Meet Caity Smithson

We recently connected with Caity Smithson and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Caity, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

As a woman with a degree in construction management, entering a predominantly male workforce often left me feeling out of place. Transitioning to interior design without a formal degree in the field only intensified these feelings of inadequacy, especially as I embarked on starting my own business. However, I realized that overcoming imposter syndrome was a journey built on small, incremental steps.

Each project I participated in, each bit of experience I accumulated, and each client who believed in me played a crucial role in building my confidence. The trust people placed in me, starting with small projects and gradually growing to larger ones, reinforced my capabilities and helped me see my worth.

Through these experiences, I learned that confidence is the cornerstone of overcoming imposter syndrome. It’s not about having all the qualifications from the start but about growing through every opportunity and recognizing the value in your contributions.

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 reside in Michigan and founded Mae Proper Interiors two years ago. Prior to launching my business, I worked as both a project manager and an interior designer. I hold a bachelor’s degree in construction management, a field I initially pursued without realizing it would eventually lead me to my true passion—interior design. My journey has been shaped by discovering what I didn’t want to do, which helped me find the path I am truly passionate about.

I draw heavy inspiration from the outdoors, infusing my designs with a touch of European aesthetic. My focus is on residential and light commercial projects, with a specialization in new construction, remodels, and space planning.

The name ‘Mae’ holds significant personal meaning, derived from generations before me and also being my middle name. Family is incredibly important to me, and I believe that design is fundamentally about creating spaces where families can come together and thrive. Mae Proper Interiors was founded on this very principle.

Recently, we opened our office in the heart of downtown Iron Mountain, a milestone that has filled us with excitement and pride. We have several new and exciting projects in the pipeline, and we are thrilled to continue growing and expanding our reach.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are communication, intuition, and a keen eye for detail. Effective communication has been crucial in building strong relationships with clients and contractors. Being accessible and transparent has fostered trust and ensured that projects run smoothly.

Trusting my gut has played a significant role in my career. My intuition, driven by passion and a sense of purpose, has guided me through many pivotal decisions. Staying true to myself and following the path that felt right has been essential to my success.

My observant nature and a keen eye for detail have been invaluable in delivering high-quality work. Paying attention to the small details makes the biggest difference in the outcome of a project.

For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing change and staying flexible. The journey of building a business is full of unexpected twists and turns, and being adaptable and open to new opportunities will help you navigate challenges and grow. Persistence is key to overcoming setbacks. Stay committed to your goals, and view challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. Lastly, paying attention to the small details often makes the biggest difference in the final outcome. Regularly review your work, seek feedback, and continuously refine your skills to set yourself apart.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, there are a few strategies I rely on to regain my composure. First and foremost, I find it helpful to express my feelings. Talking about what is overwhelming me allows me to process and understand the root cause of my stress.

Taking a break from the source of my overwhelm is also crucial. If work is the issue, I often grab my pup and take a walk outside to clear my mind and reset.

Ultimately, identifying the source of my stress and addressing it directly is what helps me return to a calmer state. Confronting the issue head-on usually brings me back to a better place mentally and emotionally.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Sam Williams
Rachael Tefft

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