Meet Karen Abate

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Karen Abate. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Karen below.

 Karen, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something we now have words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I’m not sure you ever completely “overcome” imposter syndrome, but with age I have learned to appreciate my skill set for it’s uniqueness. I realized relatively quickly in starting my own business that I am qualified to be in “the room” and help guide my client’s through the interior design process. As females, we love to underestimate our talents, and assume “everyone can do it” but my very first client helped me see that’s just not true. She was a successful accountant who knew numbers better than I ever would, but she could not see the difference between white and cream paint. So there you have it, we all have our strengths!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

After experiencing the instability and burnout of the tech industry, I knew it was time for a change. I had been toying with the idea of a career in interior design for years, but it took that final layoff to push me to take the plunge. With a little severance and a strong desire to explore something new, I spent six months testing the waters, working on interiors for friends and family. I was worried that turning my passion into a job might ruin it, but I loved every minute! So, on January 1, 2024, I officially launched Nomada Design. This has been a year of experimentation and learning. From testing out theories on how to find leads, to most recently creating a “pop-up” market with some of my favorite vintage home decor finds. With Nomada Design, the dream is to support a life for myself while creating beautiful, unique homes for my clients. Whether you’re ready to start a project or just curious about where the story goes from here, follow me on IG @nomadadesign.co!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been tenacity, patience, and networking.

Tenacity is essential. Challenges can feel overwhelming, but staying determined is key. For those starting out, embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and break tasks into smaller steps to celebrate progress.

Patience is equally important. Success takes time, and it’s easy to feel discouraged. Focus on building your skills and trust the process; every small step contributes to your overall growth.

Networking has also been invaluable. Building relationships opened doors for me. Attend events in your community, engage on social media, and seek partnerships (in my case, realtors, contractors etc). Remember, networking is about creating mutually beneficial relationships.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I take a step back and prioritize. I make a list of tasks, focusing on the most urgent ones, and break them into smaller, manageable steps. I also take a moment to step away from my work and reset my focus.

I recommend establishing a routine, setting boundaries, and taking regular breaks to recharge. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when needed. Finding healthy coping strategies that work for you is key! Being a small business owner isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace challenges head-on. Each day brings new hurdles, but the rewards of pursuing your passion and making an impact can be incredibly fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nomadadesign.co
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadadesign.co
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-abate

Image Credits

Photographer: Connor Reidy