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Maria Killam is an internationally sought after colour expert with a no-nonsense approach to color advise. She is a design blogger, author, trainer, decorator and stylist who is passionate about all things colour and design. Her blog, Colour Me Happy not only showcases her vast knowledge of all things color but also educates the masses on the do's and don'ts of neutrals, and undertones in the finishes that surround us.

Colour Me Happy is one of the top 10 colour blogs in North America with a quarter of a million readers in over 150 countries worldwide. Today I sit down with the talented and innovative true color expert herself to discuss her passion for color, how she got started, and her fierce entrepreneurial spirit that will inspire all of you to be the best damn version of yourself - even if it means making a few mistakes along the way.

Click here to listen in on iTunes.

Style and inspiration

- how to determine your style

- why a home needs its style defined

- what exactly is style?

- how to develop a plan and direction

- where to find inspiration and still stay focused

- the tools necessary to put your inspirations and style into action

Astrology is not fortune telling or a free tarot reading from the state fair. Although many psychics use astrology in their readings, astrology is more like a heavenly weather report that helps us understand and see trends. It also lets us know when it is summer or when it is winter. Now this is not a glorified Star Wars episode full of imaginary laser beams, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader battles, with a backdrop of sparkly stars. No, this is learning about astronomy and having an understanding of what to anticipate through the stars and planets through patterns that have been documented for millennia.

Our ancestors used astrology for worship, ceremony, and as a way to honor their heritage. Cultures that were close to nature understood the natural rythms of nature, and used it to better serve their lives and circumstances, unlike todays city dwellers whose main connection is sealed up in office buildings and concrete floors.

Tom Brady has been doing astrology in New Mexico for forty seven years. A transplant to New Mexico form Baltimore, he found himself in a state of chaos in the early seventies and searching for answers. Whether it was kismet or divine intervention, Carl Jungs book jumped out at him and forever changed the course of his his life. He engulfed himself in the study of the stars, learning about astronomy, and by the late eighties it became his full time profession as he shared his knowledge with others, one natal chart at a time.

Find out what 2014 holds for us in astrological patterns. See how the collapse in 2008 is still effecting us today, and learn about the importance of sustainability that must occur before 2017 if lasting change is going to happen for our future.

Back before the internet and instant gratification, licensing was devoted to artists with a true vision and ability. Retailers would go to such artists, like Libbie Wilkie and request various product designs and an item would go into production after a year of planning, mock-ups and design ideas. That item would then circulate in an industry for two to three years or longer and make retailers millions. Fast forward to today. Artists no longer hand paint or create anything by hand. Most items are mass produced by machines over seas and if lucky a design will circulate for one season; or a few months. Due to the internet one design is no longer sufficient, making retailers change the wheel every few months, costing them millions in the process. The one thing that has saved this model is celebrity endorsements, like The Nate Berkus collection, Martha Stewart, Cindy Crawford, and various other celebrities. This has helped retailers move past the noise and stand out in an otherwise chaotic retail environment... all in an effort to capture your dollars.

Join Lori and I as we discuss the transition from the corporate world into the design world. What it means to be a real business owner and how to stay accountable. What are the benefits of being your own boss? Have you ever thought about the cons of being a business owner? Learn how to better your interior design business, expand your value and create multiple streams of income.

I'm thrilled to have my friend, Tisha Morris on the show today. Tisha passed the bar exam and quickly became a top attorney in Nashville, only to find that it wasn't very fulfilling. After much soul searching, an interior design degree and becoming a yogi, she discovered the art of feng shui. As she puts it, "I am a space healer"

What makes your house stand out? Would you like to know how to use what you have, choose color without regrets and get out of your own way? The decorating and staging academy by JoAnne Lenart Weary will teach you just that. DSA teaches you how to avoid bright shiny object syndrome so that you can move past the fear and get decorating results! 

Varian Brandon is a business breakthrough coach. Varian is most often referred to as a  business coach, but her true skill as a mindset mentor, and a gifted motivational speaker has helped thousands of entrepreneurs reach their financial and career goals. She holds a masters in business management, corporate communications and a BA in organizational communication.  Varions journey began in the 90s when she began cultivating her skills as a stellar saleswoman. After 17 years of impressed clients and bosses alike, she began to feel that entrepreneurial bug, and wanted to do more. The thought of becoming an entrepreneur was both exhilarating and terrifying, but she decided to leave her corporate identity and turn her talents into a passion for helping women live their best lives in a profitable and rewarding way. Now she dedicates her life to being of service to women, helping them grow and maximize their passion and purpose through their entrepreneurial dreams.

On today's podcast I sit down with Barbara Viteri from Viteri Style Management, a boutique consulting firm specifically for the interior design trade. Her firm focusses on bite sized, easy to manage systems, simple to follow organization and design specific software to optimize efficiency and profitability. Her passion for design with a nuts and bolts approach to the business side of things, takes your hobby into full blown design empire. Tune in to learn the top three mistakes that every designer makes, who to hire first and learn more about running your million dollar empire from the comfort of your own home!

My team and I have developed a virtual interior design program that allows you to tap into my design expertise, at a fraction of the cost. This program will help you get answers you need to your biggest design dilemmas and give you the professional opinion you want to help save you time and money on your decorating projects.

My Virtual design program will help make your space functional, beautiful and impress your most discerning guests!

So how does it work?

Contact me today to learn how I can help you accomplish true style and timeless design without the fear of being too trendy. My virtual design program allows me to give you the best ideas and design advice for your home without having to come out to your house, because it is all done virtually! I can help you with color, organization, overall design direction, budgeting, style and much more….so you have the confidence you need to move forward on your project now! And the best part is it's all done from the comfort of your home, and at your own pace.

Let me show you the right steps to get your project started, and with all the money you'll be saving you'll be able to buy the high end products you deserve and love!

Contact me today via email [email protected] or call us 615-750-2763. I can’t wait to hear from you and start helping you on your next design project. I’m Amanda Gates and I look forward to working with you!