Episodios

  • 1137: Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick: Build a More Successful Design Business with the Right Partner
    Nov 4 2025
    Today With Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick How many times have you thought, "If only I had someone to handle the numbers, the marketing, and the tough client calls, I could just focus on design"? Today, I’m chatting with a duo who is living that reality—Trent Kendrick and Zain Suthar of Studio Fifth Sunday. They met in an Uber, both swearing off business partnerships, only to realize they were the perfect "left brain/right brain" match. Trent is the brilliant designer and artist; Zain is the operations and finance pro. Their story is a masterclass in how a well-matched partnership can change the game—creating accountability, unlocking new revenue streams, and allowing you to do more of what you love. Connect with Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick Website Instagram Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors AWDB #977 Katie Ryan Pluer: Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner
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    1 h y 19 m
  • 1136: David Neagle: Three Powerful Choices That Will Change Everything in Your Interior Design Business
    Oct 31 2025
    Today With David Neagle Today with David Neagle, best-selling author, speaker, and host of The Successful Mind Podcast, we’re talking about the mindset shifts that can change everything in your business. David shares his journey from high school dropout on food stamps to building a multimillion-dollar company—and the simple daily decisions that sparked his transformation. We dive into the beliefs that keep entrepreneurs stuck, how to create a culture of success within your team, and how to spot the blind spots holding you back. More About David Neagle David Neagle is a speaker, best-selling author, founder of the multimillion-dollar global consulting company Life Is Now, Inc, and host of the Business Daily News ranked podcast - The Successful Mind. Being in the personal and professional development industry for more than 20 years, David has helped tens of thousands of students from across the globe gain confidence and find the right mindset needed to increase their revenue, turning their endeavors into seven- and eight-figure ventures. Ah Ha Moments with David Neagle “The opportunity was always there. Number two, I couldn’t see it because I had such a bad attitude. So when I changed my attitude, I changed my perception and it allowed me to even conceive about going down that road.” - David “Our greatest power is our ability to choose. The negativity never goes away completely. It’s that you discipline yourself to choose to focus on the opposite of that every day.” - David “The world doesn’t care enough to be against you. You’re doing it all by yourself.” - LuAnn Connect with David Neagle The Millions Within Book David Neagle The Successful Mind Podcast Instagram Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn LinkedIn What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://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 David Neagle’s assessment quiz. A helpful tool to help you get started on a new path. Take The Quiz Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #913: Power Talk Friday: Terri Taylor: The Importance of Money Mindset in Charging Your Worth AWDB #957: Power Talk Friday: Audrey Faust: Building Wealth Through a Positive Money Mindset
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    1 h
  • 1135: Hannah Goldberg: How to Attract Dream Clients Before You Have an Interior Design Portfolio
    Oct 28 2025
    Today With Hannah Goldberg Today on A Well Designed Business, Hannah Goldberg of Hannah Charlotte Interiors shares how she built what she calls a "no-niche niche," working across multiple design styles while maintaining crystal-clear boundaries around her ideal client and design ethos. Hannah breaks down how to navigate the "yes era" of early business, using vignettes and mood boards to communicate your aesthetic before you have perfect portfolio shots, and why investing in professional branding from day one made all the difference. From building an email list while bartending to surviving a chandelier crisis at The Mansion in May show house, Hannah's journey demonstrates how clarity on your design ethos becomes the foundation for sustainable growth, even when you're stretching across different styles and projects. If you're wondering how to attract your dream clients before you have the perfect portfolio, this conversation offers a roadmap for building with intention from the start. More About Hannah Goldberg Hannah Goldberg is the founder and principal of Hannah Charlotte Interiors, specializing in bespoke commercial and residential design projects in DC and beyond. With over a decade of industry experience blending her passion for design with her engineering and interior architecture background, Hannah ensures each space is functional and beautiful, with a focus on collaboration and client vision. Each of her projects is tailored to diverse needs and aesthetics, drawing inspiration from nature, art, food, and travel. Ah Ha Moments with Hannah Goldberg "I made the conscious decision that my projects are not going to look the same—and that's okay for what I want in my business."- Hannah Charlotte Connect with Hannah Goldberg Website Instagram Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://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: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #820: Alex Alonso: Always Say Yes to a Client, Except When You Should Say No #917: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: The Five Things All Successful People Do
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    1 h y 12 m
  • 1134: BEST OF SHOW: Jean Stoffer: Work in Harmony Through Every Season of Life
    Oct 24 2025
    Today With Jean Stoffer: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! Today we are joined by the one and only Jean Stoffer. Jean is an award-winning independent designer, star of The Established Home on the Magnolia Network, and author of the newly released book Establishing Home. In our conversation, Jean offers a glimpse into her journey, showing us the joys of intertwining work and family, the benefits of an unhurried attitude, and the blessings each season of life has to offer. Pick it Apart: [6:01] Jean discusses “being in the trenches” as she built her business from the ground up, learning cabinetry design, kitchen design, and troubleshooting at her own pace. [10:10] LuAnn and Jean agree that cultural messages often pressure young designers to rush toward success, but both believe that isn’t always the right path. Jean discusses embracing the season you are in. [16:50] Jean walks through the current family dynamic and everyone’s role in the Stoffer Home business. [27:30] LuAnn and Jean talk about the importance of processes as you grow your business. [48:00] Jean discusses working with the Magnolia Network and putting her work on television. LuAnn Nigara and Jean Stoffer’s Ah-Ha Moments “Our value system and reputation are just so bedrock for me and our family.” – Jean Stoffer. “I really believe there are seasons for things, and it’s great to embrace those and accept them.” – Jean Stoffer. “I think as a society, we are putting pressure on moms to think that you can have it all. And you actually can, but not all in the same season is my belief.” – LuAnn Nigara. “It’s very important that the quality and all of the things connected with [your brand] remain as close as to your original vision and way of doing it.” – LuAnn Nigara. More about Jean Stoffer Jean Stoffer is an award-winning Grand Rapids-based independent interior designer specializing in kitchen and bath designs. Each of her designs is custom suited for her clients’ lives and how they hope to use their home. Jean is also the founder of Stoffer Home, a retail store featuring beautiful and functional items for the home, and Stoffer Home Cabinetry, the source for Jean’s own line of quality, British-inspired flush inset cabinets. In December 2021, the Magnolia Network began airing The Established Home, a TV series featuring Jean and her design work. Connect with Jean Stoffer Website Stoffer Home Instagram Pinterest What's New with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://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 Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order 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 #563: Power Talk Friday: Mike Van Tassell: Expressing Your Brand Through Photography
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    1 h y 9 m
  • 1133: Overheard: 3 Experts, One Mission: Build a Website That Converts with Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer
    Oct 21 2025
    Today With Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer We all know that a website is important. It’s your calling card, your portfolio, the place where clients go to make sure you’re a legitimate designer who does what you say you do. But so many designers are still going wrong with their websites. And the problem with doing it yourself is that there are so many pieces involved, layout, the design, the SEO, the copywriting, and when your website isn’t doing what it needs to do, it’s hard to even know where to start fixing the problem. More About Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer Ebony Looney: Ebony is a Web Designer and Creative Director with 22+ years of experience making the web beautiful for B2B service providers. She has worked with agency owners, private sector and educational institutions such as Carbra Construction & Design, Benedict College & South Carolina Commission for Minority Affairs. With a background in web design, development, fashion design and online marketing she believes that beautiful design is good business. She is happy to cover any website marketing related topic you think your audience would be most interested in. Deb Mitchell: Deb Mitchell’s career as a professional writer began when she responded to an ad in a local Charlotte, NC magazine seeking volunteers for a readers’ panel. On a tour of the magazine’s offices with the other selected panelists, the idea for an article came to her and when she mentioned it to the editors, they hired her on the spot as a writer. Nearly ten years and hundreds of articles later, Deb decided to blend her design feature writing experience with her pre-writing career experience in high-end retail sales to help interior designers move their businesses forward with strategic copywriting and content marketing services. Today, Deb’s client list is ever growing with designers at nearly every stage of business. Most recently, she’s joined forces with two experts, a branding designer and a website developer, to offer designers an all-in-one option for fully custom designed and copywritten WordPress websites. Deb has by-lined articles in publications such as Casual Living, Design Texas, Lake Norman Magazine, and Today’s Charlotte Woman, and on The Renegade Writer blog. Her ghostwriting has appeared in dozens of top shelter publications and design blogs. Nicole Heymer: Owner and Creative Director, Glory & Brand Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique creative agency specializing in branding, websites, marketing automation, and strategy. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with a wide variety of clients at every stage in their development, from nationally known interior design firms to local custom home builders. Nicole's clear, practical take on branding has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from the Wingnut Social podcast to the Design Influencers Conference to the . You’ll find her methods in print, on industry webinars, and as the framework for branding workshops. Connect with Ebony Looney, Deb Mitchell, and Nicole Heymer Nicole Heymer Deb Mitchell Ebony Looney Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design 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? AWDB #574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy AWDB #819: Power Talk Friday: Ebony Looney: Attract Clients Through Your Interior Design Business Website AWDB #1087: Best of Show: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
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    1 h y 25 m
  • 1132: Jessica Nelson, Stephanie Lindsey: Using AI to Streamline Your Interior Design Business
    Oct 17 2025
    Today with Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that’s changing how potential clients find interior designers. We’re living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google’s AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you’re getting most of your business from referrals or you’re heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant competitive advantage. LuAnn Nigara, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey's Ah-Ha Moments “For us, ChatGPT and custom GPTs are really where it started. We’ve built maybe 50 or 60 of them, from personality analyzers to budget calculators to city code checkers, and we use them every day. It helps us understand clients, understand our team, and communicate better. That’s been transformational for our firm.” - Stephanie More About Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey are the designers and co-founders behind AI for Interiors, a platform that helps interior designers use AI tools in ways that actually make their jobs—and their lives—easier. As the founders of Etch Design Group, they’ve experienced firsthand how the right AI tools can give back valuable time and simplify the day-to-day, all without losing the personal touch that makes design so powerful. Jessica blends a background in both IT and design, making her the go-to for AI tools and tech strategy. Stephanie keeps it all grounded in the realities of running a busy, high-touch design studio. Together, they teach practical, real-world ways to use AI—and they’re passionate about helping designers stay in control of their process while working smarter, not harder. Connect with AI for Interiors Website - AI For Interiors Podcast - Apple Podcast Podcast - Spotify YouTube LinkedIn - Stephanie LinkedIn - Jessica Instagram Website - Etch Design Group 100 Lunches Podcast - Apple Podcast 100 Lunches Podcast - Spotify What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. 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 NigaraLuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes AWDB #1110: NEW SHOW: Jenna Gaidusek: Mastering AI Tools for a Streamlined Design Business AWDB #950 Overheard: Insights on Hiring Exceptional People AWDB #635 Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business AWDB #722 How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business AWDB #1099 Shea McGee: From Dream to Empire: How Shea Built Studio McGee 3.0 Get the Beth Diana Smith Window Works Lunch and Learn Recording Here ⁠Get the Anastasia Harrison Window Works Lunch and Learn Recording Here
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    1 h y 14 m
  • 1131: Thom Filicia: The Sentence That Built a Multi-Faceted Design Brand
    Oct 14 2025
    Today with Thom Filicia Today, I’m joined by one of the most recognizable names in design, Thom Filicia. From his early days at Parrish-Hadley to his breakout role on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, to building a thriving design firm, product collections, a retail brand, and countless collaborations, Thom has continually expanded what it means to be a designer. In this conversation, Thom shares why knowing who you are as a designer is the foundation for everything else, how staying curious and saying yes to new opportunities has shaped his career, and why great design is more than creating a beautiful room — it’s about creating spaces people truly want to live in. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow beyond projects into partnerships, products, and a lasting brand while staying authentic to your design voice, you won’t want to miss this episode. LuAnn Nigara and Thom Filicia ’s Ah-Ha Moments “It’s not just about creating a beautiful space, because creating a beautiful space is sort of the low-hanging fruit. We can all make something look beautiful, but making it make sense for the people that live there… that’s great design. Because at the end of the day, design is for people.” - Thom “Don’t not like something before you even understand what it is. Know you first, stay open second, and try to have some facts.” - Thom “Sometimes you just have a minute to say what you do. You don’t have ten.” - LuAnn “Take what you do seriously, but for the love of God, do not take yourself seriously… Take what you do seriously and be really passionate and good at what you do, no matter what it is.” - Thom Connect with Thom Filicia Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #67: Alan Tanksley- Lessons and Observations from a 30+ Year Career in Interior Design AWDB #407: Century Furniture and Carrier & Company Launch New Line at High Point Market April 2019
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    1 h y 16 m
  • 1130: Jen Davidson: Running an Interior Design Business, or Just Working at One You Happen to Own?
    Oct 10 2025
    Today with Jen Davidson Today on A Well Designed Business, Jen Davidson shares the pivotal conversation that transformed her five-year-old interior design firm from successful but struggling to truly thriving. After meeting Jude Charles at a design retreat, Jen realized she'd been "living as an interior designer" instead of "living as a business owner and boss." This insight sparked a year-long transformation that included clarifying her core values, rebuilding her team around a culture of trust, and understanding that her company's pillars aren't people—they're processes, values, and mission. Jen walks us through the hard work of defining what her company stands for, how she got her team aligned around those values, and why she had to let some people go to create the foundation she needed. She also opens up about her docuseries experience with Jude and how documenting her credibility became a powerful tool for both personal growth and business development. If you've been running your design business but feel like something's missing, or you've been avoiding the foundational work of mission, vision, and values, this conversation offers a roadmap for stepping fully into your role as CEO. LuAnn Nigara and Jen Davidson’s Ah-Ha Moments "You're not believing that you are the boss. You're living as an interior designer. You're not living as a business owner, the boss. And that right there stopped me in my tracks." - Jennifer Davidson More About Jen Davidson Jen Davidson is the founder and lead designer of Interiors by Jen Davidson (IJD), a high-end residential design firm specializing in luxury renovations, new builds, and curated furnishing selections. With a career rooted in creativity and an unwavering passion for transforming spaces, Jen’s journey into interior design was anything but conventional. Jen’s approach to design is deeply rooted in storytelling. She believes that every home tells a unique story, and her job is to help write that narrative through thoughtful design. She places high importance on clear communication with clients and collaborators, ensuring that each project feels like a shared vision. As she continues to grow her business, Jen is focused on helping other designers level up by embracing courage, clear boundaries, and empathy. Her work with industry professionals like Jude Charles on a docuseries highlights her belief in the power of storytelling and transparency. Today, Jen is passionate about sharing her experience and insights with others, hoping to inspire those in the design world to take their own leaps of faith and trust the process. Connect with Jen Davidson Website Instagram ShopLTK Pinterest YouTube Houzz Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB 774: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide Celebrates 4 Years! AWDB 790: Rick Campos: Design Biz Survival Guide- The Answer to All Your Business Questions 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 AWDB 1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles! AWDB 811: Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate
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    1 h y 2 m