BUSINESS INSIDER
INTERIOR DESIGN
GOSIA MACDONALD Gosia is originally from Poland and now settled in Salisbury, Her company, Chenille Interiors specialises in upholstery, soft furnishing, interior design and curtain making You’re originally from Poland, so tell did you end up living in these here parts? I came over from Poland in 2004 for a job that was advertised through an agency. It was work as an assembly operator in a factory based in Wilton. It was quite difficult at that time as my English was very limited. It did feel like I was starting at the bottom and all over again. What was your job in Poland? I worked for many years for Rosenthal selling the finest porcelain. How did the setting up of Chenille Interiors come about? I worked previously for Cambrica Interiors. After the owner sadly passed away, I then bought the premises and set up on my own in 2014. Have you always wanted to do interiors and design? I have always been artistic. As a child I won national linocut competitions and then as a teenager, I was offered a place to study in one of the Polish Art Schools. This then developed into a love of interior design and soft furnishing. What would you say is Chenille Interiors’ approach? Simply to help interpret the client’s wishes and then implement them to the highest standard possible, and to ensure they are completely happy with the end product. What have been the highpoints in setting up and continuing the business? The number of repeat clients and recommendations makes me very happy. I have recently finished my fifth job for one of my customers. She came to my shop in summer last year, and is still using my services.
Your husband is indie owner of the Darren MacDonald Funeral Directors. Does both of you running your own business have an impact? We are both so very busy and we don’t see much of each other. However to address this, we have now set aside a dedicated time slot where work isn’t allowed to come into the equation. Where do you see the business in one year’s time? I have so much work at the present I will have to take on extra staff in the future. Is there someone in business that you admire and try to learn from? It would be my husband Darren who truly inspires me. His approach to his business is great. He is very passionate about his work, believes in himself and his company. and is dedicated to making it a success. I do ask Darren for business advice, he is my husband and my best friend. His opinions genuinely matter to me.
WILTSHIRE HAS BECOME MY HOME AND THE PLACE WHERE I HAVE FOUND HAPPINESS
And what are the advantages of working for yourself? I like the flexibility of being able to plan my working day around my family. And there is an excitement of taking sole responsibility of my company success. And any disadvantages? There are a few drawbacks, such as working longer hours and a lack of division between work and home time. I do visit my clients outside shop working hours, including Sundays or Bank Holidays, to avoid the shop being closed.
What are your predicted trends for 2018/2019 happening in the world of interiors? Wood, brass, marble, and a lot of velvet fabric accessories. People are more ready to experiment and the recent trend to mix traditional with contemporary, and mix texture and pattern continues. The colour grey is staying around, but against a bright modern colour palette.
Are you always changing and playing with the décor of your own home? Yes, and I really enjoy doing so. Recently I redesigned our apartment. Fortunately it was approved by my husband and 19-year-old son. But to be honest they usually leave it up to me. In what little spare time you might have, what else do you enjoy doing? I love my Monday mornings helping in the Mencap charity shop. Wiltshire has become my home and the place where I have found happiness. This is one small way I can give something back to the community, and maybe help those who are less fortunate and need some support. For more: Chenille Interiors, 60A Winchester Street, Salisbury. tel. 01722 331099; www.chenilleinteriors.co.uk
www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 61