ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka - #9: Ep 245 When You Love What You Do, it Rarely Feels Like Work with Stephanie Caldero

🔖 Titles

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1. Finding Passion in Design: How Stephanie Caldero Turned Her Hobby into a Full-Time Business 2. Redesigning Lives: Stephanie Caldero's Mission to Create Beautiful Spaces for Children in Need 3. ADHD, Design, and the Power of a Supportive Podcast: Stephanie Caldero's Journey 4. From Marketing to Interior Design: Stephanie Caldero's Inspiring Career Transformation 5. Creating Joyful Spaces: Stephanie Caldero on Using Design to Positively Impact Children's Lives 6. Unleashing Creativity with ADHD: Stephanie Caldero's Success Story in Interior Design 7. The Intersection of Passion and Work: Stephanie Caldero's Journey as an Interior Designer 8. Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives: Stephanie Caldero's Impactful Design Projects 9. Designing with Purpose: How Stephanie Caldero Found Fulfillment in Creating Beautiful Environments 10. ADHD and the Journey to Design: Stephanie Caldero's Path to Professional Success

💬 Keywords

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sales and marketing manager, restaurant, Uptown Charlotte, holiday season, corporate events, staying focused, interrupted, general practitioner, ADHD test, diagnosed with ADHD, hyperactive, medication, dose, side effects, podcast, brain, designers, travel, Pinterest, Instagram, style, family functions, client preferences, Anna Gaines, children's shelter project, remodeling organization, common areas, kid spaces, meeting space, sitting area, gray, drab, sad, positive impact, mentality, seamstress, fabric business, sewing, decorating, design style, courses, boutique design firm, college, SUNY, Fredonia, communications, practical alternative, college major, learning, industry knowledge, vendors, education, new builds, renovations, surroundings, messy environment, Oprah, family, Instagram page, virtual design, e-design, pandemic, full-service design projects, measuring, procuring, delivering, installing, styling, reveal days, admin role, senior designer, taste, ideas, revenue, business

ℹ️ Introduction

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Welcome back to another episode of ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka! In today's episode, titled "When You Love What You Do, it Rarely Feels Like Work," we have a very special guest, Stephanie Caldero. Stephanie is a self-made, self-taught interior designer based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Join us as Stephanie shares her journey from working in sales and marketing at a popular restaurant to becoming a successful interior designer and owning her own boutique design firm. Stephanie's story is not only inspiring, but it also sheds light on the unique challenges and strengths that come with having ADHD. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into this fascinating conversation with Stephanie Caldero.

📚 Timestamped overview

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02:49 Self-made interior designer from Buffalo, NY.

05:28 Diagnosed with ADHD after listening to podcast.

08:41 Gifted program, struggle with core subjects.

13:40 Early passion for design, pursued communications instead.

15:29 "Discovering passion through career exploration and ADHD."

18:35 Structure, routine, lists, reminders keep me focused.

22:50 Trust yourself, build confidence, find happiness. (7 words)

27:52 Country living inspires interior decor transformation.

30:50 Family, time, and learning shape my business.

35:06 Family moves to Charlotte, sparks design business.

38:04 ADHD people find solace in immersive processes.

41:30 Pinterest, Instagram important for finding designers. Know your clients' style preferences.

47:08 Redesigning spaces in children's shelter for impact.

50:03 Understanding, diligence, structure, grace, positivity, beneficial journey.

52:20 Tag good photos, don't use captions.

❓ Questions

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1. How did Stephanie Caldero's experience working as a sales and marketing manager at a restaurant contribute to her struggle with ADHD? 2. How did Stephanie's diagnosis of ADHD challenge her preconceived notions of what ADHD looks like? 3. What role did medication play in helping Stephanie manage her ADHD symptoms during a busy holiday season? How did she handle the side effects of the medication? 4. How did discovering the ADHD for Smart Ass Women podcast change Stephanie's perspective on her own brain and help her learn more about ADHD? 5. How did Stephanie's love for design and her familial background in sewing and decorating influence her career path? 6. In what ways does Stephanie continue to learn and improve her design skills? How does she stay up to date with industry trends and best practices? 7. What inspired Stephanie to undertake the project of redesigning common areas in a local shelter for children? What impact does she hope to make through this project? 8. How has Stephanie's business evolved since she started pursuing interior design as a full-time career? What challenges has she faced and how has she overcome them? 9. How does Stephanie's focus on creating spaces that evoke positive emotions and excitement for her clients align with her own experience of the impact of environment on mood and motivation? 10. How has Stephanie's decision to hire an employee impacted her business and productivity? What benefits does she see in delegating tasks and focusing on generating more business?

❇️ Key topics and bullets

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Topic: Speaker's experience in the restaurant industry and ADHD diagnosis - Working as a sales and marketing manager at a popular restaurant in Uptown Charlotte - Struggling to stay focused and being constantly interrupted during the busy holiday season - Visiting a general practitioner who referred them for an ADHD test - Initial disbelief in the ADHD diagnosis due to not fitting the stereotype of hyperactivity - Taking medication to cope with the holiday season but experiencing side effects from a high dose Topic: Discovery of ADHD through a podcast and self-education - Finding a podcast in 2020 that made them realize they had ADHD - Regularly listening and learning about their own brain through the podcast - Learning about ADHD and its impact on their life and work Topic: Designing for children in a local shelter - Being inspired by a children's shelter project on HGTV's Anna Gaines - Approaching a remodeling organization with the idea to change the lives of children in a local shelter - Designing four common areas in the shelter, including two kid spaces, a meeting space, and a sitting area - Describing the current spaces as gray, drab, and sad, and how this can negatively impact the shelter's occupants - Creating spaces that the children would be excited to come back to, with new toys and matching elements Topic: Speaker's background and evolution in design - Having a grandmother who was a seamstress and owned a fabric business - Learning a lot from their grandmother and mother about sewing and decorating - Their decorating style evolving over time - Constantly learning and taking courses to improve their skills - Surrounding themselves in the design environment to evolve their business Topic: Stephanie Caldero's journey as an interior designer - Growing up in Buffalo, New York, and attending college at SUNY Fredonia - Working multiple marketing jobs while pursuing interior design as a side hustle - Interior design becoming Stephanie's main hustle in 2019 - Owning a boutique design firm in Charlotte with one full-time employee - Crediting the podcast ADHD for Smart Ass Women for helping her learn about herself and her neurodivergent brain Topic: College experience and learning process for the speaker - Choosing a practical major in communications and public relations due to financial constraints and the lack of a strong design program at Fredonia - Finding communications and public relations somewhat creative and performing better in related courses - Believing that retaining small details in memory helps with learning and applying them in the design process Topic: Importance of vendor relationships and education - Depending on vendors for education and learning, especially during new builds or renovations - Selecting vendors that are educational and provide recommendations and information about products - The importance of retaining information from vendors to answer client questions in the future Topic: Impact of surroundings on mood and motivation - Discussing the impact of a messy environment with suitcases everywhere - Believing that waking up to a beautiful environment sets the day in a positive direction - Referencing Oprah discussing the importance of one's environment - Involvement of the speaker's family in moving and selecting things for their home Topic: Transition to full-time interior designing and virtual design services - Starting an Instagram page for virtual design (e-design) in late 2019, which gained popularity during the pandemic - Quitting the job and taking on full-time, full-service design projects - Providing services like measuring, designing, procuring items, delivering, installing, and styling the space - Finding the reveal days, when the family sees their fully decorated home for the first time, to be the most fulfilling Topic: The value of delegation and hiring the right person - Hiring someone initially for an admin role, but they quickly took on responsibilities of a senior designer - Appreciating having someone else handle tasks while away from the computer - Considering the person crucial to the success of the business - Believing that hiring someone is not an expense, but a way to generate revenue by freeing up time for more business

🎬 Reel script

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[Background music playing] Host (speaking confidently): Hey, hey, entrepreneurs! Tracy Otsuka here, and I just hosted an incredible session on my podcast, "ADHD for Smart Ass Women." [Cut to visuals of the podcast logo] Host (voiceover): In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Stephanie Caldero, owner of a boutique design firm in Charlotte. [Cut to visuals of Stephanie Caldero] Host (voiceover): Stephanie's journey from being a sales and marketing manager to a self-made interior designer is truly inspiring. [Cut to visuals of Stephanie's design work] Host (voiceover): We dove into her ADHD diagnosis and how it didn't fit the stereotypical image, but learning about her neurodivergent brain changed everything. [Cut to visuals of Stephanie listening to the podcast] Host (voiceover): We explored Stephanie's passion for creating beautiful spaces and how she's transforming a local shelter for children. [Cut to visuals of the shelter's before and after images] Host (voiceover): Stephanie shared insights on her design process, the importance of understanding client preferences, and the joy of reveal days. [Cut to visuals of design process and happy clients] Host (voiceover): We also talked about the power of surrounding ourselves with a positive environment and how it impacts our motivation. [Cut to visuals of a peaceful and organized workspace] Host (voiceover): And guess what? Stephanie spilled the beans on her secret weapon—hiring an amazing team member who understands her vision. [Cut to visuals of Stephanie and her team working together] Host (voiceover): If you're an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, tips on design, or just curious about the magic of following your passion, this episode is a must-listen! [Cut to visuals of Tracy Otsuka] Host (speaking energetically): So head on over to my podcast, "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," and immerse yourself in the incredible conversation I had with Stephanie Caldero. [Cut to visuals of the podcast logo and the words "Listen Now"] Host (encouraging): Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and share this episode with your fellow entrepreneurs. Let's spread the inspiration! [End with the podcast logo and contact information] Host (voiceover): Keep hustling, my smart ass ladies! Remember, you've got this! [Screen fades out]

👩‍💻 LinkedIn post

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🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 I'm thrilled to share that I had the privilege of being a guest on the "ADHD for Smart Ass Women" podcast with the amazing Tracy Otsuka! We discussed my journey as an interior designer and how understanding my ADHD has impacted my work and success in unimaginable ways. It was truly an eye-opening conversation! Here are 3 key takeaways from our discussion: 1️⃣ Embrace your uniqueness: Being diagnosed with ADHD doesn't mean you have to fit into a specific stereotype. I initially struggled to believe that ADHD applied to me because I didn't exhibit hyperactive behavior. But once I learned about the different ways ADHD can manifest and understood how my brain worked, it transformed my approach to my career and allowed me to leverage my strengths. 2️⃣ Surround yourself with the right team: As I transitioned from a side-hustle to running my own boutique design firm, I learned the importance of surrounding myself with a supportive and talented team. Hiring someone who shares my taste and style and who can handle tasks efficiently has been a game-changer. It has freed up valuable time, allowing me to focus on acquiring more business and expanding my creative endeavors. 3️⃣ Design for impact: Design isn't just about aesthetics. It has the power to transform environments and positively impact people's lives. As I worked on a children's shelter project, I witnessed firsthand how creating vibrant and welcoming spaces can bring joy and a sense of home to those in need. Designing with intention and incorporating elements that resonate with the clients' preferences can truly make a difference. If you're interested in learning more about my journey as a self-made, self-taught interior designer and the insights I gained through the podcast, make sure to check out the episode on the "ADHD for Smart Ass Women" podcast with Tracy Otsuka. Feel free to connect with me, and let's keep the discussion going! #ADHD #InteriorDesign #Entrepreneurship #PodcastGuest #DesignForImpact

🗞️ Newsletter

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Subject: Podcast Update: When You Love What You Do, it Rarely Feels Like Work Hello Smart Ass Women, We hope this newsletter finds you thriving and embracing your unique brilliance. In this episode of "ADHD for Smart Ass Women," Tracy Otsuka sits down with Stephanie Caldero, an accomplished interior designer with ADHD, to discuss the joy of pursuing one's true passion. Stephanie shares her journey from being a sales and marketing manager at a popular restaurant to discovering her love for interior design. Despite facing challenges like staying focused and managing interruptions during the busy holiday season, Stephanie's dedication never wavered. Her determination led her to seek medical support, which ultimately led to her ADHD diagnosis and a newfound understanding of her own brain. One pivotal moment for Stephanie was stumbling upon the "ADHD for Smart Ass Women" podcast, where she discovered a wealth of valuable information about her neurodivergent brain. With renewed clarity, Stephanie grew her knowledge and skills in the design industry, constantly learning and evolving to offer the best for her clients. But Stephanie's journey doesn't stop there. Inspired by a chip on HGTV's Anna Gaines about a children's shelter project, Stephanie embarked on a mission to transform common areas in a local shelter. By infusing these spaces with color, joy, and personalized touches, Stephanie aims to create an environment that positively impacts the lives of children going through difficult times. Her unwavering passion to make a difference is truly inspiring. In this episode, Tracy and Stephanie dive deep into the challenges Stephanie faced in her career, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right team, the impact of environment on mood and motivation, and the fulfillment of revealing a fully decorated home. Stephanie's journey serves as a reminder that when you love what you do, it rarely feels like work. If you haven't already, give this episode a listen on our podcast platform. Be prepared to be inspired by Stephanie's story and gain valuable insights for your own journey. And remember, embrace your ADHD superpowers and continue to shine bright in everything you do! Stay fabulous, [Your Podcast Team]

🧵 Tweet thread

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(1/10) 🧵 Let me share a powerful story with you about hustle, determination, and the beauty of following your passion. Meet Stephanie, a self-made interior designer in Charlotte, NC. Her journey is truly inspiring! #DesignDreams #PassionPaysOff (2/10) 💪 Stephanie's love for design started at a young age. With a seamstress grandma and a decorating-savvy mom, she was surrounded by creativity. But life took her on a different path, and she pursued a degree in communications and PR at Fredonia. (3/10) 🎓 Though not directly related to design, Stephanie found her major somewhat creative and performed better in those classes. It's amazing how the right environment can spark your talents! Have you ever found unexpected inspiration in your studies? (4/10) 📚 Stephanie didn't let her college's lack of design program deter her dreams. She absorbed knowledge and continued to learn from vendors in the industry. They became her mentors and helped shape her business and design approach. Talk about hands-on education! (5/10) 🏡 We can't deny the impact our surroundings have on our mood and motivation. Stephanie shares the importance of waking up to a beautiful environment and how it sets her day in a positive direction. Remember, your space should inspire you! #PositiveVibesOnly (6/10) 💼 Stephanie's first job was in marketing, but her side hustle in interior design began to take off. Gradually, her passion project became her main hustle, and in 2019, she took the leap and started her own boutique design firm in Charlotte. Talk about bravery! (7/10) 🎉 Stephanie's design journey was filled with both triumphs and challenges. She mentions how important it is to have the right support. That's when she found her game-changing employee, who went from admin to senior designer with their shared taste and innovative ideas. (8/10) 💡 Stephanie's client-focused approach truly shines through. She believes in designing for her clients' preferences, not just her own style. It's about transforming spaces into something that resonates with the people living in them. So much empathy and creativity! (9/10) 🌟 The most rewarding part of Stephanie's job? The reveal day, when families see their beautifully decorated space for the first time. Nothing beats the joy and excitement on their faces. It's that moment that makes all the hard work and dedication truly worthwhile. (10/10) 🙌 Stephanie's story is a reminder that when you follow your passion, stay true to your unique journey, and surround yourself with the right people, dreams become a beautiful reality. Cheers to Stephanie and her incredible success! Keep shining, #DesignQueen ✨✨✨

🪡 Threads by Instagram

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Post 1: 🎧 ADHD for Smart Ass Women Podcast 🎧 Episode 245: When You Love What You Do, it Rarely Feels Like Work with Stephanie Caldero. Tune in to hear Stephanie's journey as an interior designer and how the podcast helped her embrace her neurodivergent brain. #ADHD #WorkPassion #Podcast Post 2: 🏢 From Sales Manager to Interior Designer 🎨 Stephanie Caldero shares her transition from the corporate world to pursuing her passion for design. Join us as we explore her inspiring journey and discover how she's changing lives through her work. #InteriorDesign #CareerSwitch #Inspiration Post 3: 🌈 Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives 🏠 Join us as we delve into Stephanie Caldero's mission to create vibrant, inviting spaces at a local shelter for children. Hear how she's using her design skills to make a positive impact on their lives. #DesignForGood #ShelterProject #TransformingSpaces Post 4: 💡 ADHD & Entrepreneurship 💼 Discover how Stephanie Caldero harnesses her ADHD traits to fuel her creativity and drive as an entrepreneur in the interior design industry. Get inspired by her journey of self-discovery and success. #ADHDandEntrepreneurship #CreativityUnleashed #InspiredByStephanie Post 5: 🌟 The Power of a Supportive Team 👥 Stephanie Caldero shares the importance of having the right people by your side. Learn how her team plays a vital role in her design business, allowing her to focus on what she loves and excel in her field. #TeamWork #SuccessStory #BehindEveryGreatDesigner

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