Design Biz Survival Guide

Latest Episodes:

199: Ronniesha Rivera | Vetting Your Support Team Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

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 vital resource that supports design professionals across the country.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

How early exposure to drafting and CAD set Ronniesha on the path to design
Her transition from working in firms to launching her own business
Rebranding from Studio 8 to Alder & Stone to reflect a refined design niche
Building a business model around family, flexibility, and intentionality
The financial and emotional toll of a bookkeeping mistake — and the lesson learned
The creation and purpose of Vetted by Design as a trusted outsourcing resource
Ronniesha's personal definition of success rooted in legacy and family support
Her candid insight on resilience and learning through entrepreneurial missteps

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Owning an interior design business is one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I've learned that I can do hard things."
"I wanted to work with people who got it — CEOs and business owners who understand the value of what we bring to the table."
"Every failure is a lesson in disguise. Don't ignore it."
"My idea of success is building something that allows me to step away and support my family in the future — that's the dream."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

Alder & Stone Interiors Website: https://alder-and-stone.com
Alder & Stone Interiors Instagram: @alderandstone_
Vetted by Design Website: https://vetted-bydesign.com
Vetted by Design Instagram: @vettedbydesign

SPONSOR LINKS

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com
Daniel House Club: https://danielhouse.club/pages/dbsg
Hooker Furnishings: https://www.hookerfurnishings.com

198: Gina Holz | Building an IMPACTFUL Design Business Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

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 improving efficiency and a game-changing approach to delegation that helped her build a truly impactful design business. This episode is full of valuable insights into running a business that feels as good as it looks.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

How a childhood hospital stay and a room makeover ignited Gina's passion for design
Why early construction site experience with her father gave her a unique edge
The pivotal moment she realized she had to prioritize artistry over logistics
How she built a culture-first studio environment for creative and team success
The "10-80-10" delegation model that transformed her time management and team collaboration
Tips for working in the high-end luxury market and building trust with clients' extended networks
Practical financial systems for clarity and profitability
Why rest, gratitude, and creative exploration are non-negotiables in her business

NOTABLE QUOTES

"I was trying to be the best businesswoman I could be—but I wasn't trying to be the best artist I could be."
"Gratitude is the attitude. The more mistakes you make, the better you are in this business."
"$10 million companies are not built on $10 tasks."
"For me, success is when you can't tell the difference between working and playing."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

SPONSOR LINKS

197: Oana Molodoi – OM Drapes Design, Special Industry Spotlight Episode Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

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 approach to service. We also discuss the diverse range of window treatment solutions that OM Drapes Design offers, their approach to quality installation, and their commitment to being an extension of your design team.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Oana's inspiring journey from Romania to launching a design-focused business in Orange County.
How OM Drapes Design evolved out of a pandemic career pivot and a personal home renovation.
The wide range of offerings at OM Drapes Design—from soft treatments like drapery and Roman shades to hard treatments like blinds and motorized solutions.
The value of full-service solutions, including local fabrication, installation, and troubleshooting.
Key advice for designers on budgeting for and specifying custom window treatments.
The importance of early collaboration with window treatment experts in construction and design projects.
OM Drapes Design's unique access to Sunbrella's exclusive window treatment program.
How Oana's extensive network of industry professionals allows her to serve designers across the country.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"If you dream of it, we can do it. If you can see it in a vision, we can implement it for you."
"We are here to serve. We really are here to serve them, to be their partner, their resource, and make them shine."
"I'm building my business with love. We pour our heart and souls into every project, big or small."
"Designers now are doing work in other areas and other states more than ever... we go with them. They trust us."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

196: Effective Marketing Techniques with Cameron Sellers Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

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 lighting design to marketing leadership at Hooker Furnishings
The role data plays in crafting effective, personalized marketing strategies
How Hooker Furnishings supports interior designers with targeted experiences and tools
The importance of storytelling, brand voice, and authenticity in marketing
How luxury brands outside the design world influence marketing innovation
Tips for small design businesses to build impactful marketing strategies without big teams
A behind-the-scenes look at Hooker's new unified digital platform and product visualizer
The evolving role of AI as a tool—rather than a strategy—in modern marketing

NOTABLE QUOTES

"We start the journey in data, we end the journey in data, but all the while in the middle is this fabulous cycle of creative."
"You are an extension of our brand... and their grassroots guerilla marketing is still a real thing."
"What I know now is to give myself grace, to give myself and my team a lot of gratitude as we grind through the day to day."
"I want my daughter to see mommy working... and I want my son to see that there are strong women out there."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

SPONSOR LINKS

Design Manager – Project management and accounting software for interior designers
Daniel House Club – Procurement platform with concierge service and trade pricing
Hooker Furnishings – Trusted source for residential, hospitality, and contract furnishings

195: Mae Reedy | Strategies for Scaling Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

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 HIGHLIGHTS

Mae shares how she scaled her business from her dining room table to a 12-person, seven-figure firm.
Her strategic response to shifts in the housing market, including the pivot toward additions and aging-in-place renovations.
How Mae used economic forecasts and industry resources to stay ahead of market challenges.
The role of personal and professional mentorship in her growth, including the influence of her CFO husband and industry associations like NARI.
Her unique STAR method (Schedule it, Tackle it, Analyze it, Repeat it) to maintain creative and operational momentum.
The importance of developing systems for delegation, consistency, and long-term scalability.
Why Mae approaches her business like it's always ready to be sold – even if she never plans to.
A deeply personal story of resilience and perspective that defines her secret to survival in business and life.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"To be able to scale, it's not about volume, it's about control."
"Everything can't live in my head — that's kind of a mess."
"If I don't keep my books right… all of this wonderful opportunity could pass me by."
"The weight of the world is not mine alone."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

SPONSOR LINKS

194: Journey of Growth with Brad Leavitt Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

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 HIGHLIGHTS

How an early career reprimand from a seasoned designer reshaped Brad's appreciation for design and collaboration.
The pivotal moment that forced Brad into entrepreneurship—and what he learned from launching AFT Construction.
The importance of empowering your team and leading by fostering problem-solving and ownership.
Why communication and humility are essential to resolving complex project challenges.
How AFT Construction defines success in the high-end luxury residential market.
The value of long-term partnerships and designer-builder synergy in complex, multi-year projects.
How Brad leverages his podcast and public speaking to build community and share knowledge.
The origin and impact of the Contractor Coalition Summit—and why he created a safe space for builders to learn and grow.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"The really great leaders are able to see people not as they are, but who they can become."
"It's not about who's right, it's about getting it right."
"Personal branding is permanent job security."
"People that do hard things have an easy life. People that do easy things have a hard life."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

AFT Construction Website
AFT Construction on Instagram
The Brad Leavitt Podcast
Contractor Coalition Summit (inferred from content – please verify)

SPONSOR LINKS

193: Re-Brand to Expand with Laura Williams Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

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 model, Laura gives us a candid look at the wins, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

How Laura's marketing background set the stage for a successful design business
The decision to rebrand from ATX Interior Design to Living Oak and how it impacted growth
Why community, networking, and industry events like Design Camp are crucial to learning the business side of design
Navigating imposter syndrome and building confidence without a formal design education
Behind the scenes of launching and operating a brick-and-mortar retail shop
How Laura balances her retail space with e-commerce and what it takes to make both profitable
Lessons in hiring, team-building, and planning for sustainable growth
The importance of staying present as a parent while running a fast-paced business

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Anybody can be good at my job. I just work really hard."
"I wish I dreamed a little bigger in the beginning versus once I was already a quarter mile down the road."
"Hiring the right people is the secret sauce… I could not do anything that I'm doing right now without them."
"There is so much overhead. And that's a little bit scary… But I have faith in the momentum we've created."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

SPONSOR LINKS

Design Manager – Project management and accounting software for interior designers.
Daniel House Club – Membership-based sourcing and procurement platform for designers.
Hooker Furnishings – Furnishings, lighting, and decor for residential and hospitality design.

192: Jude Charles – Special Industry Spotlight Episode Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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 illustrates how showcasing lived experiences, emotion, and lessons learned can elevate your brand in powerful and unexpected ways.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Jude breaks down his three-part storytelling process: Road Mapping, Dramatic Demonstration, and Dramatic Leverage.
How a personal cycling story became the emotional anchor of Rick Campos' docu-series.
The transformational impact of telling human-first stories that attract ideal clients—and gently repel the wrong ones.
Jen Davidson's evolution from flight attendant to interior designer and how her unique background became her brand's strength.
Why Brad Leavitt's six-month docu-series project reveals the leader behind the builder—and the power of team culture.
Insights into how designers can prepare to work with Jude, what to expect in the 90-day process, and how to make the most of your investment.
Examples of how clients are creatively leveraging their docu-series across marketing channels.
Why capturing a "timeless feeling" on film is more valuable than date-stamped content.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"Your story becomes proof of what's possible for someone else."
"People forget what you said, but they never forget how you made them feel."
"You are living your legacy now—docu-series help you document it."
"It's not just about attracting the right clients. It's also about repelling the wrong ones."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

191: The Story of Home with Jen Davidson Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

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 into a strength has helped her design homes that are not just beautiful but deeply personal.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Jen's unconventional journey from flight attendant to interior designer, and how she conquered her fear of flying to change careers.
The transferable skills from aviation to design — leadership, structure, and client care.
Building a team using a hybrid model and how it supports efficiency and collaboration.
The importance of hospitality in design and how Jen creates a client experience rooted in empathy and proactivity.
How her work with storytelling strategist Jude Charles reshaped her design process and inspired deeper client connections.
The "road mapping" method she uses to uncover her clients' stories and design with long-term legacy in mind.
Why vulnerability and trust are essential elements of her client relationships.
Jen's personal definition of success: forward motion, and how it guides her through life and business.

NOTABLE QUOTES

"We're not just designing — we're helping write their story, their legacy."
"You don't have to wait until it's perfect. Just start."
"Even when I was scared, forward motion was the thing that kept me going."
"Clients are looking to us to give them that peace of mind — we're their calm in the turbulence."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

SPONSOR LINKS

190: Luann Nigara | Unpacking the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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."

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/

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