Meet Our Decorators
 Carol Gagnon, Allied Member, ASID
Sanibel Island, Florida
Background:
"I've always enjoyed being in
business for myself. When
in New England, I was the owner of three inns, as well as a
Sanibel realtor. I am active in the arts and am a member
of Maine Women in the Arts, and acquired my Allied Membership
of ASID."
Personal Life:
"I have a great husband! Our
two sons are now married and have brought two daughters-in-law
and two wonderful grandsons into my world. A few of my
interests include painting, tennis, and golf. I love
working with people, which is probably why this business has
worked so well for me. My
decorators are among my closest friends and the greatest assets
to my business."
Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"For
starters, I have always enjoyed drafting up business plans,
and this was the perfect avenue to satisfy my creative needs. Interior
decorating is a business where good people skills, business
sense, and creativity are necessary."
What Carol likes best about running her Interiors
by Decorating Den franchise:
"The system provides
constant training. Decorators
can participate in training throughout the year. The
Decorating Den system works hard to update our network of suppliers
so we can get the best product for the best possible price. That
transfers to a better bottom line for my business, not to mention
more satisfied clients!"
Most memorable moment:
“Winning Number
One Franchise was a big highlight for me. Decorating
Den does a wonderful job of rewarding and celebrating its top
business owners.”
Advice to those considering entering a career in interior
decorating:
“One needs to understand that this
is a serious business that needs constant attention. As
decorators, it's important that we take wonderful care of
our clients, fellow decorators, suppliers, and installers. The
way you treat people always comes back to you.”
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 Cheryl Smith, DDCD
Chatham, New Jersey
Background:
"I received my B.S. from the College
of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey. My major was home
economics. Out of
college I became a market manager for Allstate Insurance, managing
a customer service department of 80 employees."
Personal Life:
"I am married and have two grown
sons, TJ who is 24, and Mike who is 21. My hobbies include sewing
and of course, working on my own home. I love to do wallpapering
and painting. My
husband and I love cruises and have been on five so far, including
two weeks in Europe."
Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"I
enjoyed my job at Allstate. I really had no plans to
leave, until they decided to consolidate and move my office out
of state. Since I did not care to join their claims department,
I opted for the layoff package. It was about that time
that I saw an ad in a magazine for business opportunities with
Decorating Den. My husband was a great supporter and thought
owning my own business would be terrific. We were impressed
by the start-up and support provided by the company."
What Cheryl likes best about running her Interiors by
Decorating Den franchise:
"The thing I like best about
owning my own business is the freedom to run my business the
way I would like to. I make sure I do things by the book, but
I control my calendar, work when I want to, and do as much
business as I need."
Most memorable moment:
"My most memorable moment
happened this year at conference. I was on stage all by myself
to receive my plaque for DDCD. I
attended many classes, studied hard, and passed a very long exam.
That has probably been the achievement I'm most proud of, along
with my Positive Thinkers Award."
Business Goals:
"I will grow my business in
the next year. I
have been happy with my sales levels for the past two years,
especially given the soft economy."
Advice to those considering entering a career in interior
decorating:
"You need to wear three hats to own this
business: the decorator hat, the salesperson hat, and the businessperson
hat. If
you can't wear all three hats, hire someone to wear one of them,
but you need all three to succeed. You can be the most
talented decorator, but if you can't sell the job, or you don't
manage your accounts correctly, you'll be out of business." |
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 Dianne Wallis
Brantford, ON Canada
Background:
"I earned college degrees in Human
Resources and Sales & Marketing. For
25 years I worked in the fields of Administrative Management,
Human Resources, Community Relations & Foundation Development."
Personal Life:
"I married my high school sweetheart,
Bob, after re-connecting at our 1990 high school reunion. My
free time is devoted to our blended family, our miniature schnauzer,
Dallas, and our calico cat, Dharma."
Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"In
a word, 'global downsizing' led me to this career change. In
1993, I decided to pursue my life's passion, interior decorating. I
returned to school and graduated with honors from the interior
design program at Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Sciences
and the Sheffield School of Interior Design. Then in 1999,
I purchased an Interiors by Decorating Den franchise."
What Dianne likes best about running her Interiors by
Decorating Den franchise:
"After reviewing my options
carefully, I was drawn to the complete package that this opportunity
offered. Beautiful marketing pieces, a fabulous network of
preferred suppliers, strong regional support and ongoing training,
just to name a few."
Most memorable moment:
"There have been many,
but I guess attending my first conference and having my room
entry win in the Canadian Dream Room Contest were highlights. It
affirmed my decision to change careers and gave me even more
credibility with my clients."
Business Goals:
"I hope to strengthen my business
using the many systems and marketing programs this company offers."
Advice to those considering entering a career in interior
decorating:
"First of all, acquire as much educational
and technical background as you can. Organization is paramount;
although it's not the fun part, it's the key component to being
a successful business owner. And finally, remember who your
client is-you are working for them and decorating to reflect their
lifestyle and design preferences."
Meet some more of our Decorators |
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