The Spiritual Hustler Podcast

Episode: Out with the Morning Routine, in with Functional Closet Design: What a Female Entrepreneur Actually Needs

Host: Jessica Zweig
Guest: Lana Reed (Director of Design & Sales, California Closets Nashville)
Date: October 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode reframes the traditional concept of the “morning routine” for ambitious women, focusing instead on the power of intentional, functional closet design as a foundation for a successful entrepreneurial (and personal) life. Host Jessica Zweig and guest Lana Reed explore how the spaces we inhabit—especially our closets—profoundly impact our energy, confidence, organization, and daily mindset. The episode blends practical design advice, personal stories of transformation, and a deep dive into the culture and core values that drive both personal and business growth, highlighting the role of authentic relationships in lasting success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reframing “Hustle” and the Power of Environment

• Jessica introduces the ethos of the podcast: hustling from a place of meaning, love, and feminine magnetism rather than survival and fear.
  • “We don’t hustle for money. We hustle for meaning... We hustle for humanity’s thriving.” – Jessica (00:34)
• The environment—especially our closets—can energize and inspire us, serving as a morning and evening ritual space.
• Building a home (and especially a closet) becomes a metaphor for giving oneself permission to “dream bigger.”

2. Lana Reed’s Journey: Reinvention at 50 and the Power of Alignment

• Lana shares openly about turning 60 and the awareness that came with it (12:15):
  • “I want that to matter. I probably want it to matter more than my first 60 years here.” – Lana (13:25)
• Lana discusses her career path: after a 17-year hiatus to raise her daughters, she re-entered the workforce at 50 by joining California Closets, emphasizing family, faith, timing, and following one’s passion.
  • “The biggest part I can say is that we were aligned, you know, the company, what the company does is aligned with who I am.” – Lana (19:45)

3. Business Culture, Core Values, and Community Impact

• Jessica and Lana agree: culture is not an empty slogan; it must be embodied by action and leadership.
• Core values at California Closets Nashville: professionalism, integrity, reliability, imagination, and community giving.
  • “It’s not just designing better lives for our customers... but also for the community of people who are starting over.” – Lana (21:45)
• Notable company rituals: Shopping for Salvation Army Angel Tree, Habitat for Humanity builds, and direct community involvement.

4. Authenticity & Relationships as the True Business Differentiator

• Jessica reflects that the team environment and genuine care at California Closets made her want to work with them beyond the product.
  • “It was the experience I had working with you as human beings... and I think that's tried and true for any client experience.” – Jessica (57:15)
• Lana speaks with pride about her team, the culture of mutual support, and how this culture creates “bookended” excellence—from design to installation.
  • “Our installers are really our secret sauce.” – Lana (37:52)

5. Closet Design: Functionality, Aesthetics, and Universality

• California Closets serves all budgets and projects—closets, garages, pantries, offices, and more (32:01).
• The process:
  • Free consultation (32:26)
  • Deep discovery conversation about needs, wants, and aesthetic
  • 3D renderings
  • Multiple collaborative iterations before contract (34:00)
• Key design principle: radical listening and customization for each client (31:25)
  • “Listening is a key, important part of our training.” – Lana (31:27)

6. Takeaways for Listeners: Organizing and Loving Your Closet

• Lana’s rule: Function first—organization is the foundation for empowered mornings (42:06)
• Practical advice:
  • Organize by function and color.
  • Declutter regularly: Keep a donation bag in your closet! (48:21)
  • Inventory your clothing to discover surplus and let go.
  • Even small spaces can be transformative; the smaller the space, the greater the potential impact (44:52).
• Designing your closet is designing your life:
  • “The little things are the big things.” – Jessica (56:29)

7. Staying Authentic Amidst Trends

• While California Closets stays on top of national and global trends (like new finishes, e.g., Desert Agave green), the goal is always a space that reflects the client’s personality.
  • “Your space should just be reflective of you, and you are the trend.” – Jessica (52:01)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “When you walk in every day, you’ll know: This is me. And I get to live this.” — Lana (54:19)
• On company culture:
  • “I realized then, myself as an owner of a business, that if my core values were to be in place, they weren’t just going to mean something, they were going to mean everything.” – Jessica (23:05)
• On relationship-driven business:
  • “It’s not about the transaction; it’s about the relationship.” – Jessica (36:03)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 11:33 – Jessica welcomes Lana and begins with existential/spiritual reflections on life transitions.
• 15:02 – Lana details her journey back to work at 50, emphasizing alignment and fulfillment.
• 20:45 – The core values and culture behind California Closets Nashville.
• 26:59 – How to develop brand values and slogans that resonate.
• 31:25 – The importance of listening in client design.
• 32:26 – Step-by-step walkthrough of the client experience, from first call to installation.
• 42:06 – Lana’s advice for anyone who wants to love and optimize their own closet.
• 48:21 – The ongoing “purge” process: keeping a donation bag in the closet.
• 49:56 – Discussion of design trends and California Closets’ commitment to staying fresh.
• 58:29 – Quick-fire “Spiritual Hustler” round (favorite spiritual/business books, beliefs).

Lightning Round: Lana’s Quick-Fire Answers

• Favorite spiritual book: Jesus Calling (58:39)
• Favorite business thinker: Brené Brown (59:08)
• Guiding archetype/angel: Jesus/Christ consciousness (60:37)
• On “new Earth” co-creation:
  • “God put us on this earth to make a difference and bring light to people that are struggling... I believe there’s a purpose for that.” – Lana (61:12)

Closing Insights

• The most “functional” closet is an act of self-love and an energetic foundation for the day.
• A values-driven, relationship-focused approach—in business and in life—magnifies success, retention, and joy.
• The “little things” in design and leadership (from laundry pull-outs to team culture rituals) are often the most transformative.
• It is never too late to reinvent your life or career; fulfillment comes from courage, purpose, and connection.

To connect with California Closets Nashville or learn more about Jessica Zweig and The Spiritual Hustler podcast, check the show notes for links and resources.