Background — Laura Pellegrino has been a window treatment specialist for 25 years. Twenty-one of those years were spent working for other companies. Originally from California, at one time she worked for one of the largest window covering companies in the U.S. She opened her own 600-square-foot shop June 20.
Getting started — "I had so much knowledge that I was giving out and not utilizing it for myself. So four years ago, I started my own business working out of my home," said Pellegrino, who has lived in Springboro for nine years. "This space had been available for months, and I drove by every day. It's my dream to have my own little boutique shop."
Products/service — Pellegrino specializes in soft window treatments and custom draperies. She also carries blinds, shutters, swags, shades, cornices, valances, pillows and bedding. She carries fabrics for all budgets, from inexpensive to high-end upholstery. Brand names she carries include Norman, Alta, Hunter Douglas, Kirsch and Sussex.
Differentiation — Since Pellegrino isn't an interior designer, she complements the existing style, furniture and colors in the home. She uses outside contractors for drapery assembly. A small business owner, she has more time to spend with clients. She stays on the job from initial consultation through installation to make sure it's done according to the client's expectations.
Current drapery trends — Traditional, with darker colors such as spicy red and chocolate brown.
Full circle — "When I was growing up, my mom was an interior designer, and she always had this old Singer sewing machine in the front showroom. So I always thought when I had my own store, I would find one and put it in the window just like my mother did."
— Pamela Dillon
Contributing Writer
Contact contributing writer Pamela Dillon at pamdillon@woh.rr.com.