Shows
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of Interiors40 Years Of Design: A Conversation With Philippa ThorpIn this engaging conversation, Rachel Usher speaks with Philippa Thorp, a seasoned designer with 40 years of experience in the industry. Philippa shares her unique journey into design, the challenges of building a successful business, and the importance of understanding client relationships. They discuss the dynamics of teamwork, cultural differences in design practices between the UK and the US, and the significance of collaboration within the design community. Philippa emphasizes the need for designers to be adaptable and to foster strong relationships with clients to achieve successful outcomes. In this conversation, Rachel Usher and Philippa Thorp delve into the complexities...2025-05-0258 min
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsWords That Work: Copywriting, Trust & the Human Touch in Interior Design with Lucy BanwellSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Rachel Usher interviews freelance copywriter Lucy Banwell, who specialises in the property and interiors industry. Lucy shares her journey from journalism to copywriting, emphasising the importance of understanding client needs, crafting compelling narratives, and connecting imagery with words. The discussion delves into the nuances of targeting ideal clients, identifying pain points, and the significance of building trust through effective communication. Lucy also highlights the value of client feedback and the human element in copywriting, especially in the age of AI. In this conversation, Lucy Banwell and Rachel Usher...2025-04-1059 min
The Mallory Bros PodcastEp.247 | Black Men & College Gap, Ja Morant Drama, Usher’s Chaos, Zegler’s Snow White Flop + More!On this episode of the MalloryBros. Podcast, the Bros kick things off with a weekend recap before diving headfirst into the downfall of Disney’s Snow White. They talk Rachel Zegler’s personal takes tanking the film’s nostalgia and how her comments might’ve killed the magic before the movie even dropped. Then, it’s Usher—again. The guys break down the now-viral divorce story and talk about Usher fully embracing his villain era. Is this a legacy shift or just a moment? Next up, Ja Morant catches a $75K fine from the NBA for a finger gun gesture. The...2025-04-081h 37
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsUnlocking the Secrets of Interior Design Success With LuAnn NigaraIn this engaging conversation, Rachel Usher interviews LuAnn Nigara, a prominent figure in the interior design industry. They discuss the importance of collaboration among designers, strategies for growth, and the necessity of documenting processes for efficiency. LuAnn emphasizes the significance of understanding financial management and revenue streams in design, while also addressing the value that interior designers bring to clients. The conversation concludes with insights on navigating client expectations and the importance of maintaining a clear vision for one's business. In this conversation, LuAnn Nigara and Rachel Usher delve into the intricacies of interior design, focusing on the importance...2025-03-241h 15
A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business PodcastRachel Usher: Creating Community and Strength in the Interior Design IndustryToday With Rachel Usher:Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, I sit down with an inspiring designer, entrepreneur, and community builder to talk about resilience—both in life and business: Rachel Usher. We dive into the challenges of running a design firm, navigating industry roadblocks, and the power of creating a supportive network. From building a business that can thrive beyond its founder to overcoming personal and professional setbacks, this conversation is packed with real, honest insights. If you've ever felt like you're tackling this business alone, this episode will remind you that you do...2025-02-041h 19
5D Channels and Chats with Rachel ChamnessE46 2025 Gateway Transition Sound Bath Experience with Rachel Chamness & Kerri MouchJoin Rachel Chamness, a shamanic channel and mentor from SoundWavesHeal.com, as she collaborates with holistic spiritual healer Kerri Mouch from Sensory Healing for the Soul for a transformative 2025 New Year's sound bath. Recorded at 1:11 PM on 12/31/2024, this session aims to usher in a healing and light-filled 2025 with the assistance of various beings of light, including Archangels Christel, Azrael, Metatron, and Raphael, plus Goddess Ishtar and Ganesh. Dragons and Lyran Beings also came and assisted in healing. Listen to transition to a Higher Timeline and experience for 2025, anytime during the year. The podcast episode features...2025-01-061h 02
Who’s Got Time for the News?Italian accents, fake band member, and UsherToday’s topics: 1. Woman wakes up after surgery with an Italian accent and using Italian phrases 2. Texas A&M student reveals he was in band for 4 years and pretended to play the whole time 3. Usher shows up to his kids parent teacher day at school 2024-12-2414 min
Friends Without BenefitsS3 Ep. 13 - Push Presents, Candlelight Concerts, and Social Media ShenanigansRachel and Dale are back, bringing their signature wit and unfiltered banter to the latest episode of Friends Without Benefits!This week, the duo dives into:Dale’s hilariously awkward dating saga featuring over-texting, third-date candlelight concerts, and post-date plot twists.The wild world of "push presents"—including Pookie’s $53K Birkin bag—and why social media seems to fuel so much rage over other people's luxuries.Usher’s underwhelming concert vibes (was he just tired?) and a nostalgic trip down the memory lane of Gen X concert culture.Social media curiosities, from Instagram influencers to "curly hair...2024-12-2435 min
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 24: Navigating Economic Challenges, Planning Ahead & Creating a Legacy with Laura HammettIn episode 24 I am speaking with the wonderful Laura Hammett, founder and creative director of the award-winning and renowned Laura Hammett Interiors. Laura authentically shares her journey of starting her design studio and the challenges that she faced along the way. She emphasises the importance of planning ahead to navigate uncertain economic times and the impact of projects being put on hold and the need for open communication with clients. In this candid conversation, we also discuss the challenges and rewards of working in the interior design industry. Laura shares her thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) in design and...2024-10-311h 02
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 23: Your marketing is more than your portfolio - How to create a marketing campaign that consistently attracts your ideal client with Jude CharlesI am so grateful that Jude Charles is back for another episode and this time we’re discussing all things marketing! This time we discuss the importance of storytelling in the interior design industry and how capturing the unpolished version of a project can set designers apart. Jude emphasises the power of showing the behind-the-scenes journey and the challenges that arise during a project. He believes that sharing these moments not only builds trust with clients but also allows designers to showcase their unique personalities and the emotion they bring to their work. Jude also explains the...2024-10-151h 02
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 22: Business, Burnout & Boundaries With Jude Charles In episode 22, I am speaking with Jude Charles. Jude is a videographer, documentary and filmmaker from the United States. Jude offers videography captures the unique essence of his client's personal stories. His storytelling technique has been transformative to businesses in the Interior Design world and beyond. He emphasises the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing who you are beyond what you do. Jude also discusses his experience with burnout and the need for emotional balance in business. He highlights the value of taking time off, reflecting on your business, and having a clearly defined voice and core...2024-10-011h 04
Untangling Prayer with Rachel WojoHow God Uses Our Weakest Prayerful PleasDo you ever wonder if praying is even worth it? What power could our mere words have with the God of the universe? If you've pondered these questions, this episode is for you! Segment 1: Hot Questions from Hard Spaces: Is it okay to pray for personal desires or is that selfish? Segment 2: Pray More/ Worry Less Encouragement. In the weekly segment, Pray More/Worry Less, Rachel explains how our weakest prayerful pleas are often the beginning of our strongest moments with God. Segment 3: Answered Prayer Stories In th...2024-09-2508 minUntangling Prayer with Rachel WojoHow God Uses Our Weakest Prayerful PleasDo you ever wonder if praying is even worth it? What power could our mere words have with the God of the universe? If you've pondered these questions, this episode is for you! Segment 1: Hot Questions from Hard Spaces: Is it okay to pray for personal desires or is that selfish? Segment 2: Pray More/ Worry Less Encouragement. In the weekly segment, Pray More/Worry Less, Rachel explains how our weakest prayerful pleas are often the beginning of our strongest moments with God. Segment 3: Answered Prayer Stories In th...2024-09-2508 min
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 21: The Importance Of Pivoting And Being Nimble In Business With Karen HowesIn episode 21, I had the pleasure of speaking with Karen Howes, CEO and founder of Taylor Howes. Karen candidly shares her journey in the interior design industry. From her nomadic childhood to her early experiences in the art world, Karen developed a passion for creating safe and beautiful spaces. She discusses the different arms of her business, including Taylor Howes (high-end residential design), Studio Howes (furnishing solutions for clients), and the newly launched Howes & Landino (collaborations with artisans and suppliers). Karen emphasises the importance of adaptability and flexibility in navigating the ever-changing market. We also discuss the importance of...2024-09-181h 09
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 20: Designing Beyond Borders With Elliot Barratt of Elliot James InteriorsIn episode 20 I am chatting with Elliot Barratt of Elliot James Interiors. Elliot shares his journey of becoming an Interior Designer and establishing his business in Singapore. He grew up surrounded by design and craftsmanship, which sparked his passion for the industry. After studying furniture design and interior architecture, he started his own furniture business and later transitioned into interior architecture. Elliot emphasises the importance of creating a luxury brand and discusses the challenges of marketing and SEO. Elliot also talks about the differences in the interior design market in Singapore, Dubai, and London, and the importance of educating...2024-09-101h 05
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 19: Profile, Profit And Client Relationships With Fettle DesignIn this episode I am interviewing Tom and Andy of Fettle Design, a global design studio that focuses on high-end projects in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, members clubs and many more. They have a narrative and conceptually driven design process, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and enjoyment in their work. Tom and Andy share their journey of building their renowned design practice and candidly share the challenges of balancing profile, profit and client relationships. It is an episode not to be missed.Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriorsThebusinessofinteriors.com2024-08-271h 10
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 18: Stick To Your Artistic Vision And Take Risks In Your Work With Timorous BeastiesIn episode 18, I’m speaking to Alistair McCauley and Paul Simmons, the creative minds behind the fabric and wallpaper brand Timorous Beasties. One of the things I enjoy the most about this podcast is that the conversations I have with my guests are with utterly brilliant and authentic people. I've started to realise that there's a commonality between my guests and that's probably because these people have really incredible backstories of grit. They share a common attribute of optimism and self belief. These conversations feel like they're just between me and the guest. There's an intimacy and a candidness th...2024-08-121h 01
The 2000s Chart Show: A 00s Pop Music PodcastRachel Stevens' Some Girls and 39 Other Less Iconic Songs (including Jamelia, Morrissey, Snow Patrol and Nelly Furtado) (24 July 2004)My baby drives a car....and Geri Halliwell (ALLEGEDLY) cries in it. On this week's podcast, Nelly Furtado flops hard, Bloc Party join the 2000s indie revival party, Slash from Guns and Roses dies and is brought back to life, I do the world's worst Shrek impression, the 2004 Mercury Prize noms are announced, I send a band to The 2000s Chart Show jail, Jamelia delivers her best song yet and J-Kwon has paternity drama.And oh yes... LOLA'S BLOODY THEME and SOME FRICKIN GIRLS are released (for SEO purposes that's Lola's Theme and Some Girls FYI). 2024-07-241h 19
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 17: From Runways To Residences: The Importance Of Tenacity In Design With Fameed KhaliqueIn episode 17 I am talking with Fameed Khalique. Fameed shares his journey from aspiring airline pilot to becoming a prominent figure in the Interior Design industry. He started his career in fashion shows and PR, then worked in publishing and logistics before joining his brother's company, Alma Leather, where he learned about the interior design community. After five years, he left and started his own business, curating a vast collection of materials for both couture and ready-to-wear projects. Fameed emphasises the importance of being resourceful, having a good eye, and being open to new experiences. Fameed Khalique is the...2024-07-161h 14
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsThe Journey Of Building A Design Practice With Aoife TobinIn episode 16, I am interviewing Aoife Tobin, the founder and director of Style So Simple, which is an Irish interior architecture studio. Aoife's design aesthetic is classic and timeless, and Aoife's story is perhaps not dissimilar to many designers here in the UK, but it has a slight twist in some of the nuances of the Irish market. I'm really pleased to welcome my first Irish guest.Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriorsThebusinessofinteriors.comConnect with our guest:@stylesosimplehttps://www.stylesosimple.com/This podcast i...2024-07-041h 02
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 15: Building Synergy: Integrating Reps Into Your Wider Team with Carmen ReitnourIn episode 15 I am speaking with Carmen Reitnour, a sales representative for Romo Fabrics. Carmen shares her journey from being a librarian to working in the design industry and how she navigated this career change. She also discusses the importance of building relationships with designers and how reps can provide valuable support and save designers both time and money. Carmen hass a fabulous energy and highlights the need for a strong design community and shares examples of successful events and initiatives that bring designers together that we can all learn from. In this episode we also explore the need...2024-06-1856 min
Corner Cafe: A Conversation About Our Faith in JesusWhat Does Freedom of Religion Look Like in the United States of America?Host Rachel Mains is joined by the Ambassador of Soul, Biff Gore. They discuss the political climate and how Freedom of Religion is faring in this current culture. Biff Gore is a powerful, soul singing Blues and R&B songwriter. His rich vocals earned him a spot on season 6 of The Voice with Team Usher. His grueling blues sound moved him on to the top 8 with Team Blake. After The Voice, Biff returned to Denver to continue on the road of performing and writing new material. With a background in the biomedical world, God called Biff out...2024-06-0128 min
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 14: The Power Of Partnership With Amy DalrympleIn episode 14 I am speaking with Amy Dalrymple. Amy and her husband, Hewie, together run Dalrymple Studio, which is a London -based interior design and architecture practice. Amy and Hewie have crafted a design aesthetic that is timeless and classic, and also believe in the values of being accessible, sustainable and crafting a bespoke approach that has allowed them to work on some really beautiful projects in London and also in New York. Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors Thebusinessofinteriors.comConnect with our guest: @dalrymplestudiohttps://dalrymplestudio.co.uk/2024-05-141h 15
Breaking the BlocksHealing our Life: Carl Brown on Coping with GriefWhen the threads of life unravel, where do we find the strength to sew them back together? I, Rachel Pierman, along with former cancer nurse and fiber artist Carl Brown, unravel the complexities entwined in loss, healing, and the therapeutic embrace of creativity. In a candid conversation, we stitch together the silent power of presence in grief, the sanctuary found in the rhythm of needle and thread, and the unexpected joy that creativity can usher into a life shadowed by sorrow.The raw edges of our souls often mirror the chaotic underside of a quilt; both conceal...2024-05-0453 min
If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of InteriorsEpisode 13: The Significance Of Personal Development with Samantha PopeIn episode 13 I am speaking with Samantha Pope, founder of Samantha Pope Interiors. Samantha candidly shares her journey of starting her own practice and the challenges she faced along the way. She emphasises the importance of learning business skills and the need for designers to understand the financial and administrative aspects of running a company. Samantha also highlights the significance of personal development and the core values that guide her design approach. Samantha's journey is inspirational and I can't wait to see what's next for Samantha Pope Interiors.Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors Thebusinessofinteriors...2024-04-3054 min
The (in)courage PodcastRachel Marie Kang: For When You’re Exhausted and Coffee Can't Take the Tired Away"We are worn out. We are tapped. We are tired of and from watching the news and waiting for God to usher in salvation and solutions. We are holding our collective breath, barely awake and hardly aware of our need for rest — true rest. In the quiet moments, when I sit in silence long enough to let the truth be loud, I can hear the holy whisper. And maybe you do, too? I need Christ more than I need coffee."Leave a comment for Rachel: https://incourage.me/?p=238494--Encourage all the...2024-04-1707 min