TSC Member Monday: July 2023

Meet Truett Fink Of Truett Designs

Creativity has always been in my DNA. Since I can remember, I was always enrolled in an art class, being taken by my mother to interior stores in the Atlanta area, or observing the art shows my parents would host in my childhood home. 

Surrounded by so much love for creativity, I completed my degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production at Auburn University. Nearly two decades later, I found myself with a glowing career in sales and merchandising that landed me in partnership with one of America’s largest private companies and a Forbes Halo 100 company. But I discovered I was missing my first loves: art and design.
Three years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, my daughters found a watercolor piece that I painted as a child: a simple bluebird. Not long after, I stumbled upon a family treasure: a bolster of handmade fabric from England from the 1960s, saved by late grandmother. The fabric was still in beautiful condition, and it reminded me of my grandmother’s and mother’s immaculate style in their own homes.
These found treasures felt like clear messages to pursue the things that have always brought me (and the incredible mentors in my life) joy. I used the extra time afforded by the pandemic to pick up a paintbrush once again. Inspired by my travels, my passion for storytelling, interior design and my love of nature, I started back painting using various mediums. As a person of faith with a love of family, I also wanted my work to showcase the beauty of nature in God’s design and to honor the women in my life who taught me so much about creativity.
These paintings would become the basis for my collections at Truett Designs.  

https://truettdesigns.com
@truettdesigns

Why did you join TSC Membership?

I joined TSC so I could be in the “cool” club! Seriously though, I joined to meet and network with other like-minded, hardworking, creative women. Women that I could learn from and that I could inspire. I thrive on celebrating and lifting up other women – so much so that I built my entire business around doing just that! I was also craving the connection with women that could understand the struggles that I deal with on a daily basis because they are dealing with the same. It takes a massive weight off my shoulders every time I have a conversation with a fellow boss babe, and I don’t have to explain what is going on with me because they just get it.

What is a favorite small business you like to shop or support?

OMG so many! Hold onto your boots – incoming!

@theblakeatl, @laurensmithdesignsllc, @eliselyon_art, @alicetrahantphillips.art, @wondermint.goods, @themonicafarber, @shoptaylorreese, @emilyannedesigns, @riddle_oil, @marykkendig, @jkeimstudio, @baublestockings, @kmmcollective, @mignonnegavigan, @scarterdesigns @blairsbelts, @meanwhilebackonthefarm …. and million more that I am sure I am forgetting!

Where do you go to get your inspiration now?

I always tend to be inspired by my travels, nature, estate sale finds that remind me of a fond memory, and interior design.

What is the best business advice you have ever given or received?

I wouldn’t consider this direct advice from one person, but more of something that’s been engrained in me from my past work experiences, which is knowing who you are and your core values, and staying true to those core values.

I think probably the most difficult direct advice I received, but also probably some of the best was from a former CEO “No Excuses”, Define the problem and create a plan for the solution.