Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Orton.
Hi Kelsey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2015, I was set to graduate with my degree in interior design from High Point University in North Carolina and already had a job offer lined up with the second-largest furniture company in North America. Shortly after I started my job, my now husband, Jared, had told me that he had received a huge job opportunity in Savannah, GA. It was one of those job opportunities that doesn’t come around often, so after a lot of thoughts, tears, and prayers, we decided Savannah was the move for us. Fortunately, our support system back in North Carolina was incredibly encouraging! Even my boss was understanding of the situation. “It was so easy for you to find a job here in North Carolina. I’m sure it will be just as easy once you move to Savannah.” Well, it turns out that was the furthest thing from the truth. For three months, I was an unemployed newlywed in a new city that knew absolutely no one! After months of nothing but job hunting, I finally found a job, but it was an absolute nightmare. Promises that were made upon hiring never came to fruition, a toxic work environment, and a daily notion of feeling like all of my talents were just going to waste. It was at the end of 2016 when my husband told me, “You just need to start something yourself! You have the talents. I know you can do it!” Knowing absolutely nothing about how to run a business, the legal setup, the finances, the process, I figured there was no way I could succeed. But with shaking hands, I applied for my LLC and started the process of something truly special. It was in our little apartment on Tennyson Ln where this dream finally began.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Savannah is an incredibly tight-knit community, so networking was rocky to begin with since all of my connections were in North Carolina. I had to learn which contractors and vendors were trustworthy, how to get my name out there when I knew no one in this new city.
As you know, we’re big fans of Tennyson Studio LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Tennyson Studio is an interior design studio based out of Savannah, GA. I specialize in high-end home renovations and new builds, as well as boutique commercial projects. I pride myself in educating clients on making informed investments for their home of business, customized to their lifestyle. No family, individual, or business is the same as another, so I believe each design must be unique to the client I am working with. I enjoy collaborating with clients and merging their preferred styles together to create a timeless yet unique space that stands the test of time while turning heads. I realize renovations are a huge investment, financially and emotionally, and I pride myself as being a safe and trusted guide for each and every client.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
I applied for my LLC in 2016, but Tennyson Studio really geared up during the Covid-19 lockdown. My daughter was about eight months old at the time, and I was ready to take my business from design consultations to full-scope design. If anything, the Covid-19 crisis helped me really understand how much our homes are our safe-havens. I remember talking with a client after helping her and her husband with a refresh for their dining room and she began thanking me. She said her job had required her to work from home and how her dining room had become her office. She said since the room now had purpose, function, and a cohesive design, it eased her and brought her more peace knowing she could spend the day in a room that reflected the style and needs of her family, as well as bringing a little joy in a time where the world lacked so much of it. And that is where Tennyson Studio’s heartbeat lies.
Some may see design or “stuff” as purely materialistic, but that is false. The design of your home, workspace, or wherever you inhabit is meant to reflect yourself. It’s meant to bring you peace and calm. It’s meant to corral the chaos of baby toys, bring organization and workflow through thoughtful design for the one that’s found their home to be their new office space, and so much more. The design of your home should be a warm welcome to you at the end of a long day of work, a place of comfort when you receive heartbreaking news, and spark happiness the moment guests walk into your home. That is what good design is about. That is what Tennyson Studio is about. Each client has a story. Each story is unique. Each story is important.
Contact Info:
- Email: kelsey.tennysonstudio@gmail.com
- Website: www.tennysonstudio.com
- Instagram: @mytennysonstudio
- Facebook: @tennysonstudio
Image Credits:
Office: Elise Holsonback Photography Bedroom: Stephanie Powell Creative
