Do you take time to pause and reflect? I'd be lying if I said I often do. I recently realized this, so within the last weeks of 2021 I forced myself to disconnect from my business so I could truly reflect on my business. As a small business owner, I wear all the hats, and I still can't tell you how many hats I juggle each day. I just know it is MANY. I am approaching 3-4 years since the birth of Tyler Interiors, and it is still equal parts thrilling and scary as hell.
PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIA FAY
Growing a creative business from the ground is no easy task, especially during a pandemic; however, looking back on the accomplishments within these 3 short years has me in awe. My ambition and eagerness landed me two major projects in 2019. Because I was new and extremely eager, I basically worked for free. Why? Because these people took a chance with me when I had NOTHING to show, and I needed a portfolio. A former contractor, now dear friend, once told me he made $100 on his first job, but the education he learned was priceless. This never left me.
Fast forward into the 2020 Covid mandate, and like many in this industry, the inquiries came flooding in. I was so excited, but also overwhelmed. I was a solopreneur wearing ALL the hats. I was leading clients through my process while establishing my process. I'm not sure how, but I survived 12 completed projects that year.
In transparency, I survived, but my personal life wasn't. Like many, the mandate forced me to stop running from personal issues I had buried for some time. As much as I hate to admit, I am just like my father, a stubborn mule refusing to give in; therefore, I wasn't going to surrender easily.
I'll spare you the details, but because of Tyler Interiors and this community, I was able to climb out of a very dark mental space, and since have worked my way towards peace and forgiveness. The love and support shown to this business has carried me through many hurdles, and I am forever grateful.
The second half of 2020 brought in projects of much larger scale. Projects layered in selections and technical design. Projects I had dreamed of being a part of. Although personally I had drifted from our Lord above, and didn't turn to him to nurture me through my personal struggles, I strongly believe he brought these projects to Tyler Interiors to help me find my way back. There have been multiple conversations around him. Once again, his grace and unconditional love proves we are never alone.
These larger scale projects have continued throughout 2021, and I'm really excited to share them with this community. Because of continued circumstances within our industry, project timelines have tripled in length. Along with outstanding clients, we have graciously navigated through, and we're inching closer and closer to the photographed finish line.
Reflecting on annual goals is really important, and in doing so I realized the opportunity 2021 provided. It offered time to focus on my internal systems and processes, and up level our client experience, which was one of my main goals. We began six new projects, five of them parallel in complexity. With established systems, we've navigated these projects professionally and efficiently, and we're excited to celebrate beautiful results with our clients.
2021 also allowed for team expansion. There is power in numbers, and I quickly learned I cannot manage this business alone. I have witnessed the blessings in creativity, perspective, and collaboration. I took a chance on new relationships, and I'm so glad I did. Our team, including our trades, is the force behind our client experience.
Krystle, our newest member, is our technical designer/ design assistant. Originally from California, her family moved from New Jersey to settle in the Lake Wylie area in October. She brings years of creative experience in kitchen and bathroom design, and is the talent behind our hand renderings. Her attention to detail, and eagerness to get a job done has greatly impacted Tyler Interiors. I am grateful for her dedication to our team and projects.
Although we are passionate about our work, and the impact it has on our clients' lives, 2021 painfully reminded me of the importance and value of human life. Nothing is more important than a heart beat. Like so many families, we abruptly lost a loved one to this nasty virus, and I'm forever grateful to our team and our clients, who graciously and patiently allowed time for my family to navigate these times.
If anything, these last two years have shown us how precious life is and how quickly it can change. My hope and prayer is for humanity to not lose sight of this and to come together in love and support of LIFE. Yes, we provide beautiful curations with beautiful products, and yes, the continued circumstances within the industry are frustrating, but none of this matters in comparison to a heart beat.
We are incredibly optimistic about the upcoming year, and we are excited to share it all with this community. We will not surrender to these momentary circumstances, and we will not stop chasing our dreams within Tyler Interiors. We view these last two years as the the educational catapult that is going to launch us into even bigger and better days. Stick around friends... it's going to be a fun ride.