“You’re Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile”
Katie Davis: Interior Designer & Musical Theater Actress
Founder & Owner of Spruce Design
PLUS A Talented Musical Theater Actress With TWO National Tours Under Her Belt
What her “non-artistic” career looks like:
I started my own interior design + home organization business because I've always had a passion for making people feel at home. My goal is to bring luxury design services to any client - no matter their taste or style.
We take a pretty wide range of projects - large to small. Everything from one-room "refreshes" to full renovation and interior design services from scratch. We've built up a network of contractors and architects and have tackled everything from new builds to corporate offices. We've designed a pilates studio and are starting work on a new Nail Salon this fall!
Because we are still a small business, I often wear many, many different hats. Designer, accountant, hiring and training, marketing - it's all me!
A Spruce Success
Getting to design the new Baked By Melissa Corporate HQ was definitely a highlight! (They are an iconic NYC-based cupcake company). But I love every project we get to conquer - both big and small!
Your Background In The Arts:
I have a BFA in Musical Theatre from Belmont University, and have performed regionally around the country and traveled with two National Tours. I've always loved theatre and it will always be my first passion!
A Theatrical Success:
The first national tour of Escape to Margaritaville was an absolute party! The show was such a blast and I made wonderful friends on that contract. We got to play the Dolby Theatre in LA (where the Oscars are held) and that was definitely a highlight!
If Your Life Were A Musical, What Would the Title Be?
Winging It ;)
Star-To-Be in the National Tour of Annie
Ensemble/Rachel Understudy in Escape to Margaritaville
Why You “Do Both”
I still love to perform and always will. Of course, COVID took a pretty big hit on the theatre industry and my business really flourished during that time off from performing. Auditions for larger productions are few and far between, so my design work keeps me creative (and employed!) while I wait for performing opportunities to come along.
Where Your Two Paths Connect
People are shocked when I tell them that my job is 80% client connection and only 20% designing - and I credit my "people skills" entirely to theatre. Decor and design are entirely subjective - and it's not my job to just design what I would do if it were my house... it's not my house. It's theirs. And it's my job to listen, befriend, absorb, and use insights to figure out what THEY want. People often turn to a designer when they feel unsure about what style they like or how to achieve it. So I use those "people-reading skills," as non-theatre people like to call it :) to ensure that I'm creating a space my clients will love.
The Hardest Part of Doing Both
At some point, you'll have to say no. You'll have to turn down a few "career" opportunities to make space for performing. And vice versa - there will be times you'll have to turn down performing gigs to advance or even maintain your "survival" career. And that is OKAY! It doesn't mean it'll be your last opportunity, and people won't think you've given up. Remember - you're only one person splitting between two "careers." Give yourself grace!
Advice To Others Trying To Do Both
Be careful not to burn out or run yourself down! Be patient with yourself and give it time. Stick with it.
It's okay if "both" progress/grow a bit slower than someone else who is doing one thing full time. It makes sense - you are splitting all your energy between two jobs! It will take some time, but you'll eventually master the balancing act and find a good rhythm. I am extremely lucky that I was able to really expand my business while Broadway was shut down. Once both were back up and running - I had to figure out how to keep both careers alive and it has definitely been trial and error!
Get To Know Katie
Your Interior Design Style
Of course, I design whatever style my clients are after - so our projects really cover a wide spectrum! But personally, in my home, I prefer a mix of Scandinavian and nordic neutrals.
Dream Acting Role:
Anna in Frozen
Dream Client or Space For A Design Project
I've been wanting to get into designing/staging Air Bnbs!
College/Graduate School & What You Studied:
Musical Theatre at Belmont University
Three People That Support You
My boyfriend, my best friends, and of course all my wonderful employees!
If you were a piece of furniture, what would you be?
Ha! I think a cozy accent chair in a corner.
