Introduction: I received my decorating certificates from Dalton State College. I have had my own interior design business for years, working a full-time job in banking while doing interior design as sporadic design jobs became available.
I worked through Jackson Realty as their interior designer for approximately 2 years. After moving from LaFayette, Georgia to Dalton, Georgia, I no longer work in banking, but rather, I'm looking for opportunities to use my skills and passion of decorating and event planning.
When I first received my interior design certificates, I opened up a wedding rental business called Elegant Wedding Rentals located in Chatsworth, GA. I had this business for several years until I was 8 months pregnant and am up on ladders decorating for weddings. I decided it was time to take some time off to raise my children.
The last large event I coordinated was a 50th birthday party. This event took place at the Chattanooga Choo Choo where a block of rooms were reserved for guests as there was an open bar. For guests wishing to drive home, a taxi service was available on site to keep everyone safe. There was a live band that performed, along with professional ballroom dancers that were hired to dance during the dinner portion of the evening. I took care of caterers and choose what would be prepared for dinner after finding out if any of the attending guests had any allergies. I had invitations sent out with dinner choices and to RSVP if they could not attend the event. I had a life-size cake with one of the birthday boy's best friends dressed up as a belly dancer inside, which turned out to be very amusing. There were life-size cut-outs of ballroom dancers. Balloons are everywhere and a memory table set up where I had pictures of the birthday boy blown up poster size. His letterman's jacket and high-school track pictures and awards are displayed. His pilot's license was blown up along with a picture of him with his airplane.
The party was a huge hit. The hostess was very impressed and her word-of-mouth recommendations have led to some smaller events. Also, the largest interior design jobs I have done were for the President of Galaxy Carpets and the Vice President of International Sales and Marketing for Mohawk Industries.