Podcasts about window coverings association

Marianne Henderson is the owner of Sandhill Designs and Upholstery.  She is a dedicated wife and loving mother of three wonderful children, including girl/boy twins in their late thirties and a youngest son who is soon to turn 30. From an early age, she had a passion for sewing, starting with making her own Barbie clothes and later progressing to designing her own outfits. She saved her allowance to buy fabric and patterns and, after taking a single sewing class in junior high, continued to teach herself the craft. Although she was accepted into the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco, a life-changing event altered her path just before she was set to attend. She spent nearly 30 years working in accounting, but it never fulfilled her passion. While working part-time as a bookkeeper and creating custom soft furnishings for a local furniture store, she had the opportunity to reupholster a child's chair. This sparked a love for the craft and a realization that upholstery was her true calling. Over the last 12 years, she has immersed herself in the world of upholstery, learning through YouTube videos, books, and online courses, including those offered by Kim Chagnon of Kim's Upholstery. Recently, she has expanded her skills to include window coverings. She is an active member of the National Upholstery Association and the Window Coverings Association of America.   Sandhill Custom Designs and Upholstery is on Facebook and Instagram Kim's Upholstery Funky Little Chair courses are on the Workroom Channel The Workoom Channel Remarkable 2 Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life by Rob Proctor

Frances Pusch has worked with textiles in some form her entire professional career. Her training includes art school and a bachelor's degree in textile design from Boston University. She also studied tailoring and fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). During twelve years in New York, Frances worked for two leading textile companies, had a custom tailor shop, was a pattern-maker for outerwear companies, including London Fog, and taught tailoring and pattern-making at FIT. As a business owner, she has made men's and women's custom suits, designed and produced a collection of women's clothing, and later a line of gift items for dog lovers. Her sole focus, starting in 2002, has been creating fine products for home interiors. Frances keeps her business up-to-date by actively participating in online discussion groups and webinars, as well as traveling to conferences and workshops around the country. She is always searching for better techniques, resources and technology—all the while keeping hand stitching alive and well! Her professional affiliations include the Window Coverings Association of America, the Drapery and Design Professional Network, and the Maine Women's Business Network. Frances lives in an 1848 cape-style house, next door to her studio, in a small village in coastal Maine. When not working, she is most often found playing with her rescue dog, Tilly, or on a tennis court, or enjoying the company of art, music, books and friends.   Links and Resources; First Podcast with Frances Pusch - #53 - I Followed What Made Me Happy Profit First by Mike Michalowicz  

Welcome back to the Trading Secrets Podcast.This show is sponsored by WCAA - the Window Coverings Association of America. Their mission is to make available educational and networking opportunities, to encourage a code of ethics for fair practices, and to work for the betterment of the window coverings industry. Today we're talking about “The Insurance Policy”. Most people (myself included) are not big fans of paying insurance premiums. If you add up the amount you have paid for insurance over the years, it would probably shock you. But on the rare occasion that something goes wrong, you are glad that you did, right? The peace of mind just knowing that you are protected is priceless and that's what we are talking about in today's show.Stick around to hear a few prime examples from my career that show you exactly why you need an “insurance policy” and how it will save you many headaches moving forward. Please send your comments and suggestions. Thanks so much  for your support and always remember: Never Stop Learning.Until next time!To learn more about me, my background, and my goals within this industry, head here.InstagramFacebookGoogle ReviewsYoutube

Lisa LaChance started Something Sew Unique nearly 20 years ago in Horseshoe Bay, Texas. While there she had the opportunity to create unique window treatments and bedding in every style, texture, and fabric imaginable – from rustic country to shabby chic to sleek contemporary style. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. As a professional member of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), she is active in the promotion of window treatment design and fabrication as a business. In 2007 she completed certification to become a Certified Workroom Professional and was also featured in the prestigious Window Covering Association of America (WCAA) 2007 Elegance Showcase. Her solid educational background and experience, coupled with her love for sewing and design, have given Lisa a unique view into the window of interior fashions. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, spending time with her grandchildren, and caving in her backyard.   Links and Resources; Dream Draper Instagram

Hello everyone, welcome back to another episode of The Trading Secrets Podcast. In today's show, we are going to talk about the importance of networking events and seminars and why attending home shows can help you become a better professional.Consequently leading you to more success!This episode is brought to you by WCAA - the Window Coverings Association of America. Their mission is to make educational and networking opportunities available to its members. When you join WCAA, you will never be in business alone.With the international window covering Expo (IWCE) happening in April, everyone is talking about the show. The question is: Should you stay home or should you attend?Be sure to listen to the end of this episode for tips & tricks on how to best prepare for your first live event and my top reasons for attending (P.S. These events were and are a GAME CHANGER for me and my business).I hope to see you in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2 weeks for the convention.Please send me your suggestions and feedback. I surely appreciate your support!And always remember: never stop learning! To learn more about me, my background, and my goals within this industry, head here.InstagramFacebookGoogle Reviews

In this episode we are going through seven ways to put safety first in your window covering business. This includes proper ways to load your van, cordless treatments, as well as what installers can do to keep themselves and others safe.First, it's important to define what safety is. It comes down to recognizing hazards to achieve an acceptable level of risk. One tip is to mind your dimensions. Otherwise, you will be unhappy with the outcome, and so will your clients. Isolate if you need to so you can focus on your measurements.You don't want to rush this part of the process. Not too long ago, I was doing a job on an island. I drilled through the wrong side of the fabric, and this mistake cost me another day of travel. It was on my dime because it was my mistake. Simple mishaps can lead to big problems, especially when safety is involved. If you make an error, you can also damage the homeowner's property by mistake. That's why it's so important that you have the insurance needed to protect yourself and your business. I don't see insurance as an expense, but rather an investment.There are so many ways in which you can put safety first, namely the several shared in this episode. As professionals, we should never cut corners on the job. Doing things the correct way may take a few more minutes, but it's always better to be safe than to be sorry.Contact me here: podcast@tradingupconsulting.comFind out more about Trading Up Consulting here: https://www.tradingupconsulting.com/Visit our sponsor Window Coverings Association of America: https://www.wcaa.org/

122: Scaling a Drapery Workroom with Tracie Bresnahan Joining me on the podcast today is Tracie Bresnahan of Custom Creations. Tracie owns a full service, turn-key, to-the-trade workroom supporting designers. Tracie is the President of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) and she is sharing with us today some of her challenges in scaling a workroom. As you all know, these are the same challenges in many cases that we have no matter the business type. Listen in as we discuss changing locations, hiring, adding project management solutions, and the timing of it all. Topics Mentioned: Hiring Location Project Management Timing Key Thoughts: It forced me to get to know people. People that I knew would help my business. Tracie (08:05)  Volunteering makes you determine what's really important, and only do that and do it better.  Michele (10:51)  Nice to know what you are evaluating against. Michele (31:23)  Having the right butt in the right seat doing the right work. Michele (40:49)  Go through a research phase of what technology works. Michele (59:51) Writing down and tweaking the things that you want to do better. Michele (01:15:08) Contact Michele: Email: Team@ScarletThreadConsulting.com Facebook: Scarlet Thread Consulting Instagram: @ScarletThreadATL Contact Tracie: Website: mycustomcreations.com Facebook: Custom Creations Instagram: @custom_creationstb Email: tracie@mycustomcreations.com References and Resources: The Designers' Inner Circle - Become a Member Today E-Myth Revisited - by Michael Gerber HIVE - Project Management Resource

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   In this re-release of my conversation with Rosemarie and Linda, we talk about the importance of the relationships in our industry. Rosemarie Garner and Linda Principe have been working together since 2012. Today we discuss the designer/workroom relationship and the importance of it. Linda Principe is the owner of Linda Principe Interiors formerly of Monroe Township, NJ. Linda provides full-service residential interior design services with a specialty in window treatments in the central New Jersey area. Linda is active in the Window Coverings Association of America and is a past President of the National Board. She is also past President of the Central New Jersey Chapter.  Recently, Linda was an instructor for the “Window Treatments” class in the Interior Design program at Mercer County Community College for five years.   Linda’s work has been included in Window Fashions trade magazine and she is a past Editorial Board member and featured writer. She has also been published numerous times in Design New Jersey magazine as well as local NJ newspapers.   Rosemarie Garner is the owner of R Garner Custom Designs, LLC – a To The Trade Custom Window Treatment design and fabrication firm serving the Northern New Jersey, Montclair NJ, and NYC areas. R Garner Custom Designs works closely with designer clients in a collaborative way to ensure their vision is executed perfectly. R Garner Custom Designs keeps up with current trends in window treatment design through our membership in the WCAA, Design and Drapery Pro Network, and industry educational conferences. Rosemarie is an instructor at Workroom Tech in Tryon, NC and for the Custom Workroom Conference. Rosemarie’s work can be viewed on Houzz and Facebook. Her website is currently under construction.  

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library   Merril Y Landis, LTD   Anntoinette Kirwan is the owner and operator of MAK Inspirations, a boutique window treatment, soft furnishings & upholstery workroom. Her dedication to her craft is evident in her desire to give each client personalized attention and to transform their designs into reality by keeping the lines of communication open, overseeing all the details and ensuring timeliness is met.  Antoinette is passionate about her partnerships with Interior Designers and she approaches each and every project as a special challenge, as she takes the design from fabrication ultimately through to installation. Antoinette is an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Industry Partner, a member of Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), Phoenix Association of Workroom Professionals (PAWP) and the National Upholstery Association (NUA). Custom Workroom Conference Good Notes Phoenix Association of Workroom Professionals Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod Antoinette is on Facebook and Instagram.  

Ronica is from a small town in Western NY and moved to Raleigh 27 years ago via San Diego. She and her husband of 28 years have 2 kids and a dog. Ronica's Custom Creations is an award-winning full-service window treatment design and fabrication studio. Ronica works with both the homeowners and design clients, using her specialized industry skills to make ideas and plans become reality to transform your house into a home. Ronica is dedicated to providing quality products with outstanding details. To reach that end, she spends time keeping up with current colors, home furnishing styles, and fabrication techniques. Memberships in several home furnishings networks, including the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA), where she has held several board positions, provide educational opportunities and important contacts and resources. Ronica strives to achieve the highest levels of proficiency in drapery fabrication. She searches out new knowledge in the field by attending educational seminars and conferences, and WCAA chapter meetings as well as subscribing to trade and design journals. Customers can be assured that they will be treated in a respectful way and provided with home furnishings they will be proud of for many years. When Ronica is not meeting with clients, sewing or installing, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially when out on the boat! Ronica is on Instagram.   Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill A Well Designed Business LuAnn Nigara You Are A Badass and You Are A Badass At Making Money by Jen Sincero     The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by;   The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Helser Brothers, Inc   The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library

"Hello! I'm Michele, founder of Scarlet Thread Consulting, former soft treatment fabricator, and wife/mom always. I could tell you that I have a B.S. in Business Administration, but I'm just as proud of the diploma in Christian Life Coaching I earned through Light University. Additionally, I am one of the few certified Profit First coaches in the United States - and I am a creative on top of that! You see, I wasn't always a coach for interior designers and creative entrepreneurs. I wasn't even in the home industry at the beginning. I began my career in financial software development with Management Science America and Dun & Bradstreet Software. It may sound as if it was a boring experience, but I can assure you that the experience helped my tech, testing, and organizational skills truly blossom. I opened my soft furnishings company, The Scarlet Thread, in 2000. It was a welcome change of pace with challenges that any new business owner might face. In 2009, I began teaching business classes with an emphasis on good business practices and pricing custom work. I was an instructor at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in North Carolina as well as at trade shows across the United States. I also formed a management company with several colleagues to manage and support the daily operations of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy. Over the years I have been asked to consult and coach interior design and creative businesses on how to move to the next level. The million-dollar question that I was asked most was, "What do I do next to not only get the clients I want but to make the profit I need to make?" After four years of teaching concepts to entrepreneurs regarding their business practices, mission and pricing, I really wanted an opportunity to walk beside some of these business owners to personally coach and cheer them on as they moved toward their goals. In 2013, I began offering coaching for the interior design and custom drapery workroom industry as well as other creative businesses. I served as Communications Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Drapery and Design Professional magazine from 2009-2012 and today I'm a proud member of the Design Collective and the Window Coverings Association of America, where I served as President of the national organization and on the board of directors for nine years. In addition to coaching, I host workshops, provide online training, I also offer educational seminars on a variety of business topics around the country." STAY CONNECTED: https://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/ Instagram: scarletthreadatl Facebook: Scarletthreadconsulting _____________________________________ Thank you again for joining us today please check out our webpage at www.riseupforyou.com for more podcast episodes, webinars, articles, free resources, and events to help you get to the next level in your life! You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google+, and Youtube @riseupforyou If you know anybody that would benefit from this episode please share it with them and help spread the knowledge and motivation. Please support Rise Up For You by writing a review on iTunes. Your feedback will really help the success of our show and push us to continuously be better! So don’t forget to show your support!

Kendra Hays, the owner of Cloudberry Drapery Studio is the wife of her video game loving husband Marcus and mother to four amazing kids, and her passion for sewing came from her mother.  In her early 20's her love for home decor sewing took off when she was given her first sewing machine. She filled her new home with various curtains and bedding. One of her first projects was her oldest sons nursery! Her work has evolved through the years and she loves collaborating with and inspiring her clients to make their house truly unique. Through her active involvement in workroom networking groups, including the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA)  she is able to keep up to date on the latest trends and methods of fabrication. She strongly believes in education and improving her techniques. She regularly attends industry conferences and events to keep up to date on the newest trends, fabrics, and fabrication methods.   Kendra is on Facebook and Instagram. Resources and Links; The Drapery and Design Network is now The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library The Custom Workroom Conference Workroom Tech The Workroom Channel Drawmatic  Jewel's Tape The Curtains and Soft Furnishings Resource Library My Designer Concierge     Thanks to my Corporate Sponsors; The Window Covering Association of America Scarlet Thread Consulting The Workroom Channel

Rosemarie Garner and Linda Principe have been working together since 2012.   Today we discuss the designer/workroom relationship and the importance of it. Linda Principe is the owner of Linda Principe Interiors in Monroe Township, NJ. Linda provides full-service residential interior design services with a specialty in window treatments in the central New Jersey area. Linda is active in the Window Coverings Association of America and is a past President of the National Board. She is also past President of the Central New Jersey Chapter and is currently an active member of the Central NJ chapter and the Virtual chapter. Recently, Linda was an instructor for the “Window Treatments” class in the Interior Design program at Mercer County Community College for five years.   Linda’s work has been included in Window Fashions trade magazine and she is a past Editorial Board member and featured writer. She has also been published numerous times in Design New Jersey magazine as well as local NJ newspapers.   This year is Linda’s 29th year in business.     Rosemarie Garner is the owner of R Garner Custom Designs, LLC – a To The Trade Custom Window Treatment design and fabrication firm serving the Northern New Jersey, Montclair NJ, and NYC areas. R Garner Custom Designs works closely with designer clients in a collaborative way to ensure their vision is executed perfectly. R Garner Custom Designs keeps up with current trends in window treatment design through our membership in the WCAA, Design and Drapery Pro Network, and industry educational conferences. Rosemarie is an instructor at Workroom Tech in Tryon, NC and for the Custom Workroom Conference. Rosemarie’s work can be viewed on Houzz and Facebook. Her website is currently under construction. http://www.houzz.com/pro/rgarnercustomdesigns https://www.facebook.com/rgarnercustomdesigns/    

The Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Like many others in this business, Amanda Smith did not start out as a fabricator of window treatments. She attended college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte earning a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education. After teaching English and Social Studies for seven years, she attended graduate school earning a master’s degree in Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and worked as a high school media specialist for three years. In 1997 she co-authored “Developing Lifelong Readers: Using Literature Across the Middle Grades Curriculum” Staff Development Guide For Middle School Teachers, Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. She became a stay-at-home Mom in 1998 when her twin boys were born. When her boys turned three Amanda knew she wanted to work but did not want to return to teaching full time. While visiting a friend one afternoon, she noticed her friend had new window treatments in the family room.  It was an “ah ha” moment. She thought, “If I can make cocktail dresses, I can surely learn to make window treatments.” Amanda comes from a family that sews. Her mother, an accomplished sewer and quilter, taught Amanda the art at age 12. Her father owned a successful auto upholstery business for 25 years. Both of her grandmothers and all of her aunts sewed. With her family’s support, she set up a small workroom in an extra bedroom and completed her first job in July 2001. What started out as a small, retail business has grown into a to-the-trade full-service workroom offering fabrication of panels, valances, bedding and decorative accessories as well as several lines of fabrics, hardware, shutters, blinds, woven woods. Amanda continues her fabrication education by belonging to the Window Coverings Association of America and by attending local and national conferences. Over the years her work has been published in several local magazines and online design sites. Sew Unordinary can be found on Facebook and Instagram You can find Seamless Workroom on Facebook The M'Fay Manuals can be purchased on the Workroom Channel We mentioned the following podcasts; Kate The Socialite Goaldigger LuAnn Nigara The apps mentioned were Planerly and Meet Edgar Here is a link to the CWC Page.

The Sew Much More Podcast is sponsored by; The Workroom Channel   Scarlet Thread Consulting   The WCAA   Melissa Hammann is the owner of Riviera Décor a high-end retail and wholesale custom workroom that also specializes in outdoor décor. She resides in Corpus Christi, Texas a resort coastal town located off the gulf coast of south Texas where she lives with her husband and four children Melissa is the recent recipient of the 2018 IWCA/Visions Award for first place in Curtains and Draperies Workroom competition. Her work has been published numerous times in local media and trade magazines. She holds a Master of Science degree and Bachelor of Business Degree, from Texas A&M along with design training at the New York Institute of Art and Design and twelve certificates from the Custom Home Furnishings Academy located in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is a member of the Window Coverings Association of America- Virtual Chapter, wherein she serves on the executive board as Vice President of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA)- Virtual Chapter, Chairperson for the WCAA- Virtual Chapter Speaker Committee, an administrator for WoMen of the Workroom, an industry forum of over 900 members. A published writer for trade magazine, Bespoke Soft Furnishings and Webinar speaker for Drapery and Design Professional and the Window Coverings Association of America as well. You can find Riviera Decor on Facebook and Instagram. On the Podcast we mentioned; The WCAA Virtual Chapter WoMen of the Workroom Facebook page The E Myth by Michael Gerber  The Workroom Channel Grids Yoast SEO

In 2008, Stacie Kennedy created her home-based, full-service custom window treatment design and fabrication business serving the Metro Atlanta area and beyond. She is a former Commercial Real Estate Paralegal, who has always had a passion for design. Having learned how to sew from her mother as a teenager, Stacie took her sewing skills to the next level by opening her own creative design business. She has worked with or for several other design operations, including Atlanta Custom Interiors, to help maximize her industry knowledge, all while serving as President of the Atlanta chapter of the Window Covering Association of America. Stacie also attended the Custom Home Furnishings Academy (CHF) in Charlotte, NC, where she received her certification as a Career Professional in Custom Window Treatments and Workroom Techniques (CPC). In 2010, Stacie received awards at IWCE – Vision for First Place in Curtains & Draperies Workroom and also CHF Alumni Showcase and has been published in both Vision Magazine and Drapery & Design Professional Magazine. More recently, in May 2017, Stacie was also published in Vinings Lifestyle magazine, highlighting women entrepreneurs in Smyrna-Vinings, GA. Relying on a creative vision enhanced by her specialized industry skills, Stacie can take your ideas and plans and create a customized reality for your home, office or restaurant/retail business. She is currently a WFCP Member, Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) National Member, WCAA Atlanta Chapter Member and serves as Co-Chair of Publicity for WCAA Atlanta Chapter and has served in various board positions of the WCAA Atlanta Chapter, such as Secretary, Vice President and President.   Stacie is on Instagram and Facebook.    Here is a link to the Workroom Channel tour of Stacie's Workroom.     

Karen Barnes is the owner of The Elegant Window, a to-the-trade custom drapery and soft goods workroom located in Gilbert Arizona.  She is thrilled to be celebrating 20 years in business this year! Karen entered the custom drapery and soft furnishings business in 1997 working with both retail and with the design trade. Five years into the business, Karen realized that what she truly loved was working with talented interior designers and bringing their ideas and vision to fruition. Her reputation for her attention to detail and high standards in workmanship quickly spread within the design community. In 2003, Karen switched to wholesale only and she, along with her great team of employees, have been creating exquisite, high-quality soft furnishings to the design trade ever since.     In 2009, Karen entered the IWCE Ingenuity Workroom Competition and was awarded Workroom of the Year, the most prestigious award for drapery workrooms. She also was awarded First Place in Specialty Treatments and 2nd place in Top Treatments.  In 2011, she again had a winning entry in the Ingenuity Workroom Competition and won 1st place in Specialty Treatments. In 2016, Karen won 1st place at Arizona North Chapter’s ASID Design Excellence Awards in the category of Industry Partner, Commissioned.   In 2017, she again had winning entries at IWCE. She won 1st place in Specialty Treatments, 2nd place in Ingenious Installation and a 2nd place tie in Top Treatments.     Karen is looking forward to the challenging role of judge in 2018 for IWCE’s Ingenuity Workroom Competition, as she has done on two previous IWCE competitions.     The treatments fabricated by the team at The Elegant Window have been published in several magazines including Window Fashion Vision, Phoenix Home and Garden and Desert Design. Karen is a Certified Workroom Expert through the Window Fashions Certified Professionals Program. Her affiliations include membership in the Window Coverings Association of America, as well as membership in the Phoenix Association of Workroom Professionals, Drapery and Design Professional Network, and is an Industry Partner with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA).   Links of things mentioned on the show; Custom Draperies in Interior Design This book is still available on Amazon and you can use the affiliate link above. Find Karen on Facebook. For information about submitting to IWCE click here. The Expo will be held in Tampa, FL March 27 - 28, 2018.

Welcome to Part 2 of the Anniversary Podcast!  Today I ask Donna Cash the questions I didn't ask the first time I interviewed her! Donna Cash owns Designs by Donna, a custom home goods design and fabrication studio, opened in 1989.   The studio is located in Flowery Branch, Ga., and serves the Atlanta metro and surrounding area.In addition to working with wholesale and retail clients, Donna conducts private training on workroom fabrication techniques in her workroom or yours.  She also presents group workshops on many workroom, design, and business topics for the home décor industry.Donna has contributed step-by-step articles for Drapery & Design Professional magazine and conducts webinars for WCAA, D&D Pro, and Rowley Company.  She was a pillow and bedding instructor for Custom Home Furnishings Academy.  Donna is also teaching on-demand courses through TheWorkroomChannel.com.She is a member of the Designers Workroom Council and the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA).   Donna is currently the past president of the WCAA Atlanta Chapter.  Donna keeps her schedule and life balanced through a regular yoga practice and enjoys spending time away from work with her husband and two grown sons and daughters-in-law. 

Frances Pusch has worked with textiles in some form her entire professional career. Her training includes art school and a bachelor’s degree in textile design from Boston University. She also studied tailoring and fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). During twelve years in New York, Frances worked for two leading textile companies, had a custom tailor shop, was a pattern-maker for outerwear companies, including London Fog, and taught tailoring and pattern-making at FIT. As a business owner, she has made men’s and women’s custom suits, designed and produced a collection of women’s clothing, and later a line of gift items for dog lovers. Her sole focus, starting in 2002, has been creating fine products for home interiors. Frances keeps her business up-to-date by actively participating in online discussion groups and webinars, as well as traveling to conferences and workshops around the country. She is always searching for better techniques, resources and technology—all the while keeping hand stitching alive and well! Her professional affiliations include the Window Coverings Association of America, the Drapery and Design Professional Network, and the Maine Women’s Business Network. Frances lives in an 1848 cape-style house, next door to her studio, in a small village in coastal Maine. When not working, she is most often found playing with her rescue dog, Tilly, or on a tennis court, or enjoying the company of art, music, books and friends. You can find photos of Frances's beautiful workroom on her website. One of Frances' favorite tools is the disappearing Purple Pen.

Rachel Barrera has been in the custom soft furnishings industry, encompassing design fabrication and installation for more than 14 years. From 2000 to 2016 she owned Shorty’s Window, designing and fabricating window treatments primarily for retail clients.   Her passion for her craft and industry can be witnessed through the offices she serves: president of The Houston Area Custom Drapery Association (HACDA) since 2012 and President of the Houston Chapter of The Window Coverings Association of America since June of 2016.     Her talent can not only be viewed through her extensive client portfolio, but is also obvious with her ensuing the three-time winner (2014,2015 and 2016) of the Window Fashions Artisan Project (WFAP), a national annual design competition,  where she designed and fabricated an innovative themed treatment to be displayed  at the International Window Coverings Expo, Vision.

Linda Principe is the owner of Linda Principe Interiors in Monroe Township, NJ. Linda provides full service residential interior design services with a specialty in window treatments in the central New Jersey area.  Linda is active in the Window Coverings Association of America and is a past President of the National Board. She is also past President of the Central New Jersey Chapter and is currently an active member of the Central NJ chapter and the Virtual chapter.  Recently, Linda was an instructor for the “Window Treatments” class in the Interior Design program at Mercer County Community College for five years.  Linda’s work has been included in Window Fashions trade magazine and she is a past Editorial Board member and featured writer. She has also been published numerous times in Design New Jersey magazine as well as local NJ newspapers. This year is Linda’s 29th year in business.

Hearing Tracy's story was so inspiring!  Most of us at least knew how to sew when we started this journey, but Tracy had to learn that before she learned how to fabricate. And she hasn't stopped learning!  Hear how Tracy decided, "If I was going to do it, I was going to do it right!"   Tracy Windley is the owner of Sew Elegant Fine Window Designs, established in 1994 and located in Searcy, Arkansas. Sew Elegant is a retail/wholesale fabrication studio which offers custom window coverings, slipcovers, and light upholstery. The studio specializes in detailed fabrication and couture finishes. Tracy is a former student of the Custom Home Furnishings Academy, a contributor to Drapery & Design Magazine, and a webinar presenter for the Drapery & Design Professional Network and WCAA Virtual Chapter. She will also be an instructor for the WF Vision IWCE and the Custom Workroom Conference in 2017. Tracy is a member of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) and Co-President of the WCAA Virtual Chapter.