Today I'm joined by Anna Nelson, a Gallup and ICF certified strengths coach who helps entrepreneurs unlock and unleash their hidden superpowers. Through her diverse background as a marketer, saleswoman, project manager, and business owner, Anna discovered a fundamental truth: success and happiness come from building your business around your authentic strengths. Now she dedicates herself to helping others do the same.

In this illuminating discussion, I get my own CliftonStrengths assessment analyzed by Anna as she breaks down how understanding your natural talents can transform client selection, team building, and business operations. Having worked with many interior designers from our community, Anna brings unique insights into how you can leverage your strengths to create a more profitable, enjoyable business.

"Don't ever say yes to being on a panel that you don't know your stuff with that thing, because it's just not necessary. You don't serve yourself." - LuAnn

"The more confident people doing the things that they are extremely good at, we need that. This world is so hard right now and we need people who are really confident, really good at what they do and who can go out and make a difference in someone's life." - Anna

"If you can do your life's work living in your strengths, I mean, that is the home run, right? That is the home run." - LuAnn

Anna Nelson is a Gallup and ICF certified strengths coach, who works with entrepreneurs, executives, working professionals, to unlock and unleash their hidden strengths.

But that’s not where she started—not even close. She’s been a marketer, a saleswoman, a project manager, and an MBA student. She’s owned multiple businesses, including a boutique handmade undergarment service. (Yes, really. And she can still whip up one heck of a custom bra.)

But one day, she realized a hard truth: If you don’t build your career, business, and life around your authentic, natural strengths, there will always be a ceiling on your success…and your happiness.

And her natural strength? It's helping other people find theirs, so they can confidently move forward in any area of life. She works with her clients to identify and unleash the superpowers that they didn’t even know they had so they find the confidence, clarity, and affirmation they need to take that next big step forward in life—whatever it may be.

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The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

#1040: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: 5 Steps to an Exceptional Hire

#901: Power Talk Friday: Anna Nelson: The Power of Being a Strengths-Based Entrepreneur

#892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes

#589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million

#363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

Join me this week as I sit down with Abigail M. Horace, founder of Casa Marcelo. As a Black Latina designer, Abigail found herself surprised and frustrated to repeatedly see a lack of representation in the industry, even within a diverse area like New York City. She founded her firm in part to break away from stereotypes and biases—but she also had to navigate significant challenges along the way. Tune in to hear Abigail share her story and her insights on how to thrive and build success in an industry that doesn’t always offer a level playing field.

“Others need to see people like them doing these things, right? The 10th grader and the 5th grader needs to see designers of color and architects of color and gay architects and all of the things so that they go, ‘oh, there's a place for me here.’” -LuAnn

“I feel like we're always silenced in being ourselves or being confident. And so that's something that I'm kind of working on right now—being more confident and being more straightforward with people.” -Abigail

Abigail M. Horace embarked on her Interior Design journey during her teenage years, inspired by shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. After obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Technology in 2010, she embarked on a distinguished 10+ year career in high-end residential design in New York City. In 2020, Abigail founded Casa Marcelo as a response to creative burnout and a lack of representation and work-life balance in the NYC Interior Design industry.

As she transitioned into entrepreneurship, Abigail reignited her passion for Interior Design, infusing her work with boundless creativity and a commitment to superior customer service. Her favorite aspect of design lies in envisioning the potential of a home through meticulous sourcing, particularly at the inception of a project.

Abigail draws inspiration from various sources including nature, historical architecture encountered during her travels, and her family. A dedicated wife and mother to two young sons, aged 6 and 2, she cherishes moments spent with her family, indulges in travel, relishes 'me-time', and delights in discovering new music.

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Facebook 

Pinterest

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

Mydoma Studio: get 20% off your first three months!

Jessica Bantom’s book: Design for Identity

Black Artisans and Designer’s Guild Lab (BADG) Cooper Hewitt Exhibition

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

Vision, Intuition & Taking Bold Action in Your Business. 9 years. Over 1,000 episodes. More than 9 million downloads.

Today, A Well-Designed Business® celebrates a major milestone—and I could spend this episode reflecting on the journey. But if you know me, you know we’re going deeper than that. This isn’t just a celebration episode. It’s a conversation on vision, intuition, and action—the three pillars that drive every successful business. Over the years, I’ve learned that having a vision isn’t enough. You need to listen to your onside voice, make bold decisions, and—most importantly—act on them. This very podcast is proof of that.

So today, I’m sharing:

This episode is for you if:

 It’s time to step into your next chapter. Are you ready?

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

AWDB #1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles!

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I’m sitting down with Amhad Freeman, an incredibly talented interior designer who has built a thriving business by focusing on a very specific niche—designing for high-level single men and developers. Now, if you’re wondering how niching down that specifically can lead to success, trust me, you’re going to want to hear this conversation.

Amhad shares how he discovered his niche, crafted a brand that speaks directly to his ideal clients, and structured his pricing and processes to keep his business streamlined and profitable. His approach to branding, messaging, and business operations is something we can all learn from—whether you’re working with single men, families, or another market entirely.

If you’ve ever thought about narrowing your focus but weren’t sure how, or if you’re looking for ways to make your business run more smoothly, Amhad has so much wisdom to share.

In this episode, we talk about:

This is one of those conversations that will get you thinking differently about your own business and how you show up for your ideal clients. So, hit play, take some notes, and let’s dive in!

As a black-owned interior design firm based in Chicago and Nashville, Owner Amhad Freeman sets new standards of luxury and elegance with design packages from kitchen and bathroom design, complete home renovations, and complete new-build construction.

Amhad’s style is a balanced combination of modern, contemporary and traditional elements where form follows function and where understated elegance conjures a sense of tranquility. Residential designs are entirely tailored to our client’s requirements and needs. AFI focuses on a bespoke and detailed approach aimed at creating elegant, and comfortable homes that never go out of style.

Amhad Freeman Interiors believes that a project should be a direct expression of its client’s needs and identity and is passionate about developing a brief into luxury design with a gentlemen’s touch. The aim is to transform client’s homes into bold retreats that are enhanced by exceptional design.

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Pinterest

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

Metrique Solutions

The Profit is a Choice Podcast

AWDB 425: Misty Maxey: Niching, Coaching and Pushing Through Fear

AWDB #976: On Air Strategy Sessions: Is a Disconnect Causing Your Ideal Clients to Walk Away?

AWDB #1014: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Mastery of Your Finances

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. For today’s sponsored episode, I am excited to welcome Greg Wyers and Jennifer Points, president and marketing specialist at Design Trade Service. 

Design Trade Services is an exclusive online marketplace for designers created to streamline the sourcing process and let you efficiently shop from 80 different vendors, all in one place. They’ve vetted the products and vendors and created this marketplace, available to designers with no membership fee. 

DTS has also created an AI program that can help you find exactly what you’re looking for without wasting time looking through different vendor websites and taking a look at all the available products. 

Today, Greg and Jen are sharing everything about DTS, their AI, and how they can help you streamline sourcing for your clients.

"It’s not just about putting something on a computer screen that works well. You have to understand the needs of both the buyer and the seller. That’s where our decades of experience make all the difference." – Greg

"You can want all day from a vendor or a manufacturer, but when they say it can’t happen, someone with your experience knows how to ask in a way that gets a yes. That’s what makes DTS so valuable—it’s solving the pain points for both designers and manufacturers." – LuAnn Nigara

“We ultimately think our AI will revolutionize how designers search products for a look for a client.” -Greg

Design Trade Services is an exclusive online marketplace where Professional Interior Designers can instantly purchase from Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturers at better than typical “to-the-trade” pricing.

Membership is free and we're adding hundreds of new products every day. If you are an Interior Designer we have built our business for you. We make your life easier and increase your opportunity to generate revenue. We sell to you - not your clients!

If you are a Manufacturer please contact us. We are building a community of Interior Designers that in total represent over $9B in industry sales per year. We would be happy to service your Interior Designer clients at no cost to you.

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Instagram

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

Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, I sit down with an inspiring designer, entrepreneur, and community builder to talk about resilience—both in life and business: Rachel Usher. We dive into the challenges of running a design firm, navigating industry roadblocks, and the power of creating a supportive network. From building a business that can thrive beyond its founder to overcoming personal and professional setbacks, this conversation is packed with real, honest insights. If you've ever felt like you're tackling this business alone, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to.

"I need to tell everybody that comes into the room that we can talk about the stuff that you can't find on the internet. You know, we can ask those tricky questions and we can get a direct answer from somebody that you never really would get a one-to-one audience with." – Rachel Usher

"I don’t want to come and learn a half-truth. I want to learn the whole truth so I can absolutely duplicate the thing that you already know how to do." – LuAnn Nigara

Rachel Usher is founder and Creative Director of Rachel Usher Interior Design. A successful design practice that has recently celebrated 12 years in business. From her Yorkshire studio, Rachel and her team of Interior Architects have worked on multi-million pound projects from Chelsea Pied-à-terre’s to large scale Lake Houses overlooking Lake Windermere. Rachel’s projects have been featured in Living Etc, Homes & Gardens and House & Garden magazines.

With a successful career as an Interior Designer under her belt, Rachel formed The Business Of Interiors, a platform that aims to inspire, educate and build a community for Interior Designers. Rachel grows this business at the same time as running her successful design studio.

With an aim to build a UK design community, Rachel also launched the If These Walls Could Talk podcast. A podcast that features Interior Designer’s and industry professionals that shares personal business journeys and guidance to its engaged, global audience. Rachel’s podcast is in the top 25% of Interior Design podcasts.

Website

Instagram

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

"The Business Of Interiors Community Summit" Event

The Table: The Future of Interior Design in 2025 - Episode 37

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

AWDB #861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers

AWDB #601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game

AWDB #330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening

AWDB #203: Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm

WTFP #255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy

WTFP #253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk

As an interior designer, at some point, someone—whether it’s a potential client, a trade partner, or even a stranger at a party—is going to question the value of what you do. They’ll say, “With the internet and so many resources, why does anyone need a designer?”

And when that moment comes, are you ready to answer with confidence?

In this Power Talk Friday episode, I break down exactly why the world still needs you—why your expertise goes far beyond picking out furniture, why your role is critical in creating functional, meaningful spaces, and how to educate, not defend, your value.

This is the pep talk you need when doubt creeps in—whether it’s coming from someone else or from inside your own head. Because the truth is, no amount of Pinterest boards or online shopping carts will ever replace what you bring to the table.

Listen in, get clear on your worth, and learn how to articulate it like a pro.

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

LuAnn University!

LuAnn’s Chairman of the Board

Your business is more than just a source of income—it’s your story, your impact, your legacy. In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, I’m helping you design a business that leaves a lasting impression.

Together, we’ll explore:

Whether you’re just starting out or planning your next chapter, this episode is your guide to creating a business that’s remembered for all the right reasons.

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

LuAnn University!

Are you delivering beautiful spaces that truly work for your clients’ lifestyles? In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, I’m joined by Ashley La Fond, founder of Of Space & Mind, to explore how professional organizers can revolutionize your design process.

We dive into the ways Ashley collaborates with designers—like helping clear spaces before a project begins, ensuring every drawer and cabinet works for a client’s unique needs, and even creating a seamless move-in experience. From maximizing function to complementing beauty, Ashley shares how her expertise can enhance your designs and create a truly elevated client experience.

“When beauty and function come together, that’s when clients are not just satisfied—they’re wowed.” – LuAnn Nigara

“Pre-planning and clearing a space before a project doesn’t just make the renovation smoother—it helps uncover what truly matters to the client, so the design can reflect their needs.” – Ashley La Fond

“Designing a space is about more than making it look good—it’s about creating flow and functionality that fit seamlessly into a client’s life.” – Ashley La Fond

“A truly elevated client experience means they can walk into their newly designed home and start living without the overwhelm of figuring out where everything goes.” – Ashley La Fond

Of Space & Mind is a home organization company founded by Ashley La Fond in 2018. Ashley has worked on more than 300 homes and businesses to design and optimize spaces including kitchens, closets, garages, basements, corporate offices, home offices and much more. She believes that a space designed with intention makes room for creativity, productivity, relaxation and wellness.

She has worked with many notable clients including: Hannah Bronfman, Brendan Fallis, Mike & Lauren Sorrentino, Rachel Mansfield and Cameron Oaks Rogers. Ashley is a mom of two and currently lives in New Jersey with her family.

Website

Instagram

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I'm talking about show houses with designer Naika Andre, who just completed her first one at the Kingston Design Show House. For years at WindowWorks, I've seen what makes show houses succeed or struggle, and that's why I love Naika's transparency about the entire process. She shares everything—from the real costs and timeline challenges to how she created that stunning red bathroom that had everyone talking. Whether you're thinking about participating in a show house or working on being more authentic in your design business, Naika's journey and her powerful advice to "do it scared" is exactly what you need to hear. Today, she's here to tell us how she did it!

“The power of community is huge. You never know what you can get until you ask. Some people will say no, but many will say yes,”- Naïka André

Principal designer, and CEO of NJA Interiors, Naïka André is an antiques curator, and a world traveler. With a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, she embarked on a short-term position with a design firm in India, where she immersed herself in diverse cultures and architecture. This experience laid the foundation for her unique aesthetic. With over a decade of experience working with luxury interior design firms in Connecticut, she launched her design studio.

Today, under the NJA Interiors moniker, Naïka approaches every client’s project as an opportunity to discover (and tell) their unique story. She works to form meaningful connections with her clients, knowing that understanding them and how they live deeply is the key to achieving spaces that feel personal and authentic to them and that function ideally for how they live.

With over 15 years of design experience, Naïka André’s colorful, edgy designs reflect her global perspective and her vibrant Haitian heritage. Based in Connecticut, Naïka works with clients throughout the US. Her style-forward work and creative design solutions have been featured in Business of Home, Domino, Good Housekeeping, The Strategist, and many more.

Website

Instagram

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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!

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

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

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

Join Donna Hoffman's 3-Day Business Immersion Workshop Series! - Start on Jan 21st!