Exploring Life & Business with Traci Gilley + Keni Henderson of Vonnie Jane

Today we’d like to introduce you to Traci Gilley and Keni Henderson.

Traci, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We are a Nashville-based mother/daughter duo that combines 30 years of experience in design consulting, marketing, live event production, and interior styling. We’ve put our fingerprints on countless promotions and projects and pride ourselves on producing design-forward homes, intimate gatherings, and bespoke events. 

We like to believe that our curated spaces are always comfortable and inviting for both everyday life and special occasions. We really work to bridge the gap between timeless decor and unexpected pieces. Our goal with every new project is to make sure it sparks new conversations and friends but most of all lasting memories. 

The advantage of a two-generation design duo is an ability to collaborate and create with a breadth of life experience. Our unique tastes in music, fashion, and art kinda swirl together with a creative energy and the result is always something fresh and unexpected. 

Keni, 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?
One of the unique challenges we are facing is an influx of business due to the landscape of the real estate market in Nashville. There is so much growth in our city and investment opportunities that people all over the country are tapping into. For example – a majority of our clients are investors that are out-of-state. This has created a unique challenge for us to rapidly scale our business and grow our network. Our clients need someone boots-on-the-ground to not only design and furnish their properties but also onboard alongside property management companies and the like. That said, there are a lot of moving parts in our line of work that is specific to the investment space and create unique challenges for us to creatively navigate. One of our greatest assets as far as this goes is that we are also investors so we know firsthand what design choices will turn the dial on positive reviews and serial bookings. 

Traci, can you share something surprising about your business?
One of the things that surprise people most about our business is our heritage and namesake – Vonnie Jane. Vonnie Jane was our grandmother/great-grandmother whose legacy not only launched our business but inspires the creative choices we make and the projects we take on. Vonnie Jane was born in 1903 in the rugged terrain of Asheville, North Carolina where she cut her teeth on the Blue Ridge Mountains and learned to walk along the north fork of the Ivy Creek. Always fiery and fierce, her humble beginnings and rather ordinary life have compelled us to live for the adventure of today. The sweet moments where art, music, and nature find harmony in great design. Although Vonnie Jane was unknown to many in her lifetime and to most her life was probably fairly unremarkable – her legacy carries on. We like to believe with every new Vonnie Jane opportunity that somehow, she is known and honored through the process. We think she’d be really proud of who we are and what we’re doing today. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: vonniejane.com
• Instagram: _vonniejane_

Image Credits
Michelle Henderson