Meet Norma O’Bryan | Custom Window Treatment/Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Norma O’Bryan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Norma, what is the most important factor behind your success?
What is the most important factor behind my success? Great question- There are a few key factors that have gone into making Discount Draperies successful.
1st- I make sure the focus is on the clients. They are who make our business. I give them the service they deserve and that I would expect. It is something as simple as returning an email or answering a question promptly. I really listen to what they want and am with them from the initial design consultation until the installation process. I always leave the customers a Thank You note or a small gift to show my appreciation. 99% of our business are referrals and repeat business.
2- Another major factor as to why Discount Draperies is successful is my team. You need to have employees and installers that you can count on. The products that we deliver must follow that as well. I strive for perfection on our window treatments. Everything is custom-made, and the hand sewn details represent that. Every fabric, style and hardware finish are selected just for them. I have been fortunate with my team. In the very beginning of my business, I connected with Rachel Heffern. She is the person behind the scenes that makes sure everything was perfect. Rachel is our lead seamstress and was a huge part of building the company.
3- Keeping up! I have to make sure I am up on current color themes, styles, design trends and continue to be innovative. Design is constantly changing. I need to make sure that what I select is going to be timeless and not date the home. I also have to adapt to new technology. There are some amazing 3D Rendering programs that we use to help each client visualize. It is something not a lot of companies in my area do and it helps to separate us.
4- Goals! I have always loved to make lists and have something I was working towards. It might be a sales goal, winning an award, growing the business. I have long-term goals but have also found the small goals just as rewarding. It feels amazing when you accomplish the items you are working towards. I hope to continue to grow my company and brand.
Check out our work at – www.discountdraperiesonline.com or follow up on social media – https://www.facebook.com/discountdraperiesofallon/
https://www.instagram.com/discountdraperies/

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Discount Draperies is a custom window treatment company. We are a shop at home design experience. One of our designers comes out to the clients home, brings all of the fabrics and materials with her. This helps to select the perfect color, fabric and style for each person. I have a background in Interior Design and have worked in the window treatment industry for 24 years. I have always had a passion for design and changing the interior spaces. I feel that window treatments are the finishing touch to really pull the room together. The challenges I have learned along the way are to make sure to continue to educate yourself with the new trends and styles. We have a computer rendering program that helps us to show the client what their treatments will look like. This gives us an edge and something different.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
St. Louis has a lot to offer! I love the outdoors so I would probably take them on a hike to one of our beautiful parks and enjoy nature. The Botanical Gardens, Art Museum and St. Louis Zoo are also great spots to visit. For food The Hill has some great Italian restaurants. Zia’s is one of our favorites but you can’t go wrong with any of them.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My Parents always made sure to teach me that I can do anything I put my mind to. They always encouraged me and stood behind me. I also am lucky to have a great husband, sister, and son that are my support group. Thank you to all of them! I greatly appreciate all of you.

Website: www.discountdraperiesonline.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discountdraperies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discountdraperiesofallon/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/discount-draperies-o-fallon

Other: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/window-treatments/discount-draperies-pfvwus-pf~2014419131

Image Credits
Third Eye Photography- Ryan Nadler