Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments. Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces and this week, I want to introduce you to a former rock 'n roller turned design aficionado. She's turns chaos into calm and that's my kind of gal:
Tracy’s design mantra “If you love it, it will work” permeates her life—as a musician, marketer and design aficionado, she is dedicated to her many passions, including 5-year-old daughter, Cheza.
I have known Tracy since 1994. She was the Marketing Manager at Wherehouse Music (which later became a part of Blockbuster Entertainment) and I was an ad rep at the Dallas Observer. She was my biggest account and coolest client.
Her professional journey has taken her through many creative roles which have led her to her current venture as Owner and Lead Designer of interior design firm, Eleven 11 Design.
Eleven 11 Design delivers “Interiors. Exteriors. Happiness.” by approaching each project with the notion that good design is not just about a beautiful room, it’s creating a comfortable space that reflects the client’s unique personality. Taylor is currently holding a Facebook exclusive sweepstakes on her Fan Page for Eleven 11 Design and one lucky user is going to win a sofa, re-upholstered to fit their own space! Click here to enter!
Q: Tell me your life story in a couple of sentences?
A: I’ve lived in Dallas almost all my lift with short stints in Houston and Denver. I’m an amateur musician and was fairly obsessed with music, starting my career in music retail. Remember record stores?! I did marketing in the music business and then moved into radio here in Dallas, managing sales teams for about 8 years.
After leaving that industry, I joined the Dallas Morning News and oversaw FD Luxe and Quick as a Publisher and was the GM of the Arts and Entertainment, Travel & Luxury division. I’ve always been fairly obsessed with design. My grandparents had amazing taste and I noticed and appreciated those choices from an early age. I made it a focus when I started Eleven 11 Design. My daughter Cheza, who is almost 6, shares my attention to beautiful and interesting things for sure.
Q: If you had friends visiting from out of town for the day, what are your "must see" places to visit?
A: The Dallas Museum of Art for sure. While it may seem materialistic, NorthPark Center is an amazing place. The architecture, the choices made with regard to materials, lighting and ‘indoor landscaping’ is artistically inspiring. Oh, and the shopping is great! Also, the Arboretum.
Q: Where do you like to go around town with your daughter?
A: Besides the obvious fantastic kid choices (DMA for kids, Lab at Lakewood), we love to shop vintage. I give her $5 to use for a day of estate sale shopping and she’s quickly become savvy at stretching her money. It’s not only a lesson in strategic choices, but budgeting! She’s learned if she saves some, she has more for the next trip.
Q: What are your favorite Dallas eateries?
A: My new fave is Acme F & B and I love Good Friend. Neighborhood Services never disappoints.
Q: Do you have a particular charity you support? If so, which one and why?
A: Resource Center Dallas is fantastic organization that leads the country in many of its programs. They offer an incredibly complete range of services to the LGBT and HIV positive communities including medical services at their clinic, daily meals, a food pantry and much more. They are on a short list of organizations that is used as a template for other non-profits across the country. Their holistic approach to helping a community in need is impressive and effective.
Taylor has been chosen as an honoree for Resource Center Dallas' The Five Factor event on September 27, 2012. The Five Factor honors Dallas' five finest individuals in areas such as philanthropy, culinary, design, media and the arts. Coming from diverse backgrounds, with varied interests, these five individuals exemplify the style and generosity of Dallas' future.
Q: Tell me one funny, interesting or quirky thing about you that most people don't know.
A: I’ve seen every episode of Little House on the Prairie and The Golden Girls.
Tracy Martin Taylor
I have known Tracy since 1994. She was the Marketing Manager at Wherehouse Music (which later became a part of Blockbuster Entertainment) and I was an ad rep at the Dallas Observer. She was my biggest account and coolest client.
Her professional journey has taken her through many creative roles which have led her to her current venture as Owner and Lead Designer of interior design firm, Eleven 11 Design.
Eleven 11 Design delivers “Interiors. Exteriors. Happiness.” by approaching each project with the notion that good design is not just about a beautiful room, it’s creating a comfortable space that reflects the client’s unique personality. Taylor is currently holding a Facebook exclusive sweepstakes on her Fan Page for Eleven 11 Design and one lucky user is going to win a sofa, re-upholstered to fit their own space! Click here to enter!
Q: Tell me your life story in a couple of sentences?
A: I’ve lived in Dallas almost all my lift with short stints in Houston and Denver. I’m an amateur musician and was fairly obsessed with music, starting my career in music retail. Remember record stores?! I did marketing in the music business and then moved into radio here in Dallas, managing sales teams for about 8 years.
After leaving that industry, I joined the Dallas Morning News and oversaw FD Luxe and Quick as a Publisher and was the GM of the Arts and Entertainment, Travel & Luxury division. I’ve always been fairly obsessed with design. My grandparents had amazing taste and I noticed and appreciated those choices from an early age. I made it a focus when I started Eleven 11 Design. My daughter Cheza, who is almost 6, shares my attention to beautiful and interesting things for sure.
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| NorthPark Center is a "must see" for Dallas visitors |
A: The Dallas Museum of Art for sure. While it may seem materialistic, NorthPark Center is an amazing place. The architecture, the choices made with regard to materials, lighting and ‘indoor landscaping’ is artistically inspiring. Oh, and the shopping is great! Also, the Arboretum.
Q: Where do you like to go around town with your daughter?
A: Besides the obvious fantastic kid choices (DMA for kids, Lab at Lakewood), we love to shop vintage. I give her $5 to use for a day of estate sale shopping and she’s quickly become savvy at stretching her money. It’s not only a lesson in strategic choices, but budgeting! She’s learned if she saves some, she has more for the next trip.
 |
| DMA has great kids programs! |
A: My new fave is Acme F & B and I love Good Friend. Neighborhood Services never disappoints.
Q: Do you have a particular charity you support? If so, which one and why?
A: Resource Center Dallas is fantastic organization that leads the country in many of its programs. They offer an incredibly complete range of services to the LGBT and HIV positive communities including medical services at their clinic, daily meals, a food pantry and much more. They are on a short list of organizations that is used as a template for other non-profits across the country. Their holistic approach to helping a community in need is impressive and effective.Taylor has been chosen as an honoree for Resource Center Dallas' The Five Factor event on September 27, 2012. The Five Factor honors Dallas' five finest individuals in areas such as philanthropy, culinary, design, media and the arts. Coming from diverse backgrounds, with varied interests, these five individuals exemplify the style and generosity of Dallas' future.
Q: What's your favorite Dallas festival or event?
A: I love the arts festivals (Deep Ellum, Main Street, etc.) and have a new appreciation for the Texas State Fair since seeing it through the eyes of my wee one.
A: I love the arts festivals (Deep Ellum, Main Street, etc.) and have a new appreciation for the Texas State Fair since seeing it through the eyes of my wee one.
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| Little House on the Prairie |
Q: Tell me one funny, interesting or quirky thing about you that most people don't know.
A: I’ve seen every episode of Little House on the Prairie and The Golden Girls.
