In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, I’m joined by nationally recognized designer, TV personality, and NKBA Person of the Year Alena Capra — a powerhouse in the world of interior design and brand partnerships.
We’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving design brand from the ground up — one that’s respected, recognizable, and rooted in authenticity.
Alena and I dive into:
- 🌟 How to find your niche and use it to stand out in a crowded design industry
- 🤝 The secret to landing brand partnerships and ambassadorships (even when you’re just starting out)
- 🧠 Why consistency and visibility are key to building a trusted design brand
- 💬 How to create lasting relationships with showrooms, reps, and other designers
- 💡 What it means to evolve your brand intentionally — and how to keep your creative passion alive while doing it
Whether you’re an emerging designer dreaming of partnerships with your favorite brands, or an established pro looking to grow your visibility and influence, this episode is full of insight, laughter, and real-world wisdom from two designers who’ve walked the walk.
✨ Connect with Alena Capra
🔗 Website: alenacapradesigns.com
📸 Instagram: @alenacapradesign
Design feels natural. Business doesn’t. And that is frustrating.
Design Success Academy was created to help interior designers finally feel confident running the business side of their work.
Inside the program, you’ll learn how to price with clarity, create simple systems, position yourself professionally, and build a business that actually supports your creativity.
👉 Learn more: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/dsa
🌟 For all things John and The McClain Method, head to: www.mcclainmethod.com https://mcclainmethod.com/ for information on coaching, memberships, & more!
📕 Order a signed copy of John's book: The Designer Within (or purchase anywhere books are sold!) https://johnmcclaindesign.com/designerwithin
Connect With John!
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@mcclainjohn
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mcclainmethod
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejohnmcclain/
Popular Podcasts
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
The Brothers Ortiz
The Brothers Ortiz is the story of two brothers–both successful, but in very different ways. Gabe Ortiz becomes a third-highest ranking officer in all of Texas while his younger brother Larry climbs the ranks in Puro Tango Blast, a notorious Texas Prison gang. Gabe doesn’t know all the details of his brother’s nefarious dealings, and he’s made a point not to ask, to protect their relationship. But when Larry is murdered during a home invasion in a rented beach house, Gabe has no choice but to look into what happened that night. To solve Larry’s murder, Gabe, and the whole Ortiz family, must ask each other tough questions.