Feature
Susan Murray, CEO of Susan Murray International
Susan Murray International Imagining, designing and creating dreams e Mary Chapman In 2002 after a painful divorce and uncertain future, Susan Murray decided to begin making and selling chair covers. Having previously worked as a florist, décor was not new to Susan. Her three sons were wholeheartedly supportive of her and really helped to find her niche. Her son Ryan began helping out with business and administrative tasks on the side of his personal career goals. But as business grew he realized that this venture was where his future lay and together became a winning team. Described as the
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“ultimate and perfect combination of creative and professional,” Susan leads the creative department and Ryan runs business operations. Operating from a 20,000 square foot Toronto facility featuring a jaw-dropping showroom, Susan Murray is truly an international company selling worldwide to the US, Ireland, England, Alaska and attending world-class trade shows. Today, 10 years later, they’ve never looked back! In 2008 Susan and Ryan made an executive decision to move away from fabric
wholesaling and turned to linen décor rentals which now makes up more than 50% of their business. “We gave consumers what was missing in the market. We are building a brand, a Susan Murray brand. It has vision, sophistication, and is always current” says Susan. How is Susan Murray International distinct from the other wedding décor and rental companies on the market? While décor companies try to rent you props that they’ve invested in over the years, the Susan Murray Team: which consists of seamstresses, cutters, stylists and many other décor consultants, will help design a very real, sensory experience. A mood that is incredibly textile-driven and in style. The team follows fashion trends carefully and is prepared for the new ‘in’ look before it hits. So when a bride comes in with a picture of her Vera Wang dress with lifted tulle skirt and crystal embroidered detail, Susan Murray International can complement it in the décor.
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