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190: Luann Nigara | Unpacking the Spirit of Entrepreneurship

Design Biz Survival Guide

Release Date: 08/11/2025

199: Ronniesha Rivera I Vetting Your Support Team show art 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...

info_outline 198: Gina Holz | Building an IMPACTFUL Design Business show art 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...

info_outline 197: Oana Molodoi – OM Drapes Design, Special Industry Spotlight Episode show art 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...

info_outline 196: Effective Marketing Techniques with Cameron Sellers show art 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_outline 195: Mae Reedy | Strategies for Scaling show art 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...

info_outline 194: Journey of Growth with Brad Leavitt show art 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...

info_outline 193: Re-Brand to Expand with Laura Williams show art 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...

info_outline 192: Jude Charles – Special Industry Spotlight Episode show art 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...

info_outline 191: The Story of Home with Jen Davidson show art 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...

info_outline 190: Luann Nigara | Unpacking the Spirit of Entrepreneurship show art 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...

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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 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.”

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