Window Treatments for Profit with LuAnn Nigara

Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today, I am excited to welcome Lisa Jones, owner of Lisa Jones Interiors and president of the Atlanta chapter of the WCAA. 

Lisa started her business 25 years ago, but at her 17th she reached a breaking point—she decided either she was going to close up shop or make a big shift in her business. After joining the WCAA and listening to A Well Designed Business along with other industry podcasts, Lisa discovered how to transform her business and how to generate true profits. Today, she’s sharing how she got there and why the support along the way made all the difference in the world.

Lisa Jones is the owner of Lisa Jones Interiors, Inc., a custom soft furnishings workroom serving both retail clients as well as interior designers. She’s also a certified Window Treatment Specialist. Lisa started this business 25 years ago back in 1999 when she decided to leave her job as a legal assistant to be a stay-at-home mom for her girls. Lisa operates her business out of a studio on their small farm just south of Dalton, GA, serving clients mainly in the North Atlanta, Northwest Georgia and southeastern Tennessee area.

Lisa was one of the 2022 recipients of the Jill Robson Memorial Scholarship for a workroom.

She is also the recipient of multiple Vision Awards for both window treatment design and fabrication as well as slipcovers. In 2023, she had the honor of being the first person ever awarded the Workroom Professional certification from Workroom Tech. Lisa is a member of Exciting Windows, and this is Lisa’s 3rd year as the current president of the Atlanta Chapter of WCAA.

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This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!

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

Pre-Order 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

FREE Exciting Windows! “Ask Me” Zoom Event

More Info on the WCAA!

BADG & Cooper Hewitt Event Info & Link to Reserve Tickets!

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

AWDB #719: Peter Lang, Kimberly Merlitti, and Michele Williams: Financial Prep for Year-End- The Must Do’s

AWDB #424: Power Talk Friday: Re-Visiting Michele Williams’ Tips for Time Management

AWDB #395: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams: Financial Health Checklist for Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #180: Power Talk Friday: Michele Williams Talks About Profit First and Why it Matters to You

AWDB #137: Michele Williams- Scarlet Thread Consulting- Actionable Tips for Time Management

WTFP #1 Tracie Bresnahan: Three Pillars for Success: Having Systems, Knowing Your Numbers and Delivering Quality.

WTFP #22 Ceil DiGuglielmo: Accepting Fear as My Constant Companion

WTFP #7 Jennifer Looney: How to Re-Establish Your Window Treatment Business in a New Location

Hi, welcome! In this episode of Window Treatments for Profit, I dive into the concept of "slow down to go fast." As the year wraps up and we prepare for a new one, it's the perfect time to strategize and strengthen our businesses. Drawing insights from industry leaders like Kate O'Hara and Rick Baker, I discuss essential strategies for creating efficient processes, establishing routines, and defining your vision, whether you have a small team or are looking to scale. Join me as we explore how taking the time to refine your operations now can lead to faster growth and success in 2025!

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Find LuAnn's Books Here!

Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

BADG & Cooper Hewitt Event Info & Link to Reserve Tickets!

Hi! Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. Today, we’re talking about the art and strategy of effective marketing through compelling lead magnets and persuasive follow-up email sequences.

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Find LuAnn's Books Here!

Managing for Profit Workshop - SD Nov 11th & ND Nov 12th

Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey

BADG & Cooper Hewitt Event Info & Link to Reserve Tickets!

AWDB #556 Kae Whitaker: #BLM Grace For Lack Of Understanding, Grace for Anger

AWDB #274: Power Talk Friday: Kae Whitaker- Part 2 of Email Marketing for your Interior Design Firm

AWDB 259: Kae Whitaker – Get New Clients with the Right Email Sequence

AWDB 466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?

AWDB 317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen

AWDB 125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!

WTFP #167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You

WTFP #140: Nicole Heymer: Demystifying SEO for Window Treatment Businesses

In today’s WTFP episode, I’m diving into one of the toughest yet most rewarding skills for any leader—navigating hard conversations. Conflict with clients, vendors, or team members is inevitable, but how we handle these moments can make all the difference in our business relationships and reputation. From setting boundaries to keeping calm under pressure, I’m sharing the methods I’ve honed over the years for turning tough situations into opportunities for growth. These are tools I wish I’d known from day one, and I hope they’ll help you on your journey too.

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Bound By Business Collection

WTFP #271: What Would Lu Do?: The 8 Steps to Successful Negotiations Using the D.I.A.L.O.G.U.E. Framework

AWDB #222: Power Talk Friday: Lee Cockerell- Customer Service the Disney Way

Today with Wilma and Tamara Kulyk of Sensational Seams, we explore how this mother-daughter team has built a thriving window treatment business in Ontario since 1986. They share how they balance Wilma's technical expertise with Tamara's innovative design approach to create unique projects for their clients, and discuss creative marketing initiatives like their 'Seams to Me' newsletter and Thankful Pumpkins tradition.

The Kulyks offer valuable insights about working in a family business, emphasizing the importance of letting the next generation bring fresh ideas while maintaining core values. Their story demonstrates how embracing both tradition and innovation can create a business that truly connects with clients while supporting multiple families.

Wilma Kulyk:

My Passion is to always create something unique. I love the opportunity and challenge to find a “Sensational Solution” for your space. I take pride in paying great attention to detail and am committed to providing quality products and personal customer service.

Tamara Govier:

I love what I do because I get to make a new friend every day white creating a space reflective of their taste personality. I enjoy the new automated systems, and how they seamlessly integrate into our everyday lifestyle. I am passionate about finding the perfect fabric to add a splash of color and tastefully express your character throughout your home.

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Facebook

Instagram

With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Managing for Profit Workshop - SD Nov 11th & ND Nov 12th

Visit our page for more information on our Free Zoom Event, on Dec 12th

WTFP #25 Rick Baker: Preserving Your Values as You Grow Your Window Treatment Business

WTFP #179 Wilma Kulyk: Unlocking Loyalty: Using Thank You Cards to Build Stronger Client Connections

Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit. It’s no secret that I am a big believer in organizations like the WCAA, Exciting Windows, IDS—places where you can form the relationships that become gamechangers for your business, whether it’s through lessons and advice, client referrals, vendor connections—whatever it is. Relationships are everything. 

My guest today, Linda Woodard, understands that all too well. When she transitioned from designer to window treatment professional, she turned to the WCAA for guidance—and now 13 years later, she’s the President of the Northeast chapter. Today, she shares insights about the WCAA and how to make the most out of it, along with lessons she’s learned in the industry and how she’s navigated her business.

After years in the corporate world, Linda Woodard had a pivotal moment that led her to reassess her life’s direction. Feeling a profound desire to channel her creative energies, she decided to take a leap of faith, leaving behind the stability and security of her corporate marketing and sales career to start a new journey into the world of design.

Linda’s career in design began by apprenticing with one of the area’s foremost window treatment experts where she developed skills, learned nuances of the industry, and began developing a loyal client base. In 2011, fueled by vision and unwavering determination, she established Linda’s Decors. The early days of countless hours and hard work paid off as her newfound vocation attracted clients seeking her unique blend of innovation, practicality, and creativity.

Over the years, Linda’s portfolio has flourished, boasting an impressive array of thousands of residential and commercial projects. From high-end waterfront estates to cozy family cottages, each space bears the mark of her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence.  

Linda believes that each window tells a story and her mission is to craft treatments that reflect the personality of not only the space but the people who inhabit it.

Remaining at the industry forefront, Linda actively participates in seminars, conferences, and events. She is the current President of the Window Covering Association of America’s Northeast chapter, the nation’s largest and longest established trade group for dealers, designers, and workrooms. Holding credentials as both a Certified Window Fashion Professional and a Certified Interior Designer, Linda continues to win acclaim for her extraordinary service, which not only saves her clients time, money, and stress, but also enhances the value of their lives and homes.

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Houzz

Pinterest

This episode is sponsored by Exciting Windows!

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

Pre-Order 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

FREE Exciting Windows! “Ask Me” Zoom Event

More Info on the WCAA!

#43 Peggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?

In this exciting episode of Window Treatments for Profit, Jessica Harling dives deep into the world of family business with Jamie Friedlander and Natalie Lockwood, the next generation at Innovative Openings. They’ll share their unique insights on how they’re navigating the challenges of succession planning and maintaining their family legacy in the window covering industry. Don't miss this inspiring conversation filled with valuable lessons and heartfelt stories!

Rick Pease and Dave Friedlander founded Innovative Openings in Boulder, Colorado in 1980. The business was incorporated in 1984 and has grown to include both a retail division, Innovative Openings, and a wholesale manufacturing division, Insolroll.

Innovative Openings

Insolroll

Innovative Openings Facebook

Insolroll Facebook

With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Amber De La Garza’s VIP Business Planning Event in Las Vegas, November 2nd and 3rd, 2024

LuAnn University begins January 31st, 2025 and registration will be open soon

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

WTFP #227: Rebecca Munster: The Art of Effective Organizational Development

AWDB #803: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You!

In this week’s episode of Window Treatments for Profit, we’re talking about Exceptional Customer Service and its direct link to profitability. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, there's always room to level up your customer experience, and in this episode, I share three proven strategies to do just that!

Key 1: Understand Your Customer’s True Needs

Key 2: Resolve Problems Quickly and Build Loyalty

Key 3: Personalize Every Interaction—Order Milestone Updates & Custom Care Tips

From real-world stories in my own business to actionable tips you can implement right away, this episode is packed with insights that will help you build stronger, more profitable relationships with your clients. Plus, you’ll learn small, thoughtful touches like proactive order updates and personalized care instructions that can make a lasting impact.

Ready to elevate your customer service and boost your bottom line? Listen to this episode and discover how exceptional service can transform your business!

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Hi, welcome to Window Treatments For Profit! Today we’ll talk about how a family argument led to the creation of a thriving business and their journey from struggling storefront to successful entrepreneurs. Mark and Laura share their unique insights on marketing, the impact of COVID-19 on their business, and the importance of adaptability in the industry. Don’t miss this inspiring chat filled with laughs, lessons, and real-life stories from the world of window treatments!

We are a family owned-and-operated custom window treatment company, dressing windows throughout Long Island since 2011. We specialize in designs that match all interior styles, from traditional to modern. It is the goal of our window treatments store to provide all our customers with superior customer service and the most stylish and innovative window fashions on the market. We are proud to carry an extensive collection of window treatments that can cater to every taste and budget. We carry window shutters and roller shades, along with vertical and horizontal blinds. We can also provide you with custom-designed draperies and valances. Visit our Suffolk County showroom to see our working window treatment displays up-close.

Website

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

With unwavering conviction, Jessica Harling can break down complex decisions to simplify an action plan. Her dynamic problem-solving can confront potential obstacles proactively and energize any team, making others feel valued to achieve their ambitious company goals. She is the founder of Behind the Design, a People Operations company that enthusiastically collaborates with leadership to build dream teams! From recruiting to training and process development, their intuition for creating strong emotional connections discovers and nurtures rockstar talent with established streamlined processes that impact the company’s bottom line.

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

Exciting Windows! CEO Conference

#282: Bound By Business: Like Mother, Like Son. Debbie Hall and Trent Hall

#285 Bound By Business: Sibling Success Story – John DeLuca and Agata Olivieri

Hi! Welcome to Window Treatments for Profit! Today we’re diving into the incredible opportunities that conferences and industry events present for window treatment professionals. Whether you’re looking to network, discover the latest trends, or level up your business, these gatherings are essential for growth. Join me as I share insights from my experiences at upcoming events and why stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to amazing breakthroughs in your career. Let’s get started!

The Power Talk Friday Tour

Watch the Docuseries!

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

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

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

Sun Shading Expo 2024 - Link to Register & remember to use our code: SSENA24LUANN (free admission for your network)

WCAA - RSVP by using this link and filling out the form: https://form.jotform.com/242335119839057

Exciting Windows! CEO Conference

Interior Design Society Annual Conference

Managing For Profit Free Workshop