Meet Samantha O’Leary

We were lucky to catch up with Samantha O’Leary recently and have shared our conversation below.

Samantha, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

For me, imposter syndrome came from constantly raising my own bar. I’ve always chased the next big thing, and in doing so, I sometimes set myself up to feel like I’m never quite ‘there’—especially when I compared myself to peers in the industry. The turning point was realizing that comparison was draining my creativity instead of fueling it. Now, I look to my peers for inspiration rather than as a measuring stick. I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum, and leaning into that has helped. That’s not to say imposter syndrome isn’t still very real—it is. But instead of letting it stop me, I channel that energy into the next exciting project and keep moving forward.

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

I’m Samantha O’Leary, the founder and owner of My Cabinet Girl. After more than a decade in the design and construction industry, specializing in cabinetry, stone, and hard surfaces, I decided to launch my own business to bring a more personal, hands-on approach to remodel projects. I work directly with homeowners, builders, and designers across Long Island and the tri-state area, offering everything from design guidance and product sourcing to construction management consulting.

What excites me most about what I do is the transformation — not just of spaces, but of how clients feel in them. I love taking the overwhelm out of the remodel process and turning it into something exciting and inspiring. Every project is a new creative challenge, whether it’s crafting a custom kitchen, designing a home bar, or reimagining a bathroom.

One of the things I feel makes My Cabinet Girl special is the way I combine big-picture creativity with meticulous attention to detail. I provide detailed install guides, stay involved through site visits, and keep communication clear so everyone on the team — from the contractor to the client — feels supported.

Right now, I’m expanding my collaborations with local builders and contractors, and I recently joined the Lowe’s Creator Program to curate a collection of products that inspire me, personally. We’re also in the process of filing for our NYS MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise) certification, which will open the door to more opportunities to partner on public and private sector projects. My focus for the next year is growing the brand’s reach, building new partnerships, and continuing to deliver high-quality, personalized design solutions that make clients say, ‘Wow.’

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?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been:

Hands-on skills and working knowledge. My dad always involved me in projects growing up — whether it was fixing cars, taping and spackling drywall, or tackling small repairs. I learned how things work before I ever began my formal education or career. Don’t underestimate the value of rolling up your sleeves early on. Shadow someone, volunteer to help on projects, and really get to know the nuts and bolts of the work. That foundation will make you better at problem-solving later.

Creativity and thinking outside the box. Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way to do it. I’ve built my career on reimagining solutions that fit the unique needs of each project. Challenge yourself to look at things from different angles — study trends, learn from other industries, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Communication and relationship-building. In design and construction, technical skills are essential, but your ability to clearly communicate with clients, tradespeople, and vendors can make or break a project. Advice: Practice active listening, be transparent, and learn how to tailor your communication style to different audiences. The stronger your relationships, the smoother your projects will run.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client is someone who values the guidance and experience I bring to the table and is open to suggestion. I especially love working with people who aren’t afraid to make fun and bold choices — whether that’s playing with texture, embracing color, or mixing patterns in unexpected ways.

Looking back at my past projects, the ones with the biggest ‘wow’ factor have always been with clients who trusted the process and were open to change. When a client is willing to step outside their comfort zone, that’s when we can create something truly unique and memorable.

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