Today With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso: Today on the podcast I’m joined by Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso, for the second in our new series, Overheard. We’re taking a trip down memory lane and talking about what we wish we knew then—spilling the tea on times we’ve tripped up, and sharing the qualified advice and business-savvy gleaned from those tough times. Because whether you’re a beginning, rising or seasoned designer, there are always mistakes made along the way, but, more importantly, lessons learned. Pick It Apart: [9:02] Alex talks about the power of saying no. [16:56] Kate talks about why setting baseline standards is important, as opposed to creating the client expectation of going above and beyond. [29:57] Kate shares a cautionary tale about scaling. [40:38] Erika tells about how she learned not to spend her client’s money as if it were her own money as a luxury designer. [44:03] Jennifer shares her origin story and how it tested not only her business, but her marriage. [56:35] Alex explains the hard-earned lesson of assumptions—when it comes to your team and your clients. LuAnn Nigara, Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso's Ah-Ha Moments “If you find yourself in a position of not being able to define—if not your niche, at least your ideal client—then you might be in that pattern of the of the yes mode. And life gets a lot better, and the job gets a lot more fun, when you're able to identify your ideal clients.” - Kate O’Hara “When you're giving somebody something for free, they need to know about it.” - LuAnn Nigara “Document. Document. Document. Write everything down. And then don't just hold on to it, but make sure you share it, or it's in a place where it can be accessed [by your co-workers] if you're not available.” - Alex Alonso “If you want a business to scale, neither you nor anyone else can be irreplaceable.” - Kate O’Hara “You will arrive, but it may be via a different mode of transportation…I think keeping that in mind, prevents you from trying to model someone else's process and really staying true and authentic to making this business part of your lifestyle.” - Erika Ward “What is meant to be is meant to be, and that was always meant to be part of my journey. So I can't hide my head in the sand about it. I just have to take my lumps and move on.” - Jennifer Stoner “The larger you let your business grow into that, the more challenging it can be, I think, to steer a change, you know, the ship keeps getting bigger, it's a little less nimble now to turn and shift.” - Kate O’Hara “There really is no perfect business. There are stagnant businesses. There are struggling businesses. But I think that if you have an abundance mindset—if you're open, if you're self reflective, if you're proactive—then you'll always find yourself on a path that's going to serve you.” - Kate O’Hara More About Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso   Erika Ward Erika Hollinshead Ward is an acclaimed and published interior and furniture designer, distinguished as the visionary behind Erika Ward Interiors—a design firm and showroom celebrated for seamlessly blending contemporary and classic aesthetics. With a passion for crafting timeless interiors and fostering lifestyle and wellness, Erika has become a sought-after figure among both discerning consumers and reputable brands. Equipped with a robust background in business and finance, coupled with over a decade of experience in the interior design realm, Erika has emerged as a trailblazer in East Coast design, extending her influence to clients nationwide. Since the establishment of Erika Ward Interiors in 2006, the firm has experienced remarkable growth, leaving a trail of satisfied clients who attest to the team's meticulous attention to detail and client-centric approach. Impressively, more than eighty percent of Erika's business stems from repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the