We recently connected with Tamra Coviello and have shared our conversation below.

Tamra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the best advice you’ve ever given to a client?

The best advice I have given to a client, actually I find is a common thread with a majority of my clients. Trust the process! Typically it is difficult for someone to envision the end result, especially during the installation stages that take place in the interior design process. Clients are so excited after the design presentation because I have presented a beautiful rendering that is life-like. However, that picture-perfect room or home can take months, and sometimes over a year to complete. So, clients become anxious and impatient when the foundational design elements are installed. I will receive texts or emails requesting to add additional design features or edit specific features. I have learned to listen to their concerns or suggestions. Ask open-ended questions when needed and challenge their requests when appropriate. My response most of the time is pulling up the original rendering they fell in love with and reminding them of the project’s final vision. Once they take a step back and see that we have many steps to reach our end goal they trust the process. I even had t-shirts made that we wear that say, “Trust the Process”

Tamra, 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 entered the interior design industry originally working as a showroom manager at a large flooring and tile store. I really fell in love with designing kitchens and bathrooms. The details that went into designing a kitchen or bathroom, selecting cabinet styles, finishes, and hardware. There is a lot of competition in the design industry. I knew I had to offer something of value that no one else could or would offer. So, I offered a complimentary color consultation, as a certified color specialist. My clients appreciated it and eventually, they wanted me to offer other services, including space planning and full-service interior design. Eventually, I became in very high demand, but my health was taking a toll. I had to make the choice of where my energy would be best suited. So, I stepped down from my showroom position and chose to work for myself. I was fortunate that I had built a reputation and was able to take clients as I was able to take care of my health. During my recovery, I made the conscious decision to incorporate my vegan lifestyle into my firm’s core pillars by choosing cruelty-free and healthy products for the home. It is the choices I have made in my home that I have felt the benefits to my health as a whole. I strongly believed that I have an obligation to align my business with my personal health choices.
My clients are drawn to me because of my timeless modern designs but are pleasantly surprised as I educate them subtly through the process on how the products we are placing in their homes are cruelty-free, low VOC (if not zero VOC) and create healthy homes for their mind and body.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the pandemic, it has created a host of challenges in the home industry. Supply chain issues are primarily the number one problem. I recognized immediately the need to vet the manufacturers and trades who are running their businesses well. This facilitated my sutainable-minded philosophy even more. The reason being is that my local trades and manufacturers have really found a way to circumvent the supply chain and freight issues. Thus, solidifying my confidence in their timeliness and quality. So, what seemed like a hurdle became an asset. Now I can say I have significantly increased my firm’s sustainability by sourcing products that are locally sourced which lowers my business’s carbon footprint on the planet. In addition, I keep my clients and my business’s money here in my community. I am very proud of this aspect of my design firm.

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

My clients’ rave reviews have always built my reputation. I am always so humbled when they refer me to their friends and family, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blackdoorbytc.com
• Instagram: @blackdoorbytamracoviello
• Facebook: @blackdoorbytamracoviello
• Yelp: Blackdoor Design by Tamra Coviello

Image Credits
@mayorcamedia