Meet Tonya Searcy | Interior Stylist & Creator of Custom Home Decor

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

Hi Tonya, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business was my children. The fact that they need more…more financial stability. It brewed from me knowing deep down inside that I had a gift, a gift to make things beautiful and to make others happy. Over the past 15 years, I’ve been operating in my “gift” and just didn’t know it. The pandemic hit and being home allowed me to venture into new areas of interior design/decorating. I began to take it seriously when I decorated a relatives home and I exceed my own expectations. The feeling I had was so invigorating. I wanted to do more and see my vision come to life for others.

With that being said, it’s important for me to create a legacy and learn the ropes of the business and business in general so that I can pass the knowledge along to my children. I want my boys to continue to be smart, self-sufficient young men, and this starts at home. They’re very observant and their willingness to learn has propelled me to teach them, at a very young age, how to become financially independent. I’ve always known that I was different, not better than anyone, just different. It has taken me many years to finally find my purpose in life. The joy that I feel in creating home decor and decorating homes is unmatched.

It’s important for me to be able to assist others on their quest to make their home(s) comfortable no matter where they live. With e-design services, we’re able to do just that. Aside from e-design, full interior decorating is also a service that we provide which enables us to fully transform our clients homes.

Additionally, I truly enjoy creating home decor to include decorative pillows, wall decor and curtains. Customizing decor for my clients have truly been an honor. To create something specifically for them, is so rewarding! I consider being an interior stylist and creator of home decor a 2 for 1 special.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Beside being a wife, mom, and entrepreneur, I also work full time. I have over 16 years of experience in court services. What sets me apart is my professionalism. Professionalism is my core strength both personally and professionally. I carry this same principle into my business. It’s important for me to treat everyone with the utmost respect. I’ve held leadership positions in my career field and nothing is more important than remaining professional despite unpleasant situations. I’m grateful for the knowledge and training that has allowed me to grow both as an employee and entrepreneur. I’ve gotten to where I am today due to perseverance and integrity. Although not easy, I’ve remained diligent in staying true to who I am and my beliefs. Integrity will open many doors. What I’ve learned is to always put your best foot forward and strive to be the best for you! Not for anyone else. I would tell anyone to always do what makes you happy. Your life is predicated upon the decisions that are made now.

I’m most proud of the woman that I am today. Has fear and self-doubt kept me at bay for a while, absolutely. Those days are over. No more fear….no more self-doubt. I feel so liberated to be living in my purpose, on purpose! One thing life will do, is teach you how to be humble. This is why Graceful Dreams Home Decor is so precious to me. I’ve landed flat on my face several times in life, but my faith in God has kept me. I love the saying, ‘His grace is sufficient.’ No matter how much wrong I’ve done, God has continued to deliver on his promises. The woman behind Graceful Dreams Home Decor was once broken, and is still a work in progress; however, she’s building her empire brick, by brick and relying solely on faith.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely LOVE Atlanta!!! The diversity and entrepreneurial aspect of the city is what keeps Atlanta thriving! Being a foodie, I love to try new spots, but when playing it safe, I like to go to Fat Macks Rib Shack for BBQ, Flemings for steak, Maggianos for Italian, No Mas for Mexican, Pappadeaux for seafood and Grand Luxe Cafe at Phipps for a mix of everything. I would take my friend to the Georgia Aquarium to experience the worlds largest aquarium. Next we would take a history lesson by visiting the home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Apex Museum. Next, we would visit the World of Coca Cola and Centennial Olympic Park. We would interrupt our sight-seeing adventures and enjoy some shopping at the Mall of Georgia. While visiting Atlanta, it’s great to take a car ride to see the monstrous Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It’s a beautiful stadium and can not be missed while in the city. Overall Atlanta is a beautiful city and is the mecca for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow! My core, my immediate family deserves all the praises! My mom, who is the very reason that I love decor, is my rock, my go-to for all things life! My sister and sister-in-love who encourages me to just go for it. Last and certainly not least is my trio…my love of 20 years, my husband and my AWESOME twin babies! My guys are phenomenal, they are my backbone! The love that exudes from them is fuel to my fire! I thank God for all of my family and their willingness to keep me on the right path. Though is hasn’t been easy, just the simple fact that they believe in me and my purpose is sufficient.

Website: www.gracefuldreamshd.com/shop

Instagram: instagram.com/gracefuldreams_home_decor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Graceful-Dreams-Home-Decor-LLC-111337207944351

Email: info@gracefuldreamshd.com

Other: Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/graceful-dreams-home-decor-llc-pfvwus-pf~1514056982