LuAnn Nigara, Livingston, NJ (2025)

07/29/2025

Who knew it was Global Tiger Day?! 🐅 Well... I do now!

If you know me, you know the tiger is my spirit animal. Not because they’re big and fierce, but because of the way they move through life. They listen. They observe. They wait. And when the moment is right — they pounce. That’s exactly how I approach business, too. It’s not about chasing every shiny thing. It’s about being intentional, strategic, and bold when the timing is right.

I told this story to Raj Banyopadhyay on the podcast a while back. Raj also happens to be the talented photographer behind this photo! Click the link to listen now 👉 luannnigara.com/953-power-talk-friday-raj-banyopadhyay-connecting-with-your-audience-through-personal-branding-photography/

Here’s to channeling a little tiger energy today. 💚

07/27/2025

Enjoy this view from the stage at last year’s RESACON—it still gives me chills looking back at it. This year? Even better! 💚

Being back in Vegas has reminded me of something I’ve always believed... Our industry is filled with some of the most passionate, generous, and driven people you’ll ever meet. There’s nothing like being in a room where everyone is eager to learn, share, and grow — not just for themselves, but for their clients, their teams, and this incredible community we’re all part of. That kind of energy? It’s contagious. And it’s why I love what I do.

Tomorrow, I’m keeping the momentum going with a full day at Las Vegas Market. Click the link in my bio (or scroll back a couple posts) to see where I’ll be. If you’re at Market this week, let’s connect!

07/25/2025

If you opened today’s email from me, you might have caught this already…but it jumped out at me, and I had to pass it along here too. I love reverse engineering (I use it all the time 🙌), but when I hit send on today’s Summer School tip, it really hit me — maybe not everyone is doing this, or maybe you need the reminder.

Here’s the thing, you can reverse-engineer just about anything. Want to take an exotic vacation next year? Reverse-engineer it. Figure out what it will cost, then do what you need to do to land the right projects that will cover it (marketing, prospecting, you get it). Want to hit your income goal — or even stretch it? Reverse-engineer it. Do the math. Know your numbers. Set the targets.

You’re not stuck. You’re just one intentional plan away from clarity. And when you have clarity? That’s when you lead your business like a CEO.

We shared this tip and more from Peter Lang, The Designer CPA, in today’s email, and it’s gold. If you’re not getting these Summer School tips in your inbox, you are seriously missing out.

👉 Click luannnigara.com/email/ and sign up now. We have more Summer School tips coming that you don't want to miss.

07/23/2025

I’m coming for you, Vegas! And I don’t even need to gamble — these boots already hit the jackpot! 💚

My green is ready… but I'm curious, what’s a must-have on your packing list when you head to a design industry event?

07/21/2025

Yesterday, I shared a little Sunday reflection about FOMO and how easy it is to feel like you're missing out when so much is happening all around you, especially in this busy summer season... And now here I am, about to head to Las Vegas Market next week for a whirlwind of amazing events. So let me say this loud and clear: 📣 You don’t have to be everywhere. But if you are going to be at Market, or looking for a sign to get that ticket, I’d love for you to be part of this with me.

On Monday, July 28th, I’ll be kicking things off with Christopher Todd for a Live Art Talk all about the Business Behind the Brand. Then, in a series of great events presented by Mydoma Studio and the Interior Design Society, I’m speaking on Run Smarter and Scale Stronger, a must for designers ready to grow with intention. That afternoon, come by Feizy Rugs for Cocktails & Connections, and don’t miss Amber De La Garza, The Productivity Specialist, on Tuesday with Design Smarter, Not Harder — her strategies for interior designers are gold! Swipe through for all the details.

If you're attending Market, I hope you’ll stop by one (or all!) of these. Not because you “should”... but because you’re ready. Ready to grow, to connect, to pour into yourself and your business. 💚

07/19/2025

My trip to London last month was spectacular, and honestly, I'm still soaking it all in. One of the highlights was the Business of Interiors Community Summit, organized by Rachel Usher. Not only were some of my good pals like Rick Campos and Jude Charles there, but I met so many incredible designers throughout the event, both presenters and attendees.

Held in the Chelsea Design District, some of my favorite sessions included Charu Gandhi's seminar on Profitability in Design (this gal is seriously business savvy), Jojo Barr's Q&A on Authenticity in Marketing (what a powerhouse), and Philippa Thorp's conversation on Mastering Client Relationships (absolutely amazing). But seriously, every segment, every conversation, every meal, every new connection...it was all fantastic.

This was a trip I'll hold on to forever — and one I'd take again in a heartbeat.

But...my UK travels didn't end there. I'll share more soon. Happy Saturday everyone! 💚

Design Biz Survival Guide JudeCharles House Nine Interior Design Elliot James Interiors Thorp Design Amanda Barrett - George Smith Furniture Humphrey Munson London & Avalon Terri Brien Interiors

07/17/2025

This pic from a Vegas trip last year popped up in my feed and it got me so excited for next week that I had to share. 💚 If you know me, you know tigers are my spirit animal, but all big cats fascinate me. They’re fierce, focused, and always ready for the right opportunity.

I'm counting down the days to Vegas and RESACON next week....who will be there with me?

07/15/2025

☀️ Summer School is in session! But don’t worry — no textbooks or tests here. Just bite-sized biz wisdom from the LuAnn University pros to help you run a more profitable, sustainable, sanity-saving business.

So far we've covered what season you're in, tracking your hours (and what it can cost if you don't), and the difference between providing an experience and selling a commodity.

Grow smarter this summer with more insights straight to your inbox. Go to luannnigara.com/email/ to get on the list.

07/14/2025

“Broken crayons still color. And delays do not mean denial.” - Corey Damen Jenkins

This quote has been echoing in my heart since Corey and I recorded our latest conversation. It's from the dedication of his new book, Design Reimagined, and it’s for anyone out there chasing something more… or something new.

Maybe you're a creative who’s been quietly dreaming about stepping into a leadership role. Or you're working in a corporate career, ready to explore your creative side. Or you're deep in the weeds of entrepreneurship, wondering if you’re really cut out for this.

This line is for you.

I know firsthand that imposter syndrome doesn't magically disappear when you reach a certain level of success. And Corey? He tells the truth about that. With honesty, heart, and hope. If you need a shot of encouragement — the real kind, not the sugar-coated version — do yourself a favor... Listen to Corey's lastest episode of A Well-Designed Business (episode 1104) and preorder the new book, Design Reimagined (you’ll thank me later 😉).

Corey doesn’t just design gorgeous spaces. He holds the door open for the rest of us while he’s at it. 💚 Thank you Corey!

Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, LLC

07/10/2025

It's been almost 2 years since I tossed this book in my weekend bag... HA! Who was I kidding?! Think you don’t have time to read? Trust me — I get it...because let’s be honest, life is FULL. That’s why I love podcasts and audiobooks (on 2x speed of course 😂). But here’s the deal: there’s business gold sitting right there on your bookshelf (or Audible queue). Can you really afford to skip out on game-changing advice because you're "too busy"?

Here’s the deal… I was poking through the Podcast Goodies the other day, and found a GEM from the archives! I’d call it a , but honestly? This list holds up and still feels fresh.

The episode, #769 of A Well-Designed Business with Leah Neaderthal dives into sales for introverts. But the real treat? If you're signed up for Podcast Goodies, you get access to Leah's list of her favorite 50+ sales books — from "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler to "Secrets of Closing the Sale" by Zig Ziglar. This list is stacked. Whether you're into mindset, humor, or hard-core strategy, it's all there.

Perfect for poolside, plane rides, or team building. 💚

Click the link 👉 luannnigara.com/goodies/ to get your hands on this powerhouse list and more from the Goodies archive. It’s free. It’s brilliant. And it’s waiting for you.

And in the meantime, what's your favorite summer read?

07/07/2025

This time last summer, we were celebrating 1,000 episodes of A Well-Designed Business! Now? We're at 1,100+ shows and counting (not to mention 325+ episodes of Window Treatments for Profit), all while working behind the scenes on some exciting upgrades. 💚 🙌

What I love most about this milestone is that it happened while I was focused on the conversations, not the numbers. Each episode has its own AHA moments, and they might be completely different depending on where you are in your business and when you're listening.

Growth doesn't always mean grinding. Sometimes it means being open to the lesson that's meant for you right now, wherever you are.

07/04/2025

"Freedom lies in being bold." - Robert Frost

I love this quote because it's so true, right? The biggest leaps only happen when we're brave enough to take them. So be bold... in your life, in your work, and in your dreams. 💚

Happy 4th! 🇺🇸

LuAnn Nigara

07/29/2025

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