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

Today With Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino:
Today, on A Well-Designed Business, our Power Talk Friday is sponsored by 4DBiz. We had Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino of 4DBiz on the podcast last year to talk about the virtual assistant team division of their business, that supports your interior design business in marketing, admin, and design. 
After the impressive outpour from designers, they are back to talk about the services they offer as the executive team to solidify your foundation.
Pick It Apart
[1:43] Evelyn and Shayna explain what the executive division of their team entails.
[10:42] Shayna shares an example of when a consumer could get, what she calls, crooked. 
[14:43] Evelyn provides comfort and facts for those nervous about “automation.” 
[30:29] The benefits of having a team, rather than a “you” and the lesson Shayna learned.
[34:12] Always thinking about your competition.
[36:45] How 4DBiz’s executive team helps you build your own team.
LuAnn Nigara, Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino's Ah-Ha Moments:
“We’re a great partnership where Shayna will help you look at your business from the lens of you as the business owner I will help you look at it from the lens of your client,” - Evelyn Roberts
"As a designer, you have seven million avenues of business going on at once, but you still need to run the ship and there still needs to be an internal operation your team can live by.” - Shayna Pellino
“Good design cannot be overcome by bad process.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino
Shayna Rose
Shayna Rose is the CEO and Founder of both Shayna Rose Interiors and 4Dbiz. Shayna never expected to create the modern business model that would change the way interior designers run their business! 4Dbiz was born out of her own experience, failures, successes, and needs as an interior designer/business owner.
After working in the interior design industry for three years, Shayna knew she had to set out on her own. Working for someone else, Shayna was astounded by the unnecessary obstacles that she was working with - from overly-extended lead times, to a lack of custom solutions, to poor service all along the supply chain. She truly felt she had no choice but to start her own business and revolutionize the industry standard.
In 2017, Shayna Rose Interiors was born, followed by 4Dbiz in 2019. Shayna’s guiding principle is “Everyone wins.” She is most inspired by what other people see as problems. She is a solution-oriented visionary, hell bent on changing people’s lives with her ideas and execution - starting with the design industry.

Evelyn Roberts
Evelyn Roberts is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of 4Dbiz. After 4 years working in digital marketing for small businesses and tech startups, Evelyn joined Shayna Rose Interiors in 2019. Since then, she has been focused exclusively on marketing for interior designers.
Working with design businesses all over the country, she helps interior designers refine their brand, create concise and powerful messaging, optimize for search engines, and set up automations that save time and achieve results.
Evelyn’s philosophy for marketing in the interior design industry is “less is more.” Understanding the hectic interior designer/business owner lifestyle, she helps designers hone in on the marketing initiatives that will make measurable progress toward their most critical business goals, within their budget.
Connect with Evelyn Roberts and Shayna Pellino
Website
Facebook 
Client testimonial, Hannah Lowe Interiors
Client testimonial, Leone Interior Designs
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by 4DBiz.
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB: #923 Power Talk Friday: Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino: A Virtual Team for Your Interior Design Business

Today With Brett and Giselle Sugerman:
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Brett Sugerman and Giselle Loor Sugerman, founders of B+G Design, Inc., an award-winning Miami-based interior design firm. They are here to spill the tea on their journey to success, as well as, how you can present your authentic brand to attract the right clients.
LuAnn Nigara and Brett and Giselle Sugerman's Ah-Ha Moments
“When we decided to open up our company, we did it for the love and the passion of our craft. We really wanted to do projects that we were excited about and that reflected our personal taste,” - Giselle Loor Sugerman
More About Brett and Giselle Sugerman
B+G Design, Inc. is an award-winning Miami-based interior design firm founded by Brett Sugerman and Giselle Loor Sugerman. The highly sought-after luxury design firm is recognized for their innovative bespoke interiors that exude their signature aesthetic combining functional minimalism with a warm contemporary appeal.
From their home base in Miami to projects in New York, D.C., Aspen, Los Angeles and abroad, their team’s modern and elevated designs are timeless, seamlessly blending clean lines with luxe finishes, natural materials, and pared down color palettes. Taking inspiration from their travels, Brett and Giselle incorporate their one-of-a-kind furniture and lighting designs with chic pieces and sculptural elements that translate into distinctive environments integrating form and function.
Featured on NBC, CBS and HGTV, the husband-and-wife team are considered leaders in the industry, frequently sharing their design expertise across multiple media platforms. B+G projects have been featured in AD Pro, AD Mexico, Aspire, Business of Home, Casa Vogue Brazil, Florida Design, Interior Design, Luxe, Mansion Global, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times among many others. They are recipients of the Luxe magazine RED Awards for Best Interior Design; ASID South Florida Design Excellence Award and their lighting design won a Best of Year nomination with Interior Design magazine. Featured by 1st Dibs, they are on the “Designers to Watch List” and are among Ocean Home’s Top Coastal Designers.
Connect with Brett and Giselle Sugerman
Website
B and G Unfiltered
Beyond Design
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:
Go to kravet.com and use our code AWDB10 get 10% off on any one order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #953: Power Talk Friday: Raj Banyopadhyay: Connecting With Your Audience Through Personal Branding Photography
AWDB #979: Hygge Design + Build: Becky and Nate Vandenbroek on Tips for a Successful Design/Build Business
WTFP #269: Bound by Business: Working With the In-Laws
WTFP #272: Bound by Business: Working With a Parent or Child

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