We were lucky to catch up with Samantha O’leary recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

Absolutely! My Cabinet Girl is the outlier in the industry!

In a field that often feels overly formal, exclusive, and male driven- My Cabinet Girl takes a refreshingly casual and approachable path. Design services should be obtainable for everyone—not just for those with massive budgets or industry connections. That’s why I work with clients in a way that feels natural, stress-free, and fun, making sure they feel comfortable throughout the process.

What really sets us apart is our mentality. Transparency is at the core of everything we do. I believe clients should always have clear expectations—no surprises, no hidden costs, and no unnecessary industry jargon. Whether they need full-scale project management or just a bit of guidance, I make sure they understand their options and feel empowered to make informed decisions.

Unlike many firms that either cater strictly to homeowners or only work within the trade, I bridge the gap—working seamlessly with homeowners, contractors, and designers. I also provide design support to local design centers, contractors, and interior designers, because I believe collaboration leads to better results than competition ever could.

When it comes to projects, there’s truly no job too big or too small. While I love problem-solving and tackling out-of-the-box designs that push the boundaries of traditional spaces, I’m just as happy helping with smaller updates and straightforward remodels. Whether it’s an unconventional layout, unexpected material combinations, or a fully custom solution, I embrace challenges that others might shy away from—but I also know that sometimes, a simple refresh can make just as big of an impact. No matter the project size, my goal is always the same: to create beautiful, functional spaces that make my clients’ lives better.

At My Cabinet Girl, we’re not just designing spaces—we’re redefining how the industry approaches them. And we do it with a casual, transparent, and client-first approach that makes the process as enjoyable as the end result.

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.

For those who may not have heard of My Cabinet Girl before, let me introduce myself and my journey in the industry!

I was raised in a family of tradesmen, so construction and design have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Seeing projects come to life firsthand sparked my passion for the industry early on. I earned my degree in interior design nearly a decade ago and started working for local design centers and contractors right away—even while I was still in school. That hands-on experience was invaluable, giving me a deep understanding of not just design, but also the logistics and execution of a successful project.

To date, I’ve designed over 200 projects across the tri-state area, ranging from full-scale home renovations to kitchen and bath remodels, custom cabinetry solutions, and everything in between. Today, I wear many hats—I’m an interior designer, cabinet specialist, and construction consultant—but my main goal is always the same: to be the go-to person for anyone considering a home project.

At My Cabinet Girl, I offer a wide range of services, including: Cabinetry and hard surface design, Space planning, Pre-construction planning, and Project consulting. I help homeowners, contractors, and designers navigate every phase of a project, ensuring they have the right resources, products, and information to bring their vision to life. And because I have strong connections throughout the industry, I can assist with projects of any scale—even if I’m not the right fit for the job, I’ll make sure to connect you with someone who is.

What sets me apart is my approachability and transparency. Many people feel overwhelmed when starting a remodel or design project, and I believe the process should be exciting, not stressful. I keep things casual, clear, and straightforward, making sure my clients always know what to expect, with no hidden costs or surprises.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Whether it’s a small update or a full-scale renovation, my priority is making sure every space is not only beautiful and functional but also a true reflection of the people who live in it.

At the end of the day, My Cabinet Girl isn’t just about cabinets or interiors—it’s about making home projects easier, more accessible, and ultimately more enjoyable for everyone.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

The best source of new clients for me has always been word of mouth and referrals.

I don’t do much advertising—my best clients have been connected to me through friends, past clients, or trade professionals I already have relationships with. I find that referral clients come in with a level of trust and confidence that makes for a smooth and successful project. They’ve already heard firsthand stories about my process, my transparency, and how stress-free their friends’ or family’s experience was, so they come in knowing what to expect.

One of my favorite examples of this is a client I worked with early in my career. I started by designing their bathroom, and over the years, they sent me their children, their children’s friends, and even friends of friends. Most recently, that same original client returned to have me design their kitchen. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those client relationships come full circle and to know that people continue to trust me with their homes, time and time again.

That’s the kind of client chain I love working with—people who genuinely value the process and share their positive experiences with others. It creates a network of clients who are excited, informed, and ready to collaborate, making the entire process smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my social media audience—especially on Instagram—has been a fun and organic process.

When I first started my page, my goal was simple: to share the projects I’ve worked on without making it feel overly commercialized or stiff. I am my business, so I wanted my social media to feel just as personal and real as the work I do. Instead of just showcasing polished, magazine-perfect images, I mix in funny memes, music from my personal playlist, and relatable content that connects to both design and everyday life. My approach is raw and real—because that’s how my clients actually use their spaces. Design isn’t just about pretty pictures; it’s about creating homes that people truly live in.

As for building an audience, it’s been completely organic. I’ve never used bots, bought followers, or taken shortcuts because, in many ways, my Instagram isn’t just a portfolio—it’s a way for me to track my own growth. Every follower has come through industry connections, clients, word of mouth, or simply people finding me through hashtags. And that makes it even more rewarding.

My advice for those starting out? Don’t try to force what you think social media should be. Make it something you actually enjoy. People can tell when a page feels forced or overly curated. Show your personality, be consistent, and post content that feels authentic to you. The right audience will find you—and when they do, they’ll actually engage with what you’re sharing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mycabinetgirl.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycabinetgirl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556623007283
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaoleary822/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/my-cabinet-girl-bay-shore?osq=my+cabinet+girl&override_cta=Get+pricing+%26+availability
• Other: design portfolio: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1enq_IEHz8mkYOr8OplEM1UP3iIUeLMuk/view)

  the ultimate remodel guide book: (https://books2read.com/b/b5Kpzl)