We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maru McHenry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maru below.
Maru, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I recently heard this quote, Now that you are here, what are you going to do with it? can’t remember who said it…. but it transformed how I show up, I’m always the only one that looks like me, only woman in the architectural or construction meeting, or philanthropy, and I always think of making space for others that will come after me. No it’s not easy and it’s isolating but I’m here, they will have to deal with me as I am and I’m going to use this opportunity and then I just do my best. I don’t care about what others think of me… I’m here.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I have over 24 years of experience as an Interior Designer and Architect, both in Chicago and Louisville, KY. I’ve had my own Interior Design Studio for twelve of those years. I understand the construction process, how to collaborate with contractor’s and work with my clients on their Design Journey. I studied Architecture and graduated from the University of the Andes in Merida.
Based in Louisville Kentucky, M M Design, LLC is an Interior Design Studio for homeowners that want a beautiful and functional home where they can relax and create memories!
I’m from Merida, Venezuela and have lived in the USA for 32 years. I love spending time with my husband Steve, my two daughters and my furbaby Teddy. When I’m not working or being a busy mom, I love having coffee with friends, running with Teddy and learning as much as I can to keep up with this ever changing world!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey are: -Take things slow, thinking about what I’m doing. Be careful with your money, save!
-Don’t give up, success is not always about money, but how beautiful your life is.
-Forgive quickly and move on, life is too short. This is not an easy one!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Atomic Habits, I read it all the time. The biggest thing I got from this book is, Be consistent and know what you want, tune everything else out and work hard.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mm-design.co/
- Instagram: @marumchenrydesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marumchenrydesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmdesign-lou/
Main Photo: Maria Ines Fuenmayor
