“I want to thank you! It was delightful to come home after a long commute in the rain to see my beautiful new living room. The artwork that you put in place really made a difference to the room. I was so pleased with the overall effect, the quality of the art and the service you provided. You've made a huge difference! I'm looking forward to working with you again!”
Sheila T.,
client of Barbara Tabak, Pennsylvania
Meet Our Decorators
Dianne Wallis
Brantford, ON Canada
Background:
"I earned college degrees in Human Resources and Sales & Marketing. For 25 years I worked in the fields of Administrative Management & Human Resources for a fortune 500 Company."
Personal Life:
"I married my high school sweetheart, Bob, after re-connecting at our 1990 high school reunion. My free time is devoted to our blended family, our miniature schnauzer, Dallas, and our calico cat, Dharma." And, of course, spending as much time as possible with my granddaughter, Benten.
Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"In a word, 'global downsizing' led me to this career change. In 1993, I decided to pursue my life's passion, interior decorating. I returned to school and graduated with honors from the interior design program at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Sciences and the Sheffield School of Interior Design. Then in 1999, I purchased an Decorating Den Interiors franchise."
What Dianne likes best about running her Decorating Den Interiors franchise:
"After reviewing my options carefully, I was drawn to the complete package that this franchise opportunity offered. Beautiful marketing pieces, a fabulous network of preferred suppliers, strong regional support and ongoing training. The opportunity to work the hours you choose and of course meeting all those fabulous clients!
Most memorable moment:
"There have been many, but I guess attending my first conference and having my room entry win in the Canadian Dream Room Contest were highlights. It affirmed my decision to change careers and gave me even more credibility with my clients."
Business Goals:
Increase marketing!!! Although economic times can have their ups and downs I'm convinced that it's the company who continues to market that reaps the rewards. In Canada we have taken that fact and run with it - forming new regional alliances with many new advertising channels and layering the message on an individual basis.
Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"First of all, acquire as much educational and technical background as you can. Be organized it's paramount; although it's not the fun part, it's the key component to being a successful business owner. Be flexible, or at least work on trying to acquire this trait, things can and will go wrong - plan for it. And finally, be open and approachable. Remember who your client is ... and design to reflect their lifestyle and preferences."
