Why One Woman Chose Custom Window Treatments over Her Corporate Career - and Made It a Resounding Success
Image Courtesy of Savannah Window Fashions
We had the pleasure of interviewing WCAA member Nikki Greenwood. We knew her story was both inspiring and thrilling (think: Successful corporate woman visits Savannah, Georgia, for the first time, falls in love with it, buys a home a few months later…and then buys a business, too. It’s the makings of a good rom-com, but in the window treatment genre) and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Image Courtesy of Savannah Window Fashions
Meet Nikki Greenwood
Nikki purchased Savannah Window Fashions in 2020, leaving her corporate career for the greener pastures and southern charm of running a window treatment workroom in Georgia.
This career change felt unprecedented and perfect all at once. As the granddaughter of a builder and the daughter of a carpenter, Nikki was no stranger to home projects and the attention to detail that was required.
Nikki’s goal as the new owner of Savannah Window Fashions is to preserve and pass on the skill of crafting boutique, artisan window treatments to the next generation of upcoming professionals.
Savannah Window Fashions serves design and retail clients throughout Georgia and South Carolina. They offer custom soft window treatments, hard window treatments, designer fabrics, trim, and hardware.
Our Conversation with Nikki
We’re enthralled with what we know about you so far, Nikki. Tell us: What is your workroom’s specialty?
“Savannah Window Fashions is a full service window treatment and soft goods design firm. We handle every step of the process, from initial measure through design, fabrication and installation. We have a focus on project management that allows us to provide virtual and remote services.”
What is the most enjoyable part of your work?
“I love being part of the design and build process for the beautiful homes in our area. From historic mansions downtown to luxury new builds in our coastal communities, it is so special to see our bespoke soft goods become a part of these homes for years to come.”
What is the most challenging part of running a window treatment workroom?
“Learning the window treatment industry and managing a workroom with no prior experience was a big learning curve.
“Once I dug into the financial side of things, I realized I had to increase prices to allow for viable profit margins and ensure the long-term health of the business.
“This was difficult and I received negative feedback from long-term clients, but on a positive note has led to constructive conversations about the future of custom fabrication and what it means to create well-paying jobs for fabricators in our area.”
Image Courtesy of Savannah Window Fashions
Freedom, Growth & Opportunity Inside the Workroom
How has this career changed your life for the better?
“I enjoy having the freedom to create the career and business I desire. In the corporate world, my opportunities for growth and development were limited by my leadership team. As a business owner, I can reap the rewards of hard work and dedication on my own terms.
“I enjoy being part of our local business community, as well as the greater window treatment and design community that has been so instrumental to my success.”
What relevant training or education did you have prior to starting this career?
I left a career in advertising to purchase my business and knew that my extensive experience in project management, process development, and digital marketing would be helpful.
“The previous owner of Savannah Window Fashions stayed on for six months and trained me on the soft goods side of the business, including measuring, quoting, calculating yardage, etc.
“While my team initially included a full time hard treatment salesperson, they retired shortly after I purchased the business, so I had a crash course in selling, specifying and overseeing installation of blinds and shades.”
Image Courtesy of Savannah Window Fashions
Business & Marketing Practices
What ongoing education are you pursuing to further your career?
“Upon purchasing the business, I took a deep dive into finding out as much as I could about the window treatment industry. Discovering LuAnn Niagara's A Well Designed Business podcast was a pivotal moment for me. I listened to past episodes, reached out to others in the industry, invested in both virtual and in-person coaching and mentorship, and discovered additional trade groups and resources to further my growth both as a window treatment firm and as a business owner.”
Where do you get the majority of your projects and clients?
“We get the majority of our projects and clients by word of mouth and Instagram.”
How has the WCAA helped shape or improve your career?
“The WCAA has been a wonderful source of education and community.”
Thank you, Nikki! It’s been a pleasure sharing your story. Where can people find you?
Website: www.savannahwindowfashions.com
Instagram: @savannahwindowfashions
Facebook: Savannahwindowfashions