We were lucky to catch up with Rae Cook recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rae thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Because I have never worked for a traditional design firm, I was quite nervous about taking the NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification). However, I knew that if I wanted to learn, grow, and be respected in our industry I had to take it. Studying for the 3-part exam was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to do, which required me to study nearly four hours a day for several months while working my full-time job. It was a huge risk, but I decided to take all three parts during the same month when candidates typically only take one exam at a time. In my overzealousness, I failed the last part of the exam, and I was devastated. Determined not to be defeated, I immediately tried again the following year, and after changing my study strategy and really buckling down, I passed. I share this because I want people to know that failure is only temporary. I may not get what I want the first time around, but if I put in the work, I will eventually succeed. The only thing stopping me is me.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have 14 years of interior design experience working exclusively in-house for brands with cost-consciousness being the overarching theme. I began my interior design career “Creating a better everyday life for the many people” at IKEA. After designing and selling hundreds of IKEA kitchens as a Certified Kitchen Specialist, I transitioned to Atlanta’s Communications and Interior Design team to develop and physically implement range presentations in their a fast-paced, ever-evolving retail atmosphere. During my tenure with IKEA, I was fortunate to lead the design and remodel for the Akurum / Sektion kitchen changeover which was the largest range changeover in IKEA history. I was also granted the opportunity to design for the Atlanta Symphony Decorator’s Showhouse where I helped prove that great design should never be exclusive to only those with luxury means – great design in fact, is for everyone.

After nearly a decade in retail design, I moved to hospitality with Home Grown Industries where I pioneered the Mellow Mushroom license renewal design program and travelled the country helping franchisees implement property improvement plans for their casual dining restaurants. I currently work as a Design Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts where I help support the growth of Essentials and Suites Brands by designing prototypical hotel solutions that are well-loved by guests and provide exceptional value to owners. Most recently, I had the incredible opportunity to lead the design for the launch of IHG’s newest hotel Brand, Garner.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I really enjoy listening to podcasts that feature black women and their experiences regarding the workplace and entrepreneurship. The podcast Side Hustle Pro features interviews with black women who managed to turn their side hustle into a full-time business. While I do not work for myself, I find their journeys of passion, creativity, and resiliency so inspiring. I am also a huge fan of Myleik Teele’s Podcast. Much of her content focuses on how she personally developed her work ethic, and she shares her advice for standing out in the workplace and creating a solid reputation around authenticity and hard work. Some of my favorite advice from Myleik include epiphanies such as, “Secure you main bag first”, “You’re not a tree, you can move”, and “Never take yourself off of your schedule”.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

As a younger designer, I wish I knew about NEWH (National Executive Women in Hospitality). Getting involved with our local Atlanta chapter has given me so many opportunities to network, make friends in the industry, become a mentor to students, and enjoy inspiring events with wonderful people. In fact, I wish I had known about the organization in college because membership for students is free, and NEWH grants thousands of dollars in scholarships to college students every year.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://chiclittle.me
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rajaune/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rae-cook-rid-ncidq-239a9113/

Image Credits
Headshot: Ruth Brooks Hotel Renderings: IHG Hotels & Resorts