Getting To Know Caryl K. Hoffman, CEO + Founder Of CK Hoffman Design
CARYL K. HOFFMAN
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Happy New Year! With the new year finally here, I wanted to share a bit about me, and some words of wisdom - read on
What’s the one thing you’ve learned about yourself during this time of pandemic?
That I’m a homebody and love to be at home, finding projects, whether it’s cleaning out closets and drawers, gardening, painting, or organizing just about anything, I can see endless random projects to keep myself entertained.
Where do you wish you could buy a one-way ticket to?
Kauai or Santa Barbara - Any place near the ocean, with lots of nature, that’s peaceful and pretty – would also need excellent restaurants, coffee shops, and arty boutiques.
What’s the one trait you consider essential to your success?
I tend to overthink and obsess over details, which is a blessing and a curse. This one of the keys to success in my remodel projects where all kinds of things can go wrong. I believe that my projects have fewer problems overall because I fret, worry, and over-prepare during the planning stage. It isn’t the best for my stress level or nerves, though, and I’m trying to find a healthy balance with this.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you.
I have an excellent memory and love learning about random and obscure things. I have extensive knowledge of unimportant facts about Catholic Saints, AKC Dog breeds, and Birds of the Northwest. At one time, I was fluent in both French and Italian (but I am rusty now).
What’s the one thing you hope to see a change in the world?
I’d like to see an end to poverty, more excellent care for our earth, and much more kindness to each other.
Who’s the one artist that has had the most significant impact on you?
Glass artist Dale Chihuly. His works are colorful, passionate, whimsical, evocative, and impact you at an emotional level. As an artist, he broke the mold in terms of what we expect from art, just something pretty or a precious object to put on a wall or shelf. His art installations create an environment, more of an experience than passive observation. This is how I view and approach my interior design and remodeling work.
Who is one person, alive or dead, you’d most like to have dinner with?
The one individual who is alive or dead, and I would love to have dinner with is Naomi Osaka. Along with being a tennis superstar at the age of 22. She is also a bi-racial African + Japanese American woman. She seems to have the level, grace, understanding, and poise that I did not have at her age. However, I am still hoping to aspire to one day. Although not a particular fan of tennis, I am a fan of extraordinary women and men of color who have worked hard with unyielding persistence and have beaten the odds to find real success. It definitely would be a fascinating meal.
What advice do you have for women entrepreneurs who are looking to start a business?
The best piece of advice I would give is to get to know yourself, your skills, temperament, and ability to be patient and flexible. Patience and flexibility are essential and are something I’ve learned along the way. Having your own business is humbling, exhilarating, exciting, and sometimes heartbreaking, but I guess that’s always the case, isn’t it??? CK Hoffman Design has made me such a better person. When I started my business 12 years ago, I didn’t have a plan, and I just kept trying & it worked! “Keep trying".
To our clients, our colleagues, vendors, and subcontractors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, 2020 was an amazing year! Let’s do it again in 2021.
Caryl
