Kevyn Ann Connelly
Since the first time I held a crayon, I have possessed a passion for art and design. It has been my life-long dream to make homes come alive through color, patterns, textures, and trimmings. I graduated with a degree in Interior Design from The University of Georgia in 2007. I got my feet wet working for some very talented interior designers, and was blessed with the opportunity to work in some of the biggest and most beautiful homes in Atlanta. At that time, the economy was taking a nose dive and my peers and I found it extremely difficult to find and hang on to employment when so many businesses were closing their doors. Many of my classmates found themselves going back to school not long after we graduated to become nurses, teachers, or something else entirely different from what we originally majored in. Despite layoffs, I did not want to give up on my passion. Because the building and design industry had taken such a turn and I needed to have an income, I took a job helping an established Faux Finisher who still managed to stay busy when most were not. I instantly fell in love with the fast-paced and creative role. I realized decorative painting was the perfect way to combine my education with having always been considered "artsy fartsy." This revelation encouraged me to start my own business, despite the grim economy. I knew that if I was going to have a job doing what I wanted to do, I had to create it and take matters into my own hands. Kevynteriors was founded in 2009 and needless to say, I haven't looked back since!
My favorite part of this career is the variety. I know I would not survive sitting at a desk every day. I love the opportunity to meet new people, explore a wide variety of tastes and styles, while helping them make home improvements. Every single project is different and I love the challenge of trying to create something new, or trying to achieve a look that is in a client’s mind. I think the most effective strategy to keep the customers happy is to listen to them. What I think looks best is not necessarily the same opinion as the client. At the end of the day the work has to meet the client's expectations because they are paying for it, and they are the ones who live with my work every day. |
I always make sure to have plenty of consultation, show pictures of similar projects, and I make sample boards to try to best convey what the end result will look like. This helps the client feel at ease and trust that they will love it once I get started. In addition, I try to price every project very fairly, which is very important in keeping customers happy.
Often when I tell people what I do, they say "oh I wish I could afford for you to come to my house," and the truth is they can. People assume that because I'm an artist and do decorative painting, it sounds like something that only applies to people who live in million dollar homes, which could not be further from the truth. Faux finishing and decorative painting is a fabulous way to transform any surface in your house for a fraction of what it might cost to replace it. Many want a new look for their kitchen so they think they have to replace the cabinets. Never replace cabinets or throw out furniture without first considering what a little paint and glaze can do! Every project is different, and no project is too small. I have painted everything from walls, built-in bookshelves and furniture to picture frames, even candlesticks! Decorative painting is a quick, easy and affordable way to give your home a completely new look! The dramatic transformations and the smiles on the faces of my clients are what makes me LOVE my job!
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