1047: NeKeia McSwain: Saying No to Say Yes: Lessons on Alignment and Leadership

Today With NeKeia McSwain: In today’s episode of A Well Designed Business, I sit down with the inspiring NeKeia McSwain, a trailblazer in the interior design industry. NeKeia shares her journey of embracing authenticity and the importance of showing up as your true self in both personal and professional settings. We dive deep into her experiences, discussing the challenges and triumphs she’s faced in an industry that can sometimes prioritize facade over genuine connection. NeKeia emphasizes the value of building supportive circles and the need for emotional intelligence in our interactions, whether with clients, industry peers, or brand partners. Join us as we explore how to navigate the complexities of the design world while remaining true to ourselves. NeKeia's insights remind us that authenticity is not just a personal mantra but a vital element in creating meaningful relationships and successful collaborations. Tune in to discover how you can apply these lessons in your own journey and foster a community where everyone can thrive. More About NeKeia McSwain NeKeia ‘Keia’ McSwain is an award-winning interior designer, product designer, and Principal of NeKeia & Co., a full-service luxury design firm specializing in the marriage of functionality and stunningly custom interiors. Her creative projects often incorporate eye-popping colors and textures that are as unique as each client's. Born in the Southeast and based in Denver, CO, Keia has designed residential and commercial customers across the U.S. Most recently, Keia has furthered her talents in the world of product design with her inaugural collection of handmade leather artisanal lighting called ‘The NeKeia Collection’ for Ngala Trading. She has been prominently featured across the pages of The Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, Architectural Digest, Forbes, and LUXE Magazine to name a few, and was named an Emerging Star by Architectural Digest and People to Watch by Designers Today. An activist and pioneer for diversity in design, Keia serves as the President of Black Interior Designers Inc., the nation’s largest and longest-established organization for designers of color. In this role, Keia uses her voice to elevate those who are traditionally marginalized, particularly black interior designers and aspiring design professionals, through a supportive community that exposes, encourages, and empowers black interior designers with personal and professional growth opportunities. Connect with NeKeia McSwain Website Instagram The NeKeia Collection for Ngala Trading Black Interior Designers Network What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design LuAnn University – Registration Open!