Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Durham.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
For as long as I can remember, I always had a passion for decorating, styling and organizing rooms, and designing unique spaces. I began my business in 2014 through constant encouragement from family, friends, and acquaintances who would visit my home for various social gatherings, parties, showers, etc. I decided to take a leap of faith and began my business. I have been and remain fortunate to have a very consistent flow of organic referrals. I’m blessed to have been selected for various print and online magazine publishing opportunities and featured on various social media platforms. I truly love what I do and connecting with each client on a personal level is very important to me. My business has really taken off and I am grateful to those who encouraged me from the beginning and to all of my past and present clients who entrust one of their most personal aspects of their lives, their homes, to me.
Has it been a smooth road?
Obviously, with any business, you have your challenges. I am constantly exploring new ways to manage my business, in terms of marketing, client relationships, vendor relationships, pricing structure, etc. Understanding and identifying what my “ideal client” situation is while managing the business and financial aspect of my business. When you have your own company, you have to manage ALL of it. Not just the artistic, design aspect, but the business and financial side of it, as well. It can be difficult to find time for all of it and exploring new ways to do so is always top of mind.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Whitney Durham Interiors story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is a residential interior decorating and design company that specializes in both large home renovation and construction projects to smaller multiple room makeovers. My style is probably most widely recognized as mixing the old with the new, incorporating both higher and lower-end pieces, while adding pops of color to create well-curated spaces that are typically traditional with a fresh, unexpected twist. I feel my ability to incorporate color into a space while keeping it current, sophisticated and unobtrusive sets me apart from others in the business. I also truly value my client relationships and really try to connect with my clients on both a personal and professional level. By connecting with my clients on a personal level, it allows me to really understand who they are, their likes and dislikes, what is really important to them and why. With that knowledge, I am able to create a space for them that is highly suited to their personal needs, values, and overall aesthetic. By carefully listening to my client’s goals and objectives, I am able to turn their dreams into reality.
Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
Atlanta is a great place to start a design business. In addition to it’s growing economy, it is considered the “Design Center” of the southeast. It’s home to ADAC – Atlanta Decorative Art Center, which is the southeast’s premier design center for residential and contract furnishings. It is also home to AmericasMart, a design exhibition, and trade center. Atlanta also has many large, popular retail stores such as Ballard Designs, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Serena and Lily (just to name a few). It also has access to many antique shops, home décor boutiques, and to-the-trade showrooms. The popular Scott’s Antique market is not a far drive from Atlanta either. With many designers and decorators living in the city, it’s a great social network to bounce ideas off of each other, share to-the-trade information, and encourage and challenge each other in the business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whitneydurhaminteriors.com
- Phone: 678.231.9129
- Email: whitney@whitneydurhaminteriors.com
- Instagram: @whitneydurhaminteriors
Image Credit:
Ballard Designs, Erin Cantrell and Laura Negri Photography
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