From Concept... to Completion
Jostar Interiors Ltd.: Masters of Great Design
Celebrations are planned for Jostar Interior Ltd.’s 40th anniversary. Find out what has kept this company going strong for nearly four decades.
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By Nerissa McNaughton
oanna Starko has always wanted to work in the design industry. “My love of fabrics, colours and textures began with my mother, who designed and sewed clothes for our family,” explains president Starko. “This love of the industry continued in home economics in school, through the home economics program at the University of Alberta where I received my bachelor of education degree teaching home economics in Calgary, and working in the industry.” With plenty of teaching experience behind her, Starko decided to focus on design and opened Jostar Interiors in 1975. “It was a huge learning curve,” smiles Starko. “I was well versed in providing creative designs and window coverings, but developing business procedures and accounting systems was a learning curve which I worked at over the years and developed systems that worked. [In 1975] I was young, ambitious with great passion, but I was naïve. I loved what I did, but I was not prepared for the hard work, long hours, and commitment
it took to build a business as a sole owner. As well as building the business, I was raising a family with the devoted support of my husband.” This, however, didn’t slow down the energetic Starko. She rose to the challenge and 40 years later, she and her professional team are pleased to offer a full range of services that include complete renovations, 3D drawings, space planning, painting, blinds, drapery, bedding, furniture, upholstery, area rugs, accessories, art, mirrors, flooring, storage solutions, fireplaces, wall coverings, holiday decorating, real estate staging and show home setup. “Clients are delighted, as we can oversee all their interior design needs,” says Starko. “Jostar Interiors is unique as it is a design company, a retail store, and a renovation company all under one roof.” Over the years Jostar Interiors has adorned many homes with fabulous décor and designed and renovated many kitchens, bathrooms and basements with amazing results. Builders
Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 1