Our new ongoing series, Champions of Design Entrepreneurship, created in partnership with Serena Martin of 24/7 Creative Agency, which offers a rare, intimate look into the minds of industry trailblazers. Featuring first-person accounts from renowned designers, architects, artisans, and industry veterans, each story is a reflection of how they interpret what it means to be both a ‘champion’ and an ‘entrepreneur’ in our field. This fifth installation features interior designer and business coach John McClain:
Primed for success by early career set-backs
I proudly consider myself a champion of design entrepreneurship. After experiencing substantial setbacks in the early part of my career, I decided I would not allow these mistakes to happen to myself or other interior design business owners. I began mentoring designers in a casual way: via texts, DM’s, and in person, but then decided to expand my reach.
So, while continuing to grow my own bi-coastal design offices, I created professional courses and coaching opportunities to reach more entrepreneurs who needed assistance via my company, the Design Success Academy. I also published my first book, The Designer Within, to reach those homeowners who wanted guidance & inspiration in designing spaces in their own homes, but do not have the means to hire a design pro.
I now professionally mentor dozens of interior designers and my online courses have reached thousands. In addition, I volunteer my experience and lessons with free in-person trainings at various design markets, trade shows, and online educational summits. I particularly enjoy partnering with professional organizations such as ASID and IDS. I am a proud member of the ASID Business Management Committee and have served on the ASID Business Advisory Board.
John McClain broadens his outreach
My favorite passion these days is my podcast devoted to interior design entrepreneurship, The Designer Within Podcast. These various entrepreneurial outreach opportunities have enhanced my business and life by allowing me to stay abreast of industry changes for myself and my mentees, as well as increasing my brand visibility and overall industry credibility. But the very best result comes when a fellow designer says that my words have allowed them to grow their business in ways that they never even knew possible; and that’s worth it all. | Learn more about John McClain, his book and design business by visiting him online here.
