We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachael Harvey a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rachael , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

While I think working hard and being determined are essential to success the most important thing is being able to pivot. As a business owner I pivot constantly in my day to day, moving from one task to something completely unrelated, dealing with interruptions, putting out fires. Your are constantly pivoting. But also being able to identify when something isn’t working and you need to pivot your strategy or method to try out something different has been incredibly valuable. Pivoting really means to me that I’m not afraid to try something and know that we can change course if needed. There are countless times I could have dug in my heels and said do it this way or no, that won’t work but allowing yourself and business to pivot means being open to new ideas and continuing to learn and grow.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

To start I’ll explain a little about the business. We are a full- service custom soft furnishings workroom working almost exclusively with interior designers. We manufacture pillows, cushions, drapery and light upholstery each custom and to the designer’s specifications. We start by measuring the home and work hand in hand with the designers to specify which treatments will suit the space. We will order hardware and get started making the window treatments in our workroom. The last step of the process is installation where we hang and dress everything for a beautiful finishing touch to the interior design project.

I currently have 6 seamstresses and with the help of some office staff I handle the business and project management side of things. The ability to take on large projects while still maintaining the personal touch and custom quality is really what sets us apart from other online custom window treatment manufacturers or small home based workrooms.

About me, I have always been a creative person, making things, DIYing my mom is a quilter and taught me to sew at a young age. After college I was working a desk job but really had the desire to learn to upholster so I could create cool and unique furniture that I couldn’t afford any other way. After taking several classes I really loved the hobby and started a part-time business. At the time there really wasn’t much education available and the industry was and still is aging so I really learned as I went and by making mistakes. My husband and I ended up moving to Nashville, TN and I found a job at a local home decor fabric store where they also sold custom drapery and this is really where I started moving away from furniture and into pillows, cushions and window treatments. Fast forward a few years and varied industry experience and I decided to take the plunge and open my own custom workroom and window treatment business. In August of 2022 is when I rented my commercial space and hired my first employee and its been full speed ahead since then. The Nashville area has really been exploding and has definitely allowed me to continuously grow my business.

Being on the young side for the industry I really enjoy learning from older generations in the industry but modernizing and embracing the new technology that’s available. There isn’t a ton of innovation in the window treatment industry compared to other industries but I’ve really loved learning about motorization and home automation. It’s really great having your drapes and shades open and close with the touch of a button or from your phone while you’re away. I love combining the beauty of a spectacular hand crafted design with the convenience and technology we all use everyday!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I really value the relationships I’ve made with designers and vendors and its really important to me that I go above and beyond to make them feel valued. Following through and delivering on projects is one half of building my reputation but the other half is the personal connection. I don’t take them for granted, a new project is not just money in the bank to me and I think the designers that work with me know that. I enjoy the work we do and love being a part of their vision for a clients home.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Believe it or not there are a few window treatment specific podcasts and I’ve really learned a lot from them. It’s great to keep a pulse on the industry nationwide and hear from other business owners. And by listening to podcasts is how I found out about both the business coaches I’ve worked with. Coaching has really impacted me in so many ways. From confidence that I know what I’m doing to advice on handling things and a constant accountability to stay focused and get things done. For me, without the personal coaching I would have a lot harder time continuing to push through and progress through the hard things. and implement all the advice provided by the podcasts I listen to.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.refurnish615.com
• Instagram: refurnish615
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Refurnishworkroom

Image Credits
Mandy Liz Photography