This week on Here With Laura, we’re joined by Katie Nadji, founder of Swann Closet Design, to talk about how she built a thriving business creating beautifully functional closet spaces. Katie shares her journey from the fast-paced world of advertising to design and construction, first in New York City and now back home in Austin.

She opens up about what it was like to pivot careers, the lessons she learned working with a wide range of clients in New York, and how she’s built a life that balances motherhood, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship. From giving yourself grace to managing client expectations, this conversation is full of thoughtful insights for balancing both a growing business and family life.

Key Takeaways

• Done is better than perfect. Sometimes getting a project to the finish line is more important than obsessing over every detail.

• Set boundaries early. Katie makes family time a priority and does not respond to work messages before 9 a.m., showing that balance starts with communication and discipline.

• Closets are construction. Treating closet design as a true build ensures proper planning, budgeting, and expectations for clients.

• Start the budget conversation early. Katie emphasizes that most clients don’t know what a closet costs, so transparency upfront saves time and helps align expectations.

• Space planning is everything. Before worrying about aesthetics, focus on how clients use their space. Every drawer, shelf, and hanging rod should have a clear purpose.

  
  

Resources and Links

Website: swannclosetdesign.com

Instagram: @swannclosetdesign

Recommended Organizers:

The Considered Home: https://www.instagram.com/considered.atx/

Hannah Goetz Organizing: https://www.hgorganizing.com/

Shop Living Oak: https://livingoakhome.comLearn More About Living Oak Interior Design: https://www.livingoak.com/about

Laura sits down with Marcus Neal, speech-language pathologist and owner of the Children’s Therapy Spot, to talk about his journey from engineering student to passionate advocate for children’s therapy. Marcus shares how his brother with down syndrome inspired his career path, how a leap of faith led him to buy his first clinic, and the importance of love, patience, and perspective in both business and therapy. From growing during the pandemic to creating a collaborative, integrative approach across speech, occupational, and physical therapy, Marcus opens up about the challenges of healthcare, the burden of cost on families, and the heart that drives his work every day.

Marcus also discusses the impact of Design For A Cause, an annual fundraiser hosted by Living Oak that has provided nearly 1,200 therapy visits for children in need. With the support of sponsors like Four Hands, this event helps make life-changing therapy accessible to families who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

Topics Discussed

• Marcus’s unexpected path from engineering to speech therapy

• The role of his younger brother with down syndrome in shaping his purpose

• The integrative approach to speech, occupational, and physical therapy

• The financial realities of healthcare and why therapy is often inaccessible

• The impact of Design For A Cause in funding children’s therapy

• The influence of mentors, patience, and family on his career

  
  

Resources and Links

Children’s Therapy Spot: https://www.thechildrenstherapyspot.com/

MLee Therapy: https://www.mleeslp.com/

Register for Design For A Cause: https://luma.com/designforacause

7 Habits of Highly effective people: https://www.amazon.com/Habits-Highly-Effective-People-Powerful/dp/0743269519

Shop Living Oak: https://livingoakhome.com
Learn More About Living Oak Interior Design: https://www.livingoak.com/about

Dr. Lahana Vigliano, functional nutritionist and founder of Nuvitru Wellness joins Laura for a great discussion. Dr. Lahana shares her journey including her beginnings in med school to creating a successful holistic practice, her path to entrepreneurship, motherhood, and building resilience as a teen mom turned business owner. She opens up about lessons learned in leading with intuition, balancing family and career, and why nutrition, hormones, and gut health are essential to living well. Packed with practical insights, this episode dives into how testing, not guessing, can help women better understand their bodies and thrive through every season of life.

Topics Discussed

• Shifting from med school to functional nutrition and founding Nuvitru Wellness

• Why testing is critical for hormones, gut health, and perimenopause

• Fitness and nutrition: strength training, walking, and eating whole foods

• Thoughts on GLP1, stubborn weight, stress, and the risks of undereating

• Leading with intuition when building a team and growing a business

• Daily rituals: matcha, red light therapy, digital planning, and intentional movement

  
  

  Resources and Links

  Nuvitru Wellness: https://nuvitruwellness.com

  Functional Nutrition Radio: Listen on Spotify

  Power Women’s Health Podcast: https://nuvitruwellness.com/podcast

  Follow Dr. Lahana: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlahana

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuvitruwellness

  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NuvitruWellness

  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nuvitruwellness

  
  

  Shop Living Oak: https://livingoakhome.com

  Learn More About Living Oak Interior Design: https://www.livingoak.com/about