Her Story
About Kailee
Kailee Bennice is a marketing and social media coordinator, design and project consultant with experience across commercial interiors and interior design. She currently serves as Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at a commercial interior construction company, a role she has held for one year. In this position, she creates marketing packages and construction resumes, manages social media, and handles requests for a team of over 700 employees. Prior to this, Kailee worked as a design specialist for three years at the same company and spent about 10 years in interior design, which led her into commercial design. She holds a bachelor's degree in interior design and graduated in 2013 from Wake Tech Community College after additional coursework at NC State and SUNY Fredonia. Kailee is a member of IIDA, where she previously served as director leading events and community initiatives for interior designers and architects, and she was formerly on the board of NAWIC. She remains involved in IIDA events as well as collaborations with Dress for Success and animal adoption agencies. Kailee attributes her success to her work ethic, confidence, and a supportive company that nurtures growth. She advises young women entering the industry to grow their confidence, advocate for themselves, and recognize the vast opportunities for designers to pivot into new roles, especially in construction.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kailee
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my work ethic, my confidence, and having a supportive company that nurtures growth and supports my ambitions. I emphasize finding a company that allows you to grow and promotes your development. When I am told no, or to come back to something later, I typically pivot to make it possible.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice was about confidence - knowing that I have talent and to own it. My design mentor encouraged me that I have a lot to offer, and to push through because no one can tell me no. I own each room I am
in and displaying confidence gives everyone in the room buy in. They believe what you are saying when you have total confidence in what you’re presenting. This is for all aspects of your career, and crucial in design work and marketing. It’s a very creative and personalized industry if you are creating spaces and packages for clients. You want them to believe in your vision. It's especially important for women right out of school. It can be a scary thing especially if you aren’t sure in your work, just own it and take the criticism well, they will appreciate it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Grow your confidence and your voice. Advocate and fight for yourself even when it's necessary. Once you see that a company can benefit from what you have to offer, that's powerful. Always take criticism gracefully and adjustments you are comfortable with. I always try to keep my personal touch and vision to my work, but still meeting expectations of corporate or clients.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is growing with the company during expansion phases with moving parts and uncertainty. The biggest opportunity is the vast growth and many roles for designers to pivot into, especially for women in construction. With a growing industry it’s hard to adjust to roles you don’t see yourself in. Trust your leadership and what potential they see in you. Try out the new role, or maybe grow with a new company.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Balance is my biggest value. I need time to decompress on weekends and for travel. It's important to align with a company that values work-life balance and the same culture inside and outside of work.
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