| A one-person, home-based business, Personal Statements and Carol Sackler provide complete shop-at-home decorating services to the Marlborough, MA, area. Soon to celebrate her 10th year of operation, Sackler recalls how she began her career, even before Personal Statements. She started altering curtains at the age of four, "I would wake up in the middle of the night and with a scissors in hand, cut my mother's curtains." Needless to say, her mother wasn't pleased, however, she never lost the enjoyment of being creative and cutting material to make her own designs. At a very young age, she learned to sew and made her own clothing. Once she owned her own home, Sackler turned to making home furnishings. "I am very fortunate to be able to work at what was my hobby and brought me great pleasure," says Sackler.
With a degree in business administration and 15 years experience working in a highly technical field, she decided to make a career change. Personal Statements was founded in 1988, and since has been a success in every way. "I guess it is because I so thoroughly enjoy working with my customers, guiding them and helping them make the right selections for their homes," she says. "What makes me unique are the numerous 'props' or samples of various treatments, accessories and embellishments I bring with me to the clients' homes to help them visualize and understand what I can do for them. They love it. They can touch something. They then understand what board mount means and they can see what I mean by a rosette."
Through her careful and personal explanations and helpful demonstrations, Sackler "teaches" her customers what can be done and "learns" from the clients' responses how to design a truly unique window treatment that will be remembered. "My business is 90 percent repeat and referrals. Rarely do I do just one room for a customer. One good room just leads to another," she says.
Sackler not only provides the decorating service, but also installation. "I do my own installations. This provides me with total control of the entire job and ensures the customer that their desires will not be lost in the translation to others," she explains. In addition to providing fabric window coverings and accessories, Sackler also offers a full line of hard window treatments, accent area rugs, custom upholstery and accessories.
To enhance her experience and expertise, as well as to support the industry in both education and a heightened level of professionalism, Sackler is a member of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) and received her WCAA certification three years ago. She also has been appointed chairperson for the WCAA Northeast Chapter. "I present periodically to the chapter on embellishments and demonstrate how to create a variety of accents to increase sales volume," Sackler says.
"Although the profession is very consuming, it is always challenging. There is always something to learn. This business is never boring!"
Carol Sackler, Personal Statements, Barnard Rd., Marlborough, MA 01752; (508) 481-6324.
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