190: Luann Nigara | Unpacking the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
Release Date: 08/11/2025
205: Tammy Covington | High Point Market Authority, 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 highlight 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 Tammy Covington, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority. In this episode, Tammy shares the history of High Point Market and she pulls back the curtain to reveal the magic behind the industry’s favorite furniture market. We also break down the...
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204: Kaitlyn Wolfe | Trust the Process
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Kaitlyn Wolfe, Founder and Principal Designer of her namesake design and construction studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode, Kaitlyn shares her multifaceted business model, her intention behind bringing construction services into the mix, and her approach to building a diverse team of leaders to support the brand. We also discuss her perspective on mindset and comparison, and how expanding one and limiting the other creates room for innovation, growth, and creativity. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Kaitlyn built a hybrid design-build firm and the importance of clearly...
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203: Edith Ponciano | An Unexpected Look into Hospitality
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Edith Ponciano, founder and principal of EP Atelier, a Nevada-based hospitality interior design studio specializing in sports venues. In this episode, Edith shares her ten-year journey of honing her skills, cultivating relationships, and building the confidence to launch her own interior design business. We unpack the complex niche of sports venue design and how the tenets of hospitality design have influenced the look, feel, and function of the world’s leading sports arenas. Edith also shares the value of personal brand building and how it helps establish relevance and...
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202: Raili Clasen & Brooke Wagner I Party of Two
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Raili Clasen of Raili CA Design and Brooke Wagner of Brooke Wagner Design, both full-service interior design studios based in Corona del Mar, California. In this episode, Raili and Brooke share how they became neighbors, friends, and trusted business confidants—and the support they offer each other as they both navigate the ever-changing business of design. We discuss how they overcome comparison, kick competition to the curb, and focus on paying their individual strengths forward. Raili and Brooke also share their personal perspectives on the nuances of the business of...
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201: Elliot Barratt | The Business of International Design
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we welcome Elliot Barratt, co-founder of Elliott James Interiors, an award-winning, globally recognized interior architecture and design studio with offices in Dubai, London, and Singapore. In this episode, Elliot shares his design journey, influences, and the leap of faith that inspired the international brand. We also discuss the complexities of international design—from culture and lifestyle to budgets and expectations. Elliot also shares tips and advice for designers considering expanding their design business across borders. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS The leap of faith that led to launching...
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200: Rick Campos | Anniversary Episode
Design Biz Survival Guide
Today we’re celebrating 200 episodes of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast! Listen in as self-proclaimed “recovering interior designer,” host, and founder Rick Campos recalls how it all began. Rick shares his most memorable interviews, lessons learned, and what’s next for the DBSG platform. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Rick’s origin story and inspiration for launching the podcast in 2018 Early challenges and the evolution of the show’s production and content Most memorable guest interviews and defining podcast moments The role of resilience and community in the entrepreneurial design journey...
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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...
info_outlineToday 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 the pivotal moments that inspired her to keep building. Luann also shares an exciting new venture, The Boardroom for Creatives, which will connect vetted experts with design professionals ready to invest in their business growth.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
- How Luann’s entrepreneurial spirit was shaped by her family and early work experiences
- The origin story of WindowWorks and how she and Vin scaled it into a thriving business
- Lessons learned from almost losing the business during a recession—and how those lessons shaped future decisions
- The vision and motivation behind launching A Well-Designed Business podcast
- The power of niching down to make a bigger impact in a specific industry
- Personal stories of resilience, including navigating business challenges, financial crises, and client pressures
- The creation and evolution of Luann University and its five-pillar business education model
- A sneak peek at her newest project, The Boardroom for Creatives, designed to connect vetted industry experts with design pros
NOTABLE QUOTES
- “If you’re afraid of making a mistake, stay home in bed—because the rest of us are out here risking it and making things happen.”
- “You have to understand as an entrepreneur that it’s an everyday commitment… decide to be excellent.”
- “You’ve got to be willing to look all the way back at a failure and have the courage to make the change next time.”
- “Don’t be afraid to niche down—going deep is how you make a real impact.”
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
- Luann Nigara Website: https://luannnigara.com
- Luann Nigara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luannnigara/
- Luann University: https://luannuniversity.com
SPONSOR LINKS
- Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com
- Daniel House Club: https://danielhouse.club/pages/dbsg
- Hooker Furnishings: https://www.hookerfurnishings.com
- Register for Design Biz Retreat: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/retreats-for-interior-designers/