Today we’d like to introduce you to Nichole Tate.
Hi Nichole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Florida and my Interior Design degree from Florida State College of Jacksonville. I began my career working alongside a well-known Jacksonville designer, where I focused on smaller-scale residential projects.
After much reflection and a desire to bring my own creative vision to life, I launched Nichole Tate Design in 2010. I built my firm on the belief that great design should be attainable for everyone.
Within the past year, I’ve expanded my creative journey and partnered with a friend to launch Southern Stoop, a seasonal porch design business that brings warmth, personality, and festive style to outdoor spaces year-round.
My playful approach to design shines through in my love of color and texture, and I always come back to the same philosophy I live by: “It doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful! And ‘need it’ or ‘want it’ are both good enough reasons to have it.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most journeys, it hasn’t always been smooth. The design industry can be unpredictable, and I’ve faced my share of challenges along the way. COVID brought projects to a sudden pause, forcing me to rethink how I connected with clients and managed timelines. Then, the housing market crisis created new hurdles — from material shortages and rising costs to clients needing to shift priorities.
But through it all, I learned to adapt and stay creative. Those challenges ultimately made me stronger and more resourceful as a designer and a business owner. They reminded me why I started in the first place — to create spaces that make people feel comfortable and happy, no matter what’s happening outside their walls.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
As the economy changes, so does design. People now have access to so many ideas, inspiration, and products right at their fingertips, so I’ve learned to evolve and adapt right along with them. As I’ve grown in my career—and as a mom to young kids—my availability and priorities have shifted. That’s actually how my newest company, Southern Stoop, came to life.
It’s a business built around creativity, flexibility, and connection—allowing me to keep doing what I love while designing something that fits this season of life. Just two moms who believe you shouldn’t have to choose between meaningful work and meaningful moments with your kids. Southern Stoop was born from that simple but powerful idea. Like so many parents, we found ourselves craving flexibility, creativity, and connection—not just in our personal lives, but in our work too.
Southern Stoop is our answer to that need. It’s a reflection of our Southern roots, where the front stoop isn’t just a step—it’s a gathering place. A place for stories, laughter, shared advice, and genuine connection.
At our Stoop Porch Design Studio, we specialize in creating enchanting porchscapes that transform outdoor spaces into festive, holiday-ready havens. Whether it’s the warmth of autumn, the twinkling magic of winter, or the vibrant blooms of spring and summer, we bring your vision to life with seasonal designs that add charm, style, and personality to your porch.
Based in Winter Garden, we proudly serve Orlando and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners create welcoming, ever-changing porches that celebrate the seasons in style.
That’s what we’re building here—a brand and a community that welcomes you in, offers something special, and makes you feel at home. Whether it’s through the designs we create, the stories we share, or the values we live by, we want Southern Stoop to feel like that trusted neighbor you can always count on.
We’re here to grow something meaningful—not just for our families, but for yours too.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
You can do anything you want, but not all at once—and that’s the beauty of it. Growth takes shape in stages, just like good design. Each chapter brings new inspiration, new challenges, and new balance. Adapting isn’t giving up; it’s refining who you are and what matters most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://southernstoop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/southernstoop/ and https://www.instagram.com/nictatedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579284976040
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nichole-tate-12414240/
- Other: https://www.nicholetatedesign.com/
Image Credits
Branded Boss Lady professional Head Shot Picture
