Catherine Licari Smith is a New York City–based entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in fashion and luxury goods. With a background spanning both creative and business disciplines, she has built a career at the intersection of style, strategy, and scalable growth.
She earned her undergraduate degree in political science and writing, spent time living in Paris, and later pursued both an MA in Fashion Studies from Parsons and an MBA from Columbia Business School. This unique combination of education informs her holistic approach to entrepreneurship.
Catherine specializes in building profitable seven-figure small businesses in 18 months or less, and now channels that expertise into her financial literacy company, where she supports small business owners in developing sustainable, growth-focused strategies.
1. How do you define the modern woman?
The modern woman is defined by integration - allowing and encouraging herself to celebrate all parts of her identity everyday without apology.
2. How do you curate your wardobe?
I have always loved quality over quantity, but that is true now more than ever. Our clothes help us tell the story of who we are - and I feel most at home in pieces that are classic in spirit with a bit of an edge. There's something so affirming about reaching for a coat or a favorite pair of shoes knowing that that piece has been with you for special moments in the past, present, and future. On a practical level, I think in color stories and always look to play with proportions in a way that is both flattering and functional. As a New Yorker, my winter months are all about head-to-toe black for simplicity in the elements, the spring is about celebrating color, summer is all lightness and airy eyelet fabrics with raffia, and then the fall is my favorite equestrian-inspired style.
3. What are your favourite curated pieces?
The Classic Coat is hands down my favorite piece. I own her in 4 or 5 colors. I also adore the knits so much and look forward to building my collection!
4. Your favourite quote/advice
Time is precious. Live every day with purpose and intention. Oh, and always look up (literally and figuratively). Whether you're walking on a street in New York, in a building in Europe, or navigating a challenge -- it will amaze you what you see when you lift your eyes upward.
