Pam Mitchell, owner of Window Decor & Design in Birmingham, has worked in the window treatments industry for about 30 years, and she has owned Window Decor & Design since 2015.
But Mitchell’s long career in the business has certainly done nothing to diminish her passion and enthusiasm for what she does everyday to help customers find the right products and applications for their homes.
“I absolutely enjoy what I do,” Mitchell says.She also brings a lot of skill, a lot of experience and a practiced eye to her work.
“I don’t just look at the window treatment part, I look at the entire space and recommend what window treatment is best for the room,” she says.
In serving her customers at Window Decor & Design, Mitchell draws on her extensive design training. She earned her BFA in Interior Design from the Southern Institute of Interior Design at Virginia College in Birmingham in 2011.
“Having interior design knowledge and experience sets me aside from just a window treatment sales person,” Mitchell says.
She is also a Window Fashion Certified Professional and has extensive knowledge about all of the products and services she provides at Window Decor & Design.
“Knowledge of your product is key,” Mitchell says.
It is important for customers to consult a well-trained professional in selecting their new window treatments because that process can be more involved than most people think.
“There are many choices in window treatments, and not all of them may work in the space or window you are wanting to cover, therefore I am able to guide my customers in the right direction and not get overwhelmed with so many choices,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell asks the customer about how they want the room or space to function before determining the best option. She’ll walk them through how window treatments can protect rooms and items from sun damage, as well as explaining what options and features are available.
It’s also very important for Mitchell to see how a product looks and functions in the customer’s home before the customer makes a final decision.
“Seeing a product in a showroom is different from seeing it in your home or office,” she says. “Lighting changes the colors and depending on the type of window treatment chosen the application will be different in a window so it is always best to see it in your actual window.”
Window Decor & Design offers all types of custom window treatments, including blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and drapery hardware Hunter Douglas and Graber are the top manufacturers they offer, Mitchell says. The store also offers custom bedding and pillows, she says.
The services offered by Window Decor & Design include professional measuring, experienced installation and stylish design advice, all provided with a local flair since the business is proud to be independently owned and operated.
Modern technology is having an exciting impact on many of the window treatments the store offers, according to Mitchell.
For example, “more products are now available with motorization,” she says.
The Smart Shades made by Hunter Douglas are a good example of technological innovation in window treatments. Users can easily control their shades with a press of a button, a tap on a mobile device, using a voice command or even automatically.
Homeowners can also schedule their shades to automatically close whenever they want. They can also schedule their shades to raise and lower to keep interiors warmer or cooler, depending on the season.
“The customers are really enjoying the motorized window treatments,” Mitchell says.
Running Window Decor & Design is very gratifying, she says. “It’s empowering to be your own boss,” Mitchell says “Any business or job has challenges but I feel entrepreneurship is a path to leadership and I have always wanted to own my own business from a very young age. I encourage more women to do it and being in control of your work hours allows you to balance family time.”
Women also have a tremendous positive impact on retail businesses, including Window Decor & Design, Mitchell says.
“Studies have shown that women account for 85% of consumer purchases,” she says.
Window Decor & Design is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday by appointment.
For more information, call 205-437-9575 or go to blindsandshuttersofbirmingham.com.
