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

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

Today With Jamie Gasparovic Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Jamie Gasparovic, Founder and Principal Designer of Studio Gaspo, a boutique full-service interior design firm. Have you ever had imposter syndrome? Join the club. Jamie has a little secret to combating imposter syndrome, and that is to invest in your business. 
Jamie has spent thousands in investments for her business. Six figures in the last year, to be more specific. Before you drop your jaw, listen in to hear all of the value and advice Jamie has to give on investing in yourself
Pick It Apart:
[11:51] Jamie explains how investing in your business can combat imposter syndrome.
[17:35] Jamie is proactive in preventing imposter syndrome, which always seems to come up, by making consistent investments.
[22:28] Jamie shares her takeaways from Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard.
[27:16] Benefitting from just being in the room at an event and making connections.
[34:20] Jamie shares the tangible things she has learned from the programs/courses she has invested in.
[42:35] How Jamie decides what kind of investments to make.
[46:24] Jamie’s advice for those who are nervous about making that “big investment.”
LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Gasparovic's Ah-Ha Moments
“When designers ask me if an investment I made was worth it and I say it is. I have a hard time regretting anything because I have a takeaway from everything I have invested in.” - Jamie Gasparovic
“Hearing something in business that you are already familiar with can hit differently when someone else explains it and presents it differently.” - Jamie Gasparovic
More About Jamie Gasparovic

 Jamie Gasparovic is the dynamic Founder and Principal Designer behind her boutique full-service interior design firm, Studio Gaspo. Recently, her moody modern aesthetic has been celebrated by Forbes, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, and Apartment Therapy.
With close to a decade of expertise in luxury, large-scale construction ranging from new builds to full-scope renovations, Jamie has created a powerful name for herself in Central Florida. Her robust client list includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and busy professionals. Today, she frequently partners with prominent builders and architects to design turnkey properties from floor plans to furnishings.

Connect with Jamie Gasparovic Website
Instagram
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
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: WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #592 Power Talk Friday: Kimberly Merlitti: Profitable Firms Build Estimates Before They Sign The Contract
 
AWDB #660 Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”
 
AWDB #709 Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors: The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business
 
AWDB #759 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing

AWDB #786 Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Busine

Today With Lesley Myrick:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s Sponsored Show, I am so happy to welcome back Lesley Myrick of Profit Insiders.
Now, we all know that local business is the backbone of interior design. And yet, our focus often falls primarily or solely on online marketing. But local networking and marketing offer a lot of potential—if you know how to take advantage of opportunities (and measure your success).
Lesley knows that local marketing is about more than joining BNI or your run-of-the-mill networking group. While those organizations can certainly be valuable to your business, Lesley knows that the best way to land local clients is simply by getting out there and meeting people, wherever you might be.
Today, she shares how she makes this work for her (and what you can do to start taking advantage of local opportunities).
Pick It Apart
[5:39] Lesley shares why local marketing is so valuable for interior designers—even more so than for other businesses.
[12:50] LuAnn reflects on the importance of referrals (and why we need to focus on expanding our network).
[23:40] Lesley and LuAnn talk about the value of an elevator pitch, and how to do it the right way.
[33:48] Lesley shares other important local networking opportunities you can put into action for your business (and how to measure your success).
[50:01] Lesley breaks down how Profit Insiders works and how to apply to join.
LuAnn Nigara and Lesley Myrick's Ah-Ha Moments
“I understand as an introvert myself, it can be uncomfortable—the local marketing side of it. It’s easy to hide behind a computer and do social media posts or spiff up your website and update your portfolio, and I’m not discounting the importance of those things. But local marketing is so important because this is a business and an industry built on relationships.” -Lesley
“We often engage in a behavior unconsciously in our own lives that we then don’t apply to our businesses. Would you find a hairdresser off Google? Probably not. You would probably ask people…and yet we think that’s what’s going to happen for our business.” -LuAnn
More About Lesley Myrick

 Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, organized, and enthusiastic interior designer in the Atlanta, Georgia area (and she works with clients all over the US and Canada, too). Lesley is originally from Canada and has lived and worked in Toronto, Ontario; Los Angeles, California; Waco, Texas; and now Macon, Georgia. She earned an honors diploma in interior design from Sheridan College in 2005 and launched Lesley Myrick Art + Design in 2015. She works with high-achieving women who are ambitious, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional growth. Lesley helps these driven women bust out of boring homes and helps new interior designers launch kickass businesses they love.
Connect with Lesley Myrick
Profit Insiders Academy
 
Free Resources
Website
Instagram 
YouTube
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #15 Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich
 
AWDB #37 Lesley Myrick – Strategies I Used to Build My Business
 
AWDB #159 Power Talk Friday – Nancy Ganzekaufer – How To Get Confident & Clear on What You Offer
 
AWDB #256 Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients
 
AWDB #389: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: The Interior Design Profit Formula
 
AWDB #584 Lesley Myrick: Building a Business From the Ground Up, Again
 
AWDB #766 Lesley Myrick: Offering Interior Design Without Procurement
 
AWDB #783: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders for Interior Designers
 
AWDB #841: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders For Interior Designers Group Coaching + Mastermind
 
AWDB #869: Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders – How Interior Designers Can Price Themselves Right
 
AWDB #935 Power Talk Friday: Nancy Ganzekaufer: Profit Insiders Academy:

Today With Vicente Wolf Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I welcome design icon Vicente Wolf to the show. 
Vicente’s name speaks for itself, as does his reputation. With more than 50 years of experience and wide-known fame, Vicente is a true artist who undoubtedly inspires upcoming designers on a regular basis. 
He has a true talent for design—and it begins with understanding the artistry involved. Today, Vicente shares his insights about creativity, design, and knowing the value you bring to the table.
Pick It Apart:
 [1:29] Vicente shares his journey and how he was able to produce groundbreaking designs along the way.
[12:05] Vicente and LuAnn discuss Pinterest, regurgitated design, and how hard it is for designers now to produce truly unique creative work.
[21:40] Vicente discusses his hiring process and what he looks for in junior designers.
[32:14] Vicente reflects on client needs, budget, and how to create artistry within the constraints.
[51:42] Vicente turns the tables on LuAnn and asks her take on what younger and newer designers are bringing to the industry. 
LuAnn Nigara and Vicente Wolf's Ah-Ha Moments
“Architects are respected and revered. Designers often are not—they are seen as putting frosting on a cake rather than the real value they can bring.” -Vicente
“When you run your own business, you make the rules. You can make a decision when you would love to contribute your gift to someone.” -LuAnn
“How can you break ground if you don’t trust your gut?” -Vicente
More About Vicente Wolf

As a Cuban refugee making his way to New York in his teens, Vicente became a force in the home furnishings revolution, changing the vocabulary of interior design into a sleeker, modern vision starting in the mid-1970s.  Known for his high gloss white spaces, he earned the moniker “The White Knight.” 
Admired for his impeccable eye and unique perspective, Vicente Wolf has been at the top of the design industry for nearly 50 years. Wolf's work has been featured in all major lists and shelter publications including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, and Luxe Interiors + Design magazine. Vicente was named to Elle Décor magazine’s inaugural list of design Titans list on their annual roster of A-List of designers in 2021.
In his new book CREATIVE INTERIOR SOLUTIONS (Rizzoli, 2023), he shares the expertise he has honed over the years with project images and easy-to-digest “Lessons Learned”. A passionate traveler, Vicente’s annual jaunts to exotic destinations such as Burma, India, and Thailand provide him with a global viewpoint that he weaves into his residential and hospitality projects, which are displayed throughout the book.  According to Vicente, incorporating authentic artifacts and furnishings from these places with modern décor that exude a quiet elegance, captures a sense of earthy charisma, timelessness, and soul.  In 1999 Vicente opened VW Home by Vicente Wolf showroom adjacent to his design studio in Hell’s Kitchen, New York.  
Vicente is an international speaker, author with five book titles to his name, collector, lauded retailer and celebrated visionary.  In 2012, Vicente accepted an honorary PHD in Design & Architecture from Boston Architectural College. He passionately supports God’s Love We Deliver as a Trustee.

Connect with Vicente Wolf Instagram 
Facebook 
TikTok
YouTube
LinkedIn
Creative Interior Solutions (Rizzoli, 2023)
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
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 M

Today With Ali Stein Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today is Ali Stein, owner of Grabler Brand. This is the first time you have heard from Ali on the show, but not the first time you have heard about her on the show. Back when I had Regan Baker on, if you remember, she raved about Ali. Over seven years Ali helped grow the Regan Baker Design team from 5 to 20 employees and she helped increase their revenue by 1200%. Ali was the Director of Operations and she oversaw HR, Performance Management, Finance, Business Development, Marketing, Project Management, and more.
Ali now has her own business, Grabler Brand, where she advises creatives as a business strategigist and operations advisor. 
This smart lady is joining me on the show to give tips to designers on how they can land their next clients.
Pick It Apart:
[7:55] Ali starts the conversation by explaining how to get your next client.
[8:35] Tip number one to gaining new clients.
[15:45] Why Ali thinks it’s important to cultivate authentic relationships and how to do that.
[24:20] Pushing yourself a little to make relationships, even if you are an introvert.
[36:19] Ali advises to put yourself out there and ask for help.
LuAnn Nigara and Ali Stein's Ah-Ha Moments
“It is important to give clients that next level experience and not to rush through the process.” - Ali Stein
“When you can establish a working relationship with someone, that can be a strong engine in developing future business.” Ali Stein
“If you are an introvert, there is a way you can be in a room with 25 or 250 people and connect with two or three of them in a meaningful way.” LuAnn Nigara
More About Ali Stein

Ali Grabler Stein brings nearly 20 years of experience to Grabler Brand, a business strategy and operations advisory for the design and build industry.
Early in her career Ali worked at Google and then as one of the first 50 employees at Facebook (now Meta). There she helped grow the community from 6 million to over 1 billion users during her 10 year tenure. She played various roles in User Operations, Product and Partner Management, and had the opportunity to lead both small and large teams. Ali then went in-house at Regan Baker Design, a full-service interior design and styling firm, to serve as the Director of Operations where she oversaw Human Resources, Performance Management, Finance, Business Development, Marketing, Project Management and more. She helped grow the team from five to nearly 20 employees and grew revenue significantly. At Grabler Brand her goal is to be a sounding board, ally and guide as creatives navigate their business growth and subsequent twists and turns.
As someone who has managed both small and large teams, Ali has a strong sense for the inner workings of a successful business. From her industry knowledge to her experience with internal processes and marketing, Ali helps business owners and teams work towards becoming the businesses they want to be.

Connect with Ali Stein Website
Instagram 
LinkedIn
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara 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: AWDB #392: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner
 
AWDB #683: