Today we’d like to introduce you to Geri Russell.
Hi Geri, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After many moves (corporate and personal) we bought an old house in Connecticut. Prior to that we had built, restored and remodeled every home we lived in, and always sold without difficulty, due to the work we did. After getting settled and finishing up the restoration of said old home, my husband suggested I attend the local university that offered interior design. As a result of that, I took a position as design assistant for a well established designer, at which I learned about the actual business of design, something not taught at that time at the university. After a few years we decide to purchase another “Century Home” and one of the potential buyers of our current home hired me (Cross Keys Designs) to design and furnish the house they did purchase. From there, my business grew, and I was able to re-establish my design business when we moved to Austin, Texas, later then to St Petersburg, Florida and now back to Texas.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Re-establishing yourself in a new community is a challenge. First of all, you have no one to recommend you, to give you credibility. You are starting over without your “posse”…electrician, plumber, contractors, the team you have worked so hard to establish and depend on. The style of design you have previously been doing (coastal in Florida) doesn’t fly in most of Texas. You move to an area that is already saturated with designers, locals that have been here for ages and have relationships in place. Fortunately I am a people person, and the networking aspect of this has been fun. I have met some wonderful folks and getting to know them and the local community has been great. And how awesome is it when your previous Austin clients find out you’re back and want to work with you again?
As you know, we’re big fans of Cross Keys Designs. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Hmmm, that a lot to pack into this. My tag line is “Let Us Tell Your Story”. I’ve had others over the years, but this one really resonates with me at this point in my life, primarily because of the many relocations, different people, interesting cultural exchanges that I have had the privilege to experience. Every person, couple and family has a story to tell because of how they came to be, how they met, or what they are creating together…I want their design to tell their story. Living in an historic area of Texas also gives me a chance to tell the stories of some of these fabulous old homes, including the Craftsman that my husband and I bought here.
My current clients include a family whose children were very young, a ski condo…then a new home, now a relocation for them. They called because “I get them”
The other couple, no children. Ten years ago we helped them settle into a new home, furniture, draperies, rugs, etc. This new project involves a total makeover with lighting, structural plans, interesting color ways and unusual finishes. She called “because you won’t let me do anything stupid”
What am I proud of? Good client relationships. And I’m very practical!
What makes you happy?
Would it be wrong to say alone time? I’m mean if we are being honest here…but I do love it when our family is all together, which doesn’t happen nearly enough. On the opposite spectrum, I do love some good old family chaos with kids laughing, screaming and everyone having to something to say, talking over each other and just having a blast! I have a whole lot to be grateful for, but family is at the top of my list!
Pricing:
- I do love flat fees based on the scope of work
- I do love “Concept Only” design…ask me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crosskeysdesigns.com
- Facebook: cross_keys_designs
