Kathy Machir
Allied ASID
Franchise Owner
California

Background:
Kathy spent 19 years in the Consumer Finance Field.

Personal Life:
Kathy has been married for 18 years and has one child and three grandchildren. For fun, she enjoys traveling and playing golf.

Reason for buying a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"I wanted to get out of the corporate life and be my own boss... and most importantly, pursue my love of interior decorating! I have always worked hard, but now it is around my own schedule. Building my business while sharing and learning with hundreds of other franchise partners has contributed greatly to my personal and professional growth."

Cliff Welles
Judy Underwood
Allied ASID
Franchise Owners
Florida

Background:
This brother and sister team started their business in 1993. Cliff was a CEO of a computer graphics company. Judy spent over 20 years as a corporate officer for a national airline. 

Personal Life:
Cliff and his wife Patricia are the proud aunt and uncle of Judy's fifteen year old daughter, Jennifer. Some of Cliff's hobbies include scuba diving and photography.

Reason for buying a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"When we decided to go into business together, we researched numerous franchises before applying to Interiors by Decorating Den. The training and support offered by the company combined with the growing market opportunity convinced us that Interiors by Decorating Den was our best choice.We were right."

Karen Sanders
Franchise Owner
New Jersey

Background:
A former Vice President of Marketing for the Bank of New York, Karen began her Interiors by Decorating Den business in 1993. Karen's educational background consists of a B.A. in Textile/Clothing Design and a Masters Degree in Clothing Design.

Personal Life:
Single, Karen's life is currently fulfilled with her business and hobbies such as gardening and reading.

Reason for buying a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"I wanted to be my own boss and free myself from the fear of downsizing and corporate relocations. Being a sole provider, starting a business of my own was scary. The support systems and people I met when researching the company were very important to my decision. Although I am in business for myself, I am not by myself when I have a problem to resolve or good news to share."

Denise Williams Allied ASID
Franchise Owner
Ohio

Background:  Denise has a broad sales and interior design background, having worked for high-end furniture and full service design stores. In addition, she has an Associate degree in Interior Design from Antonelli Institute of Art, Philosophy and Design.  

Personal Life:
Denise and her husband Mark keep busy with their two children. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, water skiing, and softball.

Reason for buying a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"At the time I purchased the franchise, I had a three year old and hated working the crazy hours retail demands. With the flexibility of my Interiors by Decorating Den business, I never miss one of my kid's baseball or soccer games."

Marisa Lupo and Luisa Maringola
1999 Canadian Decorators of the Year
Franchise Owners
Ontario

Background:
Prior to owning a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise, Marisa worked as an accountant. Her educational background consists of a B.A. in English and 4th level CMA courses. With a B.A. in Sociology and a social research degree, Luisa worked as a social researcher for a government agency.

Personal Life:
Marisa and Luisa are each happily married; Marisa has three children, and Luisa has two. Some of their hobbies include reading and cooking.

Reason for buying a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"We knew we would be good business partners because our personalities and skills complement each others. Interiors by Decorating Den helped to complete the package. The terrific training, supplier account set-up and marketing plan allowed us to accomplish in weeks what would have taken years on our own."

Meet some more of our Decorators