Kitchen & Bath Business - October 2020 - 64

LAST WORD

Talk about your role as president of the BIDN.

THRIVING IN
CHANGING TIMES
A d e s i g n e r d i s c u s s e s f i n d i n g i n s p i r a t i o n n o w,
encouraging diversity and learning to adapt

DENVER-BASED DESIGNER KEIA MCSWAIN is no stranger to leading a
team in hard times. Her mentor - the late designer Kimberly Ward - taught
her the ropes of the trade while fighting against cancer. After Ward passed
away in 2017, McSwain took over both Kimberly + Cameron Interiors as
senior designer and the Black Interior Designers Network (BIDN) as president. With an eclectic and refined style, McSwain has grown in the industry
as a passionate and creative professional unafraid of evolving and adapting.

Where are you finding inspiration for your designs now?

"It's been quite the journey finding inspiration during a pandemic. We're so
spoiled with trade shows, markets and design centers. I've reverted back to the
old way of sourcing by flipping through catalogs and ordering more samples
than needed. I'm immersing myself and gaining inspiration through the art,
culture, fashion and the designs of both colleagues and strangers. I'm consistently reflecting on both the tangible and intangible to keep me motivated."

ABOVE McSwain and her team

incorporated color and mixed
elements in the den space. It
was important that the family
felt the comfortability of the
space versus the aesthetic
taking the reins. Photo by
Rayon Richards
Headshot credit:
OW Photography

What is your best tip for running a successful business, in both good times and bad?

"You need to learn how to adapt quickly. Don't be afraid to vet your clients,
incorporate different systems you have yet to try and read as much as possible.
Those who adapt thrive, and those who don't may get left behind.The Greek
philosopher Heraclitus has said,'Change is the only thing that is constant in
life.' I have found that to be very true."

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64_KBB_1020_LastWord.indd 64

By ERINN LOUCKS

"My most important role has been to make sure
that our industry is very aware of it and what we
do to serve our members. We are a non-profit
organization that provides opportunities and
networking experiences to designers who range
in their level of experience. I'm consistently advocating for our community, whether that means
conducting educational interviews with media
outlets, developing new programs or events for
our members or working with organizations and
design brands to craft specific opportunities that
benefit our community."
For industry colleagues who are looking for
ways to support diversity in our field, I always say
to start small and work your way out. Do you see
diversity within your immediately colleagues? If
not, that's where change should start.
What is the most important lesson you've learned
throughout your career?

"I should always listen to my gut and never fear a
little bit more research."
As you look ahead, where do you see the most opportunity to grow?

"Personally, I'm excited to wake up each day with
a new color story, plan or scheme. I think business
and the beauty of it revolves around evolution.
I'm working to engrave my love for service and
design. I'll never lose my creativity. I consider myself a blooming artist.There are no challenges that
could discourage me from the personal journey
fit specifically for me. I'd love the opportunity to
invest more time with the black design youth.
Mentorship in this industry is important. What
better way to guide than to guide young aspiring
designers who look like me?"


/ OCTOBER 2020 / KBBONLINE.COM / The official publication of NKBA (NKBA.org) and KBIS (KBIS.com)

9/15/20 7:03 PM

http://www.KBBONLINE.COM http://www.NKBA.org http://www.KBIS.com

Kitchen & Bath Business - October 2020

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