Podcast Summary: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin – "Nickey Kehoe: From Dinner Party to Design Powerhouse"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
• Host: Ariel Okin
• Guest: Todd Nicki and Amy Kehoe
• Episode Title: From Dinner Party to Design Powerhouse
• Release Date: August 13, 2025

Introduction: Building Foundations Through Friendship

In this inspiring episode of Talk Shop with Ariel Okin, host Ariel engages in a heartfelt conversation with longtime friends and business partners, Todd Nicki and Amy Kehoe. Co-founders of the renowned design firm and retail store, Nadia Kehoe and Amy have cultivated a thriving business that blends interior design with curated retail offerings. Ariel sets the stage by highlighting their serendipitous meeting at a New York City dinner party, which blossomed into a multi-decade partnership marked by creativity and mutual respect.

Early Beginnings: From NYC to LA

Todd and Amy recount their initial meeting in New York City around the year 2000, a moment that would pivot their careers dramatically. Shortly after, Amy moved to Los Angeles to work in hospitality design at Starwood Hotels, while Todd pursued a career in retail design for prestigious brands like Donna Karan and Badgley Mischka.

“There are so many times in a meeting or whatever with a group of people, and we will say or choose or whatever, exactly the same thing,” Todd shares at 04:21, illustrating the deep synchronicity that defines their partnership.

In 2004, leveraging their combined expertise, they launched their design firm, Nikki Kehoe, followed by their first retail store in 2008. Despite launching during the challenging economic downturn, their passion and grassroots approach—buying items from flea markets and estate sales to stock their store—allowed them to build a resilient business foundation.

“We would literally, you know, if we would sell enough that week, we would go to the flea market and buy more and bring it back to the shop and sell it,” Todd reminisces at 10:24, highlighting their resourcefulness and organic growth strategy.

Overcoming Challenges: The Shed Story

One of the most memorable anecdotes from their early days involves an unexpected logistical hurdle. Initially planning to secure office space above their retail store, they were instead confined to a small metal shed in the parking lot due to subletting complications precipitated by the financial crisis.

“Suddenly we were like, well, I guess our office is in the shed,” Todd explains at 13:09, capturing the improvisational spirit that kept their venture afloat.

Despite the absurdity of managing a design studio in a cramped shed—complete with challenges like taking phone calls during rainstorms—they viewed these obstacles as formative experiences that strengthened their resolve and adaptability.

Growth and Evolution: Expanding Horizons

Fast forward over 20 years, Todd and Amy have transformed their brand into a celebrated entity with larger retail spaces across Los Angeles and a robust e-commerce platform. Amy now spearheads the online side, while Todd dedicates his efforts to expanding their physical stores.

“Our collection is designed to live far beyond just one lifetime,” Amy affirms at 03:05, emphasizing the timeless quality and enduring appeal of their curated products.

Their design firm has also evolved, with Todd transitioning from interior design to focus more on product development and merchandising, a shift he discusses candidly at 16:10.

Symbiotic Partnership: Balancing Friendship and Business

A cornerstone of their success is the unwavering friendship and intuitive understanding they share. Their ability to anticipate each other’s thoughts and decisions fosters a seamless collaboration that is both rare and invaluable.

“It's the special sauce,” Todd emphasizes at 05:46, attributing their harmonious working relationship to their deep personal bond.

To maintain their friendship amidst the demands of running a business, they embark on regular trips together and enjoy activities like pickleball, which Todd mentions at 18:08: “We're doing one this summer. We're going to Copenhagen in Sweden.”

Design Philosophy: Classic with a Twist Meets Rustic Charm

When asked to describe their styles in three words, Todd opts for “rustic, messy, and a little bit of schmance” (02:18), while Amy describes hers as “classic with a twist” (02:57). This complementary blend defines their aesthetic—balancing timeless elegance with eclectic charm.

Ariel notes, “It comes through when you're walking through the shops,” acknowledging how their combined styles create a unique and inviting retail experience.

Their design approach centers on respecting the space’s location and historical context, coupled with an emphasis on personal intuition. Todd shares a relatable moment when hanging artwork in his own home: “Is that kind of thing where you're like, yes, maybe it is level. Yes, the level is saying that it's level. But it's like... it is not level.” (22:04). This illustrates their belief in trusting one's gut over rigid rules to achieve authentic and personalized design.

Inspirations: The World as a Design Playground

Travel stands out as a primary source of inspiration for both Todd and Amy. They draw creative energy from visiting historic homes, flea markets, estate sales, and exploring diverse cultures. Todd recalls his childhood visit to colonial Williamsburg at 30:02: “I just wanted to, like, cook over an open fire,” expressing how such experiences have left an indelible mark on his design sensibility.

Amy adds that real-world exploration is irreplaceable in an age dominated by digital platforms: “Anything to be out in the world is typically where it comes from for me.” (29:19).

Take 10: Personal Favorites and Quirks

Towards the end of the episode, Ariel engages Todd and Amy in a rapid-fire segment, revealing personal tidbits that humanize these design powerhouses:

• Favorite Food: Amy answers “shrimp cocktail” for Todd (32:10).
• Favorite Drink: Amy enjoys a “spicy margarita” (32:25).
• Favorite Film: Todd loves “Phantom Thread” (32:36), while Amy favors “Hand of God” and “Bridesmaids” (33:02).
• Favorite Hotel: Both adore the Hotel Merand Mirand in Avignon, France and are excited about an upcoming trip to Etem in Stockholm (33:54).
• Favorite Playlist: Todd is captivated by a Johnny Greenwood playlist (35:39).
• Favorite Weekend Activity: They enjoy pickleball and a shared hobby they humorously call “Towning”—exploring small towns and their unique offerings (36:32).

Current Endeavors: Lighting Collaboration with Dumae

Exciting developments are on the horizon as Todd and Amy announce a new lighting collaboration with designer Charlie Dumae (38:33). This partnership promises innovative designs that blend their signature styles, set to launch in early October. Todd expresses his enthusiasm: “It's something that I think Amy and I are both really excited about.”

Advice for Aspiring Designers: Trust and Authenticity

In their closing thoughts, Todd and Amy offer valuable advice for those looking to define their own interior style:

• Amy: “Training yourself to go offline and do everything we've talked about on this podcast... would be my tip.” (40:26). She emphasizes the importance of refining one's eye through real-world experiences rather than relying solely on digital inspirations.

• Todd: Advocates for extensive travel and capturing memories without letting the pursuit of the perfect picture overshadow the present moment. “Take lots of pretty pictures... you're not absorbing what you're experiencing.” (40:51).

Ariel acknowledges the profound wisdom in their words, reinforcing the episode's overarching theme of authenticity and personal growth in design.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Creativity and Friendship

Todd Nicki and Amy Kehoe embody the harmonious blend of friendship and business acumen, fostering a design empire that thrives on mutual respect, shared vision, and an unyielding passion for beauty. Their journey from a chance meeting at a dinner party to becoming a design powerhouse serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that ensues when like-minded creatives unite.

“This was such a delight and I feel like I learned so much,” Ariel reflects as the episode wraps up, encapsulating the enriching exchange that listeners are sure to find both inspiring and informative.

Notable Quotes:

• “It's the special sauce.” – Todd Nicki [05:46]
• “Classic with a twist allows for just about anything that I or Todd fall in love with to have a place in our own homes.” – Amy Kehoe [03:05]
• “Suddenly we were like, well, I guess our office is in the shed.” – Todd Nicki [13:09]
• “Anything to be out in the world is typically where it comes from for me.” – Amy Kehoe [29:19]
• “Our collection is designed to live far beyond just one lifetime.” – Amy Kehoe [03:05]

This episode of Talk Shop with Ariel Okin not only delves deep into the professional journey of Todd and Amy but also offers personal insights and actionable advice for aspiring designers. Their story is a blend of resilience, creativity, and enduring friendship, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about interior design and the narratives that shape successful creative ventures.