I am Tracey Smith. I grew up in WNY and have resided in Georgia for the last 27 years. Three of my four children live here in North Georgia. My youngest daughter lives in WNY. Michael McCormick and I moved to Dahlonega in 2015 and began our design business, retail store and design studio, Rachel Remington Design. We purchased the Yellow Daisy BNB in October of 2022 and still work in Design without the retail space. Owning a Bed and Breakfast has always been one of my dreams and it truly feels like a Dream Come True. Each day I strive to find a balance between hosting guests, being with family, playing tennis and creating memorable spaces. We love Dahlonega and truly feel like it is our home.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Michael and I have been together since 2007. He has a daughter Tera, her husband Paul and two grandchildren that live in Columbus Ohio. I have four children. Hunter lives in Dahlonega with his wife Paola. Cole is in Dawsonville with his wife Jenn and four children. Remington lives in Cumming and Rachel lives in NY. It’s so nice to have children close to spend time with on the weekends. They often work with us on the weekends.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do (or did if retired)?
All roads lead to here. In the last 20 years I have worked in several positions. All have been in the creative field. I began in Visual for retail stores. In 2003 I went back to school for Fine art and Graphics and began a freelance career in graphics. I still create graphics, ads and logos when I have the time. In 2007 I began working with White Interiors in Dawsonville and have stayed in exteriors and interiors since. Recently we added in events and florals to our business and that has been very rewarding and therapeutic to work with flowers and plants. Owning the Yellow Daisy has brought all of these career choices together. The best part is making our home relaxing and fun to be in. Creating comfortable rooms, fresh florals in the dining room, collecting art from local artists and family members and making good food is fun everyday!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community and your favorite dishes there?
Capers on the Square, Fig and Goat cheese pizza. Spirts Tavern, Moscow Mules and any of the Burgers
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? And if you moved here, where were you from originally?
We have lived and worked in Dahlonega since 2015. We have worked in and around N Ga since 2007. Originally I am from a small farming community in Western NY. Most of my family is still there and farming. Dahlonega feels like home.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community and why?
That is a tough question because we have so many talented, interesting people in Dahlonega. The late Colonel Jesse Johnson may be the most interesting if I had to name one. A true legend who loved and was deeply committed to his family, country and community.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Poland or Italy for food art and family history.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Anything Diane Keaton. The Family Stone. Tv Shows. Yellow Stone, Ginny and Georgia
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be Present and Authentic. All Day. Everyday.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To take a vacation with all the kids together.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Frank Sinatra
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The General Store.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Ralph Lauren. At the Yellow Daisy. I’d make lunch and we would talk design and my favorite collections of his over the years and how he has inspired me since I was a teenager.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Favorite thing. People. Small town feel. People truly care about each other. I feel safe at all times.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hanging out making breakfast at the BNB. Tending to gardens which we will begin to grow this spring. Having good times with kids and grandchildren.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I really wish I could have played a sport professionally or a tap dancer.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Western New York sitting on the shore of Lake Ontario looking towards Toronto. That has always been my peaceful thinking spot. So many great memories and the best sunsets ever. To me that makes it beautiful.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October would probably be my favorite month. Favorite holiday, Valentines.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A well designed room, any Frank Sinatra song, a day spent watching The Bills Game, either live or with family at home, a good long winning tennis match.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Grandparents, parents, kids and clients have always been the best inspiration.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh brewed coffee in the morning and Spaghetti Sauce cooking all day
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family Food and Comfort
