Business / Career

Interior Decorating & Starting A Business

By Pam Geallis

How my business began

I painted and decorated my own home and helped others when they asked me. And, no matter where I was or what I was needed to do, I always gave my best. Over the years I progressively got better at painting and sewing…yes, for a while I even sewed for people. Now I paint and decorate multi-million dollar homes. I may not be a great cook, but I can paint a wall! I am self-taught. I am still thankful, to this day, for others who have painted longer than I have, who teach me “tricks of the trade”.

My first faux finish was 3 colors and was created with a rectangular sponge, randomly squished on the walls of our school room. It was the best I could do with what I knew. It was cute and fun. But I didn’t quit there. I had friends and family ask me to faux finish rooms for them…even in my inexperience. Now, my faux finishes are published in an international magazine.

I learned to paint and “cut” lines with a brush my father gave me. I called it my nifty-difty brush. It actually became precious to me as it was a tool that helped me achieve success in a well-painted room. My father told me to take extremely good care of it and I did. It lasted me for years.

I have over 5,000 fabric samples in my office. I have many accounts that I use to fulfill the needs of my clients and I spend hours a day amidst paint chips, fabrics and faux finishes. I have always had the desire to create an environment that my clients love, and in the midst of my desire to please them, I forgot I have the title of interior decorator.

Here are some Scriptures that I have dwelt on over the years.

Zechariah 4:10
" Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)

Luke 16:10 (New Living Translation)
“If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities."

Colossians 3:23 (The Message)
"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance."

Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

I personally believe that God cares about the environment we live in. After all, if He never leaves us or forsakes us, He too is walking into our homes when we do. And, when Jesus ascended into Heaven He promised that He is preparing a place for us. I can imagine that it is over-the-top incredible!!!

Every person is unique.

I love it when my clients gain the courage to decorate their homes the way they like them…not the way Target, Macy’s or Frontgate tells them to. If you love the colors and the styles that they offer, then that’s great. However, there are many that buy things because the market dictates to them what to buy. I am not a fan of that.

Psalm 139:14 reads; "I will praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and my soul knows very well." In the original Hebrew text, the word 'fearfully' means: with great reverence and heart-felt interest and respect. The word 'wonderfully' means: unique, set apart, and uniquely marvelous.

Psalm 139:14 (MSG) "You are unique and it is okay for you to relax and love what you love." Do you know we even see colors differently due to the shape of our eyes and how color is reflected? It is okay to love your decorating style. No one, not even Target or Frontgate, get to tell you what you love. But, what I notice so often, is that most people do not know what style they love. As a result, items are purchased without a goal and most homes have a non-descript, incomplete look about them.

The marketing industry wants to tell us what colors and styles we should love and buy. They are very successful. I would like to encourage you to be brave and love what you love. If you don’t know what style you like, I have a couple of videos to share that will give you a very general idea of different styles. These are general and a short-list of styles that are available. There are a plethora of styles but this should give you a jumping board to begin your decorating project. Once you see a style you really like, go to the library and check out a bunch of books with the decorating style of your choice and pour over them. Study them. Enjoy them. Get a feel for the colors, fabrics and accessories.

One of the scriptures that I have stood on, when have needed direction is:

Proverbs 3:5-8 (Amplified Bible)
5 Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. 6 In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord and turn [entirely] away from evil. 8 It shall be health to your nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to your bones.

James 1:5
" But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Here are some simple tips that I use with my clients.

•   I ask what item/s in the room do they love or hate.
•   I measure for accessories, window treatments, pictures and furniture.
•   I ask what must stay and what can be removed.
•   Make a list of what you need to complete the room. Include in the list, furniture, colors, window treatments, accessories and flooring.

If you are having troubles picking colors for your home, go to the fabric store and pick a fabric/s that you love, love, love. Take it to the paint store and pick out the colors in the fabric/s and you have your color pallet.
Keep a piece of the fabric and the paint chips with you at all times so when you’re shopping, you have what you need with you. Even keep the list with you. If you don’t, you will waste time returning items that do not fit or you do not need. Spend wisely.

Over the years, I have painted for many people. It is a seed that I have to sow. When other women cook and bake for people, I paint. Maybe you do not know how to paint or decorate, but what gift do you have to sow? What do you have in your hand to give? Be wise with sowing, looking for good ground to sow into. I am thankful for all the people’s lives I’ve sown into. When God said it is better to give than to receive, He is telling the truth. (God cannot lie…just in case you were wondering). In the same breath, I have always had my needs met. Last year, I needed a lot of help in many different ways. I had all the help I needed. I was really glad I had sown over the years. Ask God what and when and who to sow your gifts into. He will answer you. Don’t let discouragement control you. Let God’s Word (the Bible) direct your footsteps.

God really loves you. There is one way you can please Him, and that is by using your faith. When you use your faith for decorating, He may have someone teach you how to paint or sew. He may have you take classes. He may send an Interior Decorator to your door. However He chooses to answer your needs, be thankful! Keep using your faith!