Today we’d like to introduce you to Tatum Culhane.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been infatuated with gorgeous homes, the work of famous Interior Designers, and looking through Zillow listings in my spare time. And as someone who enjoys being at home, it’s been my goal to make my surroundings as cozy and beautiful as possible. Reading that you may think I went to school and received my degree in Interior Design, but nope! I went to business school instead which I will forever be grateful for.
I received my degree in Advertising from Western Michigan University in 2019 and moved to Arizona after graduation. Less than a year later, the pandemic hit, and I moved back home to be closer to family. With extra time on my hands, I decided that I was going to learn as much as I could about the industry, build a website, and just go for it! I planned on using being young to my advantage to learn from mentors and knowing that I have time to grow and learn from my failures.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any fellow entrepreneur, I’ve had to learn many things along the way. But, that’s what it’s all about! Currently, I am a one-person show with all aspects of my business so I’ve had to learn new skills that I definitely was not anticipating. It can be a lot to juggle for one person, but it’s also very rewarding at the end of the day. As someone who does not have a formal degree in Interior Design, there can be a bit of imposter syndrome from time to time, but I’ve learned that I can’t let that stop me from going after my dreams! Once I started seeing the excitement and happiness on my client’s faces, I knew that this was exactly where I was meant to be. If there’s one thing I would encourage others interested in any sort of career outside of their education or background, it’s don’t let fear get in the way of your goals. Try your best to make your dreams your reality, and if you fall short, be proud of yourself for taking the chance.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Redo the Zoo is an in-person and virtual interior decorating business located in the Greater Kalamazoo area. Initially, when I started Redo the Zoo, I was focused solely on in-person projects hence the phrase I like to use with clients of “thank you for allowing me to redo your little piece of the ‘Zoo.” (For those who may not know or are not from Kalamazoo, oftentimes we like to shorten the city name to the ‘Zoo). Eventually, I expanded to offer virtual services to clients who do not live locally. My virtual services include 3D Furniture Layouts, Vision Boards, and a combination of the two. Virtual services are also great for the person who is looking to get professional advice for their home, but may not be looking to make the full investment of hiring a Designer or Decorator for in-home services. Often virtual projects can be one-off projects/rooms making it a more affordable option!
Brand-wise, I am most proud of what I have been able to build on social media. I come from an Advertising background where I helped other brands with their social media, but making it my own has been a ton of fun. Although my business is all about helping people decorate their homes, I do enjoy how you can connect with people anywhere in the world creatively who share the same interests, business goals, and general love for design. But, what I’m most proud of is looking back on the person I was when Redo the Zoo was just a concept in my head, to where I have been able to grow to today most importantly as a person, but also as a Decorator.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
One thing I would love to spread the word about is that interior decorating is for everybody! I work with people on every budget, with the same common goal of ensuring every client loves their home at the end of the day. If you are struggling with the furniture and decor in your home whether it be the layout, the furniture itself, or just want an extra set of eyes, I would be happy to help!
If you would like to work with me, you can contact me via my website www.redothezoo.com or follow me on any of my social media pages! (@redothezoo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest). Hope to chat soon!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.redothezoo.com
- Instagram: @redothezoo
- Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/redothezoo
