Business of Home Podcast Summary: "From Athens to Ann Arbor–how Ramsay Nye turned distance into a perfect partnership"
Release Date: July 14, 2025
Hosts: Dennis Scully
Guests: Krista Nye Nicholas and Tammy Ramsey, Founders of Ramsey Nye
1. Introduction and Partnership Formation
Dennis Scully kicks off the episode by introducing Krista Nye Nicholas and Tammy Ramsey, the dynamic duo behind Ramsey Nye, an interior design firm operating between Athens, Georgia, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Their journey began with a simple interaction on Pinterest, which blossomed into a thriving long-distance partnership encompassing both design practice and a multi-line showroom business, Cloth and Kind.
Notable Quote:
"What began as a comment on Pinterest evolved into one of the industry's most successful long-distance partnerships." — Dennis Scully [00:03]
2. Meeting Through Pinterest
Tammy Ramsey recounts how she and Krista connected on Pinterest, a platform they both embraced early on. A mutual interest in artisanal textiles and shared values led them to collaborate, culminating in attending a design conference together.
Notable Quote:
"It felt like we had always known each other and the conversations were effortless and nonstop." — Tammy Ramsey [05:02]
3. Overcoming Geographical Distance
Despite being based in different states, Krista and Tammy leveraged technology and strategic project management to build their business. They emphasized that their geographical separation became a strength, allowing them to tap into diverse markets and client bases.
Notable Quote:
"When you are in love, anything is possible." — Krista Nye Nicholas [11:34]
4. Building the Business and Team
Both founders come from non-design backgrounds—Krista from journalism and marketing at Conde Nast, and Tammy from a critical care nursing career. They swiftly developed business processes, emphasizing organization and systematization to manage their growing teams in multiple locations.
Notable Quote:
"We are super system and process oriented. So we have all manner of platforms that we function on..." — Tammy Ramsey [12:57]
5. Transitioning into Interior Design Without Formal Degrees
Krista and Tammy navigated the interior design industry without formal design degrees. They focused on practical experience and emphasized the importance of taste and creativity over formal education. To ensure quality, they required all team members to hold design degrees.
Notable Quote:
"If you couldn't teach taste, then that's the bottom line." — Tammy Ramsey [22:34]
6. Pricing Models and Client Transparency
The founders discuss their approach to pricing, balancing hourly rates with product markups to create a transparent and fair pricing structure. They highlight the importance of clear communication with clients about how they charge and the value provided.
Notable Quote:
"We're real buttoned up and very serious about making money as well. This is not a hobby." — Krista Nye Nicholas [27:43]
7. Showroom Evolution and Challenges in Retail
Krista and Tammy share their experience transitioning Cloth and Kind from a showroom to also operating a retail store. They realized that retail was not aligned with their strengths and passion, leading them to refocus solely on the showroom, which caters to designers and affluent clients in the Midwest.
Notable Quote:
"It was not what we loved. It was not what our heart was in, and it ultimately was a distraction from the showroom." — Krista Nye Nicholas [40:19]
8. Regional Focus: Midwest Dynamics
The discussion delves into their strategic focus on the Midwest, highlighting the region's growing demand for boutique and artisanal textile lines. They explain how their showroom serves a diverse and expansive Midwestern clientele, adapting to varied design sensibilities across 12 states.
Notable Quote:
"The Midwest is so enormous, it's a hard thing for any line rep to get out there and go see them." — Tammy Ramsey [48:36]
9. Industry Trends: Boutique Lines versus Consolidation
Krista and Tammy explore the current state of the textile industry, noting a trend where larger fabric houses are acquiring boutique lines. However, they express optimism that there's ample space for both established brands and new boutique artisans, especially with the rise of digital printing and on-demand production.
Notable Quote:
"There is enough room for everybody. We certainly need the Schumachers and the Kravitz and the Thiebauds of the world." — Krista Nye Nicholas [63:40]
10. Rebranding and Hiring a COO
Recognizing the need for structured growth, Ramsey Nye rebranded their design firm under their own names while maintaining Cloth and Kind for the showroom. They also brought on Jessica, a seasoned professional from New York City, as their Chief Operating Officer (COO) to streamline operations and support their expansion.
Notable Quote:
"Transitioning from Cloth and Kind to Ramsey Nye would not have been possible without her." — Tammy Ramsey [60:27]
11. Embracing Technology and AI
The founders discuss their cautious yet optimistic approach to integrating artificial intelligence into their business operations. They utilize AI for marketing and data analysis to enhance their decision-making and operational efficiency.
Notable Quote:
"We're getting there. We're not all in, but we are definitely exploring and finding some good use cases for it." — Krista Nye Nicholas [55:04]
12. Future Outlook and Conclusion
Krista and Tammy reflect on their journey, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, transparency, and a customer-centric approach. They express confidence in their continued growth and their role in enriching the Midwestern interior design landscape with unique and artisanal offerings.
Notable Quote:
"It's been an amazing time and opportunity for these smaller makers who can now do this, they can digitally print a line, they can print to order." — Krista Nye Nicholas [64:45]
Final Thoughts:
Krista Nye Nicholas and Tammy Ramsey exemplify how strategic partnership, even across distances, can lead to substantial success in the interior design industry. Their commitment to transparency, quality, and adaptability has allowed Ramsey Nye to thrive and expand its influence, particularly within the Midwest's evolving design market.
Stay Connected:
To follow Ramsey Nye's journey and explore their offerings, visit Ramsey Nye’s Website or connect with them on their social media platforms.