Our Guiding Principles
In The UNproper Community, we believe extraordinary lives aren’t built by following the rules.
They’re built by showing up honestly, loving people deeply, gathering intentionally, and having the courage to begin again.
These principles guide every conversation, every event, every product, and every experience we create.
1. People Always Come First.
Relationships matter more than transactions.
Every person deserves to feel seen, heard, welcomed, and valued.
2. Gather Beautifully.
A beautiful table isn’t about perfection.
It’s about intention.
Set the table.
Light the candles.
Pour the wine.
Ask the meaningful question.
Create space where people want to linger.
Because extraordinary conversations deserve beautiful settings.
3. Tell the Truth.
Authenticity is our greatest luxury.
We don’t pretend.
We don’t perform.
We don’t hide behind perfection.
The truth has a way of giving others permission to tell theirs.
4. Reinvention Is Always Possible.
No matter your age.
No matter your title.
No matter your diagnosis.
No matter your divorce.
No matter your detour.
Your story is never over.
Every ending carries the possibility of an extraordinary beginning.
5. Choose Curiosity Over Judgment.
The best conversations begin with curiosity.
Ask better questions.
Listen longer.
Assume less.
Seek to understand before being understood.
6. Leave People Better Than You Found Them.
Offer encouragement.
Share hope.
Celebrate someone.
Introduce two people.
Send the thoughtful note.
Open the door.
Small moments create extraordinary lives.
7. Beauty Matters.
Beauty isn’t superficial.
It’s nourishment.
Beauty changes how people feel.
Beauty communicates care.
Beauty creates memories.
We believe beautiful spaces, thoughtful details, meaningful design, delicious food, and intentional experiences elevate the human spirit.
8. Create Experiences to Be Remembered.
Don’t simply host.
Delight.
Surprise.
Move people emotionally.
Create moments they’ll tell stories about years from now.
People may forget what was served.
They’ll never forget how they felt.
9. Live UNproperly.
Don’t shrink.
Don’t wait for permission.
Don’t become smaller to make others comfortable.
Have the courageous conversation.
Wear the fabulous outfit.
Start the company.
Write the book.
Take the trip.
Reinvent yourself as many times as necessary.
Live a life that feels deeply, authentically yours.
10. Always Leave Room at the Table.
There is always room for one more story.
One more perspective.
One more seat.
One more beginning.
Our table is built on generosity, curiosity, inclusion, and grace.
Everyone deserves to belong.
The UNproper Standard
Before we create anything, we ask ourselves:
Does this inspire hope?
Does this invite healing?
Does this create connection?
Does this encourage authenticity?
Will someone remember this experience?
Does this help people become who they’re meant to be?
If the answer is yes…
It’s UNproper.
The Legacy We’re Building
We don’t want to be remembered for having the biggest audience.
We want to be remembered for helping people live bigger lives.
For reminding them who they were.
For inspiring them to become who they could be.
For creating conversations that mattered.
Communities that belonged.
And experiences that people carried with them long after they left the table.
That is The UNproper Way.
If you’re ready to start living a little more UNproperly, join The UNproper Community.
And if you value in-person connection as much as we do, join The UNproper Club Guest List.
I’d love to save you a seat.
xo, 💋
Catherine
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