Calling all Wingnuts! This holiday season, we’re revisiting key episodes that will help you get your business organized and ready for a strong start to 2025. Tune in for expert tips on building a solid foundation, streamlining your systems, and other ways to set yourself up for success in the new year.

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Are you giving away all the financial keys to your interior design kingdom to just one person? Do you have a bookkeeper, a CFO, or an accountant, but not all three? Today’s guest, Kathy Svetina, tells us why that might not be the best idea, plus tons of other helpful info. Stay tuned!

Kathy Svetina helps small businesses with $3M+in annual revenue build financially healthy and sustainable businesses. She is the founder of NewCastle Finance, a company offering Fractional CFO services to growing small businesses and the host of the Help, My Business Is Growing Podcast. For nearly 14 years, she did senior-level financial planning and analysis for Fortune 500 companies. Now she teaches small businesses how big companies use financial information to drive their business forward.

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📲CONNECT with Kathy:

Website: https://www.newcastlefinance.us/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksvetina/ 

Podcast: https://helpmybusinessisgrowing.buzzsprout.com/ 

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell 

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/ 

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971 

"The World of Yesterday" by Stefan Zweig

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/ 

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar 

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK 

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts 

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein 

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Darla is joined by Stephanie Mahaney, an accomplished interior designer, to discuss the challenges and triumphs associated with relocating her business from Florida to Maine. Stephanie shares her journey, including rebranding efforts, digital and PR strategies, and the differences in design and client expectations between the two regions. The conversation also delves into Maine’s project-based dynamics, sustainable design, and local networking efforts. Stephanie also offers valuable advice for designers contemplating a similar move.

Originally from Bronxville, NY, Stephanie Mahaney moved to South Florida in her early teens where she discovered her love for design. Stephanie started her career at Kemble Interiors, Inc. in Palm Beach, and founded Stephanie Rae Interiors in 2014. Over its 10 years in business, the company has amassed an impressive portfolio. She divides her time between Jupiter, FL and Maine where she lives with her husband and three children.

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📲CONNECT with Stephanie:

Website: https://stephanieraeinteriors.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephanieraeinteriors

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mahaney-25bb9150/

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"The Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

X: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

This week, Darla sits down with renowned interior design coach Gail Doby. They discuss the current state of the interior design industry and talk about the challenges faced by designers due to economic pressures like interest rates and inflation. Gail offers valuable advice on maintaining profitability, the importance of marketing and networking, and the impact of mindset on business success.

Gail Doby is co-founder of Pearl Collective, an interior design business consultancy that has helped designers, architects, and other creatives increase their profitability by up to 512 percent. Doby does more than help her clients wrangle decimals on a budget sheet. After nearly 20 years of experience running her own Denver-based design firm (plus a BSBA in Finance and Banking), she’s obsessed with sharing innovative ways to overcome business roadblocks and challenges.

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📲CONNECT with Gail:

Website: https://thepearlcollective.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collective.pearl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.pearl.collective/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pearl-collective/

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential" by Brian Johnson

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Darla discusses essential financial strategies for interior design businesses with guest Michelle Cooper. The conversation covers topics such as determining a healthy profit margin, managing business scaling, and maintaining profitability. Michelle shares insights on pricing strategies, time tracking, and the importance of understanding financial statements for business success.

Michelle Cooper guides entrepreneurs through their financial mazes, enabling them to embrace their numbers with confidence. Her experience also includes more than 20 years of working in business strategic growth & 20 years of working with taxes, financial strategy & analysis in high-pressure, fast-moving environments. On a mission to help women live their rich lives, Michelle specializes in refining both the practical, spiritual & energetic aspects of money, ensuring businesses thrive.

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📲CONNECT with Michelle:

Website: https://michellebcooper.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellebcooper

Instagram: https://instagram.com/michellebcooper

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellebcooper/

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"Evolved Enterprise: An Illustrated Guide to Re-Think, Re-Imagine and Re-Invent Your Business to Deliver Meaningful Impact & Even Greater Profits" by Yanik Silver

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

One of the best kept secrets in the interior design industry is designing for vacation homes. How do you do it? How do you get into it? What are the benefits? Today’s guests, Melinda Cahill and Suzanne Glavin of North Shore Nest, discuss the ins and outs of vacation home design. Stay tuned!

“We began North Shore Nest in 2004 from our basements in Glenview.  Prior to launching, we were doing design projects on the side for family and friends while we worked our full time careers.  When the market crashed, we made the decision to launch North Shore Nest full time, and we have spent the last seventeen years designing spaces for working professionals and young families along the North Shore.  Our shared passion for great design paired with sensibility allows us to transform interiors into warm, livable spaces that stand the test of time. By taking a fresh updated approach to traditional styling and building rooms with layers, we are able to provide depth and individuality allowing our clients to live beautifully everyday. We are based in Glenview Illinois, serving the Chicago area and surrounding suburbs, as well as the Lake Geneva Wisconsin area. We enjoy the diversity and learning opportunities offered by working in communities other than our own.”

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📲CONNECT with North Shore Nest:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenest

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/northshorenest/

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence" by Meg Kissinger

Cabana Magazine: https://cabanamagazine.com/ 

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Darla sits down with Dan Rubinstein to discuss the process of getting interior design projects into print and digital magazines. They also discuss the importance of an effective and holistic marketing strategy. Dan shares some tips on leveraging photography, Instagram, and more to boost your design business. Stay tuned!

For more than 25 years, Dan Rubinstein has been a writer, editor, and consultant based in New York specializing in design, art, and culture. His podcast, The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein, recently began its 11th season of in-depth episodes that explore the worlds of art, design, style, and travel. Prior to The Grand Tourist, he was the Home & Design Director at Departures.

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📲CONNECT with Dan:

Website: https://thegrandtourist.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danrubinstein/

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"Mr Norris Changes Trains" by Christopher Isherwood

"Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster" by Dana Thomas

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Are you an interior designer or small business owner that hates sales calls? Well, there may be another way for you to connect with prospective clients. Today's guest, Frankie Fihn, delves into how pre-recorded videos can replace traditional sales calls, reduce time spent on vetting clients, and increase efficiency. Frankie shares his insights on process steps, dealing with client objections, and ensuring the video content is client-focused.

Frankie Fihn is the author of the book Beyond The Agency Box. He has been in digital marketing since 2007. He is an entrepreneur, shaman, speaker, author, and world traveler. He has been featured with the world’s number one marketer Jay Abraham. He has also written for several magazines, he has been featured in numerous podcasts and articles, and he has spoken on stages all across the world. His approach covers lifestyle design, asset creation, client selection, leverage, and spirituality.

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📲CONNECT with Frankie:

Website: https://www.beyondagencyprofits.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/agencylifestyledesign

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

Frankie's book: "Beyond The Agency Box"

"The Go Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Darla sits down with interior designer Bambi Bratton to discuss setting proper expectations for install day, managing client relationships, and dealing with logistics. They discuss Bambi's journey in the design world, her marriage to a custom home builder, and the importance of developing strong relationships with workrooms and showrooms. 

Bambi A’Lynn Bratton is an interior designer who lives in Austin and works all over the great state of Texas. She focuses on the residential market, helping homeowners turn dreams into reality. Bambi believes that she has done her job when people say that they’d rather be at home than anywhere else. “There is so much out there,” she says. “I work hard to make a variety of things mix well together. It would be a shame to be too limited in the spaces we create.”

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📲CONNECT with Bambi:

Website: https://bambialynn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambialynn

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Darla sits down with Katie Schroder, founder of Atelier Interior Design, to discuss her journey through challenging business partnerships and personal growth. Katie offers candid insights into her experiences, sharing advice for those considering business partnerships, particularly with close friends or spouses. She highlights the vital importance of having proper agreements and the difficult but transformative process of business 'divorces.'

Atelier Interior Design is a full service, award-winning interior design firm. Our designs are driven by vibrant color & pattern complimented with textural & sculptural details. Anything global and cultural continues to inspire us and influences our eclectic style. With over 20 years of experience, we’ve got the expertise to match our energetic approach. We travel, cherish family and understand modern lifestyles.

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📲CONNECT with Katie:

Website: https://www.atelierid.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atelierdenver/?hl=en

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971

"American Dirt" by Jeanine Cummins

FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube

Are you struggling to voice your opinion on the job site with contractors? Do you want to feel empowered to speak up in a male-dominated space? Today’s guest, Elizabeth Lord-Levitt, shares some tips on how to learn the ins and outs of construction so you can feel knowledgeable about every step of your next project. Stay tuned!

Elizabeth's construction centered approach to her designs is a culmination of almost 20 years in the remodeling industry. As a CMKBD and CLIPP certified designer with a masters degree in real estate and construction management, Elizabeth applies her construction knowledge to her designs, resulting in completed projects that are not only aesthetically impactful, but practicable and obtainable. She also holds a real estate license, and is the founder of Built4Design Residential Academy.

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📲CONNECT with Elizabeth:

Website: https://built4design.com/ 

Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/eplordresdesign/elizabeth-p-lord-residential-design-llc 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EPLordREDesign 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eplordredesign/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethlord/ 

📲CONNECT with Darla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedarlapowell 

📚Resources & People Mentioned:

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/ 

"The 6 Keys to Success on Instagram" (Free Webinar): https://wingnutsocial.ewebinar.com/webinar/free-webinar-the-6-keys-to-success-on-instagram-9971 

"The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom" by Don Miguel Ruiz

"Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers" by Lois P. Frankel

🏠FOLLOW Wingnut Social:

Website: http://www.wingnutsocial.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WingnutSocial/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wingnutsocial 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wingnutsocial/ 

Wingnut Webinars: https://wingnutsocial.com/webinar 

🎧SUBSCRIBE to The Wingnut Social Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK 

Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts 

TuneIn: https://bit.ly/designedontunein 

YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube