Joining me on the podcast today is Shawna Percival, owner of Styleberry Creative Interiors.  Shawna’s 10-year design career started with a Business, Art & Media degree, grew into the popular Styleberry Blog of the late 2000s, and became the flourishing design firm that Styleberry Creative Interiors is today. Shawna believes that an ordered, beautiful space is the fastest way to a family’s harmony and happiness at home — and she loves nothing more than bringing this to life for clients across her tight-knit community. A San Francisco Bay Area native, Shawna currently lives in San Antonio with her military physician husband and their two young children. When she’s not designing, you can find her sweating it out at yoga, cooking in the kitchen, or sporting her signature hoodie.

Natalie Reddell, also known as the ‘COMMANDER in CHIC®’, is a Richmond, Virginia based interior designer who has earned a reputation for her passionate approach to creating elegant interiors that feature layered styles, textures, colors and patterns. Specializing in luxury residential interiors, Reddell translates her love of travel, fashion and art into vibrant, tailored spaces that reflect the personalities of the people that reside in them. Over the past eighteen years Reddell has designed homes nationally and internationally, including modern beachfront properties, classic mountain retreats, updated-traditional farm estates, eclectic city apartments and warm, inviting family-friendly homes. Reddell’s strength lies in her ability to pair classic style with custom details and functionality tailored to each client.

Susan Woodcock owns Home Dec Gal, a how-to sewing resource and custom workroom in Western North Carolina, and is a Bluprint (formerly Craftsy) instructor and international speaker.  Susan’s publishing credits include Singer® Sewing Custom Curtains, Shades and Top Treatments.  Together with her husband, Rodger Walker, Susan co-produces the Custom Workroom Conference, an annual educational event and trade show.  In 2017, Susan and Rodger founded Custom Workroom Technical Center or “Workroom Tech”, a hands-on training facility dedicated to the workroom industry. She credits her mother with teaching her to sew and inspiring her career of creativity. 

The New York Times has called Peter Shankman "a rockstar who knows everything about social media and then some." He is a 5x best selling author, entrepreneur and corporate keynote speaker, focusing on customer service and the new and emerging customer economy. He is recognized worldwide for radically new ways of thinking about the customer experience, social media, PR, marketing, advertising, and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.)

Cynthia Bleskachek has been doing upholstery professionally since 2001 – before that, she grew up making buttons and pulling staples in her mom’s home upholstery shop. Her journey has cultivated a deep love, and appreciation for the character, and quality of older furniture – in a market overwhelmed by disposable options, re-upholstery provides a viable alternative.

The Funky Little Chair began as a Facebook blog of sorts, providing bits of education from whatever project was on the “horses” in the upholstery shop. In 2016, Cynthia opened The Funky Little Chair in order to focus on hands-on education for hobbyists and aspiring professionals.

On our podcast today we are really discussing the upholstery industry, the struggles they face, the future of the craft, and what can be done to keep this industry viable in our current economy.

Sara Brennan is a nationally published interior and floral designer, calling her style “Romantic Transitional”. She is an award-winning entrepreneur, author and lover of collecting all things vintage. Sara has been published in Romantic Homes and Traditional Home magazines highlighting her romantic and fall looks for the home and outdoor spaces. Only one year in business, Sara shares what she has done and is working on to be where she is today.

Nancy Ganzekaufer is a motivated business coach empowering creative entrepreneurs to build the life and business they have always wanted. Nancy guides her clients to clarity on their business identity, offerings and services. In addition to Business Coaching, Nancy is a National Board Member of the Interior Design Society (IDS) and the current and founding President of the IDS Virtual Chapter.

Richelle Plett is the owner of Haus and Home, specializing in custom upholstery for the Interior Design industry. Richelle’s story is one of hope and perseverance, taking the journey to find her passions and ultimately what makes her most proud of her work. She is a designer, educator, and supporter with a wicked sense of humor!

Today we hit shame head on. No more hiding, running away or feeling less than. Today is the day we remove the shackles of shame, replace them with forgiveness and move into our future. Our success depends on it.

Today we have the pleasure of hearing from Jennifer Dawn, a business owner, entrepreneur, author and speaker. Jennifer started her first business at eight years old selling apples off her grandfather’s apple trees. At 23, she founded a software company and then transitioned to a software division president. After 10+ years Jennifer began her journey of creating her own businesses and working for herself.

Today I have the pleasure of talking with the owner of Sew Much More Custom Sewing for the Home, Ceil DiGuglielmo. Ceil is passionate about education and technology in the window treatment and soft home furnishings industry.