thoughts that come during all of those activities to show up…the really important things that my goddess voice wants me to know will bubble up in that complete quiet and rest.” - LuAnn Nigara
“In that recognition that you are the observer of the thoughts and not the thoughts themselves, there's an enormous amount of space that gets created there — this sort of separation…So it just allows space for that voice to start coming through and start having you pay attention to it or having you having it guide you to whatever needs to be done.” - Katie Krimitsos
More About Katie Krimitsos The new beginning of the Women’s Meditation Network began when Katie was going through a painful ending. She had just discovered she was pregnant with her second daughter and all of a sudden, she knew the podcast and business she had been running was no longer for her. Confused and uncertain, she slowed down and got quiet. Within that quiet, the Women’s Meditation Network – and her daughter -was born in 2018.
Never perfect and always real, Katie has been using meditation as a tool to come within so she can create an intentional life. She’s a mom of two incredible daughters, wife to a soulful husband, and loves animals so much, she won’t kill a bug. Most of her wisdom has come from the depths of pain, and her writing seeks to connect us all in this human experience.
Connect with Katie Krimitsos Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
Podcast
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-Design

Today With Kathy Kuo: Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Have you taken the time to identify your core values? To actively write them down and define what they mean to you? And if so, have you taken it a step further and pulled those values into your interactions, your hiring, your firing, and your feedback? Core values might be easy to push to the side. But if done right, they reduce conflict, make decision-making easier, and provide important clarity for your business.  Today, I’m joined by Kathy Kuo to unpack core values and discuss how to embody them in your business and your processes.
Pick It Apart [4:52] LuAnn and Kathy discuss the importance of values not just to you but to your clients, your employees, and the culture of your business.
[12:52] LuAnn reflects on what happens when you don’t establish company values.
[19:06] Kathy and LuAnn talk about how to decide which values are important enough to make the core values list.
[38:36] Kathy shares the process she uses to make tough employment decisions.
[47:28] Kathy discusses her design trade program and what it offers for designers.
LuAnn Nigara and Kathy Kuo's Ah-Ha Moments “The real question is, are you hiring and firing based on these values, and how does that actually translate to your customers, because your clients actually buy your core values.” -Kathy
“When we sat down to write out the values, I had a list of 10, which I knew was too many. And the integrator said, these are all important to your business. But this was the money line. He then asked me, what are the things you would hire and fire on? And that was the lightning bolt of clarity for me.” -LuAnn
More About Kathy Kuo Kathy Kuo is the CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, a recognized tv personality, and a celebrated interior designer. Published in the press as an international guru within the home and lifestyle space, Kathy has an unmatched eye for curating, sourcing and designing luxury furniture and homewares. Today, she continues to develop the fastest growing online platform in the home and design industry. Kathy has 20+ years of experience in the home industry and now serves as a speaker and activist for female entrepreneurs. It is her mission to support women to intentionally grow and scale value-focused teams.
Connect with Kathy Kuo Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
Pinterest 
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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: 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: #190: Kathy Kuo – How Kathy Kuo Home, the Online Boutique, Can Assist Your Interior Design Firm
Other Resources Mentioned: Schwartz Design Showroom on May 22nd
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