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

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
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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 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

 

Today With Katie Ryan Pluer Today with Katie Ryan Pluer we are discussing what it takes to build a successful business partnership in the interior design industry. Katie brings a wealth of experience in business development, marketing, and advertising — along with a successful track record of buying and selling businesses. She has a keen understanding of what it takes to create a profitable business, and has spent the past few years getting settled in the interior design industry as Vice President of Natasa Jones Interiors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you have a partner or are considering one, or if you are looking to scale your interior design business anytime soon, Katie is here to share valuable insights. We are getting into the nitty gritty of partnership — from evaluating the business and legalities to personalities, percentages, and profitability.
Pick It Apart:
[1:11] Katie shares how she and Natasa met while working together more than a decade ago, how they realized they were a good fit for partnership, and how they began working together again in their current roles.
[5:52] Katie discusses how she officially approached Natasha about becoming partners and the process of having the business evaluated and buying in. 
[14:40] LuAnn asks Katie what business owners need to think about before they get their business evaluated for sale or partnership.
[29:03] Katie outlines how she and Natasha negotiated the terms of their partnership, including ownership percentages, legalities, and the importance of open and honest conversation.
[41:46] Katie emphasizes the value of tracking both revenue streams and profit margins.
LuAnn Nigara and Katie Ryan Pluer's Ah-Ha Moments
 “We're kind of like a Venn diagram. Like, I have my little part, she has a little part. And then we intersect. And the stuff that we intersect—we're just like on the same page. But we're also not afraid to challenge each other.” – Katie Ryan Pluer
 
“If you're running your business, you should pay yourself.” – Katie Ryan Pluer
 
“If you are considering a potential partnership with someone, and before you make the purchase, and the final deal, if you can't have open and honest conversation, then…how the heck do you think you're going to have it when you both have skin in the game?” – LuAnn Nigara
                                                                                                           “Sometimes there's some ego in ownership and creating your own business. And if you're willing to put that ego aside and bring someone in that can help grow your business—grow it together—it's really worth it…If you find the right person that understands and has as much love for it as you do, I think it'll be a good fit. - Katie Ryan Pluer
More About Katie Ryan Pluer
Katie Ryan Pluer holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of WI-Madison. Katie is an entrepreneur, and currently is a Partner & Vice President at Natasa Jones Interiors. Her expertise is in business development, marketing, and advertising. Over her 20-year professional career, Katie has used her skills to promote and grow business across several industries including interior design, finance, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. She has bought and successfully sold several businesses including (4) uBreakiFix stores and Sign Gypsies MKE.
Katie has had the honor and privilege of serving on the development committee for Nia Imani, the Board of Woman for MACC and as the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at Lueder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual. She has a passion for service and a love for Milwaukee. Katie was raised in a culture of caring for those in need, and volunteering as a way to make an impact on the community.

Connect with Katie Ryan Pluer Website
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What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
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Today With Melissa Fields Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we run an entire new segment! It's "On Air Strategy Sessions"! In today's episode, we have Melissa Fields with us. Melissa is the founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio, a boutique interior design studio based in San Antonio, Texas. So, let's meet her!
More About Melissa Fields

Shades of Gray Design Studio is a boutique interior design studio based in San Antonio, Texas. It was started in 2018 shortly after Melissa Fields, the Founder and CEO, retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service.
A retired Air Force officer turned interior designer, took her side hustle and deep passion for all things beautiful and developed it into a business. Melissa wanted to create amazing spaces for people who were going to stay in their homes long term and enjoy the investment they put into their space.
She shifted her focus towards designing residential spaces. Although not formally trained, she is a passionate creative who not only has an eye for design but firmly believes and understands that the details matter. Melissa also knows the power of beautiful and intentional design to truly transform people on a mind, body, and soul level. Because Melissa is so obsessed with the details and a high level of quality, she wanted to have a solid foundation and obtained a certification in residential interior design through the New York Institute of Art and Design.
Shades of Gray Design Studio believes in creating not just beautiful, functional spaces but telling the story about the humans that reside there. We are all unique and that’s what makes us so special. Our homes should reflect that. Melissa loves using color, texture, and boldness in her
designs. She strives to incorporate a modern, contemporary feel while blending luxury and comfort...making it truly one-of-a-kind. It’s all about elevating the living space and empowering her clients with the knowledge that they are worthy of being surrounded by beauty.

Connect with Melissa Fields Website
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:  What Would LuAnn Do?
Other Shows Mentioned:  
AWDB 915: Power Talk Friday: Masha Koyen: 7 Mistakes Interior Designers Make on Their Website Messaging
 
AWDB 859: Power Talk Friday: Robyn White: Using Your Website to Market to the Luxury Interior Design Client
 
AWDB 574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy
 
WTFP 167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You
 
AWDB 125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
 
AWDB 317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
 
AWDB 466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

Today With Jennifer Davis Today on A Well-Designed Business I’m with Jennifer Davis, the founder of Davis Interiors, a boutique design firm based in Minneapolis. Jennifer's story is proof that intention, manifestation, and a positive mindset can lead to the life and business of our dreams.
In this episode, we discuss Jennifer’s strategies and beliefs that have helped her create a joyful client experience and a successful career. From setting intentions and aligning your actions with your goals to overcoming impostor syndrome and cultivating an abundance mindset, Jennifer offers practical tips and powerful insights.
Pick It Apart:
[1:21] Jennifer introduces her business philosophy that the process should be just as joyful as the finished product, detailing aspects of her process that reflect this.
[6:42] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss technology platforms and automations they use to help their systems and processes run smoothly.
[14:45] Jennifer talks about the power of intention and how it works for her.
[17:46] LuAnn shares a story about manifesting her dream home.
[29:00] Jennifer brings up imposter syndrome and the role it plays in the interior design industry and how meditation can be a helpful tool to overcome this.
[44:48] Jennifer and LuAnn discuss the power of taking five minutes to slow down and clear your mind.
LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Davis's Ah-Ha Moments
“I want the journey that you go through to get from start to finish to be as joyful as the joy you feel at the end of the project when you're in your new space.” - Jennifer Davis
“I think you just have to really believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you and find good mentors and a good design community to be a part of. And then when you set the intentions, you can truly believe that you're worthy of all these things happening.” - Jennifer Davis
“How we carry ourselves through our business relates, and comes back to us, in our personal life.” - LuAnn Nigara
More About Jennifer Davis
Jennifer started her career journey in the furniture industry, where she got a taste for sales. Transitioning to an interior design studio, she started as a design assistant and swiftly advanced to a managerial position, showcasing her leadership abilities. Jennifer successfully navigated distribution management and marketing roles for a well-known national furniture retailer based in Minneapolis before leaving to raise her children.

While at home with her children, it wasn't long before friends began soliciting her assistance with their own homes. Balancing her roles as a mother and entrepreneur, she cultivated her client base from a part-time endeavor which quickly grew into a full fledged interior design studio. Jennifer is a firm believer in the law of attraction, maintaining that our attitudes significantly influence the outcomes we experience in life.

Jennifer operates a boutique interior design firm headquartered in Minneapolis, catering to clients nationwide. Her approach to each project revolves around fostering a client experience founded on clear communication, refined processes, swift timelines, and meaningful relationships. Davis Interiors lives by the motto “We want the process to create as much joy as the finished product”.

Connect with Jennifer Davis Website
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

Today With Katie McDonald Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m excited to welcome back Katie McDonald, certified holistic health coach and instructor at b.nourished. 
As entrepreneurs, we do have a tendency to put ourselves on the backburner, focusing our time and attention on the needs of the business. But if we’re not creating something sustainable—if we’re heading toward burnout, are we really creating well-designed businesses? 
It can feel as if we need to justify rest, justify taking time for ourselves, Katie’s take is that we need to view taking care of ourselves in a whole new light—and today she and I are diving deep into the philosophical questions of creativity, well-being, and the way we are intertwined with the business.
Pick It Apart:
[0:02] Katie discusses how our well-being is interwoven into the business—and why taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury.
[5:47] LuAnn and Katie unpack the guilt entrepreneurs often feel for taking free time to rest and reset.
[12:13] Katie talks about how creativity requires rest, stillness, and space.
[17:23] LuAnn and Katie talk about what rest might look like for different people (and why that’s okay).
[29:10] Katie offers practical places to start when committing to self-care.
[38:58] Katie and LuAnn reflect on the business benefits of taking care of ourselves.
LuAnn Nigara and Katie McDonald's Ah-Ha Moments
“The only thing that will create change is our commitment to change—our willingness to look ourselves in the eyes, look at our hear, and say, ‘Something doesn’t feel right.’” -Katie
“We’re always thinking about the future or the next big thing for our business. But in our personal lives, we’re willing to accept mediocrity.” -Katie
“Our well-being is our fuel—the engine for our business.” -LuAnn
More About Katie McDonald
Over a decade ago, the demands of Katie McDonald’s corporate career occupied her every waking moment. She was left feeling depleted and depressed—suffering from spiraling mental and physical health crises that threatened her life.

Left with no choice but to transform her body-mind relationship, Katie abandoned her corporate job and finally started applying her knowledge of self-care, alternative health, and plant-based nutrition.

Since then, Katie has been on a revitalizing journey of lifelong self-care.

Fully recovered from years of self-neglect, Katie now helps fellow doers embrace self-care so they can do more and be more while leading healthier, more intentional, and more nourished lives.

Katie leads with tough love to inspire, empower, and challenge audiences. She dispels the destructive myth that self-care is an obstacle to productivity and teaches that self-care is, in fact, a tool to create a more powerful and impactful legacy.

Connect with Katie McDonald Speaking Site
Coaching Site and Link to Schedule a Complimentary 30 Minute Self-Care Strategy Session
Link to Bnourished Planner 15% discount code for planners LUANN
Here are the offers for the podcasts listeners
1. A 15% discount off the bnourished quarterly planner using code LUANN
2. Access to my curated resource guide here
3. Whole life assessment (will be a goodie)
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