Build Beautiful | Creative Entrepreneurship

Linda Habak | Creative Entrepreneurship
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Design
  • Biweekly

BUILD BEAUTIFUL  Where design meets depth Build Beautiful explores the people, ideas and decisions shaping creative lives and businesses. Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, the podcast brings together creative thinkers, founders and entrepreneurs for thoughtful conversations about their journeys, ambitions and the experiences that have shaped who they are today. From creative ambition and building a business to navigating change, taking risks and redefining success, Build Beautiful offers an honest perspective on what it takes to turn creative passion into meaningful work. Through intimate interviews and solo reflections, the podcast explores the intersection of the creative and the commercial, and what it means to build a business and a life on your own terms. Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast

  1. 19h ago

    "I Had a Good 30 Years Ahead of Me" — Nicole O'Neil on Starting Again at 45

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! What does it take to start a business at 45, when the world already thinks it knows who you are? Nicole O'Neil has lived several lives in the public eye. Born in Dubai to a Lebanese father and Swedish mother, she moved to Sydney in the 1980s, became Miss Australia and later appeared on The Real Housewives of Sydney. But at 45, Nicole decided to build something of her own. As the founder of Bon Wellness, the business behind BonPatch wearable wellness patches, she has stepped into a new chapter as an entrepreneur, building a brand with ambitions beyond Australia. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Nicole to explore identity, reinvention, motherhood, visibility and the courage it takes to begin again. From navigating cultural expectations and public perceptions to launching a wellness business and expanding into the United States, Nicole reflects on the experiences that shaped her and why she believes timing matters. In this conversation, we explore: Growing up between Lebanese and Swedish cultures and the traditions Nicole has carried into motherhoodBecoming Miss Australia and representing a multicultural AustraliaHer experience on The Real Housewives of Sydney and the difference between public perception and personal realityStarting Bon Wellness at 45 and embracing entrepreneurship later in lifeBuilding BonPatch and taking an Australian wellness brand into the US marketThe differences between Australian and American attitudes towards ambition and businessTall poppy syndrome and learning to advocate for yourselfThe relationship between identity, visibility, motherhood and legacyWhy starting again can be an opportunity rather than a setbackWhy this conversation matters There is often an expectation that by a certain age, we should have figured out who we are and what we're going to do. Nicole's story challenges that idea. It's a conversation about recognising that we can evolve, change direction and build something meaningful at any stage of life. Sometimes the most interesting chapter begins when we give ourselves permission to start again. About Nicole O'Neil Nicole O'Neil is the founder of Bon Wellness, the company behind BonPatch wearable wellness patches. A former Miss Australia and cast member of The Real Housewives of Sydney, Nicole is now focused on growing her wellness business internationally. Follow Nicole: @nicolegazaloneil About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Season 3 is proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  2. Oct 28

    Creativity Is the Residue of Wasted Time — Dylan Farrell on Failing Forward and Starting at 28

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Interior designer Dylan Farrell's career has been anything but conventional. From growing up surrounded by architects, artists and gallerists in New York to building an international creative business, his story is one of experimentation, unexpected opportunities and finding his own way. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Dylan to explore his journey through interior design, the challenges of building a design studio across New York and Australia, and the experiences that have shaped his creative practice. From a rocky beginning at Pratt and years playing in avant-garde industrial bands to establishing Dylan Farrell Design and launching his furniture collection, After Editions, Dylan reflects on what it means to build a business that matters without losing sight of the life you want to lead. In this conversation, we explore: Growing up in a family of architects, artists and galleristsWhy finding your direction later in life isn't necessarily a disadvantageThe differences between New York and Australian designBuilding and leading a creative business across two countriesDeveloping After Editions and expanding beyond interior designDigital fatigue, patience and the realities of burnoutHow family and slowing down have changed Dylan's approach to workWhy this conversation matters Creative ambition can take us in unexpected directions. Dylan's story is a reminder that building a meaningful creative career isn't always a linear process, and that success is as much about how we live as what we create. About Dylan Farrell Dylan Farrell is the founder of Dylan Farrell Design, an interior design practice working across New York and Australia, and the creator of furniture collection After Editions. Follow Dylan: @dylan_farrell_design About Build Beautiful Hosted by Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast. Connect with us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. For guest enquiries and collaborations: buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  3. Oct 14

    "Every Project Is Going to Be a New Brief" | Rachel Luchetti on Designing Without a Signature Style

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Can you build a successful interior design studio without developing a signature style? For Rachel Luchetti, co-founder and creative director of Luchetti Krelle, the answer is yes. Over the past 17 years, Rachel has helped build one of Australia's established hospitality and retail interior design practices, creating spaces that respond to the people who use them rather than following a recognisable aesthetic. From restaurants and bars to retail environments, her approach is grounded in the belief that every project deserves its own response, shaped by the client, the brief and the experience of the end user. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Rachel to explore her creative philosophy, the evolution of Luchetti Krelle and the lessons learned from building and leading an interior design business. Their conversation moves between the creative and the commercial, from designing spaces that feel as good as they look to navigating difficult clients, expensive mistakes, business growth and the responsibilities that come with running a studio. Rachel also reflects on the importance of trusting your instincts, knowing when to say no and resisting the pressure to create work simply for recognition. In this conversation, we explore: Building Luchetti Krelle into an established Australian hospitality and retail design practiceWhy Rachel has never wanted to develop a signature interior design styleDesigning for the people who use a space rather than for industry recognitionThe importance of atmosphere, acoustics and the emotional experience of interiorsBalancing creativity with the practical and commercial demands of hospitality designLessons learned from expensive mistakes and challenging projectsGrowing an interior design studio slowly and deliberatelyLeading a creative business through periods of uncertainty and crisisRecognising client red flags and knowing when to walk awayThe challenges of unpaid design concepts and protecting the value of creative workBuilding a business around personal conviction rather than external expectationsWhy this conversation matters For creative professionals, there's often an expectation that success comes from developing a recognisable style, building a larger team or producing work that attracts attention. Rachel offers a different perspective. Her career demonstrates the value of remaining curious, responding thoughtfully to each project and recognising that the strength of a creative practice lies as much in its decisions and relationships as in the work itself. It's a conversation about creative independence, commercial judgement and building a business that reflects what matters to you. About Rachel Luchetti Rachel Luchetti is the co-founder, principal and creative director of Luchetti Krelle, a Sydney-based interior design practice specialising in hospitality and retail environments. Based in Surry Hills, the studio is recognised for its considered, individual approach to projects and its focus on creating spaces that respond to the needs and experiences of the people who use them. Follow @luchetti_krelle. About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Season 3 is proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs.   #BuildBeautiful #RachelLuchetti #LuchettiKrelle #InteriorDesign #HospitalityDesign #DesignPodcast To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  4. Sep 30

    The Breakdown That Became a Breakthrough — Alexandra Kidd on Rebuilding a Life and a Business

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! What happens when the creative business you've spent years building begins to take more from you than you can give? Alexandra Kidd is the founder of Alexandra Kidd Interior Design, a respected Sydney-based interior design studio that has grown from a solo practice into an all-women team of twelve. For more than 20 years, Alexandra has built a career creating thoughtful residential interiors. But behind the success of her design practice was a very different personal experience. At the end of 2018, after years of managing an increasingly demanding business and carrying the responsibility for almost every decision, Alexandra experienced a breakdown that forced her to reconsider how she was living and working. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Alexandra to explore the realities of building an interior design business, the personal cost of ambition and the process of rebuilding both her life and her studio. From the pressures of growing a creative practice to learning how to delegate, establish boundaries and rediscover the joy in her work, Alexandra shares an unusually candid account of what happens when success comes at a personal cost. Their conversation also explores the next chapter of her creative journey, including the launch of Atelier, her collection of Australian-made glass lighting created in collaboration with local artisans. In this conversation, we explore: Alexandra's early relationship with design and the personal experiences that shaped her careerBuilding an interior design studio from a solo practice into an established teamThe challenges of managing rapid business growth and increasing project demandsHer experience of burnout and the breakdown she experienced in 2018The twelve-month recovery period and the difficult process of reassessing her prioritiesLearning to ask for help and letting go of the need to control every decisionIntroducing stronger business systems, delegation and professional boundariesRebuilding a creative business around a healthier way of workingLaunching Atelier and exploring a new creative direction through collectible glass lightingRedefining success after more than two decades in interior designWhy this conversation matters Creative businesses are often built on passion, personal investment and an enormous sense of responsibility. But when the person behind the business becomes responsible for everything, the cost can be significant. Alexandra's story challenges the idea that success must come at the expense of our wellbeing. It's a conversation about vulnerability, resilience and recognising that sometimes the most meaningful growth comes not from doing more, but from changing how we work and live. About Alexandra Kidd Alexandra Kidd is the founder of her eponymous Sydney-based interior design studio, which has grown into an all-women team of twelve. With more than 20 years of experience in residential interior design, Alexandra is known for her thoughtful approach to creating considered, enduring interiors. In 2024, she launched Atelier, a collection of Australian-made glass lighting developed in collaboration with local artisans. About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Season 3 is proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast. Proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  5. Sep 16

    "Energy Over Empire" — Simone Mathews on Choosing to Build Smaller

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! Interior designer and property developer Simone Mathews has built a creative business that challenges the conventional idea of success. As the founder of Soul Home, Simone has created a distinctive design and development practice alongside her builder husband, Ben, with projects including Soul of Gerringong, The Bower and The Pause. But rather than pursuing a bigger studio, a larger team and an ever-growing portfolio, Simone has deliberately chosen a different direction. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Simone to explore her unconventional career journey, the realities of running a design-led business and why she's chosen to prioritise energy, family and creative fulfilment over constant growth. From an unexpected first job at 19 to working across marketing, real estate, interior design and property development, Simone reflects on the experiences that shaped her approach to business and the importance of defining success for yourself. In this conversation, we explore: Simone's unexpected career journey from marketing and real estate into interior designHer first job at 19 as personal assistant to Rodney AdlerBuilding Soul Home alongside her husband, BenThe story behind Soul of Gerringong and her approach to design-led property developmentCreating a distinctive design philosophy centred on bringing a holiday feeling into everyday livingBuilding authentic brand partnerships that extend beyond gifted productsNavigating the responsibilities of being both an interior designer and property developerWhy Simone deliberately chose to make her studio smaller rather than continue scalingRethinking work-life balance and learning to shift prioritiesBuilding a creative business that supports the life you want to leadWhy this conversation matters Growth is often presented as the ultimate measure of business success. A bigger team, more projects and greater visibility. Simone offers a different perspective. Her story explores what happens when we question those expectations and give ourselves permission to build something more intentional. It's a conversation about ambition, creative independence and recognising that a successful business doesn't necessarily need to become a bigger one. About Simone Mathews Simone Mathews is an Australian interior designer, property developer and founder of Soul Home. Working alongside her builder husband, Ben, she has developed a distinctive approach to residential design and property development through projects including Soul of Gerringong, The Bower and The Pause. She is also a mother of four. About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  6. Sep 2

    "I Am a Creative Person, Even Though I Never Admitted It" — Antonia Perricone Mrljak's Late Awakening

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! What does it take to reinvent yourself as an artist in your 40s, after spending much of your life believing you weren't creative? For Sydney-based contemporary artist Antonia Perricone Mrljak, the journey into painting began later in life, following a career in fashion styling, motherhood and years spent finding her place in the world. Growing up in Sydney's western suburbs in a Sicilian-Australian family, Antonia's early experiences shaped her understanding of identity, belonging and self-expression. Although creativity had always been present in her life, it wasn't until she returned to study at Sydney College of the Arts that she began to recognise herself as an artist. After graduating with first class honours, Antonia went on to paint live across nine metres of canvas at Sydney Contemporary, an experience that helped launch her professional painting career. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Antonia to explore her unconventional path into contemporary art, the courage required to begin again and the experiences that have shaped her artistic identity. From growing up between cultures and finding independence through fashion to navigating the contemporary art world and building a career outside traditional gallery relationships, Antonia shares an honest account of what it means to trust your creative instincts. In this conversation, we explore: Growing up Sicilian-Australian in Sydney's western suburbs and the influence of cultural identityDiscovering self-expression through fashion and her early career as a stylistThe experiences that shaped her understanding of art and creativityReturning to university in her 40s and studying fine artsThe influence of motherhood on her decision to pursue a creative careerPainting live at Sydney Contemporary and the opportunities that followedFinding confidence and developing an identity as a contemporary artistOvercoming self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as an outsiderNavigating gallery relationships and choosing to work independentlyUnderstanding the commercial realities of building a career as an artistWhy she believes emerging artists should protect themselves through clear written agreementsThe importance of trusting your instincts and recognising that creativity has no age limitWhy this conversation matters We often imagine that creative careers begin with an early recognition of talent, followed by formal training and a clear professional path. Antonia's experience challenges that assumption. Her story is a reminder that creative identity can emerge at any stage of life, and that the experiences we accumulate before finding our direction can become an essential part of the work we eventually create. It's a conversation about belonging, courage, reinvention and the freedom that comes from recognising who you are. About Antonia Perricone Mrljak Antonia Perricone Mrljak is a Sydney-based contemporary artist whose practice developed following an earlier career in fashion styling. She graduated from Sydney College of the Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with first class honours in 2018. In 2019, she painted live across nine metres of canvas at Sydney Contemporary, an experience that helped establish her professional painting career. Her work has since been exhibited in Australia and internationally. About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Season 3 is proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  7. Aug 19

    I Woke Up to 3 Million Views — Georgina Wilson on Becoming the Internet's Architect

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! What happens when an architect starts sharing her opinions about design online and suddenly finds herself speaking to millions of people? Georgina Wilson is a registered architect and founder of Georgina Wilson Associates, a Sydney-based architecture practice specialising in residential design and renovations. After years spent building her career and establishing her own practice, Georgina began sharing her thoughts about architecture, home design and the decisions people make when building or renovating. One video reached three million views almost overnight. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Georgina to explore her unconventional journey into architecture, the unexpected rise of her social media presence and what it means to build a professional reputation in the digital age. From training under one of Australia's leading residential architects to establishing her own studio during the global financial crisis, Georgina reflects on the experiences that shaped her career and the importance of speaking honestly about what she believes. Their conversation also explores the intersection of creative expertise, social media, business and the opportunities that emerge when you find your own voice. In this conversation, we explore: Georgina's early interests in ballet and music before finding her way into architectureTraining under an established Australian residential architectStarting her own architecture practice during the global financial crisisThe unexpected social media video that reached three million viewsOvercoming the fear of putting yourself and your opinions onlineWhy Georgina believes good architecture should be accessible and understandableBuilding a social media audience while maintaining a bespoke residential architecture practiceThe relationship between professional expertise, authenticity and audience trustWhy she's resisted conventional influencer monetisationUsing social media to educate people about residential architecture and home designFinding the confidence to develop a public voice without compromising your professional valuesWhy this conversation matters For many creative professionals, visibility can feel uncomfortable. There's a tension between wanting your work to be recognised and putting yourself in the public eye. Georgina's story offers a different perspective on what it means to build an audience. Rather than following trends or creating content simply to attract attention, she's built a following by sharing her expertise, questioning conventional thinking and speaking directly to the people she wants to reach. It's a conversation about courage, creative independence and the opportunities that can emerge when you stop waiting for permission to be heard. About Georgina Wilson Georgina Wilson is a registered Australian architect and founder of Georgina Wilson Associates, a Sydney-based architecture practice specialising in residential design and renovations. Alongside her architectural work, she has developed a substantial online following through her candid commentary on architecture, design and the realities of building and renovating homes. About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Season 3 is proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

  8. Aug 5

    The Room Went From One Table to Global — Grace Miller on Four Years at The Diary of a CEO

    Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments! What if failure wasn't something to avoid, but an essential part of building something extraordinary? Grace Miller is Head of Failure & Experimentation at FlightStory, Steven Bartlett's media company behind The Diary of a CEO, one of the world's most recognised podcasts. Originally from Australia's Gold Coast, Grace moved to London in 2022 and joined the team when it was still a handful of people working around one table. Over the following four years, she became part of the extraordinary growth of The Diary of a CEO and the wider FlightStory business, helping develop an approach to experimentation, innovation and audience growth. In this episode of Build Beautiful, Linda Habak sits down with Grace to explore the thinking behind building a global media brand, the importance of learning through failure and what it takes to create a culture where experimentation is encouraged. From testing creative ideas and challenging conventional marketing strategies to navigating ambition, uncertainty and the personal sacrifices that come with building a career, Grace offers a perspective on success that is both practical and deeply human. Their conversation explores the intersection of creativity, business, marketing and the courage required to pursue opportunities without knowing exactly where they'll lead. In this conversation, we explore: Grace's journey from the Gold Coast to London and joining the early FlightStory teamThe growth of The Diary of a CEO into a globally recognised podcast and media brandWhat it means to be Head of Failure & ExperimentationWhy experimentation is essential to creative innovation and business growthThe relationship between failure, psychological safety and high-performing teamsHow data and audience insights influence creative and marketing decisionsTesting ideas, learning quickly and recognising when something isn't workingThe commercial realities of building and scaling a successful podcastWhat media companies look for when considering new podcasts and creative projectsBuilding an audience through experimentation rather than assumptionsNavigating ambition, uncertainty and self-doubtThe personal sacrifices and opportunities that come with pursuing an unconventional careerGrace's entrepreneurial journey through Grace Experiments and Experiment MediaWhy this conversation matters We tend to celebrate successful businesses, creative projects and personal achievements once the difficult work has already been done. What we rarely see are the experiments that failed, the decisions that didn't work and the uncertainty that sits behind the finished result. Grace's approach challenges the idea that failure is something to be embarrassed about. Instead, she sees it as information, a necessary part of learning, improving and creating work that connects with people. It's a conversation about ambition, curiosity, resilience and recognising that meaningful progress often comes from being willing to try something before you're certain it will succeed. About Grace Miller Grace Miller is Head of Failure & Experimentation at FlightStory, the media company founded by Steven Bartlett and associated with The Diary of a CEO. Originally from the Gold Coast, Australia, Grace moved to London in 2022 and became part of the team during a period of significant growth. Her work focuses on experimentation, innovation, marketing and audience development across media and creative businesses. She is also the founder of Grace Experiments and Experiment Media, ventures focused on helping individuals and organisations develop an experimentation mindset. About Build Beautiful Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, Build Beautiful explores the human stories behind creative lives and businesses, from interior design and architecture to creative entrepreneurship and beyond. Where design meets depth. Season 3 is proudly supported by Tappeti Fine Hand-Crafted Rugs. To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:  on Youtube on Instagram on Facebook on LinkedIn If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on hello@buildbeautifulpodcast.com

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BUILD BEAUTIFUL  Where design meets depth Build Beautiful explores the people, ideas and decisions shaping creative lives and businesses. Hosted by interior designer and property developer Linda Habak, the podcast brings together creative thinkers, founders and entrepreneurs for thoughtful conversations about their journeys, ambitions and the experiences that have shaped who they are today. From creative ambition and building a business to navigating change, taking risks and redefining success, Build Beautiful offers an honest perspective on what it takes to turn creative passion into meaningful work. Through intimate interviews and solo reflections, the podcast explores the intersection of the creative and the commercial, and what it means to build a business and a life on your own terms. Follow @buildbeautiful_podcast

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