Are there any self-employed Interior Decorators in the Guild

[Tapestry MacGillicuddly]

I'm looking for advice in how to set up my own little business as an interior decorator. I am great at arranging furniture, picking and / or matching colors, flower arranging, style, and everything involved with decorating a house.

What I need to do is figure out a way that I can turn my 30+ years of art background into an income. I'm doing it as a side of my job in a home furnishings/accessories store. I my advice is worth a bit more than what the store pays me.

I'd even be willing to apprentice, but I don't know how to get someone to take me on. Most of the interior decorators that come into the store aren't looking for employees, they aren't looking to share. A few years ago, when I worked for the same company in their catalog call center, an interior decorator in the DC area said she'd hire me in a heart beat if I was there. She called and asked for me specifically every time she was doing over someone's house because when I described the color she knew that she was getting what she was looking for. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in NY for now with my folks being older.

Thank you for any help.

Tap ;~D

[rosefaeries]

Ok Let's see if I can get this all typed out before the pain meds really start to work.

1) Go to your local Small business Administration. See if they have classes for microbusiness owners. I took a bunch of classes from Lane Microbusiness here in Lane County Oregon. The last class I took was called a bootcamp. I learned how to do the research for writing a quality business plan
2) You will need research on the viability of your idea. From this research you will be able to write a business plan that will help you to get the needed funding for starting out.

3) There is the VIDA program that provided matching funds for small businesses. You will need to have a business plan written for this. (Guess what I will be working on as soon as I no longer need the pain meds) I think Lane Microbusiness has a website. Maybe they could refer you to someone in your area.

4) See if you can get hired anyway. Can't hurt to put together a resume and submit it. Maybe a portfolio of what you have collaborated on.

5) Read whatever you can get your hands on related to your field. Be up on the trends and what not.

Ok, I am really starting to drift now. :shock: I will try to write more later. (Darn if the pills don't work too good)

[Tapestry MacGillicuddly]

Don't complain about the pain meds working too good!!! They are doing what you need them to do right now.

And thank you for taking the time to type all that out. Great advice. I'll check into it.

I don't have a college degree, I have 30+ years of art classes of different kinds. Most of it private lessons, not at a college. I have a natural talent for balance and color. It's what I've always wanted to do. And I'm thinking that if I'm doing it for the store, I might as well try to do it on my own.

We'll talk more when you feel better.

Tap ;~D