Meet Cate Geiger of Venice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cate Geiger.

Hi Cate, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My creative journey started in college, where I studied painting and photography. I always knew art would be my language, I just didn’t know yet what shape it would take. After graduation I landed in NYC and spent a few years at Anthropologie, dreaming up in-store displays and window installations, it was my first real education in turning a concept into a physical experience. I also worked with small floral and styling teams, soaking up everything I could about floral design and what styling actually meant as a craft. From there I moved into magazines, eventually becoming Style Director across multiple Hearst brands, styling covers and photoshoots spanning home, fashion, food, and tabletop. It was a crash course in visual storytelling, under deadline, and always as part of a team.
Then in July 2020, we packed up and moved to LA with my five-week-old daughter. A few months into new motherhood, I took the leap and launched my own styling and set design business. This is my fifth year running my own company, working with my own clients, and building a body of work that’s entirely mine.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Despite personal struggles, a few serious health battles, and the sheer audacity of launching a freelance career during a global pandemic, I’ve been fortunate with how my work has been received. I built momentum the old-fashioned way: cold calling, cold emailing, and using social media to introduce myself to the LA creative community. Not everyone responded. But when they did, one job would often lead to the next through referrals, and that chain reaction always felt special, like proof I was building something real.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With a lighthearted approach, a sharp sense of humor, a problem-solver’s curiosity, and a genuine love for collaboration, I bring an honest, authentic vision to every project. My goal is always the same: create something with soul. I take the time to research each brand, get to know the heart and vision behind the client, and let that understanding shape everything that follows. My personal style leans toward well-loved, lived-in spaces–naturally arranged flowers, comfortably curated tabletop stories–but I’m just as at home designing a clean, minimal set that lets a product or person take center stage.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve had a few different mentors along the way, many supporters, and amazing assistants. My mentors helped me build my business and understand how to create estimates, and they also shed light on what my competitors were charging to make sure I was meeting the same standards. One mentor even recommended assistants to me early on, and those same people have worked with me for the last 5 years. The success of a lot of my work would not be possible without that team of assistants that support me on the ground. We problem-solve together and they help me stay realistic while also entertaining some of my wild ideas.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://catekalus.com
• Instagram: piecesofcate

Image Credits