We recently connected with Cate Holcombe and have shared our conversation below.
Cate, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Consciously building confidence and self esteem is an ongoing task for me. It’s definitely not something that comes easily or naturally, and I’ve learned that it’s a skill that needs to be honed. Taking risks and putting myself in situations that are out of my comfort zone allows me to stretch my skills and talents. I end up proving to myself that I can do something that may have seemed out of reach. It’s that realization that builds confidence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I bring ease and clarity to decorating your home through full service interior decorating and online courses. I operate through the lens of intentionally designing homes that are authentic to the client’s personality, functional for their daily lives, aesthetically sustainable, and delightful. I focus on keeping the hard fixtures and finishes timeless, and getting more creative with the decorating. This allows the client’s style to more easily evolve over time, without the need to renovate or make big changes.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Being a creative problem solver has saved me more than once. When a challenge or road block appears, I love to think creatively about how to approach it. Having limitations (whether it be budgetary or the size of a particular room, or in working within strict HSA parameters for instance) forces you to find solutions you may not have otherwise considered. This most often results in an incredible, unique final product.
I often struggle with making connections and networking with other professionals. Though, each time I’ve done so, I end up making meaningful connections and building my support network. As unappealing as it sounds, getting uncomfortable, and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone….that’s where the growth and magic lie.
I also have found that dropping perfectionist tendencies is greatly beneficial. Our instinct is to wait until things are “just right” before launching, or publishing, or presenting. But, the truth is, we really only learn by doing. We must simply begin, and that may mean putting less than perfect work out there, but by doing so, we learn in leaps and bounds.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am working on a new project that will expand the online teaching side of my business. I want to reach a wider base of people, and offer my unique approach to design to anyone who is interested. I would love to collaborate with other creators or home professionals (builders, real estate agents, etc) via podcast interviews, cross-posting on blogs, in-person events, etc. Please email info@cateholcombe.com if you are interested.
Contact Info:
- Website:cateholcombe.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/cateholcombeinteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cateholcombeinteriors
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cateholcombeinteriors/
Image Credits
Photos by Cat Nguyen
