Highly Affected By Her Surroundings

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Jameelah Watkins- Mallett, founder of The Case Collective and co-founder of Lauren Wesley Designs, to talk about what it really looks like to build a design business from the ground up. Jameelah shares her journey from being a self-taught creative and young entrepreneur to leading a design firm and now educating other designers on how to run profitable, sustainable businesses. From early lessons in the beauty industry to navigating the challenges of COVI...

What does it really mean to design an authentic home? In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, Nicole sits down with interior designer Lisa Gilmore live from the KBIS podcast studio in Orlando. Lisa is the founder and principal of Lisa Gilmore Design, a luxury interior design firm based in St. Petersburg, Florida known for creating bold, personality driven spaces with what she calls livable glamour. Together they dive into what authenticity actually looks like in interior desig...

In this episode, Nicole sits down with wardrobe stylist and creative director Chellie Carlson to explore how personal style becomes a source of confidence, clarity, and self trust. This conversation goes far beyond clothing. Chellie shares how what we wear affects how we show up in our lives, from decision making and productivity to visibility and personal brand. Together, they discuss why shopping more often creates overwhelm, how closet clutter reflects internal noise, and why fewer, intent...

In Episode 6 of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, Nicole sits down with Kristin Hildebrand, founder and creative director of KH Interiors, to talk about the unexpected pivot from professional volleyball to building a design studio rooted in calm, livability, and intention. Kristin shares how years of living out of a suitcase shaped her belief that home should feel like a deep exhale, how she built KH Interiors from the ground up in 2018, and why “distance design” works when your systems ar...

Some people have an energy you can feel before they speak — and today’s guest, artist, astrologer, and Ahai® energy healer Jaclyn Carmen, is absolutely one of them. After more than a decade in the corporate world in New York City, Jaclyn found herself deeply burnt out, unfulfilled, and living in a windowless apartment. Walking away from that life meant facing real fear, yet it became the catalyst for a full 180 into art, healing, and astrology. In this episode, we explore how to “read the roo...

In this episode, Nicole sits down with Nashville-based entrepreneur Sydney Dozier, founder of Renaissance Marketing, for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation about how our surroundings influence the way we live, create, and lead. Together they explore the connection between environment, brand identity, and personal confidence, and why building something that feels authentic is far more powerful than following trends. From motherhood to entrepreneurship, Nicole and Sydney open up...

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole Roe sits down with Brittney Ellis, CEO and Creative Director of Eventrics Indian Weddings. With over a decade of experience, Brittney specializes in orchestrating high-end South Asian and fusion weddings, delivering meticulously planned, multi-day celebrations that are both culturally rich and visually stunning. Brittney shares insights into how the principles of interior design seamlessly integrate into wedding planning. F...

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I’m joined by Hawaii-based interior designer Shaolin of Studio Shaolin — and trust me, this is not just another “beachy neutrals” conversation. We’re diving into what it really looks like to design homes in paradise — from sourcing challenges and wild shipping logistics to creating bold, personality-filled spaces that still feel like a vacation. Shaolin shares her journey from event planning to interior design, how island life shapes her...

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole sits down with Rachel, the innovative founder behind Subtle Impacts. Rachel is redefining the traditional workout space by transforming ordinary free weights into decorative, design-forward pieces that elevate your environment and boost well-being. Drawing from her family’s business roots, Rachel shares how she grew up immersed in a manufacturing legacy—thanks to her father’s welding company—and how she turned that background...

In this eye-opening episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, we sit down with Brad from A Finer Touch Construction to explore the grand world of luxury compounds and opulent estates. Brad takes us behind the scenes of his projects—ranging from sprawling multiple-structure builds to intricate, high-end finishes that make each home truly one-of-a-kind. We discuss the balance of form and function, tips for managing client expectations, and how Brad brings ambitious visions to life on a gr...

In this episode, I sit down with two incredibly talented and dynamic designers—Jamie of Studio Gaspo and Meredith of House of Huck—for a fun and insightful design roundtable. We dive deep into the questions everyone’s asking: What’s really trending in the design world, and what’s worth skipping?How do we navigate client requests, bold choices, and personal preferences?The highs, lows, and hilarious moments of working in interior design.Jamie and Meredith bring their unique perspectives, exper...

Welcome to "Highly Affected by Her Surroundings," hosted by me, Nicole Roe. I blend my expertise in interior design with a profound understanding of how our environments shape our life. Join me on a journey to uncover how our surroundings—whether at home, in public spaces, or anywhere you go—affect our senses and overall well-being. Ever walked into a room and cringed at the lighting, the noise, or just the overall vibe? Yeah, us too. It’s like, who thought fluorescent lights were a goo...