A Conversation with WCAA Member Weave Gotcha Covered!
Last month we had the opportunity to connect with Kelly (Founder) and Raychel (Digital Marketing Manager) from WCAA Member Weave Gotcha Covered! to talk about what it’s like to be part of the WCAA Tribe, some of their recent projects and favorite design trends, and a fun guest visit at their workroom last fall.
Founded by Kelly Wilson, Weave Gotcha Covered! is an award-winning, woman-owned custom drapery workroom based out of Kansas City, Missouri.
We especially love how Kelly has prioritized a heart-forward culture at Weave Gotcha Covered! by teaching marketable skills and offering equity-inspired opportunities for under-served women in the community.
"The Functional Launderette." Sink skirting and window treatment by WGC!
WCAA: Some of our WCAA Tribe are new to Weave Gotcha Covered! Can you share a little background about the workroom with us?
Raychel: Weave Gotcha Covered! started as a side gig in 2005 after Kelly’s family lost everything in an economic downturn. An early strategic partnership with a well-known retail home furnishings store positioned the company to journey from the basement to a 6500 square foot building with 14 employees. During this growth we committed to a social enterprise business model, moving to the inner city to work with women returning to community. In 2016 we founded a nonprofit, The Sewing Labs, a prosperous 501c3. The company is proud to be a woman-owned business that has scaled to the elusive 1m revenue mark. Currently our revenue streams are derived from retail and trade full-service workroom production and turnkey product sales. Shades (interior/exterior), blinds, shutters and automation.
WCAA: How long has Weave Gotcha Covered! (WGC!) been a WCAA member? What do you love about being a part of the tribe?
Kelly: We have been a WCAA member since 2008. The wealth of knowledge and connection the WCAA provides is invaluable to our business. We love having that sense of community within our profession. Additionally, the resources to service out of town jobs has been invaluable.
WCAA: WGC! recently had some very special guests in the shop this past October! Can you tell us a little bit about what that experience was like?
Raychel: We have been part of [HGTV’s] Bargain Mansions since season 1 when it was featured on the DIY network. We have worked with Tamara and crew for multiple episodes along the way. Having them in the shop always feels more like play and less like work! It’s like working with your favorite and most fun client- only it’s all being recorded. We are so happy for Tamara’s success and have loved watching how the show has grown and shaped design culture around KC. A fun fact - Tamara and Kelly share a birthday.
Kelly, Tamara and Martha at an event night for designers of the 2020 51st Annual KC Symphony Alliance Showhouse.
WCAA: With the new year upon us, are you seeing any new and exciting trends popping up in the studio that the WGC! team is in love with?
Kelly: New trend would be the creation of home and kid offices due to working/schooling from home. Fun trend would be automation. It is really gaining design traction and we are loving finding creative ways to motorize most of the products we sell.
WCAA: 2020 in particular was a challenge for many WCAA members. Based on WGC!’s experience, would you have any advice for others in the industry as we move forward in the new year?
Kelly: Don’t give up hope. Be willing to adapt and go through new doors, even if it seems challenging. Do the next right thing. Be humble enough to ask for help when necessary. Always scan the horizon for pivot opportunities.
WCAA: Do you have a soft furnishings project favorite that’s come out of the WGC! workroom recently?
Raychel: Early last year before the shut down due to COVID, we had begun working with Tamara on two rooms for the 51st Annual KC Symphony Alliance Showhouse. We were able to complete our fully designed rooms, but unfortunately all in-person tours had to be canceled and moved to virtual. It was still a fun project and one of the highlights of 2020 for us. We loved collaborating with Tamara and working together in such a creative way.
WCAA: What is one interior design element that you would put into every house regardless of budget?
Raychel: Motorized shades and drapery. The ease of use can’t be beat. The endless options of hardware and fabrics that are out now mean we can make a treatment that is just as beautiful as it is functional. It really is the future of our industry.
WCAA: What’s one past trend that you think should stay in the past?
Kelly: Mini blinds, Priscilla curtains, and having everything matching!
“The Daughter's Bedroom" Bedding, pillows and window coverings by WGC!
We had a delightful time connecting with Kelly and Raychel and getting an inspiring behind-the-scenes glance at what WCAA Member WCG! has been up to!
Thank you Kelly, Raychel and the WGC! team for taking the time to share with everyone! If you or someone you know would be interested in being featured or would like to share your experiences privately, reach out to us at marketing@wcaa.org!
You can learn more about Kelly and Weave Gotcha Covered! here.