Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Dayton.
Amanda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been designing since I was old enough to play with my Grandmother’s Victorian dollhouse and my passion for it has only continued to grow from there. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from the University of North Texas and I worked in Education design with the University, after graduating, for eight years. I found my true passion was in residential design when I began a career with Ethan Allen in 2016.
My husband and I had relocated to the area to care for a family member who was being treated at MD Anderson. After her treatment was complete and we celebrated a full remission, we decided to stay in the area to be closer to family. The transition from commercial interior design to residential was huge but it provided a creative outlet that allowed me to thrive.
I was awarded Rising Star for Ethan Allen my first full year with the company and I was, recently, one of only nine Ethan Allen designers in the world to receive the Platinum Spirit Award. I have been humbled to work with a growing clientele this past year, many of whom were affected by Hurricane Harvey. Having the opportunity to work with clients who lost their homes and personal belongings has been the most meaningful professional journey I have ever experienced.
It has been deeply rewarding to be able to restore a sense of home for those clients by designing spaces that reflect their personal character and journey.
Has it been a smooth road?
Nothing worth having comes easy, right? I’ve accepted that as a personal mantra. While I am abundantly fortunate to have an incredible support system of friends, family and a husband whose silliness and antics keep me in constant adventure mode, I am no stranger to struggle.
I lost both of my parents unexpectedly. My father, while I was in college, and my mother just this last year. The loss of them was immense and in their absence I’ve really been forced to find out what I’m made of. It was through that grief that I discovered another passion.
Storytelling became a way for me to remember them and to process the pain of their loss. I have been a huge fan of The Moth podcast for years and joining that community in Houston has been wonderful. In May, I found myself on stage at the Resilience Theatre and became The Moth’s Houston GrandSlam Champion, a title I am beyond proud of. I encourage everyone to check out a live Moth show!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
Working for Ethan Allen as a designer has allowed me the opportunity to run my own business under the umbrella of a distinguished and reputable company that provides the very best in custom home furnishings. Design services are complimentary through Ethan Allen and I have found that this puts people at ease and they are able to enjoy the process that much more. The sky truly is the limit for us!
Our furniture comes with all of the custom options and dressmaker details that allow for a fully individualized look. Outside of furniture, I am also able to offer custom drapery and bedding designs as well as accessory and artwork selections that provide the finishing touch to any interior space.
I love getting to form personal relationships with my clients so they know they can call me for any project needs, as big or as small as they come.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
The Woodlands is a lovely growing community that offers enormous opportunities for designers. My clientele spans young families looking to create functional spaces for their first homes to retired couples downsizing who want to refresh and revitalize their new homes.
It is also a place where thoughtful design is present in the everyday and people are eager to create fashion-forward interiors that reflect their lifestyles.
Contact Info:
- Address: 18390 IH-45 South Shenandoah, TX 77384
- Website: https://www.ethanallen.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-ethanallen-us-Site/en_US/Stores-Details?StoreID=870
- Phone: 2814448210
- Email: AMANDA.DAYTON@ETHANALLEN.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_wade_dayton/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethanallendesign
- Other: ETHAN ALLEN
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