Meet Gail Tyson | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gail Tyson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gail, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, like most of us tenacious entrepreneurs, I wanted to create something of my own. My passion for interiors and decorating stems from childhood. At an early age, I began to express my creativity through my gift for drawing and sketching. Over time, my passion for design + art led me to the studies Fashion Design and Merchandising at Georgia Southern University. During my studies there, I learned the importance of quality textiles and fabrics; and how much of an influence it plays in our every day lives. Unbeknownst to me, this would be the propeller of my exploration into the world of Interior Design.

When the pandemic hit, I had time to really focus on my new home. I have always been very handy, so I started watching a lot of Pinterest and YouTube videos and began to diy several projects in my new home. My friends would come over and be in total awe of my renovations! I was constantly getting suggestions that I should really explore offering my services professionally. Still, I did not give it much thought . During that time, I had completed an office renovation for a close of friend of mine. From that project, I had received so much positive feedback and referrals, that I began to explore the idea of turning my passion into my profession. Thus, that is how Tiffany Simone Interior Designs was birthed!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart from my peers, is my ability to be myself! I am authentically myself no matter what room I walk in. As far as my creativity, my ability over deliver and my attention to detail has helped me propel in this business. Though, it can be a gift and a curse, it has truly worked in my favor for building my clientele. I am blessed to say that a large portion of my clients have come from referrals.

While it has been a fun and enjoyable journey, it has not always been easy. I had to learn how to navigate the business of interior design. With that comes a lot of hiccups! I had to learn through several trials the importance of managing time, selling my big ideas to clients, selecting the ideal client, identifying “red flags” projects, hiring the right people, fast work turnarounds, managing costs, and most importantly managing client expectations!

My biggest lesson I learned thus far has been staying firm in my system and processes that are in place to protect my sanity and brand. I’ve had a couple instances where I have allowed others to circumvent my procedures that I have in place when onboarding a new client, and I later regretted it big time. So staying true to my core values, trusting my gut, and learning to “No, this project is not the right fit,” has been the biggest take away for me.

Ultimately, my goal is to grow my company into a household brand. I plan on opening a small boutique within the next year that will showcase and sell affordable, luxury home goods. I would like to create opportunities or a platform for other up and coming new designers that are struggling with finding their footing in this industry. It is a complete joy passing valuable information on to others that are willing to learn! I want serve as a beacon of light to never give up on their dreams!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My ideal day when hanging out with a best friend consists of great food, great conversations, great drinks, and great music! First on the itinerary would be going to a spa for a little relaxation and a bomb facial. Then we’d probably grab a bite to eat at Houston’s! I love their martini “lemon drop” and the seared king salmon is delish! Afterward we’d probably go hangout and binge watch a home improvement show on HGTV, pig out on snacks, dance to good music, or make some homemade desserts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my late mother, Gailynn Wells. She recently passed, but she was my biggest supporter and cheerleader. She really was the backbone of my business! Entrepreneurship is hard and starting a new business can be difficult at times. but she gave so much insight and wisdom on how to properly start and run a business.

Website: www.tiffanysimonedesign.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiffanysimoneinteriors

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanysimoneinteriors

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gailtyson

Image Credits
Derrick J. Bell