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BUSINESS
THE MESA TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 6, 2020
Mesa designer’s book aimed at peers, newbies TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
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esa mom and U.S. Army veteran Tabitha Evans has been an interior designer for 13 years, the last eight as the owner of her own company. She has won accolades and awards for her work and she is now adding a new accent to that career as an author. The title shows the audience she has in mind: “Becoming a Designer of Distinction: What Interior Design School Won’t Teach You.” The book offers straightforward advice on how interior designers can either begin, or positively transform, their careers with insight on how to �ind mentors, gain valuable experience, connect with clients and maintain a positive outlook. “I have a lot people ask me questions about how to run their businesses,” said Evans, married and the mother of three children. “School doesn’t teach you everything you need to know so it �ills the gap,” she
PIZZA ���� ���� 18
native New Yorkers themselves who happened to stumble upon the pizzeria. “It’s like we belong here and it’s not just for the food, even though the food is terri�ic, it’s the family, the waiters, the waitresses,” Danzo said. “It’s a great feeling, and that’s how it was back home in New York and you don’t get that home feeling here in Arizona.” Steingraber noted, “We found it and we love pizza and we’re ex-New Yorkers looking for New York-style pizza. We know the family through coming here and we’ve even had our son’s engagement party here.” Betty Debratto called La Famiglia “one of the only places
Mesa interior designer Tabitha Evans' book has tips that both newbies and pros in her business can use. (Pablo Robles/Tribune Staff) added. “It’s �illed with great reminders
where the pizza is to our liking. “It’s authentic New York style pizza,” she added. “I’d say it’s even as good as Italy.” The Randazzos are following CDC guidelines to make sure their family and all their customers are safe. “We’re very, very cautious as to where we go and we feel very comfortable here with all the precautions they take,” Steingraber said. “It’s one of the two places we visit on a regular basis since COVID came to the U.S. back in March. We want to support a family run business that’s always been nice to us.” Aside from having to wear their masks, Danzo said nothing has really changed and they are still getting treated well. “An average customer should expect good food, good service and a friendly atmosphere,” Joseph Debratto said. Still, because of the pandemic, the Randazzos are barely breaking even, making enough to cover the bills and taxes and pay for other necessities. “It’s not a moneymaker,” Randazzo said. “It’s not a gold mine, it’s just working by yourself, selfemployed.” Even though times are hard
and practical tips that help you be the best version of you and how to �ind out what that is.” Evans, who holds a bachelor of arts degree in interior design, has the credentials one would expect of someone who gives advice to peers and colleagues in her line of work. With a bachelor’s degree in interior design, the owner of Tabitha Evans Design has worked for both residential and commercial clients, earning along the way the American Society of Interior Designers Design Excellence Awards as an emerging professional, �irst place for universal design and gold and silver awards, Emerging Professional third and second place, �irst place for universal design, and the National Association of Home Builders’ 55+ gold and silver awards. She also is a member and past president of the Arizona North Chapter of the American Society of Interior Design and an instructor at Scottsdale Community College. Evans said her book “It focuses on right now, the Randazzos stick to their traditions and continue to donate to the community. Every Sept. 11, they donate food to the local �ire departments, police stations and homeless stations around Mesa. They also donate to the homeless every year for Thanksgiving with food to feed around 150-200 people. “These are traditions I have,” Girolamo said. “I don’t stop. Even though things are bad, I’m gonna keep doing it.” He still gives discounts to �irst responders and tries to offer specials for the entire community. “We’re all in the same boat,” said Girolamo’s wife Vinceza. “Everyone is struggling �inancially, so we’re just trying to help people get discounts and come in and help us.” Girolamo said that his family is always grateful for the community’s continuing support. But he also looks with sadness at the restaurant’s big party room that was often �illed with people before the pandemic began. “It’s not making nothing, it’s empty every day.” Girolamo said. “This year, starting in March, I lost everything in this
things like �inding your strengths and authenticity, the importance of contracts, having a mentor, what to look for in a school or job.” And from both reviews and the marketplace, reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, she said. “We sold a box right away and orders keep trickling in,” Evans said. “We are excited about the response.” One designer called the book “a reminder of best practices and a tool to energize a designer if they’ve suffered a failure or feel broken” while applauded how her “sensitivity and kindness for people come through in this book.” It took her a year to write the book, partly because she’s busy in her business and partly because she also has a family and volunteering to balance in the mix. But that hasn’t stopped her from contemplating another writing project. “I’ve already started making a list of topics,” she said. Information: tabithaevans.com.
room.” The Randazzos hosted meetings, parties, baby showers and weddings in the room. “I feel bad. His whole business operation is in bad shape but he’s hanging in there,” Joseph Debratto said. But Vinceza said, “Personally, we’re strong in our beliefs but �inancially it’s hurt us a lot, as it has everyone else. That’s how I encourage [Girolamo] – that we’re not alone in this sinking boat and hopefully it doesn’t sink all the way.” The Randazzos try to remain optimistic about the future. “If we stay like this, I’ll survive but if it’s gonna go down more. Nobody knows how bad it’s gonna look later on, we won’t know what we’re gonna expect,” said Girolamo. “Support local businesses, there’s a lot of restaurants like mine so support them,” Girolamo added. “We don’t want to go away.” Their loyal customers don’t need that pep talk. As Betty Debratto said, “we’ll be coming here till they put me 6 feet under.” Information: lafamigliapizzanpasta. net.