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, susta...

In this solo episode, Nicole takes you inside her primary suite renovation and the intentional decisions behind it. She walks through the full design process, from rethinking the layout of a small footprint to selecting materials that feel grounded, durable, and true to her home. Nicole shares where she chose to splurge, where she simplified, and how each detail was designed to support both functi...

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 call...

Luxury is not a price point. It is personal. In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings , Nicole sits down with Sueann Badillo , founder and creative force behind Moxie Design Group in Orlando, Florida. Sueann shares her journey from the medical field back to her original calling in design, and how resilience and clarity shaped a firm built with intention from the beginning. Together,...

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 shoppin...

Design as Storytelling: Vintage, Restraint, and Character with Sarah Lyon Writer, stylist, and creative tastemaker Sarah Lyon joins Nicole Roe for a thoughtful conversation on how design becomes meaningful through storytelling. Sarah shares her journey through editorial work, vintage sourcing, and styling for photo shoots, along with her philosophy on restraint, character, and creating homes that...

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 bu...

This week, Nicole welcomes designer Galey Grimes of Galey Grimes Interiors for a thoughtful look at what makes design feel timeless, personal, and deeply warm. Galey’s work brings together Southern charm, collected layers, and a modern ease that feels both inviting and lived in. Together, they explore how to design for real life, why functionality is a form of luxury, and how personal history shap...

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...

In Designing With Energy , Nicole talks with artist Kirsten Sadlier about the movement, emotion, and intention behind her work. Kirsten creates between two coasts and infuses the spirit of each one into surfboards, sketch art, large scale abstracts, and wallpaper that reads like a love letter to place. She shares how she found her way back to art after stepping away to focus on family, how ADHD fu...

  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...

Season Two Kickoff: The Power of Friendship, Safe Spaces & Fresh Starts (with Antonio Deloatch) We’re back for Season Two! And there’s no better way to kick things off than with my dear friend and creative partner-in-crime, Antonio Deloatch of Antonio Deloatch Designs . In this episode, Antonio and I reflect on the journey from Season One. The growth, the lessons, and the incredible community...

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...

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole Roe sits down with Rachel Jackson—ADHD-friendly interior designer, neurodiversity advocate, and founder of Rachel Jackson Design and The Home Design Lab. Rachel shares her powerful approach to wellness-centered interiors that support neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals alike. From ADHD to autism and sensory challenges, she...

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 vacat...

Discover the world of luxury interior design with John McClain in this inspiring episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings . John, a seasoned designer known for transforming spaces across coasts, shares his journey from working in both California and Central Florida to fully embracing the high-end design scene in California. With a keen eye for timeless elegance and modern innovation, John re...

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 i...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings , I sit down with Hailey Kolbe to explore how a passion for vintage treasures, a dose of Texas grit, and a willingness to follow her heart forged a thriving business. Hailey shares the ups and downs of collecting, curating, and selling her favorite finds—plus the special way she integrates them into her own home design. We als...

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 func...

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I sit down with Ali Kay, an incredible entrepreneur, podcast host, and mom who’s redefining what it means to live intentionally. Ali shares her journey toward a simpler life that still embraces the lifestyle she loves, giving us a peek into the thoughtful process of designing her family’s new home. We discuss the challenges of letting go of r...

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 hilar...

Episode 1 of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings coming in hot with Antonio Deloatch. Antonio is a dear friend of Nicole's and great human with a killer eye and the best personality. Antonio Deloatch, a NYC-based designer with a West Coast soul, brings a unique blend of East Coast sophistication and California-inspired luxury to every project. Known for transforming any space into an oasis of...

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, t...