Meet Our Decorators

Kris Miller

Austin, Texas

Background:

Kris got a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Texas in 1992. Her career in Human Resources, first with Andersen Consulting then with Motorola, was augmented by night classes in design at UT. Kris worked evenings and weekends as a decorator for a local IDD business before buying her own franchise in 1999.

Personal Life:

Married Chris about 8 years ago, ("the 'unofficial President' of my IDD fan club!") and they are the proud 'parents' of a black cocker spaniel, Petie. Kris' hobbies include golf, antiques and decorating her *own* home!

Reason for starting an interior decorating business:

"I'd simply grown dissatisfied with my HR career. My work was incredibly demanding yet not fulfilling. So I decided it was time to be true to myself and take a risk on happiness!"

What Kris likes best about running her Decorating Den Interiors franchise:

"I opted for a IDD franchise because it offered a solid operating system, a strong network of enthusiastic franchise owners, and a concept that I believed in. My work is finally in alignment with my personal passions and values. I absolutely love being involved in the home decor industry, dealing with such beautiful products. It's very satisfying to know that the work I do enhances my clients' homes and contributes to their overall enjoyment of life, too. One final advantage ... working for myself provides me independence, control, and a real sense of ownership."

Most memorable moment:

Kris' first photo shoot happened after she'd been in business for about a year. "The shoot was really my first opportunity to *capture results* of my work and share those results with family, friends and other clients. It was so rewarding to see the images of my first big project and think ... 'Hey, I did that. I really CAN call myself a decorator!'"

Business Goals:

After setting goals in her first year of business based on survival and sales volume, by year three, Kris is ready to grow her business. She recently hired a part-time assistant and would eventually like to add at least one decorator to her staff.

Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:

Three things: Be sure you put strong systems into place for customer service, financial management, and marketing. Think and operate like an entrepreneur, and master the technical knowledge of interior decorating, seeking guidance along the way. And don't forget that your work should be a reflection of your client's lifestyles and preferences.