Biz

A Foundation For Growth

Photo: Theresa NeSmith Photography

Wendy Garraty

Owner & Founder Clayton Gray Home

By Ronda M. Parag

It was a move from Atlanta to Tampa in 1998 that initially sparked the idea for her business, Clayton Gray Home. After Wendy, and her husband Steve, relocated to Tampa, she was immediately challenged with finding resources to renovate and decorate their south Tampa home. Garraty developed the skills to find more unique pieces and began helping friends with residential and small commercial projects, sourcing everything from fabric to furniture to lighting. “This passion, for sourcing and finding the most unique items out there, turned into a business,” said Wendy Garraty. “I enjoy helping people transform their spaces. Clayton Gray Home helps people improve their space, which improves their mood.”

Clayton Gray Home was founded in 2010 when her sourcing obsession for beautiful interiors was expanding outside of the Tampa area. Setting up an e-commerce platform enabled her to reach those people and show quickly the items she was finding and choosing. Eventually, this would become the curated look of CGH. “Our new location on Howard Avenue, near Bayshore, brings a glimpse of the style seen online to a beautiful Brick-and-Mortar setting for our local customers,” said Garraty.

Prior to COVID, Garraty says that travel was a great source of inspiration. While unable to travel like the past, she and a colleague did recently go to Market in Atlanta. “Inspiration is everywhere,” said Garraty. “I always love checking out new restaurants, hotels and buildings to get inspired by the materials being used. Sometimes a small detail will spark an idea for an entire curation of products.”

While Garraty’s business was already online, the pandemic really helped to spur growth for her company. But, it was not without its challenges. “Shipping delays have been tremendous,” said Garraty. “Many of the products we sell have simply been sitting in containers waiting for the manpower to move them. We do our best to manage expectations with our customers, but it has created challenges, for sure. However, out of those challenges come positive changes, so it hasn’t been a bad thing.”

Some of her favorite places in Tampa are within a five mile radius, she says with a laugh. “I definitely am a huge fan of Buddy Brew Coffee and a daily walk along Bayshore Boulevard,” said Garraty. “For self care: Cielo Spa, Faces of South Tampa, and for clothing, Haden Reid. I also recently discovered Flora Fina in Ybor City and loved it. Le Meridian is long time favorite and Haven and Elevage are easy go-to’s.”

A self-described social person, Garraty always likes going to events and meeting new people. As a Gemini she is always juggling many projects, family and friends, and likes to stay busy. She is always looking for laughs and fun. “I try hard to live in the moment, but I am a planner at heart, so I love the next adventure.”

Clayton Gray Home 1413 S. Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606 813-250-3663 www.claytongrayhome.com