What does it really take to go from intern to entrepreneur? In this episode, Dani Miller, owner of Lauderdale Design in Knoxville, TN, shares her journey of stepping into business ownership, leading with intention, and building a design firm that reflects her values, vision, and bold spirit.

Recorded just days before welcoming her second child, Dani opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—balancing risk and reward, leading a team, and making tough calls with courage and clarity. From managing global rebrands for Cadillac to returning home to take over the very firm where she started her career, Dani’s path proves that entrepreneurship is equal parts grit, growth, and grace.

She dives into what she’s learned about building a sustainable business, fostering mentorship, creating opportunity within a small team, and why personal finance and emotional well-being are critical to professional success.

Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own company, looking for inspiration to grow your leadership, or navigating the messy middle of running a business, Dani’s story will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take the leap.

New from Imagine a Place: Tenwek Hospital: How faith, friendship, and design built a beacon of healing in Africa.

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Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.

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In part 3 of "In the ROOM," host Wesley Edmonds sits down with two visionary design leaders: Jane Nakagawa, Vice President of Research and Development at American Honda Motor Company, and Gabriele Chiave, former VP of Global Creative Direction at Estée Lauder and co-founder of the design collective Controvento.

Together, they dive into a wide-ranging conversation on the future of design—from Jane’s unexpected journey from architecture to automotive innovation, to Gabriel’s belief in the power of storytelling, culture, and emotion in shaping spaces. Together, they unpack how AI and emerging technologies are influencing design, the post-pandemic evolution of workplaces and hospitality, and why human-centered thinking must remain at the core of it all.

It’s a thoughtful, inspiring dialogue about where design is headed—and the responsibility we carry to make it more meaningful, sustainable, and deeply human.

Learn more about ROOM

Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.

Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.

Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.

Join host Wesley Edmonds for part two of In the ROOM at ICFF, where design meets humor, emotion, and experience in unexpected ways.

First up is NYC-based comedian Dan Mahboubian Rosen, who brings a fresh—and funny—perspective to the world of design. Through his unique lens, Dan explores how comedy can shift our understanding of space and spark new ways of thinking.

Then, Wesley sits down with David Schwarz, Co-Founder and Creative Partner at HUSH, to talk about designing immersive environments that do more than look good—they make people feel something.

Though their approaches are very different, both Dan and David challenge the idea of what design can be. This episode is full of insight, a few laughs, and a reminder that great design connects us in ways we might not expect.

Let's escape the noise and join us "In the ROOM."

Learn more about ROOM

Connect with Maria on LinkedIn.

Click here to get your copy of Maria's children's book—Design Your World.

Follow Imagine a Place on LinkedIn.