D O N NA CO U D ES
WORDS TO LIVE BY
INTERIORS BY DONNA COUDES
OVER 25 YEARS IN BUSINESS
INTERIORSBYDCOUDES@GMAIL.COM (828) 775-4399 WWW.INTERIORSBYDONNA.COM
What inspired you to start your own business? My family and friends had encouraged me for years to go out on my own. I finally made the plunge in 1991. I rented space on New Orleans Road and the rest is history. What would you say is the most difficult part about being in business for yourself? Often people ask me about difficult clients. They imagine all kinds of awful scenarios. Honestly, for me, it’s the paperwork. What’s the BEST part about owning your own business? I am responsible for EVERYTHING and my clients know it. My worth is reflected in the finished product and happy clients. This of course delights me. Your home is like a painting we do together; your input is necessary. I am very fortunate to be able to join in these harmonies with people. What must-have advice can you give to young budding entrepreneurs? I always advise a student going into interior design to consider becoming an architect. They will be able to increase their earning power and can do both.
“SHARE HAPPINESS; GRIN BIG”
In your opinion, what separates your business from others that are similar? My clients have told me in the past that they knew when they met me, I was the one to hire. After the professionalism is established, it’s chemistry. What would you say is the secret to success? To be a hopeless people pleaser! Ha! Taking the client’s taste and making it, “better, stronger, faster” —yep a bionic home. After starting your company, was there ever a time when you thought you wouldn’t make it – and if so, what did you do to make it work? I remember talking with my friends throughout different down turns in the economy. Joking that I may need to work at a grocery store. Who am I kidding? I don’t know anything about produce! Seriously, I am thankful I have stayed busy. Were there any books or educational resources that helped you along your path? Idea books on Interior Design. I used to bring them on second appointments to see if I could get my client to see something she/he liked. This would help me analyze their taste. Now we have Houzz and many more design magazines.
WORDS TO LIVE BY
MICHAEL HOSTILO ATTOURNEY AT LAW 23 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Offices in Savannah, Pooler, Macon, Augusta and Atlanta. Able to also serve personal injury victims in GA and SC. (912) 748-MIKE (6453)
What inspired you to start your own business? Autonomy and power to make a difference! What would you say is the most difficult part about being in business for yourself? Taxes (ha ha). What’s the BEST part about owning your own business? Freedom. What must-have advice can you give to young budding entrepreneurs? Don’t be afraid to take a chance; believe in yourself! How many hours a week do you work, as a successful business owner? Nonstop—phones sewn to my face (even in the shower) LOL. Were there any books or educational resources that helped you along your path? Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell.
“You don’t have to be better than everyone else; you just have to be better than you ever thought you would be.”
Did you always think you would own your own business or was there an “aha” moment? Yes, I always thought I would own my own business. After starting your company, was there ever a time when you thought you wouldn’t make it, and if so, what did you do to make it work? There is always doubt, but I believed in what we were doing. I was not afraid to take risks. In your opinion, what separates your business from others that are similar? Customer service separates our business from others. What would you say is the secret to success? Creativity and being a regular guy. Did you have a mentor you would like to acknowledge? How did they encourage you on your path? My father is my mentor—best guy I’ve ever met. His life is devoted to service, country and family.