Meet Cassie Smith | Artist and Owner, Nest and Hive Home

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cassie Smith, Owner and Creative Director of Nest and Hive Home, and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cassie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m a life long artist who has always had an eye on the green, sustainable, Earth friendly version of design. I love vintage and antique furniture that has an eclectic and unique character, and art that is abstract and modern. I started my business out of my garage as a creative outlet and it has grown exponentially over the last year.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have worked very hard to create a business that produces one of a kind, beautiful products for its clients. I want every piece that I sell to be unique and bring joy to its new owner. I do everything by hand, myself and take the time to make sure every piece is special and perfect for my clients. I receive many orders for commissioned paintings as well as custom furniture makeovers. I support the idea that design can be a way to upcycle and renew pieces that may be dated and headed for a landfill. Instead of throwing them away I find a way to bring them back to life and make them beautiful again. It’s much more interesting visually to have a one of a kind piece in your space, something that no one else has. My home is filled with pieces like this and it creates a unique, eclectic feel that’s offbeat and distinct.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love Houston, I was born in La Grange, only about an hour away, and have spent several years in Austin, but Houston is home. Some of my favorite spots to wander for hours are the Houston Museum of Fine Art, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, The Houston Farmer’s Market on Airline, The McGovern Gardens, and downtown Houston…the architecture is really beautiful if you know where to look. Any Houstonian knows the dining scene is teeming with interesting options. Some of my favorites to visit are Hugo’s, The Cafe at the Menil (a great patio to sit and read a book), The Grove at Discovery Green (beautiful views of the city and the park), and Backstreet Cafe. This city is huge and there are tons of amazing places to be inspired and energized by its energy.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is to my grandmother. She brought me to her home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for several weeks in the summers when I was a child and that’s where I officially caught the art bug. She was a professional artist and took me with her art classes, galleries and encouraged me to express myself through drawing and painting. I would not have had the confidence and passion I have had it not been for her encouragement.

Website: www.nestandhivehome.com

Instagram: @littlebird82

Twitter: @cassiesmith05