Meet Mary Catherine Rice | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mary Catherine Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary Catherine, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As an interior designer if I am just selecting paint colors or drawing floor plans I will never find success. Success is doing what you do with purpose to change the lives of others. My greatest success isn’t my most beautiful project or my favorite design. My greatest success as a designer has been to be a shoulder for my clients to cry on when their father passed away. Or to throw a wedding shower for their son and daughter-in-law. It’s been the times I was able to cook vegetable soup and drop it on their doorstep after they had surgery. It was being there when they said their vows and cleaning up the venue after they left for their honeymoon. It was the sweet texts I received when my daughter was born. It was belly laughing when we couldn’t get the rugs to roll back up the correct way at the rug store. It was the long talks in my car on the way to the tile store or project sites, It was the laughs, the cries, the Hallelujahs, and the  prayers that all make what I do worth it. My success is based on the difference that Soul Sugar has made in the lives of so many. My intent all along was to bring Life giving kindness “sugar” to people’s souls. Proverbs 16:24 says “Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healing for the body.” This is my motto as a business. To bring healing and sweetness to people’s lives through being kind and present. New builds and renovations can be the most stressful times for some people and to be a spark of joy for them in that season is so important as designers. So, I try not to get caught up in the little frustrations. When my clients are stressing me out or making me feel frustrated, I remember they are people, and people matter. People matter way more than anything else, so I do not allow the not so important things harm the relationship that matters most. I always protect myself, I stand up for my business, and I don’t allow people to take advantage of me, but do so in love remembering that they are the reason behind it all.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Soul Sugar Designs is an interior design company in the North Georgia area. I am the owner and lead designer of the company. As an interior designer I do not specialize in just one niche or style. I have had many different clients and projects with a range of styles and directions. I never wanted to limit myself to one niche. While that works so well for most designers, I love the adventure and excitement of never knowing what a project will look like. From commercial to residential, modern, to ultra traditional, I’ve seen it all and been challenged constantly. My mission is to create functional and beautiful spaces for my clients and their families. Even if I want to go in a different direction, My client is the one living in the space everyday, not me. As a designer I always want to give my clients spaces that they love to live in, not just ones they want to post on social media. My designs are real and functional, beautiful and creative!

When I started my business in 2021 I remember being so scared to take the leap of faith and go out on my own.  The unknown was frightening but I knew in my spirit it was what The Lord was calling me to do. So with the support and encouragement from my husband, I did it. From the first day we opened the doors of Soul Sugar we had clients. I remember worrying so much that I would go months or maybe even years without work, but the phone always rang. There were times when I was wrapping up a project and I didn’t know when or how I would get a new one. I was afraid we would have to close the doors, but then the phone would ring. It always rang right on time even when I felt like it was too late; God’s timing is so beautiful. I still get those feelings or worry or doubt that I should keep going, but until The Lord stops ringing my phone, I will keep going in obedience. I have seen other local business owners who are my peers that have had to shut their doors. One day that might be me, but I have chosen to no longer fear that day, but be thankful for every day until then. To work in obedience and do what The Lord has called me to and do it well. And if that day comes when it’s time to stop and close up shop, I will know that Soul Sugar wasn’t a “failed business” but it was a ministry and encouragement to each of the people I was able to serve because I decided to be present in the moment, not fear the future, and allow The Lord to guide me where He wants me to go

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My husband and Father would both be disappointed if I didn’t mention The Braves. Truist Park is such a great atmosphere and we love going to cheer on the Bravos! Even if you aren’t a huge ball fan, the battery is a cool place to grab a bite. My husband and I also love Orpheus brewing. My husband and I always love going to see a show at The Fox! If you drive about an hour north of the city you can spend the day in the historical town of Dahlonega, GA, my home town! I love all of the boutique wineries there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my daughter Conley Joy. Becoming a mom has been the hardest job I have ever had, but by far the most rewarding. Conley Joy has taught me many lessons that I use daily as a business owner. She has taught me patience when I feel like things are moving slower than I’d like. She has given me grace when I didn’t measure up. She has always shown me love even when I felt unloveable. She challenges me, encourages me, and inspires me to be the best I can be and to continue to live a life that reflects God’s goodness and love because He has been so very loving to me. Conley Joy is the embodiment of Joy and everyday that is what she gives me. As a mom I have learned that joy will never come from my career or hard work. My joy is in God alone and the family he has blessed me with. Because of that Joy I am able to give goodness and love to those around me. Thank You CJ!

Website: https://soulsugardesigns.com

Instagram: @soulsugardesigns

Facebook: @soulsugardesigns

Image Credits
Anna Miller