Pros
MYI provides great opportunities to learn from experience about virtually every aspect of a small business. Emphasis here on small business – you need to be flexible, capable of wearing many hats and willing to dig in and get it done. You won’t be spoon fed and you’ll need some initiative. You should also expect to prove yourself and make a business case for your ideas, no matter what position you have. This is excellent training for someone who is a self-starter. The people I worked with at MYI were, almost without exception, bright and talented, including some very clever and skilled young designers that were a delight to work with. Maria has her name on the company, and cares deeply about every aspect of the way it is presented. If you’ve been in a bigger company environment it may seem strange to have the top management involved in the small details, but ask yourself how you would feel about the details if it was your name on the company… Maria can be remarkably kind and generous. For example, during the years I was employed the company covered 100% of the cost of family health insurance.
Cons
Yes, as mentioned in the other reviews, the owner – like so many entrepreneurs - is driven and demanding. Yes, she is a perfectionist. Yes, the strategies change with her perception of opportunities, sometimes very rapidly. Yes, the furniture business is highly competitive. This combination can be stressful.