174: Hannah Oravec | Building a Passion-Based Business Model
Release Date: 01/27/2025
199: Ronniesha Rivera I Vetting Your Support Team
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Ronniesha Rivera, owner of Alder & Stone Interiors — a full-service Washington-based interior design studio specializing in mountain homes for active families. In this episode, we discuss how a CAD class in high school inspired her to pursue a formal college education in design and launch her own design studio. We also explore the importance of developing an intentional business model that honors design, relationships, and family. Ronniesha is also the founder of Vetted by Design, and we talk about how a pain point in her own business journey prompted the creation of a...
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198: Gina Holz | Building an IMPACTFUL Design Business
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Gina Holz, principal of Gina Holz Designs based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Gina shares how an interaction with a professional interior designer as a child impacted her life and perspective on design—and how these early experiences eventually led to the launch of her own interior design business. We also explore the importance of embracing your core intention as a designer and how building the right team and cultivating a supportive work environment can unlock creative freedom. Gina offers a wealth of practical advice, including her favorite systems for...
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197: Oana Molodoi – OM Drapes Design, Special Industry Spotlight Episode
Design Biz Survival Guide
This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today we’re speaking with Oana Molodoi, owner of OM Drapes Design, a full-service window treatment resource based in Orange County, California. In this episode, Oana shares the backstory of the brand, what inspires her to partner with interior design professionals, and her heartfelt...
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196: Effective Marketing Techniques with Cameron Sellers
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Cameron Sellers, Vice President of Marketing for Hooker Furnishings. In this episode we chat with a marketing pro about her long term relationship with the design and furnishings industry. Cameron pulls back the curtain to reveal how big business approaches marketing and she shares her individual and team approach to creating data driven marketing strategies. We also discuss the importance of brand voice, story telling, and identifying pain points and providing solutions to capture the attention of your target market. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Cameron’s journey from international...
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195: Mae Reedy | Strategies for Scaling
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Mae Reedy – founder, principal designer, and general contractor of Mae Reedy Build + Design based in Plano, Texas. In this episode, we discuss overcoming fear, the power of saying yes, and how Mae leverages innovation to stay resilient in an ever-changing economy. Mae shares her thoughtful approach to scaling her business, growing a purpose-driven team, and the custom systems she’s developed to manage workflow, empower her team, and maintain momentum. Her journey from Etsy entrepreneur to seven-figure design-build powerhouse is full of insights, grit, and inspiration. SHOW...
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194: Journey of Growth with Brad Leavitt
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Brad Leavitt, President and owner of AFT Construction based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Brad is known for his collaborative design-build approach and his commitment to the designer + builder partnership. In this episode, we discuss Brad’s unintentional entrepreneurial journey, lessons in effective collaboration, and his perspective on scaling a business and cultivating a team of resourceful and empowered leaders. We also dive into Brad’s dedication to giving back through his podcast, public speaking, and his dynamic industry event, the Contractor Coalition Summit. SHOW...
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193: Re-Brand to Expand with Laura Williams
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Laura Williams, Founder and Principal Designer of Living Oak, a boutique design firm based in Austin, TX. In this episode, Laura shares the story behind her recent rebrand from ATX Interior Design to Living Oak and how this strategic shift allowed her business to grow beyond the local market. We discuss the power of community and networking in building a thriving design business, and Laura pulls back the curtain on the realities of running a hybrid business model that includes design services, retail, and e-commerce. From her marketing roots to her multi-faceted business...
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192: Jude Charles – Special Industry Spotlight Episode
Design Biz Survival Guide
This special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide features filmmaker and brand storyteller Jude Charles. Jude returns to the podcast for a deep dive into the strategy behind his signature process called Dramatic Demonstration, a method of crafting impactful video docu-series that highlight the heart and humanity behind creative businesses. Jude shares how personal storytelling can build trust, attract ideal clients, and establish a lasting legacy in the design industry. Through examples from collaborations with Rick Campos, Jen Davidson, Brad Leavitt, and others, Jude...
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191: The Story of Home with Jen Davidson
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Jen Davidson — Owner & Principal Designer of Interiors by Jen Davidson, a full-service interior design studio based in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of Jen’s creative career and how her former career as a flight attendant has uniquely shaped the way she leads her team, connects with her clients, and manages her design projects. Jen shares how she leverages structure, adaptability, and emotional intelligence to run a streamlined and meaningful business. We also dive into her storytelling-driven design process and how turning vulnerability...
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190: Luann Nigara | Unpacking the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome my dear friend and mentor Luann Nigara to the podcast. Luann is the host of A Well-Designed Business podcast, a celebrated author, speaker, and trusted business coach. She is one of the most influential voices in the interior design industry. In this episode, Luann opens up about her entrepreneurial journey—from growing a window treatment franchise with her husband, Vin, to creating a game-changing podcast and launching Luann University. We talk about the wins, the failures, and the lessons that shaped her as a leader, the importance of perseverance and innovation, and...
info_outlineWelcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Hannah Oravec, founder of Lawless Design—a New England-based residential and boutique commercial interior design studio focused on wellness and sustainability. In this episode, Hannah shares her design journey and the process of launching her own design business. We discuss her perspective on commercial and residential design and her strategy for qualifying projects that best align with her business model and personal design approach. We also dive into the value of expanding your professional circle, and Hannah shares her top networking tips for creative introverts.
Show Highlights:
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Business Beginnings: Hannah’s journey from commercial design to launching her own studio.
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Finding Your Niche: How wellness and sustainability became central to Lawless Design’s mission.
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Networking for Introverts: Hannah’s tips for creative professionals to make meaningful connections.
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Team Growth: The lessons learned from hiring and building a supportive design team.
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Infusing Joy: How to incorporate passion projects into your business model.
Notable Quotes:
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“Design should be personal. We’re not just giving you a cookie-cutter design; it’s about how our clients live in their homes and what makes them feel good.”
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“I’m very upfront when interviewing clients—I’m not the designer for everyone, and that’s okay. There’s a designer out there for everyone.”
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“Make sure there is an aspect or component of your business that truly brings you joy. You’re the business owner; you have the ability to make joy part of your business.”
Supporting Resources:
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Learn More About Lawless Design: Visit the Website
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Follow Lawless Design on Instagram: @lawless_design
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Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People
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Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Information
Sponsor Links:
A big thank you to our sponsors:
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Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.
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Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.
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