We recently connected with Desiree Macdonald and have shared our conversation below.

Desiree, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

I started by working for others, for 4 years, as I grown knowledge, skill & patience, I’ve realized there’s more to life than being under someone. I always wanted and knew there was more for me as I’m never satisfied! I started tinting for myself out of my garage, I saved every dollar I got from each job. I wasn’t sure how I’d jump in the water of owning a shop, however I seen the vision and I was doing what I had to, to at least advance me financially. At the end of the day, your problems are eliminated if you have money, or at least that’s how I’ve been viewing it! Literally from a year of working out of a garage, I woke up one day and just started searching, searching for opportunities, for a location. Within a week I was blessed to be able to find the perfect ideal location, as for me I strongly believe in my field of work, we should be easily accessible, as well as in a trendy area! As far as, who to call, what to buy, where to buy? I started networking and connecting dots. I gave myself a month prior to being open to have everything together. So I did, just that! I drove to Dallas for my tire machine and balancer. Houston for all our tire supplies, and back to Dallas for wheel inventory, which I wasn’t sure what exactly to get so I got 1 size of each set… in reality it’s what you think will sell and can you sell it? Nobody will be next to you holding your hand telling you right from wrong, so in the midst of all of this, it’s a vivid learning process… As days past, I’m fully loaded, from tint, tires, wheels, supplies, you name it. There’s not a thing I need in order to complete a sale. Everything was going so fast, no time to think of the what ifs, rather than I’m Going to do this, and that. Since I’ve opened, it made me feel better knowing I had did everything right the first time, which really helped me elevate faster… I have the connections for everything, it’s just up to you to go out and get it! You’ll never have everything in stock is what I’ve grown to learn but having anything than nothing is better than nothing! As the months progressed, our consistency remained the same, our brand was growing, word of mouth gets us further and further. I’m juggling google, Facebook, instagram, Yelp. All of which need to be consistent as well! Social media plays a huge roll in this world currently, and it’s free so why not take advantage! The audience is there! You just need to make yourself relevant, entertain them, that’s what they’re searching for, right? As weve been in business, I’ve grown to realize not to be scared, take the risk, you can’t fear the unknown, you should actually know, because you’re the one in control. I started buying bulk, not 2/3 sets at a time, now I’m doing 3-5 pallets every time I order. I love the recognition that the shop gets within the vendor community, because when our name gets brought up, it speaks volumes, I see cars weve worked on all over the city and it brings joy to me. All of this hard work dedication we apply, is all paying off, I feel this was all meant to be. A city of opportunity, as long as you know, you’ll be capable of anything! I’m grateful for all the business, for the phone to ring everyday, a question of sale, I’m blessed to be able to assist in any way. I know this growth is beyond what I can explain, but only what I can show.. started from one bay, now we have 4. Consistency and not taking anything personal are the two majors in my eyes. You may not have someone now but who’s to say you can’t build with someone. I love the team I created and I know how it feels to not want to work under someone, I use all of that pain, hunger and give my employees the best, I treat them as how I wish I was treated, why? Because they take care of me and the business as there own. When you water a flower it blooms, the opportunities are endless here as an employee and I want them to always feel comfortable in this environment we’ve established together. It doesn’t cost to be real nor does it to properly respect and care for someone. There’s no price on loyalty.
I’m blessed to have what I call an operating business.

Desiree, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I love customizing vehicles, which is what lead me into the industry. I prefer an all custom automotive shop! I started as a salesman, then moved to doing that and window technician. I grew passion for that! I was at my lowest, had nothing, not even love, so I gave myself that attention, love, I masked my feelings into the art of tinting. Giving myself structure and routine was very much needed to progress and see the bigger picture. I didn’t go out late night, I had an uptight schedule but only to benefit myself and my future. I honestly feel like what sets me apart from others is the options, I literally offer anything you can think of, and if I Dont have it in store, trust I can get it for you. I feel like it’s about who you know and how motivated you’re to help that client make their dream come true. I’m determined, can’t tell? Look at my work on media, words Dont do justice but photos do. I’m really proud of what we’re becoming, as we’re an uprising company for Austin Texas, in the automotive industry, as long as I keep my foot on the gas, our progress will seek no limits! I’m at the point now, that the foundation is established, I can now mold myself and the business into what it deserves to be. We’ve reach the point where people want to know, now we must deliver and show them how, and why! Tinting is an art, in which I express myself through, I’m blessed to have the opportunity of people seeking for my work.
I just feel so diverse about this business I offer, I only have high hopes for our future.

Any advice for managing a team?

I’m really big on, treat others how you want to be treated. You get what you give. And if the feelings aren’t mutual then that person isn’t for you. A understanding team will seek non the less unlimited possibilities. If there’s structure there is standards. Once you’ve set that, anything else is easy going. You need boundaries, and communication, there shouldn’t be any pride or personal feelings in the way of business.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Social media, communication on there is surreal, keep it consistent! Show the audience what you’re capable of, why you’re doing what you do, why they should choose you. Show them why you’re the reason!!! People love when they’re able to interact with the one, they like that comfort, but so do you, right? We’re feeding off each other as we need one another, once you learn how to coop and obtain, the mission will always be successful. Dont ever let your feelings or pride stand in the way! There will always be ups and downs but what matters is you giving 100%.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/tinttires_moreatx?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Tinttiresmore
• Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/e5XKyiJtkg

Image Credits
Forgiato Tint, tires & more team Sema 2022