We recently connected with Kait Kenobi and have shared our conversation below.
Kait, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I developed my confidence and self-esteem by embracing the very parts of myself I once tried to hide. We grow up in a world that rewards conformity—trends dictate how we dress, what we say, and even what music we listen to. For a long time, I felt stifled, constantly trying to fit in and wondering why it didn’t feel right. It was only when I started to lean into what brought me true joy and energy that I discovered something powerful: the best version of myself is the one that’s unapologetically weird.
As a self-employed designer, I started my career following the lead of others, trying to meet expectations that never quite aligned with my own. But when I began designing from a place of emotion and heart, everything changed. My work took on a life of its own, and clients resonated with the authenticity behind it. That’s when I realized: success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out.
Even in social situations, which I find incredibly uncomfortable, I learned that being unguarded and honest is the key to forming genuine connections. I’m not a fan of small talk or big networking events, so now, I’m upfront about that. It’s disarming to others and creates a bond. It’s funny, but by simply being real, you end up drawing people toward you—people who appreciate your quirks, your enthusiasm, and your passion.
At the end of the day, I love the quote by Mark Twain: “If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” Being yourself, leaning into the things that make you unique, and sharing them with others without fear is the ultimate path to confidence. Passion is contagious, and when you embrace the things that make you different, you invite others to do the same.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I started my career as a graphic designer, drawn to the visual side of things because I’ve always loved aesthetics. But over time, I became fascinated by the psychology behind branding—the way a brand’s strategy can solve real problems and communicate its energy to the world. This led me to dive deeper into brand strategy, where I get to discover the heart of a business and use its values and personality to shape its identity. It’s like solving a puzzle (and boy, do I love puzzles), and the outcome is something both beautiful and deeply meaningful.
What sets my work apart is authenticity. I believe in being completely myself, and I give my clients permission to do the same. My goal is to make branding fun, easy, and rewarding—taking something that can feel overwhelming and turning it into an experience where we’re learning together.
Right now, I’m especially excited about writing a book series that helps business owners find their unique position and fall back in love with their work. I’ve seen firsthand how much joy people get from rediscovering why they started their businesses in the first place, and this series is all about helping them do just that. Out next year!
At the core of everything I do is the belief that people should feel free to be themselves, take risks, and own their brand with confidence. I want my clients to feel like they have someone in their corner for the long haul—someone who’s as invested in their success as they are. My mantra, “No More Boring,” reflects that commitment to breaking out of the mold and doing things differently.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
These three qualities have been essential in my journey:
The anti-imposter syndrome: With the constant comparison on social media, imposter syndrome can creep in easily. But I’ve found that if you’re authentic and honest, you can’t be an imposter. When you’re fully yourself, there’s no need to measure up to anyone else—you’re already enough just as you are. My advice is to focus on being true to who you are, instead of trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Authenticity is your superpower.
Be kind to yourself: It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need to be productive every day, but the reality is, we’re all juggling a million things. We’re not designed to perform at 100% all the time, and that’s okay. Give yourself grace and recognize that some days will be harder than others. If you’re early in your journey, remember to pace yourself and know that taking care of your well-being is just as important as achieving your goals.
Better done than perfect: This phrase has been a lifesaver for me, especially in the creative field where perfectionism can hold you back. It’s tempting to tweak a project endlessly, but at some point, you have to let it out into the world. Done is better than perfect, because nothing will ever be flawless, and your ideas deserve to be seen. So, don’t get stuck waiting for the perfect moment—share your work and grow from there.
For anyone starting their journey, these three things—authenticity, self-compassion, and letting go of perfection—can help you stay grounded and move forward with confidence.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I genuinely find joy in helping people discover momentum and excitement in their business through branding. If you’re an entrepreneur or someone passionate about what you do and ready to invest in taking your brand to the next level, I’d love to collaborate. You can find all the details on my website, midnightgrim.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.midnightgrim.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_midnightgrim
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitkenobi/
- Other: https://dribbble.com/_midnightgrim
Image Credits
Photography by Lucia Wallace
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.