Shea and Syd McGee of Studio McGee and Netflix's Dream Home Makeover
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Syd and Shea McGee, the creative duo behind Studio McGee and McGee and Co., have gained recognition in the design industry through their custom home designs, curated products, and collaborations with Target. Their success can be attributed to their strategic use of social media, particularly Instagram, where they have amassed a loyal following. They emphasize the importance of being selective with clients and projects, ensuring a good fit in terms of budget, style, and personality. Shea, the design talent of the couple, maintains high standards and quality in every project, while Syd, the operational mind, handles the business aspects.
The McGees have co-authored a book called "Make Life Beautiful" and are starring in a Netflix series called "Dream Home Makeover." They discuss their approach to working together as a married couple, highlighting the importance of their shared passion and support for each other. They push each other to do better and constantly seek improvement. Shea admits that she is constantly thinking about design and finds it hard to turn off her design mindset. Syd shares that design is a frequent topic of conversation even when they are hanging out or on vacation. Shea had to acquire technical skills over time, taking courses at night to understand the construction of a home and pay attention to details.
The McGees attribute their success to their strategy of growing their social media following, particularly on Instagram. Shea started posting on Instagram early on when few designers were using the platform for promotion. They focused on high-quality visuals, a distinct style, and sharing information and tips with their audience. They broke the tradition of secrecy in the design industry and created a welcoming space where people could learn and apply design principles to their own lives.
Syd and Shea discuss their presence on various social media platforms. While they primarily focus on Instagram, they also utilize YouTube, Pinterest, and their blog. They acknowledge that each platform has its own unique audience and expectations. Pinterest, although not a social platform, is a valuable marketing tool for their business due to the longevity of the content. YouTube attracts users who enjoy visuals and window shopping, while Instagram users are more engaged and interested in behind-the-scenes content.
In the final part of the transcript, Syd McGee discusses the importance of selecting a reliable contractor for home projects. He emphasizes the need to assess their thoroughness, communication skills, and reliability. Syd warns against working with contractors who may disappear or not communicate effectively, as it can lead to budget and timeline issues. He suggests seeking feedback from previous clients and contractors who have worked with the contractor to gain insight into their character and work ethic.
The conversation concludes with Guy Kawasaki expressing his gratitude for the interview and his admiration for Syd and Shea. He encourages listeners to read the McGees' book, "Make Life Beautiful," and watch their Netflix series, "Dream Home Makeover." Guy Kawasaki signs off by reminding listeners to follow safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic and thanking the podcast's production team.
Syd and Shea McGee, the creative duo behind Studio McGee and McGee and Co., have gained recognition