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Robby Klein.
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Robby Klein.
Each year we celebrate the incredible people that make Nashville a beautiful place to live. This year, we toast a lineup that includes creatives, business people, culinarians, and everything in between. With a passion for philanthropy and a beautiful outlook on life, these are the men and women who make Music City shine.
Name: Robin Rains
Age: 61
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Occupation: Interior Designer, Owner, Robin Rains Interior Design and Antiques, LLC, partner, Designer’s Gallery, LLC
What is the one thing people don’t know about you?
Even though I am outgoing and social, I cherish my time along and am a bit of a home body.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of starting my own interior design business in 2001. After studying design in college and working for several design firms, I had developed a loyal clientele and a comfortable life. It took great courage to risk a secure life for the opportunity to fully pursue my creative vision. This could only happen within my own business and I took the leap of faith. I later branched out to buying antiques and enjoy traveling to Europe and hand selecting pieces for our clients as well as for my showroom at Nashville Design Collective and Designer's Gallery, LLC.
How would friends describe you in three words ?
Creative, generous, and enthusiastic.
Tell us about a sklll or activity that you’ve always wanted to try or one you’ve learned and mastered.
I got my scuba diving license several years ago but thought I might be too frightened to actually pursue it. I have been diving at some incredible locations around the world and it is one of the most amazing things I have done.
Name the person who has been the greatest influence in your life?
My parents…they are and have always been my greatest supporters. The taught by example how to be kind and sacrifice for others, to work hard and be positive.
Name an organization or non-profit that you affiliate with outside of work and why it’s important to you.
Village of Hope, Uganda. This amazing organization focuses on bringing healing to hundreds of orphans affected by the brutal attacks of Joseph Kony and his army. They provide food, education, counseling, physical and spiritual support to Ugandas most vulnerable children. My life and heart was forever changed when I visited Uganda and got involved with this organization. I also got to meet Ceasar, the child I have sponsored since he was young. He is now graduating from high school and going on to University School, where he will learn skills to prepare him for his future. I am a proud “Mama Robin”.
Tell us about someone you consider a hero and why?
My grandmother was my hero. (“Ma”, Mattie Hassler) She was a school teacher who was also a busy mother raising her own family. She was extremely creative in that she wrote poetry, had many collections, painted and made pottery. I never heard her say a harsh word about anyone and she was always sacrificing her own time and energy to help others in need.
What are a few of your favorite places in Nashville?
The Nashville Design Collective. Even though it is my workplace, it is beautiful and offers luxury brands to make each home unique. It is open to the trade and to discerning homeowners and it’s where we hang our hat. Radnor Lake is a favorite for beautiful nature and hiking. I love dining out with friends and trying new restaurants…I have too many favorites to mention.
Tell us about your routine/tips for looking and feeling great inside and/or out. (Salon, spa, fitness, wellness, well-being, etc.)
Because of my extremely busy work schedule… it’s important that I take good care of myself. Good nutrition and overall health and wellness are vital to me. It helps keep me balanced and strong from the inside out. I enjoy frequent salon visits to Mary Matts Skin and have been doing Pilates religiously for years with the amazing Sonje Mayo. To add variety, I also do weight training at Boost Fitness. I look forward to my early mornings classes before going to the office. Who would have thought I would turn into such an “early bird”? I am the most creative in the mornings and “moving” my body helps me jump start my day.
Describe your perfect day.
Most days I seem to be the most creative and productive in the morning as I wake up with my head spinning with thoughts. I love my work so I am motivated to get started. I wake early to do some emails and make lists of creative thoughts to pursue later in the day. Then playtime with Adagio and Allegro (my two spoiled cats). Once I leave home, I go to the gym or Pilates studio for a workout before heading to office. Everyday as a designer is a different day….job site visits, sourcing for the perfect furniture pieces, meeting with my staff , putting our fires (as I call it in the design and people business) answering client emails or rearranging the showroom if an antique sells. How much can I cram in any given day? On weekends, I spend time with my parents, who live in Franklin, where we regularly engage in very competitive card games. I also enjoy face time calls with my eight (soon to be nine) grand nieces and nephews.
Do you have a favorite quote you live by that you would like to share and why?
“I am going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life.” -Elsie de Wolfe. I have the great fortune of doing something I love everyday. The best part of my job is witnessing how our work can bring happiness and contentment to people’s daily lives. Our homes are our sanctuaries…were we rest, love, recharge. Our homes are a reflection of our lives and what we want to project to the world. I take my job very seriously and am blessed to do what I do.
What is your definition of beauty - how it pertains to yourself and /or others?
Beauty is when you feel comfortable in your own skin….it is not measured by years but by the radiance that comes from confidence, strength, respect, and love.