Advertise on podcast: 100 Lunches

In this episode of 100 Lunches, host Stephanie Lindsey welcomes Laura Stein, a seasoned designer and founder of LSI Workshop. Laura shares her journey from being an artsy child in Toronto to discovering her passion for interior design after a winding career path that included advertising and publishing. She discusses her educational background, including her time at McGill University and the New England School of Art and Design, and how her experiences led her to establish her own design firm. After years of success, Laura realized she was no longer fulfilled by her work and decided to pivot towards mentoring aspiring interior designers through LSI Workshop, focusing on helping them build sustainable and creative businesses. Laura emphasizes the importance of listening to one's inner voice when considering career changes and shares valuable insights on leveling up design work, enhancing client experiences, and effective branding. She reflects on the challenges of transitioning from a traditional design firm to an online mentoring business, highlighting the learning curve associated with digital marketing and social media. The conversation concludes with Laura's advice for those looking to find their passion and the significance of planning and self-reflection in making significant career shifts. LSI Workshop: https://lsiworkshop.com/ LSI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lsi_workshop/ Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this conversation, Chris Wells, the Director of Sales at Travis Club Austin, shares his journey from growing up in Tucson, Arizona, to becoming a key player in luxury real estate. He discusses his experiences in the Philippines, his passion for golf, and the exciting development of Travis Club, a new community on Lake Travis. Chris elaborates on the lifestyle and community aspects of Travis Club, the target demographics, the home building process, and the architectural vision for the community. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the future developments that are set to enhance the Travis Club experience. Travis Club: https://travisclubaustin.com/ Travis Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travisclubaustin/ Travis Club LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/travis-club-austin/ Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this conversation, Zoie Young discusses the importance of understanding client needs and the role of empathy in building strong client relationships. She shares personal experiences that highlight the significance of personalization in service and the necessity of meeting clients where they are in their decision-making process. Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode, Stephanie sits down with Paul Kovacs, Associate Creative Director at Simon Myers, to explore his journey from hockey-obsessed kid to long-time designer working across branding, 3D experience design, and emerging technologies. Paul shares how human-centered design shaped his philosophy and how his work has evolved from temporary retail displays to large-scale experiential and branding projects for major home-improvement and building brands. Simon-Myers: http://simon-myers.com/ The Drill Down: https://simon-myers.com/the-drill-down/ Paul's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-kovacs-37a5a832/ Paul's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulkovy/ Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode of 100 Lunches, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey host Allen Griswold and Ashlie Greene, a father-daughter duo who run the Benson Company in Austin, Texas. They share their personal journeys, the importance of family in business, and the values that drive their success. The conversation touches on their backgrounds, the significance of maintaining the company name, their commitment to customer service, and the balance between work and family life. Allen reflects on mentorship and giving back to the community, while Ashlie discusses her experiences with influential women and the challenges of motherhood alongside business ownership. The episode concludes with heartfelt food memories and family traditions. Benson Website: https://bensoncarpetandfloors.com/ Allen: [email protected] Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this engaging conversation, Madeline Pocta, the marketing director at Bumble Bee Blinds, shares her unique journey from growing up in Johannesburg to her unexpected transition from a pre-med track to a career in marketing. She discusses the founding of Bumble Bee Blinds, the importance of community engagement in Austin, and the collaborative nature of the window coverings industry. Madeline also reflects on her proudest moments and shares a light-hearted food memory, emphasizing the joy of connecting with others through shared experiences. Bumble Bee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bumblebeeblinds.austin/ Bumble Bee Website: https://www.bumblebeeblinds.com/austin/ Madeline Pocta: [email protected] Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode of 100 Lunches, host Stephanie Lindsey interviews Caroline Broderick, a reporter at homes.com, who shares her unique journey through journalism. Caroline discusses her early life in Chicagoland, her passion for writing, and how her family's restaurant background influenced her career. She reflects on her educational path, her experiences in journalism, and the importance of storytelling in her work. Caroline also delves into current trends in the housing market, offers advice for aspiring journalists, and shares personal anecdotes about food and family. https://www.homes.com/ https://www.homes.com/news/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-broderick-a82193161/ Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode of 100 Lunches, Sharyn Bernard shares her unique journey from a globally influenced childhood to her career in journalism. She discusses her early life, the impact of travel on her curiosity, her college experiences, and how COVID reshaped her career. Sharyn also offers valuable life lessons, insights into industry trends, and memorable dining experiences that have shaped her perspective on life and work. Sharyn: [email protected] Floor Covering Weekly: www.floorcoveringweekly.com Floor Covering Weekly FB: https://www.facebook.com/floorcoveringweekly Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode, Aya Shlachter, CEO and founder of MGS Global, shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the architecture industry. She discusses her early influences, the challenges she faced while building her business, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her career. Aya also highlights the importance of podcasting in her professional growth and the role of AI in the architecture field. AI For Architects: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-for-architects/id1772216915 Architect My Business: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/architect-my-business/id1575638268 MGS Global: https://mgsglobalgroup.com/ Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this engaging conversation, Jenna Gaidusek, founder of AI for Interior Designers, shares her journey from a small town in Vermont to becoming a leader in the integration of AI in the interior design industry. The discussion covers her early passion for design, the evolution of e-design, and the transformative role of AI tools in streamlining design processes. Jenna emphasizes the importance of ethical AI use, the need for designers to adapt to new technologies, and how AI can enhance creativity rather than replace it. The episode concludes with Jenna sharing insights about her platform and the future of design roles in an AI-driven world. Jenna Gaidusek - AI For Interior Designers: https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/ AI For Interior Designers Podcast: https://www.aiforinteriordesigners.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriordesigners/ Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this engaging conversation, Audra Schatte shares her journey from a creative childhood in Georgia to becoming a designer at Etch Design Group. She discusses her early passions for art and reading, her transition from social work to design, and how she infuses her personality into her work. Audra reflects on the challenges of balancing different design styles for clients, her love for color and pattern, and her evolving definition of success as she embraces her 30s. The conversation wraps up with a fun rapid-fire segment, revealing Audra's insights and preferences. Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this engaging conversation, LuAnn Nigara shares her journey from a childhood spent in her family's summer resort business to becoming a successful entrepreneur and mentor for creatives. She discusses the importance of business acumen over talent, the mindset blocks that many creatives face, and her initiatives like LuAnn University and the Boardroom for Creatives. LuAnn emphasizes the need for structured learning and the value of mentorship in the creative industry, while also sharing personal anecdotes that highlight her passion for helping others succeed. LuAnn Nigara: https://luannnigara.com/ LuAnn Nigara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luannnigara Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode of 100 Lunches, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey sit down with Christine Allessio, a leader in the home remodeling industry and sales manager at ProSource Wholesale in Austin. Christine shares her journey from childhood in Norwalk, Ohio, to her extensive career in interior design and remodeling. She discusses the unique business model of ProSource, the importance of networking within the industry, and the challenges she has faced over her 26 years in the field. The conversation also touches on personal reflections about food and memorable experiences, culminating in a fun speed round of questions. Prosource: https://www.prosourcewholesale.com/showrooms/tx-prosource-of-austin Prosource Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prosourceaustin/?hl=en Christine: [email protected] Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode of 100 Lunches, Jim Kastleman shares his journey from a passion for aviation to becoming a key figure in the media industry with Paper City Magazine. He discusses his early interests, the evolution of Paper City, and the importance of authenticity in media. Jim also reflects on memorable experiences and the challenges of staying relevant in a changing landscape and his involvement at Round Top. PaperCity: https://www.papercitymag.com/ Tribeza: https://tribeza.com/ Round Top: https://roundtop.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roundtopguidebypapercity/ The Halles: https://thehalles.com/ Jim Kastleman: [email protected] Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

In this episode of 100 Lunches, Melissa Hargis-Villanueva shares her unique journey to becoming a principal architect. She discusses the challenges she faced in her education and career, particularly during the recession, and how her diverse experiences abroad have influenced her design philosophy. Melissa emphasizes the importance of flexibility in balancing her professional life with family responsibilities, and reflects on how her past has shaped her approach to architecture and sustainability. In this engaging conversation, Melissa shares her experiences balancing family life with her architectural career, discussing the importance of travel and cultural experiences for her children. She delves into the challenges of running an architecture business, the inspiration she draws from completed projects, and her desire to explore the construction side of architecture. The discussion also touches on the significance of culinary traditions and the joy of shared meals, highlighting the cultural connections that food brings. MHV Architects: https://www.mhvarchitects.com/ MHV Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhvarchitects/ Melissa: [email protected] Etch Design Group: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/