Stephanie Tyler has created a compelling representation of contemporary design with Open Doors, her new furniture retail business. As president of the store located at 7300 Biscayne Boulevard in the Miami Modern (“MiMo”) district, Tyler’s experience and knowledge of interior design and design trends bring both savoir-faire and savoir-vivre to the up-and-coming neighborhood. She is head interior and furniture designer and is at the helm of Open Doors’ creative direction, personally designing and merchandising the boutique through her international travels. These voyages lead her to artisans, factories and materials that become the basis for the limited edition furniture and furnishings that set Open Doors apart from its competition.

“This boutique design store fulfills my dream to combine interior design, artful objects and artists with my global findings,” says Tyler. “I love interior and exterior spaces that embrace an individuals’ style. We are bringing fresh new designs that are accessible and allow everyone to find their own artful style,” continues Tyler. “After many years in the design business I thought, what’s next? How can I combine my passion for design, arts and travel? Open Doors is the answer to that dream,” states Tyler.

Born in Miami, FL in 1954, Tyler was influenced at an early age by her parents’ successful interior design company and South Florida’s vibrant artistic scene. In the 60’s, her father opened Caribbean Producers – a venture that began as a hospitality design service and evolved to include a decorating facet when her mother joined the team. “I remember holding Mom’s hand while she worked with fabric companies that no longer exist, selecting lime green and lemon yellow lattice textiles for guest rooms in the Caribbean,” says Tyler.

Tyler obtained her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Georgia in Athens, GA in 1976 and immediately her professional career was launched in Atlanta, GA at Haverty’s Furniture Company, where she was responsible for the interior design and window displays for the five-location chain. One year later, she joined Randy Williams and Beth Williams Design and Architecture as a junior designer in Palm Beach, FL. Her passion however was best put to practice in the family business, Caribbean Producers, to which she returned in 1979 to work with her brother, Tom Tyler.

Tyler’s homecoming allowed her to work alongside her mother again, who had by then taken Caribbean Producers in a fresh new direction. Both women were contracted for notable projects including the restoration of the King’s House in Jamaica for the arrival of Queen Elizabeth in 1982. A testament to their accurate interpretation of the project, the matriarch of the design duo was invited to a private dinner for 12 with the Queen and the Governor General.

Tyler became president of Caribbean Producers in 1986 and ran an expanded and accomplished interior design department for 19 years. In 1998, she formed International Design Concepts, Inc., which today thrives in the hospitality industry with clientele in South Florida and the Caribbean. Her high-end clients range from hotels and restaurants to bars, nightclubs and lounges in the Florida Keys, Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti and Antigua. What emerged as a start-up gave Tyler the opportunity to grow in her very own direction while following in the Caribbean-flavored design footsteps of her cultural background.

Tyler’s creative vision and strategic thinking has laid the foundation for Open Doors. In addition to furniture, the boutique offers interior design services for both residential and commercial clients. The general public may now benefit from Tyler’s three decades of experience that had previously only been available to the boutique hospitality industry and high end vacation home owners.

As the product of an effective and loving family business model, Tyler’s roots with Caribbean Producers enable her to recognize her children’s unique skills and specialties as part of the team at Open Doors. Son Todd age 26 and daughter Trisha age 28 join their mother as Design Consultant and Creative Consultant respectively. Accomplished in their own right, another generation of artistic minds is in full motion.

Tyler is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers as well as the National Council for Interior Design Qualification and has been a licensed designer since 1990.

She loves to travel and finds peace in the ocean. Laughter and humor is a staple in her daily regimen and experiencing the unknown during her world travels reinforce her clever perspective of life - one of objectivity, longevity and connectivity. Tyler considers her children her biggest accomplishments, a bond shared with husband Stan Shockley, his four children and their adorable King Charles spaniel, Annie.