Christy Maingot
Hello, I am Christy Maingot of Christy Maingot Interior Design (CMID).
I am a Trinidadian Interior Designer with experience in residential and commercial interior design. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Interior Design from the International Academy of Design and Technology, Orlando, Florida, and a Master of Design Studies with a concentration in Sustainable Design from Boston Architectural College, Boston, Massachusetts.
I am also a LEED AP with specialty in Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) and a 2020-2021 Winner of an International Property Award [Five Star Award - Best Residential Interior Private Residence Trinidad And Tobago].
In my free time, I enjoy cooking and exploring new spaces. I am an animal lover; I currently have three dogs, two cats and a small parrot.
Company Name: Christy Maingot Interior Design (CMID)
Location: Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Operating since: 2014
Website: www.cmidinteriordesign.com
Socials: @cmidinteriordesign (IG), @cmidinteriordesign (Facebook)
Tell us all about your company. What services do you offer?
CMID is a full service design firm specializing in renovation, new construction and boutique-style interior design.
Three years ago, I created [and added] a luxury home fragrance line consisting of scented candles, diffusers and room sprays (all handmade by me) which are available via my website, my tiny boutique in Trinidad, and at select retailers locally.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
Upon graduating with my Masters and returning home, I worked for another design firm for a few years but there was no room for me to grow. I felt like I was not challenged and I decided to take the leap and venture out on my own. It was a difficult decision because I had no idea if I would rise or fall but I knew I had to at least try, regardless of the outcome.
Growing up, did you always intend to start your own company/organization?
Design has always been my passion from a very young age. After high school, I attended business school for a few years but I was extremely bored and disinterested in it and I knew that it was not my calling. I ended up convincing my parents to send me abroad to design school and the rest is history.
How have your past experiences helped you to run your company?
I try not to regret my actions. For every mistake that I have made, I have learned a lesson.
What is the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome?
One of my biggest obstacles that I’ve had to overcome would be “The Perfection Paradox”. As a creative, I’m extremely detail-oriented and that can sometimes get in the way of success. I’ve learnt over the years that you cannot wait until you have the perfect plan before taking action. Sometimes, you just need to simply dive in and take a few risks.
What's your definition of success?
To me, success is directly correlated to happiness. I do what I do to make people happy. When I reveal a new space to a client and they are happy, that is success. When a customer burns one of my candles and they are in love with the scent, that’s success.
Have the women around you helped you to rise? How?
Yes. My mother has been my biggest fan every since I was a little girl. She has been my support system and soundboard for me every time something goes well or wrong. Without that kind of guidance, it’s easy to veer off course and make the wrong decision whether it be personal, work related or even financial.
What are some of your future plans? Are you working on anything else right now?
I intend to keep designing and keep tailoring my process in order to give the best experience my clients can have. With regards to the home fragrance line; I intend to continue growing that leg of the business, making improvements where needed. I am also working on a luxury, affordable line of natural soaps and skincare products (Vouloir Beauty).
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
My advice to anyone starting out on their own would be to find that one thing that you’re good at and become great. Become a master at it. Don’t stop learning and don’t let failure be the end. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your empire won’t be either.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Persistent
Complete this sentence: "To be a girl or woman today is..." a gift.
If you enjoyed reading about Christy Maingot, you can connect with her on Instagram.