Gloria Rinaldi
Franchise Owner
Ontario

Background:
Gloria graduated from Ryerson University's Fashion Design program, and worked for 11 years in fashion merchandising before beginning with Interiors by Decorating Den.

Personal Life:
Gloria is married with two young children, Jessica and Adam.

Reason for starting an Interior Decorating business:
"I needed a new outlet for my creativity," Gloria says. "I wanted more flexibility with my hours to accommodate my growing family."

What Gloria likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"I like to be in charge of my schedule so that I can fit in that 'Mother's Day Tea' at my children's school -- and watch them grow up while still having a career I love!"

Most memorable moment:
During her first full year in business, she entered the Dream Room contest and was chosen as Canadian Decorator of the Year!

Business Goals:
Increasing her business as well as her personal time -- "working SMARTER not HARDER!"

Advice to those considering entering a career in design:
"Love what you do. Love meeting people. Love having a different agenda every day. Love learning (all the newest trends, styles, colors) all the time!"

Bonnie Pressley
Franchise Owner
Texas

Background:
Bonnie's background is in personnel - hiring, training, and payroll for a federal credit union.

Personal Life:
Married for more than 30 years to engineer-husband, Jack, Bonnie has two children, Laura and Kyle.

Reason for starting an Interior Decorating business:
"I had always enjoyed 'casual' decorating for myself and friends," Bonnie says. "Management changed where I was employed and Kyle was born (at about the same time). The timing seemed right to take the big step into something I loved. I could be more flexible with my life and, at the same time, had great expectataions to do well in a decorating career."

What Bonnie likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"Running an independent franchise makes me independent - as opposed to working as a decorator for a design firm or retail store. My calendar is my own!"

Most memorable moment:
For Bonnie, the most memorable moment is when she won her first Dream Room competition! "The design work is the 'fun' part of the business," she says, "and being awarded for it is the 'icing on the cake.'"

Business Goals:
"My business goals are to continue to grow at a healthy rate, maintaining a good relationship with my husband, children, family and friends. I currently have a great support system - part-time office assistant, workroom, installers, and wonderful clients - all of which I plan to keep."

Advice to those considering entering a career in design:
"Do it! Work it! Enjoy it!"

Carol Allain
Franchise Owner
California

Background:
Carol has earned a B.A. in Botany from Connecticut College, an M.S. in Zoology and Entomology from Ohio State University and is a graduate of the University of California's Interior Design Certificate program.

Prior to starting her franchise, Carol enjoyed a number of "careers" including teaching, fifteen-year ownership of a macramé and weaving business and interior design for a large furniture showroom/design firm.

Personal Life:
Carol and supportive husband Henry share a 3,400 sq. ft. office studio. Henry operates his piano business on one side of the office and Carol runs her franchise in the other half. They also share the joys of having two children and three grandchildren. In her spare time, Carol also enjoys traveling, cooking and gardening.

Reason for starting an Interior Decorating business:
"In 1993, I met a Interiors by Decorating Den franchisee located in Southern California. At the time I was working for a furniture showroom. During our conversation we began to compare notes about our design careers... within two months I bought a franchise! Having worked for other design firms, I had a vision of the type of business I wanted to create and grow: one that provides a quality product in a timely fashion and would provide great customer service."

What Carol likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"Everything! It truly is an evolving entity. I began as a home-based business, wearing all the hats ranging from decorator, to bookkeeper, to scheduler and marketer. As time passed, I delegated some of these tasks to others while improving my skills as a decorator and salesperson. I presently employ two office persons, and have four decorators. This allows me ample opportunity to learn and improve my skills of management and motivation. Owning a franchise is a fabulous, hands-on education!"

Most memorable moment:
"To build my business to be the premier interior decorating business in my area, to encourage my interior decorators to be the best that they can be, and to provide a stimulating and enjoyable work environment for my employees."

Business Goals:
"To continue doing exactly what I am doing as it works for me and my schedule needs!"

Advice to those considering entering a career in design:
"Access your skills. Are you an artist? Are you a sales person? Are you organized? Are you analytical? Know your strengths and weaknesses and let others assist you in growing your business. And above all, be persistent in reaching your goal."

Roz Redmond
Franchise Owner
Maryland

Background:
Roz has an extensive background in human resources. "My past experience has definitely played a major role in my ability to interact with clients. Having dealt with employees on various personal aspects of their employment has proven to be beneficial. Now, as a decorator, I am very comfortable assisting clients with making personal decisions pertaining to their homes."

Personal Life:
Roz enjoys skiing, cooking and spending time with her husband Norm.

Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"Actually my decorator told me about Interiors by Decorating Den. She even went so far as to send materials to me on the company! Knowing my personality and flair for design... she insisted I at least call and talk to someone and I haven't looked back since!"

What Roz likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"There are numerous things that I like such as setting my own schedule and being totally responsible for the challenges that come with running a business."

Most memorable moment:
"Achieving Century Society my first year in business and being recognized on stage at our annual conference for the achievement."

Business Goals:
"I have a goal of growing my business such that I will take onboard a decorator and an office manager."

Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"Do not approach this as a hobby. Approach it as a business and the sky is the limit!"

Meet some more of our Decorators