Inspire 2011: My Debut as a Speaker!

Yours truly with Beth Hodges, past president of WCAA (and my travel buddy from Maison et Object),  and Cathy Guterman, PR Specialist.

The week following Labor Day I traveled to Louisville, Kentucky, to the first annual conference held by the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA).  This was a gathering of many specialists in our field, from those who labor with love on the fabrication and creation of beautiful window treatments, to those who support us with innovative products and education. There was an abundance of creativity and inspiration in the Galt Hotel for four days.  I was honored to be there.

I taught two classes for decorators and business owners who are seeking to improve the services that they offer to their clients.  The first was on using color in their sales repertoire, and the second was on setting goals and planning for their business success.  Over the years I have learned so much (read: vertical learning curve) from other professionals in this industry. At a point that I want to give back; leading seminars seems to be an appropriate way to start.  Everyone who attended my classes stayed for the full session and asked great questions, so I consider the conference a success on my part!

Cathy and me.  One of the best benefits of my work is the great friends that I have made!

 The highlight of the Conference for me was the keynote speech given by Sarah Richardson of  Sarah's House on HGTV.  She is an enormously talented designer and her love for fabrics and beautiful window treatments reminded me of why many of us simply love what we do. She also re-ignited interest on my part to create some very special rooms around beautiful fabrics and windows, so I'm putting it out there that I am ready if you are!

I'll be sharing some of her points and ideas in an upcoming blog post.  Her great taste and ideas were timeless and relevant to just about anyone's decor. If course, she shared her portfolio and some of the back stories to certain episodes of her shows, which was insightful and entertaining. 

I thank the WCAA for a great experience and look forward to next year, which I hear is already in the works.