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Life & Work with Tonya Searcy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonya Searcy.

Tonya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a love for interior design and all things beautiful. I have to credit that to my mom. As a child, I remember her being so creative in the way that she styled our curtains and made sure the area rug matched and pulled it all together. Our home was always neat and stylish and I appreciate her for that.

As I became a homeowner, my creativity expanded beyond interior design. I began to create home decor from items that I had around the house. I turned broken vases into glam centerpieces, I made curtain tie backs out of old clothing. The funny thing is that it worked and looked great!

I’ve gotten to where I am today by creating unique and stylish home decor. I take pride in my designs and credit it all to God’s purpose for my life. My clients explain what they want and I execute beyond their imagination. That’s where the joy comes in! And the same goes for my interior design concepts. I like to think outside the box and create custom pieces for that client and that client only.

It’s the “wow” factor that brings the most joy! Not just for me but for my clients.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. The first year of business for me has been full of learning lessons. Learning to manage inventory, balancing the books, and handing supply and demand. The best thing I’ve learned so far is to invest in what I don’t know so that I can prepare for a more successful future moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Beside being a loving mom, wife, and entrepreneur, I also work full-time. I have over 17 years of experience in court administration.

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.

What does success mean to you?
I define success with one word and that’s freedom. The freedom to live life on your own terms. To align yourself with your business goals and seeing those come to pass effortlessly… that’s a success!

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