Meet Traci Connell of Traci Connell Interiors in Northwood Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Connell.

Traci, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Originally, I went to college to be an elementary school teacher. While I really enjoyed it, I knew that I hadn’t found my passion. What I really loved about teaching was the creativity and structure of the classroom. The big “Ah ha” moment for me came in 2000, when my good friend asked, “Why can’t you make money doing something you love?” She had a point and shortly after with some careful consideration, Traci Connell Interiors was born.

At first, my interior design business was a helpful second income for our family. I spent the first ten years developing my eye for design, honing my business skills, holding leadership roles and completing successful client projects as well as many charity opportunities. In 2011 life threw me a curve ball, I found myself a single mother with three children, and the sole provider for the household. Fueled with pure passion to feed my family and realize my dream, the rebirth of my company, Traci Connell Interiors, occurred that year with a brand-new focus.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
After nine years of running TCI on my own, I realized that I would become a better owner and leader, if I got a little help I hired a business coach in 2011 to help steer me and take the business to the next level. Our journey had its fair share of bumps and bruises: I ended a not-so-successful business partnership, had to eat a $15,000 area rug that was ordered incorrectly and learning to hire and delegate … well, that’s a whole other story.

On top of that, the Interior Design industry is changing due to the availability of product online, so this past year I had to dig down and think about what aspect was truly important to me in design and how I can be of value to my clients. My experiences at every life stage have proven to be my tool box to connect with my clients to create a more authentic home for them.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
At Traci Connell Interiors, we specialize in turn- key high end residential projects, but our differentiator is that we provide luxury interior design with the practicality of everything living and working, an aesthetic that I call Ease of Glamour. This passion stemmed from when my two-year-old (at the time) spilled orange Gatorade on our white carpet. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get the stain out, so I bought a piece of furniture to cover it for the next five years. I then realized that having a home that you are proud of aesthetically, shouldn’t mean that you must sacrifice durability. I began searching for low-maintenance, life-proof materials such as indoor/outdoor fabrics and rugs, scrubbable paint and nonporous surfaces like quartz. Whether we are designing new construction projects, renovating or furnishing existing homes, I strive to deliver my clients a well-edited, beautiful design that is easy-to-maintain.

Within the Dallas Design community, I have been told my knowledge of project management (thank you, lesson planning) sets Traci Connell Interiors apart. Each project is outlined through a state-of-the-art project management system, streamlining the process and enhancing the client experience down to the last detail. We strive to set a new standard for interior design firms by offering a process driven approach to projects and profitability.

As for what I’m proud of as a company…it is really my fourth child. I feel very fortunate that I was able to rise up during a very trying time for myself and my kids, be a good mom and a thriving entrepreneur that kicked butt at Plan B because Plan A was no longer an option. I would absolutely love to share my story and inspire other female entrepreneurs who lack the confidence and knowledge to go for it.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
Best – On a walk last week with my son, we actually stumbled upon White Rock Creek behind our house and I was literally giddy…what a hidden jewel.

Another huge plus is the fact that I can leave my house at 7:02 am, pop in Starbucks on Beltline and the tollway and get to my office by 7:14. I’m really gaining hours to my day. But perhaps the best part of my commute is the stop on the way home at Mesero to enjoy cocktails on the patio overlooking Prestonwood Golf course.

Dallas is a vibrant city for interior design. I am so fortunate to have top notch showrooms, skilled artisans as well as a multitude of learning opportunities to attend through ASID and IDS right at my fingertips.

Least – The TRAFFIC! I moved from Atlanta 21 years ago because I couldn’t stand the 400 gridlock at all hours of the day, and often, I feel like I’m right back in it, especially when I am on the tollway.

…That said, I guess more traffic means more people which means more business opportunity. The glass is half full, right? 😉

Contact Info:

• Website: www.traciconnellinteriors.com
• Email: traci@traciconnellinteriors.com
• Instagram: @traciconnellinteriors
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Connell-Interiors/230207711603
• Other: Blog: www.connellinteriors.blogspot.com |||| Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/connellinteriors/traci-connell-interiors

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