965: Mona Nahm: Equitable Design for People and the Planet

Today With Mona Nahm Today on A Well-Designed business I am so happy to welcome Mona Nahm to the show. Mona is here sharing her incredible journey and her current work designing affordable housing. Mona truly understands how creating spaces with compassion at their core can empower people and allow them the safety and stability to reclaim their lives. Her glass-half-full spirit will leave you inspired. Listen now. Pick It Apart: [2:27] Mona shares her story of homelessness as a teenager. [12:51] Mona and LuAnn reflect on the value of basic education, obtaining degrees, and street smarts. [21:59] Mona explains how she realized that she wanted to directly impact lives, so she moved away from a career in film to interior design in her 40s. [38:11] LuAnn asks Mona about her current work in affordable housing. [59:58] Mona suggests showing up to community meetings to learn about affordable housing in your community if you are interested in this design avenue. LuAnn Nigara and Mona Nahm's Ah-Ha Moments “I just saw people with or without opportunities.” - Mona Nahm “The circumstances that you were in can create that lack of worth, and that lack of esteem, and so, therefore, you don't value yourself and then, therefore, you don't come to a relationship where you expect to be valued. And guess what? When we don't come to a relationship expecting to be valued—we're not.” - LuAnn Nigara “The stability of having a roof over your head gives you the opportunity to have the stability to get the job, and then the stability to save money and get yourself out…It all comes from, first, that safety—a place for them to have a home.” - Mona Nahm “You have got to get the hope going, and the opportunities for enjoyment, so that you can aspire to do the next thing, right?” - LuAnn Nigara “If you're so focused on the difference, you'll never see the similarities.” - Mona Nahm “Go where you are rare.” - Mona Nahm Connect with Mona Nahm  Website Projects 730 Stanyan Projects Projects 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 Shows Mentioned: AWDB #03: Things Every Designer Should Know to Run a Successful Design Business with Shannon Leddy AWDB #29: Shannon Leddy Returns for Graduation Week- Best Tips for Landing Your 1st Job AWDB #71: Ellen Fisher- Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of New York School of Interior Design #569: Power Talk Friday: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition #670: Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know #773: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation AWDB #809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line