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

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

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.

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