We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tessa Ward. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tessa below.
Tessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.
One of my biggest strengths is versatility. My clients aren’t really wanting to wait on furniture to be ordered. Lagging lead times have presented a new challenge, in being able to get clients quality products they want and need, when they need them. Antique and Estate finds offer clients an option, that is not just eclectic, but is also much more well built, in quality and craftsmanship Being able to create a space that is truly unique and full of character.
Tessa, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My business covers interior styling, upholstery and staging. I love all things luxury when it comes to design! My interior styling, (along with my degree in design) allows me to help clients solve problem spaces and create new ones. I have a great eye for detail, and clients know they are getting something special when they call on me. I love mixing old with the new and getting clients to explore other options. I’m not your ordinary stylist. I push the envelope every chance I get, whether it’s fabric or furniture. I am self taught in upholstery and excited when I get a new piece to work on. I am always learning something new each time. In my spare time, I sell furniture and home decor at the antique mall, Irondale Pickers Booth #317 located in Irondale, Al.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients has been referrals. These have come by way of other clients or me just posting my work on social media. People are able to see the detail and quality of my work. Even if you have to take fifty pics and only use three. Just make sure it’s the best three in the bunch!!
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
During Covid in 2020, I got bored at home and started to redo some chairs I had.I liked the way they were looking so I did more. I opened my booth the fall of 2020. It was during that time that furniture stores had a longer than life wait time, or the item was unavailable. The timing was perfect for me! People were able to just grab and go and before I knew it I had sold over 200 chairs!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.TessaWardDesigns.com
- Instagram: @tessa_ward_design_llc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tessa.ward.71
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa-ward-4169576a
- Twitter: AskTessaWard
Image Credits
@Stanleystevensonjr