Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments. Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. Shay Geyer is no stranger to the charity scene, but in the past year, she's become the "it" girl of philanthropy circle. Need a chair person who can raise tons of money and attract all the right sorts of people? Want your gala to not only be fun but memorable? Shay's your girl.
A love for design and a keen eye for art and textiles is in her blood. Shay's mother, Beth Rafferty, started IBB Design Fine Furnishings, when she was just a toddler. After graduating from Arizona State University, Shay moved back to Dallas to partner with her Mother.
In 2006, Shay was asked to be the design expert for Good Morning Texas. Her segments feature tips on hot new design trends, how to buy furniture, selecting color palettes, making a difference with accessories, make-overs & much more.
And as if her schedule wasn't busy enough, IBB will launch of a 16 page glossy publication, IBB At Home, in September. The free subscription will offer their clients & readers features on our design projects, tips & trends & lifestyle & entertaining advice from some of the city's top luxury tastemakers.
When she and BFF, Maggie Kipp, co-chaired The Celebrity Waiter's Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway in 2011 they set new standards how to get tongues waggling, donations given and funds raised. She and Kipp teamed up again this past Spring to co-chair the Mad Hatter's Tea Party benefiting the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum. She is also active in The Junior League of Dallas, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Junior Associates of the Dallas Museum of Art, The Elan Circle of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and she is a board member of the Family Place and a founding member of STAR Children’s Charities. "My mom & I are thrilled to be honorary chairs for this year's Partners Card benefiting The Family Place," states Geyer. "IBB is a participating retailer in the amazing one week shopping event. 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of a Partners Card goes directly to The Family Place."
As dedicated as she is to her career, it is her family that gets her up in the morning and keeps a smile on her face all day. "I know it sounds cliche, but I'm truly married to my best friend (Brian). He is patient, loving & so supportive. He is my rock. We still stay up at night & talk for hours. I can't get thru my day without talking & texting with him several times." smiles Geyer.
"God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters - Jaylie (8 1/2) & Brooklyn (2 1/2). My sweet Jaylie, a competitive dancer, has turned me into a part time "dance mom" - but not in a crazy way. I'm just there to be her biggest cheerleader. Brooklyn is the life of the party. She loves to sing & she is quite the social butterfly. We all wonder where she gets that. Roxy is our beloved Boxer."
"I'm a Christian & I can't start my day without the devotional Jesus Calling. One of our designers gave it to me & my mom in January right after we found out my dad's cancer was back & had metastasized. If you follow me on instagram, you will see that I often post excerpts from Jesus Calling. It really started out as something therapeutic for me, but once I started receiving daily emails & messages from friends, I saw that the posts were positively affecting many of them too."
RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH SHAY GEYER
When you need some "me" time to relax, where do you go or what do you do to relax and recharge?
I absolutely love going to the Arboretum or down to the Arts District. I don't do it nearly enough though!
What are your favorite restaurants?
Houston's - my parent's have been taking me to the one on Beltline Rd. since I was a little kid & my husband & I had our 1st date there. The food is so yummy & it's always consistent! Silver Fox Steakhouse - Our family loves steak & it's easy to take the kids there. The horseradish pickles they bring you when you sit down are the best pickles ever! Their steaks are some of the best cuts I've ever had. Javier's - it is the best Mexican food in Dallas! The atmosphere is great & the margaritas are even better!
What's your favorite Dallas festival?
It might be a tie. Dallas Blooms - it's magical & spectacular. I love all of the color & the gorgeous designs in each garden. I wish my backyard was the Arboretum! It makes me so happy! Dallas Art Fair - I've found wonderful pieces for clients during the fair & it's always a treat to see all of the amazing art!
What do you think makes Dallas such a great place to live, work and raise a family?
We are fortunate that the economy in Dallas tends to stay strong. I love the mix of huge corporations based here with the strong entrepreneurial spirit in this city. Dallas is one of the best cities for interior design. The resources are unbelievable & our city has done so much to promote the arts. There is so much inspiration here! It's really a kid-friendly city. I love taking my little ones to performances at The Dallas Children's Theater. My oldest loves the Perot Museum & to go see shows at the Winspear. We recently had a mommy/daughter date & enjoyed a ballet at the Wyly with the Texas Ballet Theater. Klyde Warren Park has to be the coolest urban park in the country. There's always something going on down there & I love all of the street fare with the food trucks!
Tell me something fun about you that most people don't know.
I'm a natural red head - strawberry blonde to be exact. Thank God for Daniel Lewis (my hair stylist extraordinaire) for helping me make it more blonde than strawberry. However, when Brooklyn was born, my little secret wasn't quite as easy to hide. She's a strawberry blonde too & people soon realized where she got it from!
Shay Geyer
In 2006, Shay was asked to be the design expert for Good Morning Texas. Her segments feature tips on hot new design trends, how to buy furniture, selecting color palettes, making a difference with accessories, make-overs & much more.
And as if her schedule wasn't busy enough, IBB will launch of a 16 page glossy publication, IBB At Home, in September. The free subscription will offer their clients & readers features on our design projects, tips & trends & lifestyle & entertaining advice from some of the city's top luxury tastemakers.
When she and BFF, Maggie Kipp, co-chaired The Celebrity Waiter's Luncheon benefiting Family Gateway in 2011 they set new standards how to get tongues waggling, donations given and funds raised. She and Kipp teamed up again this past Spring to co-chair the Mad Hatter's Tea Party benefiting the Women's Council of the Dallas Arboretum. She is also active in The Junior League of Dallas, Genesis Women’s Shelter, Junior Associates of the Dallas Museum of Art, The Elan Circle of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and she is a board member of the Family Place and a founding member of STAR Children’s Charities. "My mom & I are thrilled to be honorary chairs for this year's Partners Card benefiting The Family Place," states Geyer. "IBB is a participating retailer in the amazing one week shopping event. 100% of the proceeds from the purchase of a Partners Card goes directly to The Family Place."
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| Celebrity Waiter Luncheon 2011 |
As dedicated as she is to her career, it is her family that gets her up in the morning and keeps a smile on her face all day. "I know it sounds cliche, but I'm truly married to my best friend (Brian). He is patient, loving & so supportive. He is my rock. We still stay up at night & talk for hours. I can't get thru my day without talking & texting with him several times." smiles Geyer.
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| The Geyer family |
"I'm a Christian & I can't start my day without the devotional Jesus Calling. One of our designers gave it to me & my mom in January right after we found out my dad's cancer was back & had metastasized. If you follow me on instagram, you will see that I often post excerpts from Jesus Calling. It really started out as something therapeutic for me, but once I started receiving daily emails & messages from friends, I saw that the posts were positively affecting many of them too."
RAPID FIRE Q&A WITH SHAY GEYER
When you need some "me" time to relax, where do you go or what do you do to relax and recharge?
I absolutely love going to the Arboretum or down to the Arts District. I don't do it nearly enough though!
What are your favorite restaurants?
Houston's - my parent's have been taking me to the one on Beltline Rd. since I was a little kid & my husband & I had our 1st date there. The food is so yummy & it's always consistent! Silver Fox Steakhouse - Our family loves steak & it's easy to take the kids there. The horseradish pickles they bring you when you sit down are the best pickles ever! Their steaks are some of the best cuts I've ever had. Javier's - it is the best Mexican food in Dallas! The atmosphere is great & the margaritas are even better!
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| Mad Hatter's 2013 |
It might be a tie. Dallas Blooms - it's magical & spectacular. I love all of the color & the gorgeous designs in each garden. I wish my backyard was the Arboretum! It makes me so happy! Dallas Art Fair - I've found wonderful pieces for clients during the fair & it's always a treat to see all of the amazing art!
What do you think makes Dallas such a great place to live, work and raise a family?
We are fortunate that the economy in Dallas tends to stay strong. I love the mix of huge corporations based here with the strong entrepreneurial spirit in this city. Dallas is one of the best cities for interior design. The resources are unbelievable & our city has done so much to promote the arts. There is so much inspiration here! It's really a kid-friendly city. I love taking my little ones to performances at The Dallas Children's Theater. My oldest loves the Perot Museum & to go see shows at the Winspear. We recently had a mommy/daughter date & enjoyed a ballet at the Wyly with the Texas Ballet Theater. Klyde Warren Park has to be the coolest urban park in the country. There's always something going on down there & I love all of the street fare with the food trucks!
Tell me something fun about you that most people don't know.
I'm a natural red head - strawberry blonde to be exact. Thank God for Daniel Lewis (my hair stylist extraordinaire) for helping me make it more blonde than strawberry. However, when Brooklyn was born, my little secret wasn't quite as easy to hide. She's a strawberry blonde too & people soon realized where she got it from!
