Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Hoechner.
Hi Susan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My mother, Barbara Stewart began Barbara Stewart Interiors in 1952.
She operated a home-based business until 1978, then moved to a downtown location. With the operation being located in our home, I really grew up working in the business.
I rejoined the business in 1994 and was able to work with her for 22 years. The business evolved from a custom picture frame shop into the lifestyle store that it is today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, being a small woman-owned business working from home was a challenge.
Vendors did not always take the business seriously. Many of our challenges were the same as any small business, personnel, finances, and market share. One of my mantras is to “never give up!”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I began working in the family business in the custom picture frame shop. It eventually evolved into offering interior design services. The business moved into a retail space and grew from a very small by appointment operation into a full-service retail store.
I left Barbara Stewart Interiors not by choice, but my husband’s transfer, and began working for a Steelcase furniture dealer with an interior design department. This work inspired me to learn about space planning and the workplace environment. I enjoyed the ability to “put a puzzle together” by learning how people worked in an open cubicle environment.
I eventually came back to KY and continued my career in the Steelcase furniture dealer/design department and expanded my interior design skills by working with contract design in office space planning and healthcare.
After working for 15 years in contract design, I always wanted to re-join my family business, so I returned and re-learned the retail side of the operation. My proud moments have been co-operating a retail/interior design business with my mother, Barbara Stewart.
Her knowledge, exquisite taste, and business savvy have helped me continue this legacy. Our expertise in the field of interior design, art, and the longevity of the company is what sets us apart from other businesses.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Never give up! If you love what you do, it isn’t work. I look forward to going to work and meeting my customers and friends and hopefully solving their problems. Find a way to give back to your community, get involved, these are the people that support your business.
I had the advantage of re-joining an established business, not everyone has that opportunity, but I know what my mother sacrificed in the early years of her business. There were times that it was tough and she put everything back into the business in order for it to grow.
One bit of advice is to be knowledgeable about marketing your business. This is imperative that you get the word out. Meet as many of your “perfect customers” as you can and become familiar with what is important to them. They will be your best advertisement.
Contact Info:
- Email: susan@barbarastewartinteriors.com
- Website: www.barbarastewartinteriors.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarastewartinteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraStewartInteriors
Image Credits
Barbara Stewart Interiors
