Lynne Lawson
Franchise Owner
Maryland

Background:
A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Lynne spent the next 19 years with IBM in various marketing, management and consulting positions.

Personal Life:
Lynne and "wonderfully supportive husband," Bruce, enjoy traveling, hiking, cycling, reading and spending quite time together in their home. In addition to a successful career with IBM, Bruce also manages the books for Lynne's business.

Reason for starting an Interior Decorating business:
Lynne's first recollection of wanting to become an interior decorator is the encouragement her father gave her at the early age of 10. But it was in 1996 when three events converged that made her rethink her life: turning 40; her younger brother's unfortunate passing; and Lynn's disenchantment with traveling three days a week for work.

Reason for researching a franchise:
Due to the extreme change from a 19-year corporate career to independent businesswoman, Lynne decided to look into franchising as a way to aid in her transition.

What Lynne likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"The 'ah-ha' that comes from the client upon final installation! And I love being on my own, with accountability only to my clients, myself, my husband and Interiors by Decorating Den."

Most memorable moment:
After installing a client's silk draperies, custom rug, wallpapered walls and ceiling, the client arrived at the home to exclaim, "Oh my goodness! I am so glad this is my home!"

Business Goals:
"To increase my business, to create a better balance of home/life and work, increase customer service, all the while taking a three-week vacation!"

Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"I recommend franchise ownership. The training, corporate, regional and peer support and camaraderie, and the national and local marketing and PR programs are invaluable. But first assess your financial assets, your strengths and weaknesses, and your ability to work really, really, hard and long days before you take the plunge. But once you do, it is sooooo worth it! There is no perfect job, but this is as close as I am ever going to get!"

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 Interiors by Decorating Den 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."

Meet some more of our Decorators