Designs by Donna, say it ain’t sew!
For this week’s Workroom Wednesday we are excited to feature longstanding community member, Donna Cash of Designs by Donna! Donna has been a part of the WCAA for quite some time and we are looking forward to diving into her thoughts on creating and maintaining a Window Treatment career from home, how her childhood sewing skills brought her into this career, and how you could do just the same!
WCAA: How long have you been a WCAA member? What do you love about being a part of the tribe?
Donna: I have been a member of WCAA from the beginning of the Atlanta Chapter forming. 15 years? I like being plugged in with other workrooms and business professionals.
WCAA: For those that are new to the industry and Designs by Donna, can you share a little bit about yourself? What inspired your path?
Donna: I have been sewing since I was a young girl. I don't remember a time in my life when I wasn't creating something with my hands. Soon after our two sons were born, I quit my corporate job to stay home and take care of them. But my love of sewing continued. I started making window treatments for our home and soon was making window treatments for friends and neighbors. I opened Designs by Donna in our home and after 8 years we bought a house to move the business out of our home. I soon realized I had a lot of knowledge of soft furnishings fabrication and the business end and started writing for Design and Drapery Pro magazine, teaching at the CHF Academy, and writing and presenting webinars. I now have three main areas of my business. I continue to work with retail and wholesale clients. And I offer virtual one on one training, teaching, and coaching to those who are passionate about taking their fabrication and business skills to the next level. I also offer hands-on workshops for workroom professionals to build their skills. My goal when I am teaching is to build others' confidence so they can build their skills and their business.
WCAA: You've been teaching in the industry for a while now. What has that been like? How did it come about for you?
Donna: Many years ago as I would read online forums and see the questions being asked, I realized I had a lot to offer. I had also been working on a meditation practice and answering the questions, Who am I? What do I want? What is my purpose? At the end of that, it was clear to me that I needed to add teaching to the mix of what I did at Designs by Donna. Next, opportunities started coming my way to teach and lead others in the home decor industry. When I am teaching, I feel like I am at home, and doing what I am supposed to be doing.
WCAA: What is one interior design element that you would put into every house regardless of budget?
Donna: Home automation. Home automation takes motorization to the next level. Motorized window treatments are powered with a remote control. With home automation, draperies and shades are opened and closed with Siri, Alexa, Hey Google, and more. Timers allow treatments to be opened and closed automatically through the use of Hubs and Apps, making homes not only smarter but also safer. This is something I personally use and am passionate about.
Some of Donna’s most recent work:
We had a fabulous time connecting with Donna and learning all about how she came into the window treatment business and how WCAA has been a beneficial part of her career.
Thank you Donna for taking the time to share with everyone! If you or someone you know would be interested in being featured or would like to share your experiences privately, reach out to us at marketing@wcaa.org!