Today we welcome Ann Davis as our Monday FACE! A native of Atlanta, Ann saw a need for a contemporary store for brides and Atlantans to select beautiful china and tabletop accessories that they would love forever. Opening Travadavi not only fulfilled Ann’s dream, but created a beautiful place for us all to shop!
You left your family’s design business, Travis & Co, to open Travadavi. Why did you decide to do something different?
I thought about opening a shop for a long time and knew it would revolve around weddings. I had worked at Travis & Company for 25 years and it was time to do something on my own. I knew the interior design, wholesale fabric and furniture business, which has helped me tremendously in the retail world. My friend, Peggy Peele, and I talked for several years about the fact that Atlanta needed a tabletop store that included a bridal registry with a more contemporary feel to it, both in the actual shop and the merchandise. The timing worked and I opened Travadavi with Marguerite Peele Fine Stationery inside in June 2011.
Tell us about the feeling of Travadavi?
The shop is a nice mix of traditional and contemporary. I personally like a clean look to things. I also wanted to teach the brides about selecting every day china from manufacturers that make a beautiful and functional products they will use the rest of their lives and to get away from just picking out what is popular that day. The people you invite to your wedding want to give you a lovely gift that will last. They do not want to give you a wedding gift from a big box store.
We love that your store name is a combination of your maiden name (Travis) and your married name (Davis). How many names for the store did you go through before you settled on Travadavi?
John Lineweaver came up with the name. He is a genius at branding! I came up with some really awful names, so I hired John. He probably came up with 50 different names and we settled on Travadavi. It doesn’t mean anything and sounds Italian/European. When you googled Travadavi, 3 items came up that were peoples names on Facebook, but not Travadavi itself. Now you google it and there are over 20 pages related to Travadavi.
What are some of the biggest obstacles you had to face head on while planning and opening Travadavi?
One was physical. I needed foot surgery to be able to pull this off, so that was first. The second was a location. We ended up in the best place of all: 2300 Peachtree. The space had been an antique shop for years and needed to be updated which was fun, but challenging. It always takes longer than you think. Months longer!
What are the differences between what a modern bride registers for and what her mom registered for 30 years ago?
Brides used to pick what Momma had. The thought was you could combine all sets for entertaining, and Momma’s taste was the bride’s as well. Today the modern bride doesn’t want anything Momma has. She has her own style.
What is your favorite wedding gift that you received that you still use today?
An Elsa Peretti cheese knife from Tiffany. 23 years later, I use it all the time.
You have recently branched out and started carrying more accessories. Tell us about a few of your favorite things?
I just opened a No. 9 Thompson boutique within the shop. No. 9 is a collection within the Jim Thompson fabric line. Â The fabrics are mostly cotton and linen with fun patterns and brighter colors. They make travel accessories – tote bags, cosmetic bags, sun hats, hanging bags, small luggage and scarves. Everything is beautifully made in Thailand. Travadavi is the first retail store to carry No. 9 in the world. I am honored and thrilled to have them. Chad Holman, the president of Jim Thompson US, is a friend and we worked on this together. I also just received the Oscar de la Renta Home collection. I am one of the first in Atlanta to get it. Great casual china and tabletop accessories designed by Miles Redd. I am loving the resin jewelry too. Link necklaces and cuffs in great colors.
Is it hard to resist taking one of everything home with you?
Yes! I want to throw almost everything in my house out and start over!
You grew up in Atlanta and have spent most of your time here. What are some of the positive changes that you see in our city?
Atlanta is not the city I grew up in, but a positive is the city being more international.
What is your favorite way to spend a Saturday night?
After working six days in a row, Saturday night is usually dinner at home and then the feet go up to rest! I do like going out to dinner, and my husband always wants to go somewhere new.
Where is your favorite place to eat in Atlanta?
Bone’s tops my list.
What is your favorite neighborhood for shopping and dining?
Can’t say just one–I’ve lived here all my life, so it’s hard not to say Peachtree Battle, because that is where I grew up and it’s near the shop. West Paces Ferry is near my home and has become a favorite. I adore the Westside and remember it before it was cool! Always love going to Virginia Highlands because I feel like I went on a little trip.
What books are on your bedside table or Kindle?
I love my Kindle! I’m almost always reading trash, especially Regency period romance novels. I don’t even know the name of the one I am reading now, but is the second of a trilogy–the series is by Eloisa James.
Have any irrational fears?
I don’t think I have any irrational fears like monkeys or clowns, just the normal financial fears and worries. And how am I going to get all this done by myself!
With summer quickly approaching, what are you most looking forward to?
Nothing planned, but I love the beach and the mountains in the summer. I hope to take a few days off to enjoy one of those places.
What are three things that you cannot live without (besides God, family, and friends):
My Kindle, chocolate and sweet iced tea!
Thanks, Ann! For more information on Travadavi, click here.
And, a big thank you to our FACES photographer, Amy Lesesne!
