1021: Ann Cariola: Launching an Interior Design Firm at Age 60—It’s Never Too Late

Today With Ann Cariola: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I firmly believe that age is just a number, and that you can start a successful business at 20, 80, or anything in between.  But I also know that the idea that it is too late is common. Maybe you wanted to start your own business or you were always interested in design, but you kept putting it off, focusing on other things, building your career or your family—and maybe now it does feel like it’s slipped past you.  My guest today, Ann Cariola, took the leap at age 60 to start her own design business. And she firmly believes that it’s never too late to have the life or the career you want. Today, she’s here to share how she did it—and how you can make the leap no matter what your age is. LuAnn Nigara and Ann Cariola's Ah-Ha Moments “Just because you enjoy it doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable.” -Ann “You’ve got to know what you bring to the table before you can tell someone else what you bring to the table.” -Ann “Vin was the system person, not me. I committed to them basically just to be able to say that I did it—so that even if there was a mistake I could point out, ‘Well, I followed the system.’ But the crazy thing is, the more I followed the system, the less mistakes there were. And then I thought, ‘Oh, okay, this really works.’” -LuAnn More About Ann Cariola In a nutshell, I strive to be the most enthusiastic, approachable, and resourceful interior decorator you will ever meet! I love helping vibrant women reimagine and create beautiful, functional homes that support a full and happy life as their children start to leave the nest. My journey to AGC Home Styled has been a long one. Although I have always loved design, I hold a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Communication Disorders and enjoyed a long career as a Speech Pathologist and Executive Functions Coach. This experience, coupled with my love of design and all things “home,” has given me a unique perspective on interior design, emotional well-being, and the processes that bring it all together. Connect with Ann Cariola Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows: AWDB #463 Sara Lynn Brennan: Package Your Design Services for Profit and Clarity AWDB #514 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Investing in Your Success AWDB #524 Power Talk Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: Showing Up is Not Enough WTFP #919 Window Treatment Friday: Sara Lynn Brennan: How to Sell Window Treatments in Your Full Service Interior Design Projects AWDB #89 Marie Flanigan – How Marketing Strategies Helped Her Grow Her Firm AWDB #145 Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm AWDB #871 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Out of Overwhelm: Why Time Management Begins With Your Mindset AWDB #777 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Leading from Your Future Self AWDB #557 Power Talk Friday: Desi Creswell: Develop Your CEO Mindset