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

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
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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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Today With Rachael Bozsik Johanson: Hi, welcome to a Well Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. 
We all know by now that we should niche, but the struggle lies in the how. What IS my only? What IS my superpower? How do I figure it out? 
And that’s where my guest today, Rachael Bozsik Johanson, really shines. Her superpower is finding the superpower of others and teaching them how to use it to elevate their business, their services, their marketing, and their sales process. 
Today, Rachael is here to share how to discover that superpower of yours, and more specifically how to take it and use it to land the right clients, market yourself strategically, and transition to the true luxury market.

Pick It Apart [1:50]: Rachael and LuAnn talk about the “5% tweak” that changes the game for branding, messaging, and positioning.
[13:46]: Rachael unpacks how to transition from the “general practitioner” to valued specialist.
[18:45]: Rachael and LuAnn discuss how to tap into your past experiences to discover the special something you’re sitting on.
[24:43] Rachael highlights how to use your superpower to craft your messaging, services, and processes.
[46:55] Rachael and LuAnn talk about the power of standing out (and how to do it right).
[57:06] Rachael shares how to use your superpower to attract clients, including leveraging partnerships. 

LuAnn Nigara and Rachael Bozsik Johanson's Ah-Ha Moments “A lot of the women I work with aren’t clear on their story. And how can you expect your clients to get clear on your story if you aren’t clear on it yourself?” -Rachael
“The level of detail and research that you do, and the level of what’s included in the ultimate deliverable when you work with you is incomprehensible actually.” -LuAnn

More About Rachael Bozsik Johanson Rachael Bozsik Johanson is an international keynote speaker and Thought Leadership Coach for female entrepreneurs within the creative field.
It is Rachael’s mission to empower entrepreneurial women to position themselves as world-class thought leaders and public figures in their niche via the press, paid speaking, and partnerships. Think – a feature in Arch Digest, mic at High Point Market, and Partnership with Loloi. Rachael’s clients include award-winning interior designers, HGTV personalities, and internationally recognized creatives.
Rachael has been applauded for her work in numerous international publications as a top-tier expert in elite brand positioning in 40 national outlets including Forbes, Glamour, Business Insider etc.. Through her work as a professional speaker, she has empowered close to 100,000+ women on stages including Harvard Business School, Design Influencers Conference, (ASID) American Society of Interior Designers NYC, IIDA, Cornell, Bermuda’s SBA, SPANX HQ just to name a few. She has also had the opportunity to partner with incredible brands including Oprah’s Leadership Academy, Loreal, Sephora, Kendra Scott etc.

Connect with Rachael Bozsik Johanson Website
Instagram
Testimonials

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: #830 Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Yo

Today With Jennifer Chukwujekwe: Today with Jennifer Chukwujekwe, we’re heading to Nigeria (virtually) to learn about the incredible work she is doing to transform the interior design industry in her home country. As the President of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria and the founder, CEO, and creative director of Jenniez Designs, Jennifer shares her entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving skills as she navigates the unique challenges faced by designers in Africa.
From building a furniture factory to address sourcing issues to starting a school to educate aspiring designers, Jennifer's resourcefulness knows no bounds. She also offers valuable insights into the cultural nuances of Nigeria's 250 ethnic groups and how she adapts her design solutions to cater to these diverse needs.
Throughout the episode, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking within the design community, both locally and internationally. Her call to action is a powerful reminder that by working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can all take our businesses to new heights.

Pick It Apart [13:05] Jennifer discusses the challenges of interior design in Nigeria, and what she is doing to help solve these problems.
[23:48] LuAnn asks Jennifer about her business model and what kind of projects she normally takes on.
[27:49] Jennifer and LuAnn discuss the interior design school Jennifer started, Jenniez Designs, what it offers, and why it is so exciting to have this in Nigeria.
[35:59] Jennifer shocks LuAnn with more entrepreneurial ventures she has developed as solutions for students at her school.
[41:22] Jennifer explains how her design business coaching program works, and discusses common challenges with LuAnn.
[50:15] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss the diversity in Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups each with their own language and cultures, and how that impacts design.
[1:05:55] Jennifer shares a common custom in Nigeria and expands on why it is important to be respectful of your clients and their culture.

LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Chukwujekwe's Ah-Ha Moments “I’m on a mission. I just like to solve problems. And I tell people, I only solve problems within the industry. Once it's outside the industry, I'm not interested…I'm just passionate about the industry. I'm passionate about interior design, and passionate about transforming lives and businesses to interior design.” - Jennifer Chukwujekwe
“I don't think [anyone] expects each of you to be perfect…But it's taking the time to understand your client. That's what the onus is on the design industry — is to not just to make assumptions that this person has the same values and the same beliefs that you do about the items and the colors and the selections.” - LuAnn Nigara

More About Jennifer Chukwujekwe Jennifer  Chukwujekwe is a Wife, Mother, Experienced Interior designer, Author and Coach. The first interior design business coach in Nigeria.
She teaches interior designers how to build, grow and scale their business, so they can make profit, become successful and live a fulfilling life through Design.
She is a three-time graduate of Commercial Interior Design, Business and Branding and Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute UK. She has a first degree in Geology and Masters in Applied Computing and IT from the University of Bedfordshire UK. A Graduate of Entrepreneurial Essentials from Harvard Business School Cohort November 2021.
Prior to coaching, she launched her interior design company- Jenniez Designs.

Connect with Jennifer Chukwujekwe School website
Design website
Instagram
Instagram
Instagram

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 444

Today With Shelli Warren Today, on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Shelli Warren, distinguished Women's Leadership Advisor, and the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast. Do you believe the misconception that success is only attached to working for a corporation? If so, you may have little faith in hiring the right team, because as you will hear from Shelli, you have much to offer the right person in the form of a career.
Pick It Apart:
[6:07] Shelli shares her philosophy that her clients should understand that they have value and can provide valuable careers for employees.
[12:28] Before you even post a position, get clear on their job responsibilities.
[16:01] When and how to build a leadership team.
[20:08] How to guide someone towards making desirable decisions and being accountable.
[27:54] Realizing that you may have to fire people because the pace of your business has changed and you need to bring in new hires.
[48:25] When a business owner is ready to sell their business, many times it is an employee who buys it.
LuAnn Nigara and Shelli Warren's Ah-Ha Moments
“You can have a worthwhile career, and also offer people worthwhile careers.” - Shelli Warren
“People will stay working for you when they feel connected to you or their immediate supervisor.” - Shelli Warren
“The team that got you here may not be the same team to get you there.” - Shelli Warren
More About Shelli Warren
Shelli Warren is a distinguished Women's Leadership Advisor and the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast. Her expertise lies in helping small business owners develop and nurture a leadership team that can take over the daily operations of the business, enabling the owners to focus on higher-level growth decisions.
Drawing from her impressive background, which includes successfully managing multi-million dollar projects for Fortune 50 corporations and iconic billion-dollar brands, Shelli has spent nearly a decade coaching business owners.
Now in its fifth year, The Stacking Your Team podcast stands as a top-rated show with over 500,000 downloads. It serves as a source of inspiration and education for women leaders, guiding them on how to build capable leadership teams that can effectively provide the daily direction needed to exceed their company's clients' expectations.

Connect with Shelli Warren Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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: Intro Call with Duke Renders
Shelli’s Stacking Your Team website
Shelli’s Stacking Your Team podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #55 Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching
AWDB #214 Rachel Moriarty: How FaceBook Live Can Be A Game Changer For Your Interior Design Business
AWDB #707 Rachel Moriarty: Authenticity and Visibility in Your Interior Design Business
AWDB #906 Katie Wick: My Path in Interior Design; My Choice to Be an Employee.

Today With Becky and Nate Vandenbroek Hi, Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have on Becky and Nate Vandenbroek from Hygge Design+Build.
If you are someone who wants to get into the design-build industry, this episode is for you. Becky and Nate know how to help designers who want to break into the design/build world and share what to consider when choosing to collaborate with builders.
Both possessing Erika Ward transferable skills, Becky with her upbringing with a builder dad and Nate as a previous project manager, they ditched their 9-5 and in 2020 formed Hygge Design+Build.
As you can tell, they are thriving. They are here today to explain the process of working with design/build clients, give advice to designers looking to start a relationship with a builder, as well as red flags.
Pick It Apart:
[2:07] Nate shares his perspective as a builder as to why one should break into the design/build world.
[6:49] Doing design or building separate from each other.
[17:03] Becky’s experience growing up on construction sites with her dad who is a builder.
[28:02] Nate shares how you can work with a builder, electronic project management system, or not.
[31:59] Becky and Nate explain how it works when you do find your builder.
[37:43] Explain how a designer can discuss their pricing to a builder.
LuAnn Nigara and Becky and Nate Vandenbroek's Ah-Ha Moments
“If you're not able to have a clear line of communication with a builder and you're not on the same page with his process, it's going to be a disaster.” - Becky Vandenbroek
“If you can find a builder who doesn’t have a designer on staff and the both of you mesh well with the design aesthetic, it could be a win-win for both of you.” - Becky Vandenbroek
More About Becky and Nate Vandenbroek
Ok, let’s get this right out of the way…It’s pronounced who-guh even though it looks like hi-gee.
Hygge Design+Build was formed in 2020 after Becky and Nate Vandenbroek decided to ditch their 9-5 and start their own design+build company in Grand Rapids, MI. Becky grew up in the construction industry while watching her dad develop land, build spec homes, and commercial properties. Nate had always been interested in building, renovating, and creating. They took their love of home building and design and turned that into what is now known as Hygge Design+Build.
Hygge Design+Build homes are designed and built with a focus on creating a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that promotes well-being and comfort. Their Hilltop Farm home was featured in the national publication of Dwell Magazine in collaboration with Marvin Windows and was awarded a National Best in American Living award by the NAHB. Their most recent project, The Slate House was chosen by Marvin Windows for their national ad campaign and will also be featured in Dwell Magazine.
They are all about designing “outside of the box” when it comes to designing and building their homes.

Connect with Becky and Nate Vandenbroek Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
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: Duke Renders Strategy Session
LuAnn University
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB 542: Brad Lea

Today With LoriAnn Kuntz Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am excited to welcome LoriAnn Kuntz, founder of Profit Priority, a bookkeeping and financial management company for creatives. 
Understanding your numbers matters. But it’s equally as important to understand when and why to outsource your bookkeeping. 
Hear LoriAnn’s insights on why strategic bookkeping matters—and how you can take control of your numbers.
Pick It Apart:
[3:18] LoriAnn and LuAnn discuss why knowing your numbers matters—and what it means to “love” those numbers.
[7:31] LoriAnn explains why business owners should consider outsourcing bookkeeping from the beginning.
[15:51] LoriAnn breaks down the numbers we really need to know in our businesses.
[24:59] LoriAnn shares why a holistic approach to your finances is important.
[33:09] LuAnn and LoriAnn reflect on what most people miss when it comes to their numbers. 
LuAnn Nigara and LoriAnn Kuntz's Ah-Ha Moments
“The secret to loving your numbers is to find someone who understands them.” -LoriAnn
“When I work with someone, it's not just about the business, it's about them as a person. And it's about their life and their lifestyle.” -LoriAnn
“It’s clear that you are willing to go down the different roads and that is the thing that we really need in a bookkeeper.” -LuAnn
More About LoriAnn Kuntz
Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I saw firsthand what it was like to run a successful business.
And having a good financial system and knowing the numbers was a big part of that.
The opportunity to learn about money management and bookkeeping from a young age sparked what I thought was a love for accounting.
I started down the traditional accounting path, but a few years into my CPA journey, I felt God calling me out of it to serve entrepreneurs differently.

Connect with LoriAnn Kuntz Website
Website
Instagram 
Instagram
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: Check out  Kravet Inc.  and use our code AWDB10 for 10% on any order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper, or trim
Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork
Eileen Hahn’s Website