nov dec issue FINAL.indd - Custom Home Furnishings Academy

CHF Academy Success Story
Lorie Albitz
CHF Editor: How did you get started
Lorie: My very first customer was the designer who allowed
me to display my work in her showroom window. Another
designer saw the display and asked if I would do work for
her. Initially, I did wholesale work. I started my retail work
with neighbors, which led to referrals. I also had some
unusual opportunities. A neighbor who had seen some of my
work asked if she could give my name to a fellow business
woman who was organizing an Art Show. I brought pillows,
window treatments, table toppers and my portfolio (on
my laptop) to this show. My retail
business grew immediately from
the show. The following spring, an
educator at a private middle school
was organizing a fund raiser for her
school and she remembered seeing
my work at the art show. She asked
if I would display some work. For
this show I brought my portfolio,
several pillows and a wide variety
of window treatments, most of
which were fabricated at the CHF
Academy Certification programs.
Once again, I was very fortunate
and my retail business grew.
CHF Editor: Tell us about your workroom
Lorie: I converted the lower level living and recreation
areas of our home into a functional studio. The living areas
serve as a place for clients to peruse fabric and trim books,
and view sample window treatments. A former guest room
adjacent to the studio functions as an office and a cutting
room. Linings, interlinings, supplies and client fabrics are
also stored in this room.
CHF Editor: What is your favorite or most helpful
equipment
Lorie: I would have to say that my most helpful piece of
equipment is the Creative Equipment Corporation J.R.
cutting machine. With the exception of swags, all my fabric
is inspected and cut on this machine. The cutting machine is
great for cutting long lengths. For Swags, I use the Parkhill.
It is invaluable for its ease of use and it is a time saver. I
used to be intimidated by swags, but not any more. And
of course it would be very difficult to function without the
industrial sewing machines.
Client Area. Pillows and window treatments
designed and fabricated by Lorie.
CHF Editor: How did you learn about The Custom Home
Furnishings Academy (formerly The CHF School)
Lorie: I had worked a year in this field before finding out
about the CHF Conferences and Academy. An Interior
Designer friend of mine gave me a brochure for the
CHF Conferences. I attended my first conference, met
wonderful people, made great friends and found out about
the Academy. After spending 20 years in sales I knew the
importance of an education in this field. I decided as soon as
I could afford it I would attend.
CHF Editor: What made you decide
to attend the Academy
Lorie: I wanted the credentials.
I wanted to raise the bar for
myself. I already had an education
in marketing and sales which I
still use in my business. I knew
that completing my certifications
was one of the most important
expenditures that I would make for
my business, equally as important
as any equipment I had purchased.
I wanted something more than a
seminar, something equivalent to a
college education in this field with
the degree and certification to prove it. I had the skill and
the confidence but I needed independent confirmation of my
ability and skill level.
CHF Editor: Tell us
about your experience
at the Academy
Lorie: I have three
certifications from the
Academy: Window
Treatments Career
Professional Program,
Advanced Window
Treatment Career
Professional Program,
Arched and Unusual
Swags, and The
Cornice Professional
Program. One of my
favorite classes was
Design services and fine
furnishings
for the home.
38 The Custom Home Furnishings Magazine November/December 2006