“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
Jeanne Grier
Franchise Owner
Ontario
Background:
Armed with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Jeanne spent two years in hotel management and five years with IBM prior to starting her business.
Personal Life:
Jeanne and husband, Colin, have been married for seven years and enjoy spending time with their son, Logan. Hobbies include reading, knitting and watching movies (old and new).
Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"I was bored in my administrative role at IBM, and saw no future in it; I always pictured myself running my own business, just not sure what it would be. I desired to be independent, and make my own decisions and to have responsibility for my own future. I also have an innate interest in decorating."
Reason for researching a franchise:
"I loved the concept of having support, the concept of the ColorVan® and shop-at-home service."
What Jeanne likes best about running her Decorating Den Interiors franchise:
"I love the flexibility to run the business as I see fit for my area; being involved in all aspects of the business, like marketing, sales management; the ability to call and talk to anyone at IDD headquarters from the Chairman on down and ... using both sides of my brain!"
Most memorable moment:
"My most memorable moment has to be coordinating the furnishing and decoration of an entire house for the Fall International Home Show and working with other owners and decorators in the region to make it happen. When I saw it on TV, just before the show opened, I realized, 'Wow! We did that. It looks so amazing!'"
Business Goals:
"To be considered the place to work, by qualified decorators looking for work; to be awarded Franchise Owner of the Year and to be the first Canadian selected as the International Decorator of the Year."
Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"Learn how to work with people, how to interpret their tastes into completed designs. Determine whether you have the business management skills to work on your own, or do you prefer not to work for yourself at all."
