Meet the Winners of the 2023 Jill Robson Scholarship
The Jill Robson Scholarship is a special, annual opportunity for three members of the Window Coverings Association of America (WCAA) to receive $750 each to put toward their ongoing, professional education.
Winner: Kim Lista of Kim Lista Interiors
Kim has a very unique way of tapping into what her clients want for their homes, and creating that atmosphere by mixing both high, and low end furniture items in her designs. Every design is different, and her specialty is to bring out the personality and style of her clients, into the design of the space.
Traveling to the various furniture markets, networking with her peers, and a ton of research keeps her on top of all of the latest trends and the fresh ideas in the interior design world.
She redesigned her life and her brand by launching Kim Lista Interiors, LLC. as a full service consulting and design company.
Website: www.kimlista.com
Social: IG @kimlistainteriors
Image courtesy of Kronhaus Custom Works
Winner: Lindsey Kronmiller of Kronhaus Custom Works
Lindsey Kronmiller is the owner of Kronhaus Custom Works based in Durham, NC. She began studying the craft of drapery fabrication after attending the Custom Workroom Conference and being introduced to the talented, supportive, and creative small business owners that make the custom workroom industry so unique. She is the secretary of the Triangle Chapter of the WCAA and has trained with local workrooms as well as receiving drapery, cushion and pillow certification from Workroom Tech. She is currently serving retail clients and local interior designers in the Triangle while continuing her workroom education and is thankful to be surrounded by beautiful textiles every day.
Website: www.kronhauscustomworks.com
Social: IG @kronhauscustomworks
Winner: Alicia Acosta of Hazel Slate Interiors
Alicia Acosta is a dynamic and passionate entrepreneur hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is the owner of Hazel Slate, a home-based workroom that specializes in creating custom window treatments, upholstery, and textiles for both residential and commercial interior designers across the nation. Alicia's exceptional craftsmanship has garnered recognition, showcasing her fabrication skills at prestigious events like the St. Margaret's Decorator's Show House in 2020 and 2023, as well as the Indianapolis Home Show in 2019.
While Alicia's dedication to her work is evident, her commitment to her community is equally remarkable. Beyond her workroom, she actively engages in social activism and spearheads initiatives to alleviate hunger. Serving as the Director of Community Relations for the Mozel Sanders Foundation, Alicia plays a pivotal role in providing solutions tackling food justice for the underserved.
Alicia embodies the essence of a visionary entrepreneur, a community advocate, and a creative powerhouse. She continuously pushes the boundaries of excellence in the field of interior fabrication. Her unwavering dedication to professional growth is evident through her membership in leading organizations such as the Window Covering Association of America (WCAA), the National Upholstery Association (NUA), the Indy NAACP, and the Indianapolis Urban League's Young Professionals group.
Website: www.hazelslate.com
Social: IG @hs_sewthevision
About the Scholarship
Jill Robson was a light in the window coverings industry. As a drapery workroom owner, educator, and connector, Jill was an advocate of education and always looked for opportunities to further her knowledge in the window coverings industry.
Jill always entered a room with a smile and a quiet word of encouragement. She was a voice of reason and loved to share ideas. We honor her, her memory, and her contribution to the window coverings industry with these scholarships.
How the Scholarship Can Be Used
We at WCAA are thrilled to share the many virtual education programs available to our members that can strengthen and grow their businesses.
These programs include but are not limited to the following:
Our scholarship winners may allocate their awarded funds toward any educational program of their choosing. Payments will be distributed directly to the institution, program or educator. Any necessary travel and expenses are reimbursed directly to the Member with their submitted receipts.
Would You Like to Apply for a Scholarship?
We’d love to consider your application when the doors of this scholarship reopen for 2024. Please access the application here.