Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Courtney Petrin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Courtney, 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.
Imposter syndrome was something relatively new for me. I never experienced that feeling in my previous career in Clinical psychology. I went to college for many years and it felt like a stamp of approval; like yes you’re ready to do this; you are qualified. With becoming a designer and having no formal training at all; it was the complete opposite for me. I did not have any esteemed professors telling me I was qualified or several degrees saying I’ve earned this title. It took me time and experience to keep pushing past that feeling of imposter syndrome. I don’t know if it’s something you ever get over. I feel like it’s part of how I can evaluate myself and keep myself in check. I try to allow it to propel me and not hinder me. Despite whether or not I was always 100 confident in my skills; I always put myself out there. I always keep learning and bettering myself. I think it can actually give you an edge. It keeps you sharp when you constantly feel like you have something to prove. I never took on a design project thinking “ oh I’ve totally got this” I’ve always took the stance of what can I learn, how can I prepare, how can I excel?
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’m the co-owner, creative director and designer of our renovation and design firm located in Siesta Key, FL. What we are able to do is extremely rewarding, challenging and exciting. Every project, scope of work and client is different. I always feel challenged and that I can evolve as a brand and person. Our brand is focused on creating a full experience and lifestyle through home. We value creating highly customized spaces tailored to our clients needs through our lens. We provide a one stop shop and fully hands on personal experience to our clients. We have started focusing more and more on full home renovations and building our audience through our online journal on our website. I discuss everything from home, fashion, local gems and self care.
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?
I believe the three areas that impacted me most were beginning with flipping our own properties before becoming a client focused firm. It was very essential in showcasing our work and ability to renovate and design large scale projects. It was also impactful to be in the consumers position and learn from that point of view. We also built a great team through that experience. I think learning how to be a leader is also essential. How you drive the business, the brand, how you motivate others and keep this projects moving forward. Lastly, being patient and good with people I think is key in any profession. If you can learn to listen without ego, acquire a calm disposition and respond instead of react; You will definitely excel in any area or field. I truly think 80 percent of success is your ability to work with people.
Tell us what your ideal client would be like?
Our ideal client is someone who is open and ready to create a highly customized home. We don’t look for folks with the biggest budgets but rather folks of high character and appreciative of our process is key. They are patient and trust the process. They are interested in taking risks and pushing themselves a bit outside of their comfort zone. They communicate well and can be decisive with support. We work with young professionals, families and empty nesters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.savannahshomeanddesign.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/savannahs_home_and_design?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
Image Credits
Beckah Lee photography
