This week, Nicole welcomes designer Galey Grimes of Galey Grimes Interiors for a thoughtful look at what makes design feel timeless, personal, and deeply warm. Galey’s work brings together Southern charm, collected layers, and a modern ease that feels both inviting and lived in.

Together, they explore how to design for real life, why functionality is a form of luxury, and how personal history shapes the spaces we call home. Galey shares her approach to sourcing vintage pieces, refreshing historic Southern architecture, and grounding her creative work through motherhood and meaningful boundaries.

Highlights include:
• How to create a home that reflects the people who live in it
• The role of vintage and heirloom pieces in timeless design
• Tips for balancing traditional architecture with updated details
• Behind the scenes of Galey’s Vesta Home Show project
• What keeps her grounded as a creative and business owner

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

Find Galey: https://www.galeygrimesinteriors.com

Instagram: @galeygrimesinteriors

More from Nicole: https://www.rnicksoninteriors.com

Some people have an energy you can feel before they speak — and today’s guest, artist, astrologer, and Ahai® energy healer Jaclyn Carmen, is absolutely one of them.

After more than a decade in the corporate world in New York City, Jaclyn found herself deeply burnt out, unfulfilled, and living in a windowless apartment. Walking away from that life meant facing real fear, yet it became the catalyst for a full 180 into art, healing, and astrology.

In this episode, we explore how to “read the room,” how to understand the energy you’re picking up, and how to use your surroundings, your emotions, and even your birth chart as tools for a more grounded, aligned life.

We discuss:

• What burnout looked like when life seemed “good” on paper
• How she discovered Ahai® Energy Healing and why it changed everything
• What an energy healing session actually feels like
• How to tell whether the emotion you’re feeling is truly yours
• Practical ways to read the room in work, friendships, and daily life
• How Jaclyn curates her surroundings to support her art and healing work
• Astrology as an energetic weather map
• How your chart can influence your style and even your home
• Why fear is often the doorway to your next life chapter

Connect with Jaclyn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaclyn___carmen/

Website: https://jaclyncarmen.com/

Connect with Nicole
Interior design studio: https://rnicksoninteriors.com

Listen to more episodes of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings wherever you get your podcasts.

In Designing With Energy, Nicole talks with artist Kirsten Sadlier about the movement, emotion, and intention behind her work. Kirsten creates between two coasts and infuses the spirit of each one into surfboards, sketch art, large scale abstracts, and wallpaper that reads like a love letter to place.

She shares how she found her way back to art after stepping away to focus on family, how ADHD fuels her creativity, and why she believes human made art carries a feeling that AI cannot replicate. Nicole and Kirsten also unpack the commission process, the intimidation of traditional galleries, and the importance of making original art feel welcoming and accessible.

This episode will inspire anyone who loves interiors, creativity, or the energy art brings into a space.

Find Kirsten on Instagram at @kirstensadlierart or visit kirstensadlierart.com.

If the episode resonated, share it with a creative friend and leave a review for the show. 

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Nashville-based entrepreneur Sydney Dozier, founder of Renaissance Marketing, for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation about how our surroundings influence the way we live, create, and lead.
Together they explore the connection between environment, brand identity, and personal confidence, and why building something that feels authentic is far more powerful than following trends. From motherhood to entrepreneurship, Nicole and Sydney open up about the tension between showing up “perfectly” online and embracing the beautifully human side of business.
This episode is full of thoughtful takeaways for anyone building a brand, a business, or a life that truly feels like home.
Listen as they discuss:

• The power of aligning your brand with your personality and values
• Why your environment affects how you show up creatively and confidently
• Building authentic online presence without losing yourself in the process
• Balancing motherhood, leadership, and entrepreneurship with grace
• How intentional spaces can elevate both productivity and connection

Connect with Sydney Dozier
Renaissance Marketing
Website: https://renaissancemarketing.com
Instagram: @renaissancemarketing
Connect with Nicole Roe
R. Nickson Interiors
Website: https://rnicksoninteriors.com
Instagram: @rnicksoninteriors
Nicole’s Instagram: @the.nicoleroe 

Season Two Kickoff: The Power of Friendship, Safe Spaces & Fresh Starts (with Antonio Deloatch)

We’re back for Season Two! And there’s no better way to kick things off than with my dear friend and creative partner-in-crime, Antonio Deloatch of Antonio Deloatch Designs.

In this episode, Antonio and I reflect on the journey from Season One. The growth, the lessons, and the incredible community of designers and creatives who make this all worth it. We dive into what it means to feel safe in your surroundings, how design impacts our sense of peace, and why our homes should be our “nurture nests.”

From manifestation and mindfulness to summer adventures in Europe, creative burnout, and building genuine friendships in the design world — this conversation is a mix of heart, humor, and honest insight into what it really takes to live (and design) with intention.

We also chat about:

• Why designers need real friends who get it
• The beauty of “micro-environments” and how art, scent, and texture shape emotion
• The importance of slowing down, whether you’re at High Point Market or on a beach in the South of France
• Our plans (and fashion choices!) for this fall’s design season

It’s real, it’s fun, it’s full of laughter  and it’s the perfect way to start the next chapter of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings.

Listen now, share with a friend, and remember: your surroundings have the power to shape your energy, creativity, and joy.

Follow today’s guest: @antoniodeloatchdesigns

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole Roe sits down with Brittney Ellis, CEO and Creative Director of Eventrics Indian Weddings. With over a decade of experience, Brittney specializes in orchestrating high-end South Asian and fusion weddings, delivering meticulously planned, multi-day celebrations that are both culturally rich and visually stunning.

Brittney shares insights into how the principles of interior design seamlessly integrate into wedding planning. From selecting cohesive color palettes to optimizing spatial layouts, she emphasizes the importance of creating environments that are not only beautiful but also functional and reflective of the couple's story.

A key highlight of the conversation is the discussion on hospitality rooms—dedicated spaces designed to provide comfort and convenience for guests during multi-day events. These rooms serve as a home base, offering amenities and a place to relax, underscoring the thoughtful details that enhance the guest experience.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on:

• The synergy between wedding and interior design
• Creating immersive atmospheres that resonate with guests
• The role of hospitality spaces in event planning
• Strategies for managing complex, large-scale events with grace and precision
  
  

Whether you're an interior designer, event planner, or someone passionate about creating meaningful experiences, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on designing spaces that leave a lasting impression.

You can find out more at https://eventricsweddings.com/ and on socials at EventricsW. 

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole Roe sits down with Rachel Jackson—ADHD-friendly interior designer, neurodiversity advocate, and founder of Rachel Jackson Design and The Home Design Lab.

Rachel shares her powerful approach to wellness-centered interiors that support neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals alike. From ADHD to autism and sensory challenges, she explains how thoughtful design choices can reduce stress, improve daily function, and help every person feel more settled, safe, and empowered in their home.

What you’ll learn:

The biggest mistakes people make in neurodivergent home design
How clutter and layout impact the brain—and what to do about it
Rachel’s “Piles Are Friends” method for decision-free decluttering
Easy, affordable changes to make your space more intuitive and calming
Why designing for everyone benefits everyone
Whether you live with ADHD or just feel overstimulated by your space, Rachel’s insights are packed with practical, life-improving takeaways you can start using today.

About Rachel Jackson:
Rachel is the founder of Rachel Jackson Design and The Home Design Lab, where she helps individuals and families create calming, intuitive homes. She is an IDCEC educator, speaker, and advocate for neuroinclusive design.

Connect with Rachel:
Website: racheljacksondesign.com
Instagram: @racheljacksondesign
YouTube: Rachel Jackson Design
LinkedIn: Rachel Jackson
Facebook: RJ Design

Try her method:
Piles Are Friends” Decluttering System
Start clearing mental and physical clutter using Rachel’s approachable 4-pile method: Pitch, Pass, Price, Place.

Get Part 1 of Rachel’s signature course Interior Design For ADHD-Friendly Homes at a special discount.
Use code PODCASTLOVE at checkout. 

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I’m joined by Hawaii-based interior designer Shaolin of Studio Shaolin — and trust me, this is not just another “beachy neutrals” conversation.

We’re diving into what it really looks like to design homes in paradise — from sourcing challenges and wild shipping logistics to creating bold, personality-filled spaces that still feel like a vacation.

Shaolin shares her journey from event planning to interior design, how island life shapes her approach to interiors, and why she believes the best spaces tell your story — not just copy someone else’s.

We chat about: → The real-life challenges of designing in Hawaii
→ How color (yes, even pink!) became her neutral
→ Why creating cozy, comfortable spaces will never go out of style
→ Designing second homes vs full-time residences
→ Custom furniture, collections, and letting your space evolve with you
→ And yes... her dream design client is Taylor Swift. Manifesting it now.

Connect with Shaolin:

Website: https://studioshalin.com
Shop: https://wovenbyshalin.com
Instagram: @studioshalin
Podcast: Begin with Shaolin

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube — or wherever you get your podcasts.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend!

Discover the world of luxury interior design with John McClain in this inspiring episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings. John, a seasoned designer known for transforming spaces across coasts, shares his journey from working in both California and Central Florida to fully embracing the high-end design scene in California. With a keen eye for timeless elegance and modern innovation, John reveals the secrets behind his luxury projects and explains how he tailors spaces to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle.

In this episode, John dives into his process for creating sophisticated, elevated interiors that balance cutting-edge trends with enduring style. He also discusses his exclusive course, The Design Success Academy, where aspiring designers can learn from his expert insights and discover how to unlock their creative potential. Whether you’re a design professional or simply passionate about luxurious spaces, John’s expertise will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable tips.

Connect with John McClain:

• Website: www.johnmcclaindesign.com 
• Instagram: @JohnMcClainDesign @thedesignerwithin 

Learn more about his course, The Design Success Academy, and take your design skills to the next level.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on luxury design and creative inspiration from top industry experts. Don’t forget to hit the bell icon to stay updated on future episodes of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings.

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole sits down with Rachel, the innovative founder behind Subtle Impacts. Rachel is redefining the traditional workout space by transforming ordinary free weights into decorative, design-forward pieces that elevate your environment and boost well-being.

Drawing from her family’s business roots, Rachel shares how she grew up immersed in a manufacturing legacy—thanks to her father’s welding company—and how she turned that background into a creative force. She walks us through the meticulous process behind her products, from casting and machining to powder coating, ensuring that each piece perfectly balances aesthetics and functionality.

Rachel also dives into the impact of beautifully designed workout equipment on our daily lives, discussing how a thoughtfully curated space can inspire us to move and live healthier. Whether it's in a chic urban apartment, a luxury home gym, or a commercial space, she explains why integrating stylish fitness gear into your décor isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifestyle.

Special Offer:
Use code RNICKSONIN15 for 15% off your order at Subtle Impacts. Check it out here: https://subtleimpacts.com/ref/4/

Connect with Rachel and Subtle Impacts:

• Website: Subtle Impacts
• Instagram: @subtleimpacts
• TikTok: @subtleimpacts

Tune in to hear how decorative design can transform your workout space and inspire a healthier, more stylish lifestyle. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who love innovative design!