INTERIORS by Decorating Den Franchise Owners Maryann Fisher

by FBR

Name: Maryann Fisher
Location: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania (south central PA)
Age: 57
# of Years Franchising: less than a year
Previous Occupation: various roles with the INTERIORS by Decorating Den franchise that I eventually purchased.
Top Reason you chose your Franchise: I realized that INTERIORS by Decorating Den offered me all I needed to be a successful business owner. What I had to bring to the table was the God-given creativity, a desire, and the financial investment.
INTERIORS by Decorating Den offered training, both at the regional and national level, along with supplier support from approximately 120 fine vendors. What I saw at Conference was the franchisees sharing their knowledge in design, marketing tidbits, business organization, and over all support for each other.
Best part of being your own boss? I work with people I love and admire - my staff now includes a full time Administrative Assistant, my daughter-in-law, Karrie (who is a whiz!) Susan Major, the previous owner, as a part-time decorator, and a new full time decorator, Barbara Horvath. Our team is realizing incredible success, because we approach our jobs with enthusiasm and use all the tools that INTERIORS by Decorating Den provide.
Worst part of being your own boss? Since I’m not ‘punching a clock’ any more – I work long hours (but when you enjoy your work – you don’t mind).
Craziest/most interesting thing that has happened to you as a franchise owner? The former owner of this franchise (whom I previously worked for) now works for me as a part-time decorator.
Advice for prospective franchise buyers? If I could offer advice to someone that might want to “run” their own business, is first, make sure you have a passion for your work, and secondly, check into franchise opportunities within that field. I run my own business, but I am not alone!
What was the total length of time from when you started researching franchises to when you purchased? Depending on what date you use – either 1988 when I started working as an Administrative Assistant for my neighbor and good friend, Susan Major who purchased the local Decorating Den franchise (20 years). In 1994 I took the offered training to become a part-time decorator within her franchise, and continued the administrative work as well (12 years). Or when I became owner on October 25, 2007! (less than 1 year).