Today we’d like to introduce you to Jill Shuey.
Hi Jill, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a child, my mom’s best friend was a seamstress. She made draperies along with other custom things for clients. She would let me help her and I learned a lot. She’s where I got my passion for home decor. I moved to California for interior design school but ended up finishing my degree in Houston. I got an internship at a local furniture store which also became my first job. I stayed there for almost a decade. They taught me everything I know and really took me under their wings. I will always be grateful to them for treating me like family. Eventually, I realized that I wanted to start my own business. So my friend and I bought into a franchise called Decorating Den. We went strong together for about 5 years and then she bought me out. We were just in two different stages of life. Her children were gone and mine were still young. I wanted to be a more involved mom. So now I am a contract designer through her business. It works out well. I can work on my own time doing what I love without feeling like I’m being a part time business partner.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hurt leaving my first job. They were like family. But I knew it was time to spread my wings.
When starting the franchise I didn’t realize how hard a business partnership would be. It was much harder than I anticipated.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are part of a franchise that operates across the USA and Canada. We are like a furniture store that comes to you. When we take on a new client we meet at their house, get an idea of exactly what they are wanting help with, measure the spaces, go back to the office and work on a presentation for them. We have over 150 vendors that we use to find the perfect pieces for each space. We take the shopping and frustration out of furnishing a space. We also work with a ton of builders on new builds and remodels. We help space plan, draw up cabinet designs, and help with interior and exterior selections. We love what we do and love building relationships with our clients. Most all of our new business comes from referrals and builders we have worked with for years.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Get involved with your neighborhood and other neighborhoods that have events. Also get to know some local realtors. The best feeling is when you both start to refer each other to potential clients.
Pricing:
- Hourly fee when doing selections for new builds and remodels is $250/hr
- We have all price points when it comes to furnishing your house. We label it good, better, and best. We like to think we can work in everyone’s budget.
