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

Today With Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet:
Hi! Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this can't-miss episode, we welcome Sarah Daniele of MyDoma Studio and Keith Granet of Studio Designer to discuss an exciting new partnership between the two design technology companies.
Sarah and Keith share valuable insights on building tools that empower designers, the benefits of strategic acquisitions, and the importance of understanding the evolving needs of the interior design industry. This episode is a must-listen for any creative entrepreneur looking to scale their business while staying connected to their community.
Don't miss this inside look at a game-changing move in the design space!
More About Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet
Sarah Daniele:
Sarah Daniele is the CEO and co-founder of Mydoma Studio. Mydoma Studio is the premier platform for interior designers; a workflow software to organize design projects from beginning to end and a thriving design community. The first version of Mydoma Studio was built to fulfill a personal need. It was the encouragement of her peers that Sarah Daniele turned tech CEO and built Mydoma Studio for the interior design industry. Sarah is passionate about building tools and technology to allow interior designers to grow their businesses. Sarah has previously spoken at leading industry events and technology panels. Sarah and Mydoma Studio have also been featured in Designers Today, Home Accents Today, Editor at Large, Kitchen, Bath Design News, and A Well Designed Business podcast.

Keith Granet:
Keith Granet is Founder and CEO of Studio Designer, the interior design industry’s leading software company. Granet is also President of Granet & Associates, a management consulting firm formed in 1991 to provide strategic, financial, operational management and licensing services to the design industry. He is the founder of Designer Speakers’ Bureau and co-founder of The Leaders of Design. Granet is the author of the Business of Design, balancing creativity and profitability, Princeton Architectural Press 2011, The Business of Creativity, how to build the right team for success, Princeton Architectural Press 2016, and The Business of Design 10th Anniversary Edition Princeton Architectural Press 2021. Granet guest lectures at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of Southern California. Granet executive produces and hosts of Inside the Business of Design, an interview series that explores the business side of successful design practices.
Granet’s vision has always been to strengthen the business side of the profession by establishing good business practices with the firms he works with, develop the profession from within, and ultimately communicate the value of design to the consumer at large.
Granet is a graduate of Hartwick College (‘79) and lives with his family in Los Angeles.
Connect with Sarah Daniele and Keith Granet
Mydoma
Instagram 
Facebook 
Pinterest 
Studio Designer
Instagram 
Facebook 
X
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Mydoma Studio and Studio Designer!
Other Shows Mentioned:
#879: Power Talk Friday: Sarah Daniele: Mydoma Studio and the Business of Change as the Interior Design Industry Enters a Digital Transformation
#555: Sarah Daniele: 19H The Blueprint, Create Resiliency in Your Business
#177: Power Talk Friday- Sarah Daniele, CEO of Mydoma Studio is back to tell us what's new for you at Mydoma Studio!
#119: Christmas Encore: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio
#91: Sarah Daniele – Co-Founder & CEO of Mydoma Studio

Today With Erin Coren and Lina Galvao:
Today, I am joined by Erin Coren and Lina Galvao, co-owners of the Curated Nest. With Erin as Creative Director and Lina as the Director of Business Development, Curated Nest is a complete partnership. Both ladies bring value to the table, collaborating in what has resulted in a growth of 500k to almost 5 million.
Erin and Lina joined forces in 2016 and have continued to grow since then. I’m honored that they said they used this podcast's value and resources as part of their journey. Of course, they, themselves, have contributed much to their business in the form of transferable skills, talent, and professionalism.
Listen in to learn their secrets to scaling!
LuAnn Nigara, Erin Coren and Lina Galvao's Ah-Ha Moments
“A critical part of scaling your business is hiring the right people and placing them in the right seats.” - LuAnn Nigara
“It starts in the hiring process because you want to hire people who are proactive, curious, and passionate and who want to play with the tools of the trade and continuously learn.” - Lina Galvao
More About Erin Coren and Lina Galvao
Erin Coren:
Erin holds a B.S. in Interior Design and is a NYS Certified Interior Designer, Professional member of the American Society of Interior Design, and a National Council of Interior Design Qualifications certificate holder.
Lina Galvão:
Lina holds a Bachelor of Science from Yale University in addition to a Masters in Public Health from Columbia University, and studied Interior Design at Fashion Institute of Technology. Prior to becoming a designer, Lina was a business consultant for healthcare organizations for ten years, with an interest in how environments can promote patients’ wellbeing.
Connect with Erin Coren and Lina Galvao
Website
Instagram 
Facebook
TV Show
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:
Hiring Toolkit Bundle
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #438: Monica Wilcox: Systems Create Strength & Confidence
AWDB #634: Power Talk Friday: Jessica Harling: A Specific Process for Onboarding a New Hire
AWDB #882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability
AWDB #969: Pure Salt Interiors: Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln: Licensing Partnerships
AWDB #979: Hygge Design + Build: Becky and Nate Vandenbroek on Tips for a Successful Design/Build Business
AWDB #980: Power Talk Friday: Shelli Warren: Recognizing That Your Small Business Brings Value to the Right Employee
AWDB #985: Han Dang and Vy Truong: The First 4 Years: Insights and Lessons
AWDB 68: Chad James- “Think Forward” – Employee Management
AWDB 622: Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director
AWDB 363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team
AWDB 589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million

Today With Sara Kravet:
Today on A Well-Designed Business, I'm thrilled to be joined by Sara Kravet, a 5th generation member of the renowned Kravet design family. Sara shares a unique perspective, having started in the Kravet showrooms before going on to work at First Dibs, and now serving as VP of Furniture.
We'll hear about the 'mandate' for Kravet family members to work elsewhere before joining the family business, and how Sara's diverse experiences have shaped her approach in her current role. Sarah offers an insider's look at the legacy and evolution of the iconic Kravet brand. This is a can't-miss conversation for any design enthusiast!
More About Sara Kravet
Sara Kravet is the Vice President of Furniture at Kravet Inc., having joined the family business in 2011. Sara is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, where she studied art history. After graduating, she worked for 1stdibs in New York, honing her love for antique furniture. Sara then moved her life to Boston, where she currently lives with her husband and two daughters, and fell in love with the city’s sense of historicism and fall leaves. Sara has spent the last thirteen years learning the ins and outs of the Kravet Inc. family business through a sales lens in the Boston Kravet showroom and becoming an integral part of the New England design community. Sara joined the Kravet Inc. Furniture team eight years ago and manages product development for the Lee Jofa, Brunschwig & Fils, and Donghia brands. She oversees the Visual Merchandising team and the design of all corporate showroom floors. Sara is also a member of the Historic New England, the Royal Oak Foundation, Friends of the Public Garden and sits on the board of the DFA, Decorative Furnishings Association.
Connect with Sara Kravet
Website
Instagram 
Facebook 
Pinterest
A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by Kravet Inc.
Other Resources Mentioned:
Don't forget to use our AWDB10 code for 10% off any Kravet fabric, wallpaper or trim order. Go to kravet.com to set up an account!
Other Shows Mentioned:
#173: Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc
#961: It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 1
#962: It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 2
#100: Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!
#360: David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited
#446: Power Talk Friday: Jesse Lazarus: Technology & Innovations in the Design Industry

Today With Nicole Roe:
Today with Nicole Roe, we're discussing her decision to open an in-house receiving warehouse for her design firm, R. Nickson Interiors. Nicole shares her journey from the challenges she faced working with third-party receiving companies to the process of establishing her own warehouse, including vetting the idea, analyzing costs, and finding the perfect space.
In this episode, Nicole dives discusses the numerous benefits of having an in-house warehouse, such as increased control over the receiving process, the ability to close more deals, and providing a higher level of service to her clients. Her story is an inspiring example of how thinking outside the box and being willing to innovate can set your design business apart from the competition.
LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Roe's Ah-Ha Moments
“It's one of those moments where people look at you, and then they look at you again. And they're like, Oh, this is actually an option. And for those that want that full service experience that don't want boxes coming to their door, that don't want to have to move stuff around, that don't want to have to meet the wallpaper installer, like their lives are literally changed.” - Nicole Roe 
“You were finding these people out there because even though they had never done it before, it was only because it was never offered to them before and they just needed to know that it was available…and with those people come people like them.” - LuAnn Nigara
“You're trading the stress of not having control with the stress of having control.” - Nicole Roe
More About Nicole Roe
Nicole is the founder of R. Nikson Interiors and has over 10 years of experience in the design field. With a degree in Building Construction from Georgia Tech, internship with a luxury developer, worked for a team of construction companies heading up their business development & marketing as well as personal renovation projects. To say that Nicole recognizes the full scope of a design project would be an understatement. With hands-on experience in construction, renovations & interior design - Nicole has done it all.
From floor plans to installations - Nicole understands the terminology, methods & everything included in a project rundown from start to finish. Valuing the function of space as highly as how the space looks, Nicole has an eye for design and can envision the completed project before it begins.
Nicole spends her free time with her citrus grower husband, their four boys focusing on nature, exercise and renovating their own home. Nicole is never found without multiple beverages, dark chocolate or a podcast in her ear.
Connect with Nicole Roe
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Tiktok
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:
Hiring Toolkit Bundle
Other Shows Mentioned:
#620: Melissa Leclair: Figuring It Out As You Grow Your Modern Interior Design Business
#786: Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed
#986: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things

Today With LuAnn Nigara:
We made it to the 1000th episode of A Well-Design Business, and can I just say...wow?!! What a road it has been!
It really is incredible to have 1000 episodes under my belt. I can't express enough how honored I am to have met and interviewed so many wonderful people in this industry, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
I also want to express my immense gratitude to JudeCharles for taking the time for this interview and expertly guiding me in sharing my story. Jude has played such a valuable role in my life, both professionally and personally.
Eight years ago, I had an idea of what this podcast could become, and I am so grateful that it has succeeded in that — and so much more. The most unexpected and amazing benefit has been the relationships formed here. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to meet you, my listeners, and also collaborate with the experts and designers.
I'm so excited for you to tune in to this special episode. It's the story of my journey every step of the way, along with the top takeaways from the show so far. And, of course, we have some laughs! Thank you all for the amazing support and for sticking with me for 1000 episodes! I am looking forward to celebrating 1000 more with you!
Always remember: Decide to be excellent!
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:
Jude Charles’ Storytelling for Interior Designers
A Well-Designed Business® Docuseries
Hamilton Creatives
Glory and Brand
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #127: Corey Damen Jenkins- Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman
AWDB #519: What Would Lu Do?: In Light of the Coronavirus
AWDB #516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand
AWDB #626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design
AWDB #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos
AWDB #724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals

Today With Faith Fix:
Today with Faith Fix, we’re discussing the journey of building and growing a successful, sellable interior design firm. As the founder of Freestyle Interiors, Faith shares her 40+ years of experience as an interior designer and business owner, offering valuable insights on growing a design team, developing a strong succession planning strategy, and preparing your business for a seamless transition when the time comes to sell. Learn how Faith navigated the process of selling her business and discover the key factors that contributed to her success.
LuAnn Nigara and Faith Fix's Ah-Ha Moments
“You are the essence of the point of my podcast—it’s that your talent alone is not going to be the indicator of your ability to grow and have a successful design firm, it's the business back end, that is going to be, you know, the biggest indicator of that and the talent and the other things can layer in.” - LuAnn Nigara
“I realized early on that I was growing kind of a larger firm than typical, I wasn't solo with just a few designers. And so I started thinking about succession planning, probably 10 years ago, just to little seeds of what's going to happen.” - Faith Fix
More About Faith Fix
Faith Fix, founder of Freestyle Interiors in 1981, has over 40 years of interior design experience. Faith is a Florida licensed Interior Designer a well as Florida licensed Certified Public Accountant and an ASID Interior Designer. She has directed Freestyle’s growth to become a prominent SW Florida award-winning design studio. Faith has assembled a highly synergistic team of talented and experienced Lead Designers dedicated to creating beautiful environments.
Many of the area’s top architects, developers and builders have come to trust and rely on Faith and her team for their proactive, responsive communication throughout the design/build process as well as the quality of their design.
Faith oversees all of the design work and operations at the Freestyle design studio in Bonita Springs to ensure an unsurpassed quality of design and level of service for all of her clients. The fact that most of Freestyle’s work is repeat business speaks for itself.
Connect with Faith Fix
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Houzz
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:
Chairman Of The Board with LuAnn
Other Shows Mentioned:
#468: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Micciche: Why Every Business Needs a Succession Plan
#492: Laura Umansky: Leadership is the Secret Sauce of Success
#622: Dwayne Bergmann: Empower Your Team to Own the Project Management While Maintaining Design Vision as the Creative Director
#855: Power Talk Friday: Hunter Lowder: Is it Time for a Fractional COO?
WTFP #43: Peggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?