In leadership and business, the path is never a straight line. It twists and turns, often shaped by personal struggles, professional challenges, and the resilience required to keep moving forward. We know that success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about perseverance, adaptability, and leading with purpose.
On a recent episode of Tell Us Your Story, we sat down with Cathy Tonks, CEO and Principal Interior Designer of Designs with You in Mind and owner of Distinctive Design Group. Her journey is a testament to what it means to navigate personal tragedy while building a thriving business.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Cathy’s story is one of strength, survival, and transformation. From a young age, she took on responsibilities beyond her years—caring for her mother after a life-altering accident, moving frequently, and eventually living on her own by the age of 15. These experiences shaped her into the resilient, determined entrepreneur she is today.
Her leadership journey wasn’t just about business. It was about balancing personal challenges with professional growth, learning to lead while facing life’s toughest moments. The loss of her husband at a young age left her with four children to care for, yet she pressed on—working, learning, and eventually taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
“You don’t have a choice but to keep going. You just figure it out.”
Her ability to stay positive, embrace challenges, and move forward is a powerful lesson for any business owner or leader facing difficulties.
Building a Business with Purpose
Cathy’s entrepreneurial journey started in bridal consulting, but her passion for design led her to pursue interior design professionally. What began as helping clients choose finishes for her husband’s construction projects turned into a career-defining decision—she took an interior design course, which ultimately opened the door to launching her own business.
She founded Designs with You in Mind, a firm that reflects her belief that great design is about the client, not the designer. Her ability to connect with people and understand their needs is what sets her apart.
As her success grew, so did her challenges—balancing business operations, leadership, and personal life. She later took over Distinctive Design Group, a design co-op that has helped many interior designers scale their businesses.
Her success wasn’t just about talent—it was about taking risks, trusting her instincts, and seizing opportunities even when they were uncomfortable.
“I believe in fate, and I think I was guided in the direction I was supposed to go.”
Click to visit: Designs With You In Mind
Lessons in Leadership
Cathy’s leadership evolution is one that many business owners can relate to. Early on, she had to learn that leadership isn’t just about giving orders—it’s about fostering growth, setting expectations, and continuously improving.
Her key leadership lessons include:
Creating a positive work environment – She strives to ensure her employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Learning from mistakes – She acknowledges past leadership missteps and works to improve continuously.
Investing in personal growth – She listens to podcasts, works with a business coach, and commits to ongoing learning.
Embracing challenges as growth opportunities – Whether it’s business decisions or personal struggles, she uses each experience as a stepping stone.
Her approach to leadership resonates with what why we do our podcast: strong leadership isn’t about control—it’s about inspiring and guiding people to achieve success together.
Stepping into the Arena: Advice for Entrepreneurs
Cathy’s journey is a reminder that starting a business, navigating personal hardships, and leading a team all require stepping into the arena. Her advice for others?
Just take the first step – Whether it’s taking a class, starting a new business, or learning a new skill, the key is to begin.
Find mentors and coaches – Surround yourself with people who challenge you and help you grow.
Don’t be afraid of failure – Every challenge teaches something valuable.
We know that business ownership is a rollercoaster of highs and lows—but the ones who thrive are the ones who keep showing up, adapting, and pushing forward.
As Cathy put it:
“If I could do anything without failing, I’d hire more designers, expand, and buy a building.”
Her next step? Making that happen.
Final Thoughts: Success in the Arena
Cathy’s journey reminds us that success isn’t just about skill or strategy—it’s about resilience, adaptability, and the courage to keep moving forward. Whether you’re leading a business, building a team, or overcoming personal challenges, the real growth happens in the arena—where things are unpredictable, demanding, and often uncomfortable.
Success begins with a vision—but it’s built by action.
So, what’s your next step?
Listen to Cathy’s story and episode: Click here to listen!
Be a guest on our show: Click to submit your name and story!
