Profiles of a Few of our Decorating Women & Men...
Background:
Rebecca studied Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Armed with her degree, Rebecca worked as a fashion designer until putting that on hold to start her family. Upon re-entering the work force, Rebecca decided that 'interior design' was her passion and thus joined the staff at Wellesley College in Massachusetts as an interior designer.Personal life:
Rebecca and husband Dan have been married 31 years and are the proud parents of two grown children. Rebecca is active in church activities, the local women's club, the Chamber of Commerce and Cincinnati Children's Hospital charities.Reason for starting a decorating business:
"I had gotten to a point in my life where I knew I didn't want to work for someone else. I also knew that I lacked the experience to start a business and the knowledge of how to market my talents. I recalled that a high school classmate had started a decorating business with the assistance of a franchise. I then came across Interiors by Decorating Den at a Boston Home Show were I learned that my friend had been happily building her Interiors by Decorating Den business for over three years and loved it!"What Rebecca likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"I get to use my creativity in so many ways. My clients are wonderful and each is so different from the other, their needs as well as their tastes vary greatly. I NEVER get bored!"Most memorable moment:
"Being named "Decorator of the Year" was the highlight of my business career followed closely by our Region being named "Region of the Year." The recognition at our annual Market Conference in front of family and friends was both an honor and a thrill."Business Goals:
"While I have very specific objectives in my business, my overall goal is to remain happy in what I do."Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"Interior decorating is fun and rewarding. It also requires dedication and work. The beautiful thing about Interiors by Decorating Den is that they have already refined the business model for you."Rebecca Shearn
Allied ASID
Franchise Owner
Ohio
Background:
After graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a B.F.A. degree and a major in Interior Design, Carolyn worked for Radford University as the in-house designer and specifier. Carolynıs career ventured into many areas including being employed in retail, and for an architect.Personal Life:
Carolyn, husband Ed and son Michael were fortunate to travel and live in Singapore for 3 years. During their stay, Carolyn was asked to complete interiors for other Americans living there, both residential and commercial.Reason for starting an Interior Decorating business:
"After Ed's Singapore assignment for DuPont ended, we were asked to relocate to North Carolina. In determining my next career step, I decided that I did not want to go into full time employment and Interiors by Decorating Den allowed me the flexibility to determine my own schedule. I had not previously owned my own business, so starting one was a new challenge for me. The Interiors by Decorating Den system was extremely crucial in the start up and day to day operations of my business."What Carolyn likes best about running her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"We like to take numerous vacations each year. Operating my Interiors by Decorating Den franchise lets me schedule my own hours and days. I cherish this freedom as we enjoy traveling to our home on the Sound in Nags Head. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy sunsets.""The interior design profession provides many challenges each day. I enjoy being a problem solver while at the same time making people happy. Due to my services, my clients are happier with their homes and interiors which in-turn improves their quality of life and their daily outlook on life."
Most memorable moment:
"When a client literally cried from happiness upon installation of her new living room draperies and furniture!"Business Goals:
"To continue doing exactly what I am doing as it works for me and my schedule needs!"Carolyn Christmas
ASID
Franchise Owner
North Carolina
Background:
Janice holds a Masters degree in Management and an Undergraduate degree in Art and Home Economics and spent twenty-two years in the field of educational administration prior to starting her Interiors by Decorating Den franchise.Personal Life:
Married 37 years, Janice and husband Dean share two children and a much-loved poodle named "Timmy." Janice enjoys reading, shopping and staying abreast of trends. "If I could have one wish granted, it would be to have all the time and energy in the world to do nothing but decorate!"Reason for starting an interior decorating business:
"I had the unexpected opportunity of an early retirement which when presented was too good to pass up. At the time, I was just shy of 50 years old. To young to retire, I changed careers to finally do something Iıd dreamed of doing for the previous 25 years!"What Janice like best about running a Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"Everything! However, what I like best is the fact that I took a chance to finally do something for myself and I have conquered that challenge!"Most memorable moment:
"To this day, my most memorable experience is the very first sale that I made to a couple whom I considered to have very savvy purchasing knowledge. The thought that I was now their decorator and that they looked to me for guidance and advice made me ecstatic! Along with that sale came a lot of confidence to continue designing and selling my very best!"Business Goals:
"To keep my business strong yet manageable, wearing both the owner and operator hats."Advice to those considering entering a career in design:
"Be prepared to work hard. Keep in mind that in order to have something wonderful it is worth working hard for. And last but not least FOLLOW THE SYSTEM! It works!"Janice Hinzman
Franchise Owner
Delaware
Background:
Rick holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. in Business Management and has attended the Harrington Institute School of Interior Design. Prior to starting his Interiors by Decorating Den franchise, Rick worked for Sears Roebuck and Company where he held many positions including sales management, store management and buyer.Personal life:
In addition to running a busy interior decorating business, Rick enjoys reading, traveling, and the great outdoors.Reason for starting a decorating business:
"The idea of being an interior decorator had always been very appealing to me. In researching my options for entering the interior decorating field, I spoke with various design firms. As a result of my research, I realized that even though I had the educational experience, I lacked "hands on" experience as a decorator, and thus I would start at the bottom."What Rick likes best about running his Interiors by Decorating Den franchise:
"There are so many aspects that I love that I would have to highlight the four aspects I cherish most. The freedom and flexibility to set my own schedule, the wonderful people that I meet and the friendships that I develop, the opportunity to control my business, and the fact that I am getting up every morning to do something I truly love."Most memorable moment:
"There are so many memorable moments, but the first one that comes to mind was my first rather large commercial order. Even though I had prepared a very comprehensive, well thought out proposal, I was stunned when they accepted it! It certainly launched me into another level of my business!"Business Goals:
"One key business goal that I have is to be considered among the very "Top" decorators in the IDD system nationwide."Advice to those considering entering a career in interior decorating:
"I would have to say that I would like to pass on some advice that someone gave to me to be prepared, to work hard and to persevere; be sure to have a solid business plan and read a lot! Read books and magazines on the subjects of selling, business and interior design, you never stop learning."Rick Ingram
Franchise Owner
Illinois
Meet Some More of our Decorators
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