Building a Thriving Interior Design Business Solo Tips
Building a Thriving Interior Design Business Solo
What if being overlooked was the best thing that ever happened to your business?
When Wandra Cain walked into showrooms and got ignored, she didn’t flinch—she made a mental note. That “Pretty Woman” moment stuck with her, not as a grievance, but as fuel. She’d always had a sharp eye and a natural gift for pulling beauty out of limitation, but that experience sharpened her resolve to create a design business that didn’t ask for permission to be taken seriously. She built WCA Interiors from the ground up, not with flashy backing or a big team, but with intention, consistency, and a deep belief that her work belonged, regardless of who initially acknowledged it.
Her journey to building a thriving design business solo started with pivots. From corporate desk jobs to cosmetology school, and eventually earning her interior design degree while working full-time, she followed the tug toward creativity even when the path looked unclear. Early projects tested her—contractors challenged her decisions, budgets fell apart, and she didn’t always know how to protect her time or profit. But instead of hiding the hard parts, she leaned in. Every mistake became a tool. Every misstep taught her how to run a better project, have firmer boundaries, and value her own expertise.
What sets Wandra apart is her ability to show up with humility and confidence simultaneously. She leads projects with warmth, listens deeply to clients, and isn’t afraid to say no when the fit or the numbers are off. Even with over 11,000 Instagram followers, she’s more focused on building genuine relationships—online and off—than chasing engagement. For her, design isn’t about ego or aesthetic signatures; it’s about helping people feel truly at home in their spaces. The business didn’t happen overnight. It was ten years of quiet hustle, small wins, big learning curves, and showing up again the next day.
You’ll learn:
How to lead projects (and set boundaries) when contractors push back
Why visibility matters—and how Wandra handled being underestimated
Systems and client processes that helped her turn a hobby into a real business
What she’s doing now to market her firm without burning out on Instagram
If you’re an interior designer looking to grow a business that reflects who you are—and makes money doing it—this episode will help you get there.
Listen now and remember: being underestimated might be your greatest edge.
([0:00]) The “Pretty Woman” moment that shaped Wandra’s mindset
([0:50]) Wandra’s origin story and entering the interior design world
([4:40]) Why representation in the design industry matters
([12:30]) Pivoting from cosmetology to design and going back to school
([15:50]) Learning the hard way: pricing, client management, and early business mistakes
([22:40]) Building confidence and refining systems and client processes
([30:50]) Grassroots marketing, networking, and digital growth
About Wandra Cain
Wandra Cain is the founder and principal designer of WCA Interiors, a full-service interior design firm based in Easton, Pennsylvania. With a focus on creating refined yet livable luxury, Wandra believes that a well-designed home should serve as a sanctuary, capturing the spirit of the client and enhancing their lifestyle. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, ensuring each space reflects its inhabitants’ unique personalities and needs.
Instagram: @wcainteriors
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