2/10/2016
Thomasville Antiques Show | Dedication
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Dedication RAM SINGLETARY: BRILLIANT HANDS WITH TRUE HEART
By Nadia R. Watts
If you’ve lived in Thomasville for any amount of time, Ram Singletary has probably touched your life in some important way. You’ve marveled at his exquisite floral arrangements. You’ve reaped the benefit of his masterful event planning. He’s the go-to guy behind every significant function you’ve attended. But the truth is that you probably know Ram better for his goodness of heart. For his spirit of giving. For his undying passion to help others. It’s no surprise, therefore, that this year’s Thomasville Antiques Show is dedicated to Ram Singletary, who has worked with the Antiques Show since its inception.
Q: Tell us about your role with the Thomasville Antiques Show and how it has evolved through the years. RS: The original founders of the show pulled me in. I have always appreciated working with all the nonprofits in town, and I agree with the Antiques Show’s mission — to contribute to nonprofit organizations in Thomasville that serve children in need. So I started as the rental coordinator, and from there, I started wearing a lot of different hats. I run logistics, from organizing all the rental companies that come in, to all the flowers and all the decorations. I try to make sure we’re in our budget. I make sure the caterers have everything they need — flatware, china, and tablecloths. Then there’s always the cleanup afterwards. It’s a big job, and it’s a year-long job.
Q: How have you seen the show evolve over the past three decades? RS: It’s evolved for the good. As the show grew, as our numbers increased, it’s gotten more refined. It’s taken on a mind of its own. It has brought a lot of big-name interior decorators, landscape architects, and antique collectors from all over the country. This is one of the best antiques shows in the country. When it started, the economy was good. Antiques were at a high, and there was a real interest. As the economy got worse, people were not collecting as much, and shows started to close up all over the country. Thomasville’s is one of the shows that survived.
Q: How did you originally get into decorating? RS: I wanted to be a graphic artist. I wanted to go into print design. [My brother] Jimmy had just started [Singletary’s Flowers], and the store was doing well, but it needed some management, and he needed some help. So my mother asked me if I would come and see how I liked it. That was in the ‘80s. I like details. That’s helped me with my event planning and wedding planning, and I’ve been fortunate to work with some big-name wedding planners in the industry. The longer I’m in this business, the more things come naturally. I don’t think about it anymore. I just do it. Q: You’re a business owner and a busy member of this community in so many ways. How do you find the time to do all you do? RS: I sometimes feel like I let some places lack, because I am so spread out, but I really try to focus and stay organized as well as I can. I write things down, and my notes have notes. Having a business, especially involved with brides and wedding planning, we have a lot on our plate. It takes a lot of organization and reliance on my team. It’s a team effort with the antiques show, too.
Q: What drives you?
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2/10/2016
Thomasville Antiques Show | Dedication
RS: I enjoy making people happy. I enjoy working for others. I don’t like to disappoint people; I like to fulfill their expectations. I enjoy my church and my community. I enjoy people. Faith has played a big role in my life. I just put one put on the floor every day and just push forth and ask the Lord for help.
Q: You give so much to other people. How do you give to yourself? RS: I enjoy watching movies, taking time off, turning the phone off. I love the beach and the mountains. I love treating myself to a good meal. I don’t think of myself a lot. I know I should, but I really don’t. I love my community, and I love giving back to the community that gives to me.
Q: The Young Collectors event is dedicated to your daughter, Savannah. How is her spirit reflected in that event? RS: Savannah loved to see the decorations and how the room transformed every year. She loved to see me in a tux. Rhonda always made sure Savannah was there to see the outcome. Savannah also loved collecting. Diane Parker started her when she was a baby with Herend pieces — ornaments and little frogs. The Young Collectors event is all about the art of collecting and capturing young people’s interests. Q: How does it feel to you to have the show dedicated to you? RS: It’s an honor. I don’t think I’m deserving of it; there are a lot of people who do just as much as I do. I don’t feel I should be singled out. Wait ‘til I’m gone (Laughs.) I’m very honored, and I’m humbled. I’ll just accept the dedication for everyone else who works just as hard.
*REFUNDS FOR TICKETS ARE NOT OFFERED. CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE YOUR PAYMENT MADE AS A DONATION
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