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_outlinePage Sigband, founder of Design by Page and Joyride Garage Design, joins the podcast to share how she carved out her place in the design world by specializing in one of the most overlooked spaces—the garage. In this episode, Page walks us through her background in graphic and furniture design, her transition into museum design, and how these experiences uniquely shaped her niche business model. From TV appearances and magazine features to pop-up tents and mechanic shop visits, Page reveals the real marketing strategies that move the needle. We also explore how thoughtful branding, hands-on sales experience, and good old-fashioned networking have fueled her success and brought a fresh perspective to garage design.
Show Highlights:
- Page’s unique design background in graphic, furniture, and museum exhibit design shaped her storytelling approach and hands-on creativity.
- Her pivot into garage design began with transforming her own space during the pandemic and led to a TV opportunity that launched Joyride Garage Design.
- Branding was a critical step, including rebranding her business and learning the importance of trademarking the right way from the start.
- Old-fashioned networking works best—building relationships at car shows and with auto industry professionals has driven more business than media features.
- She values freedom over scale, prioritizing creative satisfaction and personal fulfillment over running a large firm or managing a team.
Notable Quotes
- "I just want enough work to satisfy my creative soul."
- "The only thing more complicated than the business of design is a niche business of design."
- "You can't just flip the open sign and wait for them to come. You've really got to show up for this."
- "I don't know anyone who's doing garage design—this could be a really cool niche."
- "Branding lesson: talk to a trademark attorney first. It can save you a ton of time and money."
Supporting Resources:
Design by Page Website
Joyride Garage Design Website
Follow Design by Page on Instagram
Follow Joyride Garage Design on Instagram
Sponsor Links:
A bit thank you to our sponsors:
Design Manager – Project management, accounting, and purchasing built for interior designers.
Hooker Furnishings – Versatile furniture, decor, and designer support.
Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 vendors with exclusive trade pricing.
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