Tonie Vander Hulst
Interior Decorator
Redlands, California

Background:
"I have 24 years in the home furnishings industry with 14 of those being with Interiors by Decorating Den. Prior to joining DDI, I was a buyer for a large furniture retailer, worked in store operations for a retail store at the corporate level, and was also a store manager for a west coast retail company. Even in high school, I took top honors in Home Economics and voted most likely to succeed in Home Economics by the faculty! I can remember going to model homes since I was six or seven years old and dreaming about having a beautiful home."

Personal Life:
"I love spending time with my family, especially my husband, Pete, to whom I've been married for over 22 years. We are very proud parents of a daughter, Kristen, 22, who lives in New York and works in the design industry; and a son, Justin, 19, who is attending college, majoring in fire science with the goal of being a fire/paramedic, and eventually chief. In our leisure time, we spend time on our boat, touring various lakes and rivers of the Colorado River. We also love traveling to Europe and exploring the California countryside, especially the Northern Coast and California Wine Country."

Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"I've always wanted to pursue my love for Interior Design, since I was a young child. I opened my DDI business because I wanted the freedom to build a business at my own pace and DDI offered an affordable interior decorating franchise opportunity. When my children were much younger, I worked around their schedule and never had to ask my 'boss' for time off. I loved being home with them when they returned from school, going on field trips, or running them to dance lessons or football practice. As they grew older, I expanded my business and the hours I worked. I loved the freedom and flexibility of an DDI franchise to be able to constantly reset my priorities whenever I wanted or needed to."

What Tonie likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"If I had to do all the buying and negotiating with vendors, I know that I would not have the time to expand my business or even spend the time with clients working on design projects, which is what I love to do. Someone else works with the vendors. They provide great marketing materials, so I don't have to develop them myself and at a huge savings for me. The best part about being a part of DDI is working for myself, but not by myself. I have so many good friends and developed relationships with people all over North America. It is so great to have this network of professionals to tap into, who truly understand what we go through on a daily basis and can relate to both our highs and lows. You can't get that anywhere - not from family or friends, and definitely not designers outside the DDI system. We are competitive as any business people should be, but in a very healthy way. We push each other to achieve whatever our dreams are. DDI really has created the best franchise opporunities for anybody."

Most memorable moment:
"This would have to be the first time I walked across the stage at my second DDI conference, to receive not only a sales award, but also two Dream Room awards. I had only been in business nine months when I reached this goal. Each and every year after, I made sure I was up on that stage at least once during a conference."

Business Goals:
"My business profile has changed throughout the years. In the beginning it was just me working out of my home. I added a part time administrative person after two years. For the past six years, I have had a studio outside of my home. I have one decorator, two design assistants, and my husband, who is my business manager, bookkeeper, receiver, delivery coordinator, and anything else that needs doing!"

Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"The best advice I could give someone who enters this business is you must have a passion for interior design and the highest goals to achieve your dream. I live by the quote, 'If it is to be, it is up to me.' This is a quote I heard a colleague use at my first conference, and I live by it every day."

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Susan Sintichakis
Interior Decorator
Ontario

Background:
Susan enjoyed the challenge of being a legal assistant for more than 15 years prior to starting her Decorating Den Interiors franchise. "I knew it was time to fulfill my creative side when I started to color coordinate the file folders!"

Personal Life:
Susan and husband Michael have three children, which are now all young adults. Her youngest was born during Susan's first year in business! Michael encouraged Susan to purchase her franchise and has been her main cheerleader throughout her career.

Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"Primarily I enjoy the art of decorating, however, the ability to run my own business was very attractive - to have more control of my hours; meeting new people all the time; using my creative side; completion of projects and the gratification and challenge it offers."

What Susan likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"I would have to say that with all the rewards this business has brought me, what I like best is the flexibility it provides so that I may spend time with my children and have the ability to attend school trips etc... now that our children are young adults and very much independant, I can still say I enjoy the flexibility as it allows me time for me."

Most memorable moment:
"Oooo, this is not a fair question -- there are so many! I guest the most memorable would have to be receiving the Canadian Decorator of the Year Award for my Dream Room contest entry. This recognition was not only a tremendous boost to my business, it was also a tremendous boost to my confidence as well!"

Business Goals:
"To double my annual sales."

Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"If you love design, working with people and making dreams rooms come true... then this is for you! "