Last month, we introduced you to one of our founders, Tracey. This month, we would love for you to meet the co-founder and owner of Austintatious Blinds and Shutters, Norma!

Norma started this journey alongside Tracey in 2003. She quarterbacks our operations team and is considered a top expert in motorization. She loves helping others and is passionate about living an extraordinary life. Learn more about Norma below: 

What inspired you to start Austintatious?

Tracey’s parents had a blind and shutter business at Possum Kingdom Lake (outside of Dallas).

It seemed like the perfect business to get out of the ‘corporate rat race’ and to do something fun and exciting, like making homes beautiful and then ultimately to connect with people.

What’s your best advice for someone who wants to start their own business?

Get ready because it’s not easy. It’s like having a baby. Your nights and weekends are gone, and it’s your job to nurture it and take care of it. But in the end, it’s worth it.

What would you like clients to know about Austintatious? 

That we truly care about them and think of them as our extended family and friends network.

 What are your top goals for Austintatious in 2024?

My top goal with Austintatious this year is to reconnect with other locally owned and operated businesses here in Austin. It’s important for us to all do what we can to support and promote one another. 

What is your favorite product, and why?

I have always been a fan of the ‘lifting system that we call top/down bottom/up. It’s a feature that certain products like the honeycomb shade allow you to lower the top of the shade down to have natural light from above but maintain privacy below. So, the shade actually moves to where you need it in the window giving you the perfect amount of light and desired privacy.

What is your favorite part of your workday?

Well, I have taken a step back from business, and I don’t actually work in the office every day. But I miss it, so I would have to say my favorite is being able to come to work and interact with our employees and clients. I’ll always treasure being able to connect with everyone.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I love the outdoors! I love to garden and to take care of things. I am always happiest when I am doing something along those lines. And a little secret– my favorite thing is mowing the grass. Yes, that’s right – it’s therapeutic for me. There is nothing like being able to create rows of freshly mowed grass and then sitting back and enjoying what the hard work looks like when I am finished. 

What is your favorite thing about being in/near Austin?

I love the Hill Country and being outdoors. And then I love being able to go to some of the Austin originals and enjoying some of the things that continue to keep Austin weird. Places like Lala’s Little Nugget and Donn’s Depot are great little Austin haunts that keep Austin original and weird. I think it’s important for us to all support Austin’s locally owned and operated businesses.

Where’s your favorite place to eat in Austin?

My favorite place to eat is actually a little place in Spicewood, just outside of Austin. It’s called J5 Steakhouse and is owned and operated by Jamie and Jennifer Straza. They truly are the optime of a family-owned and operated business; their children (whose names each start with J) have helped out from the beginning, whether waiting tables, cooking, you name it, they all have pitched in and made J5 great and perfectly unique. Not to mention that their steaks and other menu items are INCREDIBLE.