I've assisted in building businesses since I was 17 years old. In that time, I've grown up alongside every brand I've touched, and Residence Supply is no exception. We're still a young company, but these past three years have felt like a period of real growth, not just for the business, but for me.
Even now, at 28, I sometimes joke that I haven't really grown up and that I'm still the same kid many of our customers first met years ago. The difference is that I've become far more intentional about what I'm building. Growing up, my favorite subjects were history and literature. Looking back, I can see how much those interests still shape the way I think about design today. More than ever, I'm drawn to the stories behind objects, buildings, and places. That's why architecture matters so much to me as a source of inspiration.
I come from a background heavily rooted in real estate, and that world taught me to understand the economics behind every design decision. Every dollar matters. Material selections, labor costs, construction timelines, everything is a calculated liability. Because of that, taking risks with color, pattern, or unconventional materials is often a luxury many developers and investors simply can't justify. Maybe that's exactly why I still like to take advantage of what I call the privilege of careless youth. In my opinion, the most compelling architecture is shaped by its owner's passions. One of my favorite examples is the Morgan Library & Museum. Until you step inside, it's difficult to fully grasp the depth of Morgan's love for knowledge. More than a century later, the space still communicates that passion with remarkable clarity. It reminds me that great design isn't simply about aesthetics; it's about creating something that reveals who you are.
As cliché as it sounds, I'm very conscious of preserving a sense of enjoyment in the creative process. I still make things that make me smile. I still find humor in what I do. If you can't look back and laugh at yourself a little, what's the point?
Like any young company, Residence Supply's initial focus was survival and growth. Profitability had to come first. That never stopped me from pushing for stronger visuals or advocating for more creativity, but I understood those things couldn't always be the immediate priority.
Today, we're finally moving in a direction where the brand can stand for something.
I love the idea of building a brand whose design language reflects my genuine fascination with interiors while retaining a sense of playfulness. Too often, contemporary spaces feel monochromatic, overly restrained, and sterile. I want to push against that. Through color, pattern, texture, materiality, and personality.
I'm incredibly grateful for the talented individuals I have the privilege of working with every day — including my longtime partner in this, Jacky. Residence Supply has never been built by a single person. It's the result of shared ideas, different perspectives, and a collective passion for creating something lasting.
—Cat
