Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/307965
88 l Macon Magazine aPRiL/MaY 2014 ADVERTISING | WOMEN IN BUSINESS Valerie Garrett Interior Designer info@valeriegarrettinteriordesign.com www.valeriegarrettinteriordesign.com | 478.477.5970 HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? Refined elegance encompasses the wide variety of custom designs I create. Whether you are drawn to traditional or modern styles, I believe in balancing and blending elements to produce an environment that exudes beauty and positivity. Each space is tailor- made for my clients with their best interests in mind. As far as traditional versus modern sensibility, I have great respect for both. No matter the style, I look at how to keep the design fresh and current. WHAT SPACES DO YOU PROVIDE DESIGN SERVICES FOR? I provide interior design services for every space, residential or commercial. From kitchens and baths to business offices and media rooms, I offer everything from complete renovations to cosmetic updates. I've had the privilege of creating whole-home designs and I enjoy helping clients see the space they are envisioning come to fruition from beginning to end. HOW DO YOU APPROACH A PROJECT? I begin by defining the function of the space, then search for a starting point which can be anything from a piece of artwork, a fabric, or a gorgeous antique – as long as it's something that my client really likes. This element defines where the design will go. We define the scope of the project and decide on a budget and timeline that's right and reasonable for them. Then the fun really begins. Function and beauty should strengthen and enhance one another to create a space that is perfectly useful and lovely. HOW DOES HAVING A TEAM BEHIND YOU BENEFIT YOUR CLIENTS? VGID has rapidly expanded and I have been so fortunate to have a team of talented and amazing people who allow me to focus on what I do best. My clients see the added value throughout the entire process as they have a whole team working on their behalf to efficiently produce a finished space that they can't wait to work at or come home to. WHAT'S YOUR PHILOSOPHY FOR WORKING WITH CLIENTS? I take my clients' ideas and needs, their wants and wishes, and that's the platform from which I create. In all of my design projects, I strive to cultivate a working relationship that is based upon a collaborative process and a foundation of trust. The results are beautiful spaces that reflect my clients perfectly, environments that whisper their name in every design decision and elegant detail! ADVERTISING | WOMEN IN BUSINESS HOW DID YOUR CAREER PATH LEAD YOU TO YOUR CURRENT PROFESSION? CYNDI: I was a "stay at home" mom who wanted a part time job. Oh my, that never turned out to be the case! Once I was in, I was in it full time, all the time. DEBORAH: I worked in the building material business for 20 years and after that, for a local builder until he stopped building. I thoroughly enjoyed helping buyers in their search for either a new home or in the process of building their dream home so I decided to go ahead and obtain my real estate and broker's licenses. WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST CAREER CHALLENGES? CYNDI: The lending/mortgage process has created a very frustrating atmosphere filled to the brim with all different challenges. The two biggest challenges are the home appraisals and buyer qualifications. LINDA: The two biggest challenges are getting Buyers qualified to get a loan and getting Sellers to price their home where it will sell properly. WHO INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST TO PURSUE YOUR CAREER GOALS, AND HOW DID THAT PERSON INFLUENCE YOU? DONNA: My Brokers were the most influential at both companies prior to opening my own company in 2009. Supportive, knowledgeable Brokers are imperative in the real estate industry. Real estate requires a continued effort to stay abreast of an ever changing market along with all the laws that regulate our industry. DEBORAH: My husband has always been a small business owner in the construction industry, so watching him has positively influenced me to know that I can pursue and succeed in my career goals, whatever they might be. WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING ABOUT YOUR JOB? LINDA: I love working with first time home buyers and families relocating to Macon. The most rewarding for me is when past buyers, sellers or other Realtors refer their family and friends to me! WENDE: I love working with first-time buyers! I don't mind holding their hands & explaining things. Setting my own schedule is another perk. WHERE DO YOU ENVISION YOURSELF FIVE YEARS FROM NOW? DONNA: Assisting sellers and buyers with their real estate needs, enjoying our grandchildren, and helping other agent's pursue their careers as well. I do not plan on retiring any time soon. This career gets in your soul! WENDE: I hope I'm still here with my fellow Realtors with Donna Walters as my broker! And selling a few more houses! ReMax Cutting Edge Realty 4108 Arkwright Rd Ste 2 | Macon, GA 31210 478.471.7099 | www.cuttingedgerealty.remax-georgia.com Deborah Grimes Associate Broker Cyndi Ferrell Associate Broker Donna Walters Broker/Owner Wende Meyer von Bremen Associate Broker Linda Fuller Associate Broker