Cool Jobs: Terra Davie Brings Inspiration to Home Decorating

Terra Davie, the lady behind Terra's Touch of Color, is passionate about helping people create homes they love through use of color.

She's a woman of many talents and has a gift for breathing new life into homes. I thought it would be cool to talk with her and see how it all began. 

— Lisa Lynch Frank

North Canton Patch: What inspired you to start your business?

Terra Davie: My father is an artist. He had a small art gallery in our home growing up. I loved to get into his art supplies to see what I could create with all of the colors. Later in life, I was able to put my love of colors to work as a Lowe's painting specialist. For 13 years I was able to work with home owners, helping them plan and design the colors for their homes. The training I received at Lowe's picking out textures, wallpapers and paints to create just the right feel became my trademark. I had a great base to launch my own business with this experience and so I took a leap of faith and never looked back.

North Canton Patch: Does Terra's Touch of Color specialize in anything else other than painting?

Davie: I have added to the list of services each year to keep up with the needs of my clients. I also do exterior painting, faux finishing, color consultation, wallpaper removal, wallpaper hanging, picture frame and furniture painting and counter top, cabinet and door refinishing.

North Canton Patch: What is is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Davie: Honestly, that would be paperwork! I am the type of person that has to stay active. I love doing the actual physical work. I would much rather be painting or even removing wallpaper than sit still and do my paperwork.

North Canton Patch; What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Davie: Repeat business. When my clients call me year after year to do work for them, I consider that a great testimony to the quality of work I do. I have painted for three generations of one family. I meet some really awesome people in my business and I get to know them pretty well over the course of a project.

North Canton Patch: Describe a typical day on the job.

Davie: A typical day may be long. I may finish up a few quotes and emails in the morning, and then head to the paint store to order paint for future jobs and pick up paint for the day. Then it's off for the real work — Load, unload, plaster, sand, seal, paint, clean up, load and unload it all again at the office. Then to finish off a day I may go on an appointment in the evening to meet a new client, and find out what they want done and begin the whole quoting process over again. It sounds routine, but every day and every project is exciting and different.

North Canton Patch: What advice would you give to someone who wants to remodel or redecorate their home?

Davie: In Stark County we have no shortage of home and garden shows, and parade homes or model homes to tour for up-to-date decorating ideas. When you visit these homes you really get a good idea of how different colors make you feel. You can look through decorating books and magazines also for inspiration. I do color consultations all of the time to help clients with this process.