   Today With Sara Lynn Brennan: Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Sara Lynn Brennan, a successful entrepreneur, CEO, and the Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara shares her unique philosophy on how she incorporates window treatments into her design projects, and why she considers them to be essential for creating beautiful and functional spaces.   LuAnn Nigara and Sara Lynn Brennan's Ah-Ha Moments “The idea behind full-service design is to take care of all the details and ensure that the space is fully completed and functional, so that everyone can enjoy it without feeling that there’s something else that needs to be done to it.” - LuAnn  “Sara sets the expectations early on, from their marketing to their consultations, and all the way through the design process.” - LuAnn More About Sara Lynn Brennan She is an entrepreneur, CEO, and Principal Interior Designer at Sara Lynn Brennan Interiors. Sara has become the first and only full-service interior design firm in Waxhaw, North Carolina, who specializes in Transitional Designs, where she and her design-build team take spaces from Bare Bones to Beautiful by utilizing her exclusive, approachable, and stress-free design process, transforming and renovating homes from start to finish. Sara’s design work has been nationally published six times in the last year including publications such as Romantic Homes, Traditional Home, Window Fashion Vision, and Cottages and Bungalows, who recently offered her a role as a monthly columnist. She’s also been noticed as a rising star among colleagues in the design industry being invited as a guest on podcasts, as a panelist at High Point Market, and as a host and speaker at local design events and shows.   Connect with Sara Lynn Brennan Website Instagram  Facebook What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn Live 2023 Watch the Docuseries! luannuniversity.com http://www.luannnigara.com/cob A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors: Nancy Ganzekaufer Traci Connell Duke Renders 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 #463 Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity     AWDB #514 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Investing in Your Success     AWDB #524 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough     AWDB #607 Sara Lynn Brennan: Project Management with Specific Deliverables and Deadlines   

919: Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.

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Today With Jennifer Chukwujekwe:  Today with Jennifer Chukwujekwe, we’re heading to Nigeria (virtually) to learn about the incredible work she is doing to transform the interior design industry in her home country. As the President of the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria and the founder, CEO, and creative director of Jenniez Designs, Jennifer shares her entrepreneurial spirit and problem-solving skills as she navigates the unique challenges faced by designers in Africa. From building a furniture factory to address sourcing issues to starting a school to educate aspiring designers, Jennifer's resourcefulness knows no bounds. She also offers valuable insights into the cultural nuances of Nigeria's 250 ethnic groups and how she adapts her design solutions to cater to these diverse needs. Throughout the episode, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of collaboration and networking within the design community, both locally and internationally. Her call to action is a powerful reminder that by working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we can all take our businesses to new heights.  Pick It Apart  [13:05] Jennifer discusses the challenges of interior design in Nigeria, and what she is doing to help solve these problems. [23:48] LuAnn asks Jennifer about her business model and what kind of projects she normally takes on. [27:49] Jennifer and LuAnn discuss the interior design school Jennifer started, Jenniez Designs, what it offers, and why it is so exciting to have this in Nigeria. [35:59] Jennifer shocks LuAnn with more entrepreneurial ventures she has developed as solutions for students at her school. [41:22] Jennifer explains how her design business coaching program works, and discusses common challenges with LuAnn. [50:15] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss the diversity in Nigeria, with over 250 ethnic groups each with their own language and cultures, and how that impacts design. [1:05:55] Jennifer shares a common custom in Nigeria and expands on why it is important to be respectful of your clients and their culture.  LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Chukwujekwe's Ah-Ha Moments  “I’m on a mission. I just like to solve problems. And I tell people, I only solve problems within the industry. Once it's outside the industry, I'm not interested…I'm just passionate about the industry. I'm passionate about interior design, and passionate about transforming lives and businesses to interior design.” - Jennifer Chukwujekwe “I don't think [anyone] expects each of you to be perfect…But it's taking the time to understand your client. That's what the onus is on the design industry — is to not just to make assumptions that this person has the same values and the same beliefs that you do about the items and the colors and the selections.” - LuAnn Nigara  More About Jennifer Chukwujekwe  Jennifer  Chukwujekwe is a Wife, Mother, Experienced Interior designer, Author and Coach. The first interior design business coach in Nigeria. She teaches interior designers how to build, grow and scale their business, so they can make profit, become successful and live a fulfilling life through Design. She is a three-time graduate of Commercial Interior Design, Business and Branding and Interior Design from the Interior Design Institute UK. She has a first degree in Geology and Masters in Applied Computing and IT from the University of Bedfordshire UK. A Graduate of Entrepreneurial Essentials from Harvard Business School Cohort November 2021. Prior to coaching, she launched her interior design company- Jenniez Designs.  Connect with Jennifer Chukwujekwe  School website Design website Instagram Instagram 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 – 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 #908: Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1) AWDB #912: Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers Other Resources Mentioned: Jessica Bantom’s book: Design For Identity — Jessica Bantom - Leadership Coach & Consultant

981: Jennifer Chukwujekwe: Global Collaboration with Nigerian Designer and Entrepreneur

 Today With Shelli Warren Today, on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Shelli Warren, distinguished Women's Leadership Advisor, and the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast. Do you believe the misconception that success is only attached to working for a corporation? If so, you may have little faith in hiring the right team, because as you will hear from Shelli, you have much to offer the right person in the form of a career. Pick It Apart: [6:07] Shelli shares her philosophy that her clients should understand that they have value and can provide valuable careers for employees. [12:28] Before you even post a position, get clear on their job responsibilities. [16:01] When and how to build a leadership team. [20:08] How to guide someone towards making desirable decisions and being accountable. [27:54] Realizing that you may have to fire people because the pace of your business has changed and you need to bring in new hires. [48:25] When a business owner is ready to sell their business, many times it is an employee who buys it. LuAnn Nigara and Shelli Warren's Ah-Ha Moments “You can have a worthwhile career, and also offer people worthwhile careers.” - Shelli Warren “People will stay working for you when they feel connected to you or their immediate supervisor.” - Shelli Warren “The team that got you here may not be the same team to get you there.” - Shelli Warren More About Shelli Warren Shelli Warren is a distinguished Women's Leadership Advisor and the host of the Stacking Your Team podcast. Her expertise lies in helping small business owners develop and nurture a leadership team that can take over the daily operations of the business, enabling the owners to focus on higher-level growth decisions. Drawing from her impressive background, which includes successfully managing multi-million dollar projects for Fortune 50 corporations and iconic billion-dollar brands, Shelli has spent nearly a decade coaching business owners. Now in its fifth year, The Stacking Your Team podcast stands as a top-rated show with over 500,000 downloads. It serves as a source of inspiration and education for women leaders, guiding them on how to build capable leadership teams that can effectively provide the daily direction needed to exceed their company's clients' expectations.   Connect with Shelli Warren Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube 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: Intro Call with Duke Renders Shelli’s Stacking Your Team website Shelli’s Stacking Your Team podcast Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #55  Rachel Moriarty – Message to Solopreneurs- Act As If the World is Watching AWDB #214  Rachel Moriarty: How FaceBook Live Can Be A Game Changer For Your Interior Design Business AWDB #707  Rachel Moriarty: Authenticity and Visibility in Your Interior Design Business AWDB #906 Katie Wick: My Path in Interior Design; My Choice to Be an Employee. 

980: Power Talk Friday: Shelli Warren: Recognizing That Your Small Business Brings Value to the Right Employee

 Today With Becky and Nate Vandenbroek Hi, Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today I have on Becky and Nate Vandenbroek from Hygge Design+Build. If you are someone who wants to get into the design-build industry, this episode is for you. Becky and Nate know how to help designers who want to break into the design/build world and share what to consider when choosing to collaborate with builders. Both possessing Erika Ward transferable skills, Becky with her upbringing with a builder dad and Nate as a previous project manager, they ditched their 9-5 and in 2020 formed Hygge Design+Build. As you can tell, they are thriving. They are here today to explain the process of working with design/build clients, give advice to designers looking to start a relationship with a builder, as well as red flags. Pick It Apart: [2:07] Nate shares his perspective as a builder as to why one should break into the design/build world. [6:49] Doing design or building separate from each other. [17:03] Becky’s experience growing up on construction sites with her dad who is a builder. [28:02] Nate shares how you can work with a builder, electronic project management system, or not. [31:59] Becky and Nate explain how it works when you do find your builder. [37:43] Explain how a designer can discuss their pricing to a builder. LuAnn Nigara and Becky and Nate Vandenbroek's Ah-Ha Moments “If you're not able to have a clear line of communication with a builder and you're not on the same page with his process, it's going to be a disaster.” - Becky Vandenbroek “If you can find a builder who doesn’t have a designer on staff and the both of you mesh well with the design aesthetic, it could be a win-win for both of you.” - Becky Vandenbroek More About Becky and Nate Vandenbroek Ok, let’s get this right out of the way…It’s pronounced who-guh even though it looks like hi-gee. Hygge Design+Build was formed in 2020 after Becky and Nate Vandenbroek decided to ditch their 9-5 and start their own design+build company in Grand Rapids, MI. Becky grew up in the construction industry while watching her dad develop land, build spec homes, and commercial properties. Nate had always been interested in building, renovating, and creating. They took their love of home building and design and turned that into what is now known as Hygge Design+Build. Hygge Design+Build homes are designed and built with a focus on creating a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere that promotes well-being and comfort. Their Hilltop Farm home was featured in the national publication of Dwell Magazine in collaboration with Marvin Windows and was awarded a National Best in American Living award by the NAHB. Their most recent project, The Slate House was chosen by Marvin Windows for their national ad campaign and will also be featured in Dwell Magazine. They are all about designing “outside of the box” when it comes to designing and building their homes.   Connect with Becky and Nate Vandenbroek Website Instagram  Facebook  Pinterest 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: Duke Renders Strategy Session LuAnn University Other Shows Mentioned:    AWDB 542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design-Build Process  WTFP: #264 Jessica Harling: Compensation Strategies: Part 2- Installers and Administrators 

979: Hygge Design + Build: Becky and Nate Vandenbroek on Tips for a Successful Design/Build Business

 Today With LoriAnn Kuntz Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. It’s Power Talk Friday. Today I am excited to welcome LoriAnn Kuntz, founder of Profit Priority, a bookkeeping and financial management company for creatives.  Understanding your numbers matters. But it’s equally as important to understand when and why to outsource your bookkeeping.  Hear LoriAnn’s insights on why strategic bookkeping matters—and how you can take control of your numbers. Pick It Apart: [3:18] LoriAnn and LuAnn discuss why knowing your numbers matters—and what it means to “love” those numbers. [7:31] LoriAnn explains why business owners should consider outsourcing bookkeeping from the beginning. [15:51] LoriAnn breaks down the numbers we really need to know in our businesses. [24:59] LoriAnn shares why a holistic approach to your finances is important. [33:09] LuAnn and LoriAnn reflect on what most people miss when it comes to their numbers.  LuAnn Nigara and LoriAnn Kuntz's Ah-Ha Moments “The secret to loving your numbers is to find someone who understands them.” -LoriAnn “When I work with someone, it's not just about the business, it's about them as a person. And it's about their life and their lifestyle.” -LoriAnn “It’s clear that you are willing to go down the different roads and that is the thing that we really need in a bookkeeper.” -LuAnn More About LoriAnn Kuntz Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I saw firsthand what it was like to run a successful business. And having a good financial system and knowing the numbers was a big part of that. The opportunity to learn about money management and bookkeeping from a young age sparked what I thought was a love for accounting. I started down the traditional accounting path, but a few years into my CPA journey, I felt God calling me out of it to serve entrepreneurs differently.   Connect with LoriAnn Kuntz Website Website Instagram  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 – 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  Kravet Inc.  and use our code AWDB10 for 10% on any order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper, or trim  Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork Eileen Hahn’s Website    

978: Power Talk Friday: LoriAnn Kuntz: How to Love (and Understand) Your Interior Design Business Numbers

 Today With Katie Ryan Pluer Today with Katie Ryan Pluer we are discussing what it takes to build a successful business partnership in the interior design industry. Katie brings a wealth of experience in business development, marketing, and advertising — along with a successful track record of buying and selling businesses. She has a keen understanding of what it takes to create a profitable business, and has spent the past few years getting settled in the interior design industry as Vice President of Natasa Jones Interiors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. If you have a partner or are considering one, or if you are looking to scale your interior design business anytime soon, Katie is here to share valuable insights. We are getting into the nitty gritty of partnership — from evaluating the business and legalities to personalities, percentages, and profitability. Pick It Apart: [1:11] Katie shares how she and Natasa met while working together more than a decade ago, how they realized they were a good fit for partnership, and how they began working together again in their current roles. [5:52] Katie discusses how she officially approached Natasha about becoming partners and the process of having the business evaluated and buying in.  [14:40] LuAnn asks Katie what business owners need to think about before they get their business evaluated for sale or partnership. [29:03] Katie outlines how she and Natasha negotiated the terms of their partnership, including ownership percentages, legalities, and the importance of open and honest conversation. [41:46] Katie emphasizes the value of tracking both revenue streams and profit margins. LuAnn Nigara and Katie Ryan Pluer's Ah-Ha Moments  “We're kind of like a Venn diagram. Like, I have my little part, she has a little part. And then we intersect. And the stuff that we intersect—we're just like on the same page. But we're also not afraid to challenge each other.” – Katie Ryan Pluer   “If you're running your business, you should pay yourself.” – Katie Ryan Pluer   “If you are considering a potential partnership with someone, and before you make the purchase, and the final deal, if you can't have open and honest conversation, then…how the heck do you think you're going to have it when you both have skin in the game?” – LuAnn Nigara                                                                                                            “Sometimes there's some ego in ownership and creating your own business. And if you're willing to put that ego aside and bring someone in that can help grow your business—grow it together—it's really worth it…If you find the right person that understands and has as much love for it as you do, I think it'll be a good fit. - Katie Ryan Pluer More About Katie Ryan Pluer Katie Ryan Pluer holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of WI-Madison. Katie is an entrepreneur, and currently is a Partner & Vice President at Natasa Jones Interiors. Her expertise is in business development, marketing, and advertising. Over her 20-year professional career, Katie has used her skills to promote and grow business across several industries including interior design, finance, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. She has bought and successfully sold several businesses including (4) uBreakiFix stores and Sign Gypsies MKE. Katie has had the honor and privilege of serving on the development committee for Nia Imani, the Board of Woman for MACC and as the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at Lueder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual. She has a passion for service and a love for Milwaukee. Katie was raised in a culture of caring for those in need, and volunteering as a way to make an impact on the community.   Connect with Katie Ryan Pluer   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 – 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 570: Natasa Jones: How to Maximize the ROI on Any Webinar, Course or Conference      AWDB 646: Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Building a Friendship and An Interior Design Partnership      AWDB 672: Flash Back Friday: Tiffannie White, ​The Nappy Bohemian: Your “Only” and Lessons From a New Interior Design Business      AWDB 857: Power Talk Friday: Shannon Lopez: The ERC Program – Do NOT Skip This Episode!      AWDB 876: Natasa Jones: Making Bold Moves to Achieve Big Results      AWDB 919: Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects 

919: Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects

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