Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1352: The Art of Perceived Value: Make Your Business Feel Expensive w/ Justine Lafond
In this episode, Brian sits down with Justine Lafond, a two-time founder who has mastered the art of building premium brands. Drawing from nearly 20 years in the luxury space, Justine shares how she translated her expertise from running a luxury interior design firm, Jaunty J Interiors, into launching Étoile Agency, a boutique media agency. This conversation is a masterclass in applying high-end principles to any business, focusing on creating an unmatched client experience, building unshakable trust, and mastering the power of perceived value. For any entrepreneur looking to elevate their brand and foster deep, lasting client connections, this episode is packed with tangible strategies to make your business feel first-class.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
- How to define and build "perceived value" so you can command premium prices and earn immediate trust.
- Why running two parallel businesses can be your greatest asset, making you a more insightful and valuable entrepreneur.
- The power of authentic, relationship-based networking in a world obsessed with automation and transactional interactions.
- Actionable strategies for maintaining client relationships that feel personal and high-touch (even on a budget).
- How to use AI as a tool for efficiency without sacrificing the essential human element that builds loyalty.
- The "Pillar Method" for defining your brand's core identity and staying authentic through every stage of growth.
- Why a "buttoned-up" digital footprint is the first step to proving your business is legitimate and trustworthy.
📝 About Justine Lafond
Justine Lafond is a military spouse, mother, and the dynamic founder of two distinct businesses: Étoile Agency, a boutique national media agency, and Jaunty J Interiors, a full-service luxury interior design firm. With nearly two decades of experience in niche and luxury industries, she possesses a rare mastery of sales, marketing, and relationship-based networking. Justine’s unique perspective comes from her ability to apply the principles of luxury, trust, and authentic connection across different industries, making her an invaluable guide for entrepreneurs looking to build brands with lasting impact.
🎯 Justine’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs
"If you feel a pull towards something that can make a difference in people's lives or businesses or the world, you should do it and not make excuses and just give it a shot."
📢 Memorable Quotes
- “Luxury is how something makes you feel. But to a degree, it's also kind of perceived value of things.” – Justine Lafond
- “The big piece I think that's missing especially in the luxury space is the trust that you have to have... before they're going to commit to spending X amount of dollars.” – Justine Lafond
- "I think it's always going to be trendy to just be authentic. And that goes for home design and the digital marketing world.” – Justine Lafond
🔗 Links & Resources