Click with Rona

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Rob Franks—managing partner of Ron Dier Design—to explore an incredible journey that spans military service, engineering, and the world of high-end design. Rob shares how a chance meeting led to a decades-long partnership with artist Ron Dier, transforming a small pottery operation into a dynamic, design-forward business known for its iconic gold ceramics and statement mineral pieces. From working in nuclear power and living in Italy to helping build a creative brand from the ground up, Rob dives into the mindset shifts, leadership lessons, and “click moments” that shaped his path. This conversation is packed with insights on creativity, business growth, collaboration, and the courage to evolve—personally and professionally. — #ClickWithRona #Entrepreneurship #DesignIndustry #CreativeBusiness #Leadership   0:00 – Intro & Setting the Stage 3:53 – The Origin Story of Ron Dier 9:12 – Rob’s Early Life & Unexpected Path 11:22 – Joining the Military & Finding Structure 13:39 – Life in Italy & a Surreal Versace Moment 22:02 – Discovering Minerals & Scaling the Brand 30:15 – Letting Go to Grow the Business 36:17 – Balancing Creativity vs Business Operations 41:24 – Turning Ideas Into Reality 45:16 – Learning to Say No in Business

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Renee Dee—founder of Iconic Life Magazine—to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience, and what it really takes to build (and eventually sell) a successful brand. Renee shares her journey from launching her first magazine with no experience (and learning through costly mistakes) to building a respected publication across multiple markets. She opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her career, including a defining lesson in integrity that ultimately paid off in a big way. From navigating uncertainty during the 2020 shutdown to expanding into new markets like Orange County, Renee offers real, practical insights on business, sales, and staying true to your values. If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or business owner, this episode is packed with wisdom on growth, risk-taking, and building something that lasts. — #ClickWithRona #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Sales #BusinessGrowth 0:00 – Introducing Renee Dee & Her Next Chapter 3:04 – “If I Knew How Hard It Was…” 6:08 – “Every Problem Has a Solution” 8:21 – The $20K Mistake That Changed Everything 13:47 – Launching a Print Magazine… in March 2020 15:36 – Creative Distribution During COVID 17:31 – Unexpected Success & Client Results 20:00 – Expanding Into Orange County From Scratch 29:43 – Why Print Still Works in a Digital World 41:24 – When It Finally “Clicked”

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Sandy DeAngelis—realtor, community builder, and the driving force behind the Floral Park Home & Garden Tour. Sandy shares her incredible journey from small-town South Carolina to California, including the bold decision to drive across the country alone in pursuit of something more. With no clear plan, she built a life rooted in curiosity, connection, and community. From helping shape one of Southern California’s most unique neighborhoods to leading a 30+ year home tour that funds scholarships and local initiatives, Sandy proves that success doesn’t require a straight path—just the courage to take the next step. This conversation is filled with stories, wisdom, and inspiration for anyone building a life, business, or community.   0:00 – “We Knew We Were Friends for Life” 5:45 – Meet Sandy DeAngelis 7:06 – Driving an Hour for Hot Chocolate 8:01 – Floral Park Home Tour & Scholarships 12:57 – Driving Across the Country Alone 17:25 – “I Had No Plan… And That Was Okay” 20:00 – Finding Floral Park & Vintage Homes 26:10 – 32 Years of the Home Tour 33:21 – What Makes the Home Tour Unique 49:10 – Why Community Matters Most

In this episode of Click With Rona, Rona sits down with Lindsey Head for a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and building a brand with purpose. Lindsey shares insights from her journey, discussing what it takes to grow something meaningful in today’s fast-moving business environment. The conversation dives into the realities behind entrepreneurship, the lessons that come from building and evolving a brand, and the mindset required to keep moving forward through challenges. From creative vision to practical execution, Lindsey offers a thoughtful perspective on what it really takes to turn ideas into something lasting. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone navigating your own path, this episode offers honest insight into the process of building something you're proud of. 0:00 – “Introducing Lindsey Head & Her Journey” 1:42 – How Lindsey Got Started 5:18 – Turning Ideas Into a Real Business 9:55 – Early Challenges & Learning Curves 14:30 – Building a Brand With Intention 19:10 – Creativity vs Business Structure 23:45 – Navigating Growth & Scaling 28:20 – Mistakes That Taught the Most 32:55 – Balancing Work, Life & Creativity 37:40 – Confidence, Risk & Taking the Leap 42:15 – Advice for Entrepreneurs Starting Out 46:50 – What’s Next for Lindsey Head 49:30 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

In this episode of Click With Rona Rona sits down with Ashley Clark, founder of Skout and her first-ever designer guest. Ashley shares how she went from selling handmade pillows out of her trunk to leading a full-service interior design firm in Costa Mesa. They talk about balancing motherhood and business, raising four kids, and building a brand rooted in personality, vintage finds, and soulful design. From the new Lido House Hotel cottages to real talk about collaboration and industry standards, this episode is packed with inspiration for creatives ready to grow without losing their roots. 0:00 - Skout Interiors: Ashley Clark's Journey 5:52 - Pillow Dealer Turned Designer 8:13 - Sharing My Home Over Clients 11:48 - Busy Mom's Daily Hustle 15:37 - Lido House Hotel Cottages Expansion 19:14 - "Bunk Room for Big Families" 21:48 - Inspiring Designers and Entrepreneurs 24:23 - Expanding Beyond Playful Design 29:07 - "One-of-a-Kind Design Stamp" 31:24 - "Creative Struggles in Business Systems" 34:16 - Creating Spaces, Building Memories 36:40 - "Learning Through Design and Experience" 40:27 - Collaborative Design Journey 43:45 - "Elevating Design Through Conversation"

In this episode of Click with Rona, Rona Graf sits down with Bryan Burkhart, builder and co-owner of Burkhart Brothers. They dive into Bryan’s wide-ranging journey—from growing up in Fullerton, serving in the military, and launching a wine business, to becoming a high-end builder in Newport Beach. Bryan shares how flipping homes with his brother led to running a company with 55 employees, and how mistakes—and constant innovation—shaped their success. The conversation covers hospitality in design, embracing technology like AI for project management, and the value of processes and teamwork in the construction business. Bryan opens up about pivotal moments that made it all “click,” the importance of gratitude, and the drive to empower the next generation. Packed with wisdom, laughs, and inspiration for entrepreneurs, builders, and creatives alike, this episode celebrates the art of living, learning, and building a lasting legacy. 00:00 "From Small Town to USC" 03:14 From Wine to House Flipping 09:04 "Running, Building, and Challenges" 11:32 "Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Success" 12:54 "Reflecting on Growth and Goals" 16:50 Industry Highlights and Memorable Moments 22:00 "Advice for Modern Entrepreneurs" 24:36 "Deflecting Responsibility in Management" 27:14 "Quality, Speed, or Price: Pick Two" 31:04 AI-Powered Project Tracking Standard 34:35 "AI's Role in Business Growth" 36:30 "AI as a Creative Tool" 41:16 "Designing Homes as Experiences" 42:12 Design Inspiration from Travel 46:26 "Efficient, High-Quality, Affordable Building" 51:16 "Creating Legacy and Future Plans" 52:09 "Empowering Employees for Growth"

In this episode of Click with Rona, Rona Graf sits down with acclaimed artist and entrepreneur Timree. Together, they explore Timree’s Orange County roots, the early days of painting for sorority girls, and her journey from hand-painted porcelains to licensing art with major retailers. The conversation dives into creativity, self-belief, energy, and the importance of thoughtful gifting. Timree shares inspiring stories about teaching art to children, her dreams of bringing her Paint Club to schools, and the magic of following “click moments.” Discover tips, personal anecdotes, and a celebration of authentic artistic expression and growth. 3:19 - Artistic Creativity From Grandmother and Dad. 8:07 - Creative Personalized Gifts and Art. 11:26 - Self-Validation Over External Approval. 14:38 - "Dad’s Charisma and Grandmother's Lessons". 18:31 - Resonating Energy and Craftsmanship. 19:41 - Clients Value Handmade, Personalized Art. 24:54 - Joining a Women's Group Event. 28:13 - Creative Work's Long Pay Cycle. 32:55 - Creative Flooring & Whimsical Wallpaper. 37:53 - Rona Following Her Gut to What Was Calling Her. 42:07 - Moving The Studio From a Loft to a Garage. . 45:58 - Sedona Adventures in a Pink Jeep. 51:07 - Created Paint Programs for Schools 52:19 - Advocating Art for Healing.

In this episode of Click with Rona, Rona Graf sits down with Drew D’Angelo, the visionary behind SkySale Coastal, to talk faith, reinvention, and building with purpose. Drew shares his journey from a divided upbringing and addiction to sobriety, spirituality, and designing legacy homes in Newport Beach. Together, they dive into creative collaboration, the Dover Shores project, and what it means to build more than houses—community, impact, and a meaningful life. An inspiring conversation on growth, humility, and purpose for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone navigating change. 0:00 - Roots of Real Estate Passion 6:53 - "From Assistant to Senior VP" 11:52 - "Journey Into Development Began" 17:21 - "Redemption Through Family and Faith" 23:35 - "Faith, Love, and Shield" 27:53 - "Called to Lead and Serve" 36:15 - "Best Home in Dover Shores" 39:32 - "The Reality of Design Work" 45:40 - "Creative Challenges in Design" 52:01 - "Streamlined Project Management Process" 56:23 - "Passion, Purpose, and Artistic Freedom" 1:01:20 - "Letting Go, Embracing God"

Rona Graf welcomes design business coach Rick Campos to discuss his journey from interior designer to podcast host and mentor. Together, they explore the challenges of entrepreneurship, discovering your “click” moment, and finding fulfillment by helping others. Rick shares real stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs about resilience, redefining success, and building a creative community. 1:01 - Introduction to Rick Campos. 3:16 - Pivoting to Focus on Designers. 7:17 - Building Lasting Connections at Retreat.11:02 - Focusing on Growth, Not Instagram.16:12 - Going All-In to Build a Dream.18:16 - "Finally Pursuing My Dream in Design!"20:28 - Driven By Passion For Business Over Design. 23:55 - Helping Others and Making an Impact. 28:50 - "Success Takes Time, Effort, and Patience."32:20 - Growing Through Mistakes as a Team.33:40 - Getting Comfortable with Taking Risks.36:44 - Take Risks and Embrace Failures to Grow.40:56 - Impact of Open, Honest Conversations.

Rona Graf sits down with Shannon Ratcliffe to talk about transforming old surfboards into art and building a business rooted in creativity and connection. They share stories of collaboration, finding your happy, and how giving back fuels their work. The episode is full of inspiration, laughter, and insights on following your passion and making meaningful partnerships. 0:00 - Click with Rona at the WestEdge Design Fair!4:54 - Journey from Hospitality to Painting. 6:41 - Learning Through Growth and Networking.11:42 - Navigating Collaboration and Design Choices.15:22 - Visual Contrast Artist Collaboration. 18:39 - Finding Serenity in a Nursery Oasis.22:20 - Repurposing Surfboards to Empower the Youth.24:30 - Discovering What Truly Energizes You. 28:02 - Empowering Leader, Not a Boss.30:55 - Creating Neighborhood Murals from Chalk.34:03 - Fostering Connections Through Art and Networking.35:42 - Grateful and Excited for Collaboration. 

Rona Graf chats with Macy from The Plant Daddies about turning a plant passion into a thriving business. They explore the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, the impact of greenery on design, and the defining moments that shaped their journey. Filled with practical advice, stories, and laughs, this episode is all about resilience, creativity, and following what you love. 0:46 - Introduction to Macy from The Plant Daddies.2:19 - The Start of The Plant Daddies. 6:36 - Identifying and Sharing Plant Names. 11:40- Secret Sidewalk Garden. 18:45 - Burnout Sparks a New Venture. 23:57 - Creating a Seamless Plant Solution. 28:34 - Effective Decisions Through Collaboration. 31:52 - Executing a Seamless Home Tour. 42:01 - Push to Pursue Opportunities in Orange County. 43:51 - The Struggles Behind Growth. 51:31 - Crane-Lifted Aloe Installation in San Diego. 53:47 - Building the Tree Daddies Brand. 1:00:26 - Big Construction Projects Underway.

In this episode of Click With Rona, host Rona Graf sits down with fine art photographer Taylor O’Sullivan. They explore her creative journey from teenage filmmaker to international photographer and successful gallery owner. Taylor shares how a happy accident in school led her to filmmaking, her transition into fine art, the pivotal “click” moment of seeing her work on the wall, and the importance of mindset, manifestation, and support systems. The conversation dives into creativity, overcoming self-doubt, the value of hard work, and celebrating the beauty found in nature. This episode offers authentic advice for anyone pursuing a passion-driven life.

In this episode of Click With Rona. host Rona Graf sits down with Moya O’Neill, founder of Moya Living, to explore her evolution from working in dress shops at 17 to running two successful steel cabinetry companies. Moya opens up about her unconventional career journey, the impact of her family business, and the creation of her new collaborative showroom in Laguna Beach. The conversation dives into the value of authenticity, the importance of community, creative entrepreneurship, and giving back through local initiatives. It’s an inspiring look at how passion and perseverance fuel success and meaningful connections in design. 1:21 - Undecided Path to Interior Design.4:25 - From Labs to Moya Living.8:01 - Relocation and Restaurant Revelations at La Costa.10:22 - Entrepreneur Growth and Delegation.12:55 - Dreaming of a Showroom. 17:46 - John Vaughan's Art and Legacy.21:21 - Transformation From Teacher to Designer.22:06 - Art's Role in Education.30:16 - Joining Groups that Align with your Actions Strengthens Bonds.32:15 - Finding Happiness Beyond Education.34:46 - Origin of Moya Living.38:05 - Educational Studio Events.42:30 - Creative Budgeting for Impactful Change.44:45 - Charity Kitchen Renovation Project. Visit our website here: https://www.graceblu.com/

In this debut episode of Click With Rona, host Rona Graf sits down with Josiah Lilly, founder of Epic Ceramic and Stone, a premier Southern California high-end tile and stone installation company. Josiah shares his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting his business at just 17 to building a 95-employee team known for quality, creativity, and integrity. They discuss valuable insights on authentic relationships, trust in the trades, and the impact of mentorship in the stone fabrication industry. If you're interested in interior design, stone installation, or success stories from business leaders, don't miss this insightful conversation with Epic Ceramic and Stone’s visionary, Josiah Lilly. 0:00 - Introduction0:51 - Journey from a Stucco Job to a Full Blown Career. 5:45 – Josiah’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Leads to Profits from Lift Ticket Hustle.9:05 – “Career Growth Through Loyalty and Proving Myself.”10:48 – Commitment to Quality Service and a Growing Team.14:28 – Career Path: Finding Purpose and Assurance.17:20 – A Humble Journey and Reflecting on Success.21:06 – Explosive Growth in Social Media Influence.23:53 – Power of Collaboration in Innovation.27:51 – Navigating the Learning Curves and Challenges in Entrepreneurship.30:40 – Unexpected Love and Life Partnership. Visit our website here: https://www.graceblu.com/