“Yelena, we are SO happy with the kitchen. The window treatments look absolutely beautiful. They are elegant contemporary and extremely functional for those windows. You fulfilled all of our requirements and we are thrilled! We are also speechless about the dining room. Everything you have done in there is spot-on perfect. I can't walk through the room without putting the light on and staring at it.”
Lisa,
client of Yelena Gerts, New York
Meet Our Decorators
Bonnie Pressley
Franchise Owner
Texas
Background:
Bonnie's background is in personnel - hiring, training, and payroll for a federal credit union.
Personal Life:
Married for more than 30 years to engineer-husband, Jack, Bonnie has two children, Laura and Kyle.
Reason for starting an Interior Decorating business:
"I had always enjoyed 'casual' decorating for myself and friends," Bonnie says. "Management changed where I was employed and Kyle was born (at about the same time). The timing seemed right to take the big step into something I loved. I could be more flexible with my life and, at the same time, had great expectataions to do well in a decorating career."
What Bonnie likes best about running her Decorating Den Interiors franchise:
"Running an independent franchise makes me independent - as opposed to working as a decorator for a design firm or retail store. My calendar is my own!"
Most memorable moment:
For Bonnie, the most memorable moment is when she won her first Dream Room competition! "The design work is the 'fun' part of the business," she says, "and being awarded for it is the 'icing on the cake.'"
Business Goals:
"My business goals are to continue to grow at a healthy rate, maintaining a good relationship with my husband, children, family and friends. I currently have a great support system - part-time office assistant, workroom, installers, and wonderful clients - all of which I plan to keep."
Advice to those considering entering a career in design:
"Do it! Work it! Enjoy it!"
