Designers Today Features Two of Our Designers

by Ross Feltz | April 19th, 2024 | In The Press | Reading Time: 1 minute

Designers Today Features Two of Our Designers

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May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to feature several vignettes of our Mother-Daughter franchisees. Meet Niki Johnson and Mom, Pat, of Texas.

The Joy and Privilege of Working with Mom

Having worked together in another business, it was natural for Niki Johnson to team up with mother, Pat, when she opened her franchise in 2021. “With its family-owned foundation and strong sense of community, DDI has the kind of business and working relationship we wanted—personal, supportive, and grounded in shared values,” Niki said.

“Growing up, I had a front-row seat to Mom’s entrepreneurial spirit,” Niki recalls. “Watching her pursue and excel in various ventures was an education in resilience, leadership, and the power of self-belief. Her success was never just about business—it was about creating something meaningful through sheer determination and heart.”

“Working with my daughter is one of the greatest privileges of my life,” says Pat. “It’s deeply satisfying to contribute to something she’s so passionate about—and to see her talent and vision come to life in the spaces she transforms. We each bring different strengths to the table, and there’s a natural trust and rhythm in how we collaborate. There’s also something special about seeing her growth, not just professionally but personally. I am proud every day to be part of what she’s building.”

As the design assistant, Pat collaborates with vendors, contractors, and installers to accomplish each client’s goals. Pat is also the contact person for booking appointments and has extensive experience in the digital marketing world.

“Mom is my greatest inspiration,” Niki says. “She taught me that with faith in yourself, dedication to goals, and courage to keep going, anything is possible. Her intelligence, tenacity, and unwavering work ethic have shaped the way I approach both life and business. More than a role model, she has been my biggest cheerleader. I am endlessly thankful for walking this path with her by my side. Not only is she my business partner, but she’s also my best friend. I’ve always believed that if I grow into even half the businesswoman she is, I will have achieved something truly meaningful.”

Floor-to-ceiling flat panel cabinets, in a shimmer

Floor-to-ceiling flat panel cabinets, in a shimmering taupe finish, created a sophisticated backdrop. Quartzite countertops elevated the space, complemented by chef-inspired appliances. The updated lighting, color palette, and furnishings seamlessly turned this kitchen into a modern dream. #ResidentialInteriorDesigner #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KitchenDesign

Your dining room deserves better than becoming a s

Your dining room deserves better than becoming a storage zone.✨
Want to draw people back to the table (and keep them there)?

Start with the space. New lighting, smart seating, and a few pro tips can transform everything. Read the full blog on our website (🔗 in our bio).

#DecoratingDenInteriors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ResidentialInteriorDesigner #DiningRoomDecor #DiningRoomInspo

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to feature several vignettes of our Mother-Daughter franchisees. Meet Debbie Demboski, her Mom, Phyllis, and Debbie’s daughter Sara, of Florida.
Not Two, but THREE Generations
With a degree in fashion, merchandising and business, Debbie Demboski worked for several retail companies before starting her franchise in 1990.
“My Mom, Phyllis has been an essential part from the start,” says Debbie. “Daughter, Sara, was a baby, so Mom was a huge help. She’s still my office manager, and at 94 shows no signs of slowing down.”
When Sara had her own young son, she wanted more flexibility, so in 2014 she became the third generation in the franchise. She worked in the office for a year before deciding to go all in and take advantage of all the educational opportunities we have.
“It’s been 10 years and a million smiles and laughs,” Sara told a reporter from New Tampa & Wesley Chapel Neighborhood News. She noted that ‘while they keep their relationship professional at work, the mother-daughter bond is there under the surface’: “Sometimes Mom looks at me a certain way,” Sara laughs, “and I just know that means to hand her the flat-head screwdriver.”
Debbie’s time these days is divided between local decorating, running the Central Florida region of DDI franchises, and slowing down for travel and personal time. “That works since Sara is serving both new and long-time clients with such excellence,” says Debbie “For me, the greatest compliment is when a past client of mine tells me how great Sara is.”
Such as Sheila and Joe Merchant, who started working with Debbie about 10 years ago and more recently with Sara. “I wouldn’t go anywhere else,” Sheila told the reporter. “Sara has now done every room in our house.”
"These years have flown by quickly and I have enjoyed working with Debbie, Sara, and all of the decorators in the region,” says Phyllis. “Nothing compares to how wonderful a daughter, friend, and boss Debbie has been. What a blessing that all three of us have been able to work and build the business together to continue for the next 35 years! I am planning on staying in my position as long as I am able... or am terminated! 😃"

A teal accent wall sets the stage in this luxuriou

A teal accent wall sets the stage in this luxurious living room. The rich stone, plush seating, and golden light help balance the bold color. Oversized mirrors on either side of the fireplace make this grand living room seem even larger. #ResidentialInteriorDesigner #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LivingRoomDesign

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to feature several vignettes of our Mother-Daughter franchisees. Meet Julie Cochrane and her Mom, Mary Zimmerman, of Ohio.

Fortunate to be Two of the Lucky Ones

When Mary Zimmermann purchased her Decorating Den Interiors franchise in 1989, her daughter, Julie Cochran, had just had a baby and had decided not to return to her previous employment. “I joined Mom in the business by helping with bookkeeping, marketing, and other office work,” Julie says. “As my children grew older and entered school, I began to help with some of the decorating tasks and then gradually transitioned to working with clients.”

In 2009, Mary decided to retire and Julie purchased the franchise. “For the past 16 years, Mom has been a ‘sounding board’ as I have continued to run the business that brought us together as business partners.”

“Working together as a mother/daughter team was full of great memories. Lots of good times were shared … as well as just a few that were not so good,” Julie recalls. “We have always had a healthy respect for each other and though the challenges of working a business together can sometimes be stressful and expectations are sometimes different, both of us communicated well and ‘made it work’.”

“Going to work and building something successful each day with someone you love so much was an opportunity that most people never get to experience,” explains Julie.

“Both of us feel so fortunate that we were two of the lucky ones,” Mary adds.

If your home doesn’t feel peaceful the moment yo

If your home doesn’t feel peaceful the moment you walk in…
…it might be missing a little Japandi.

This design style blends the warmth of hygge with the elegance of wabi-sabi — and yes, it’s just as soothing as it sounds (🔗 in our bio to learn more).

#DecoratingDenInteriors #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ResidentialInteriorDesigner #Japandi #HomeInspo

This cozy yet luxurious family room is perfect for

This cozy yet luxurious family room is perfect for a large family gathering. The two large couches provide plenty of seating while the warm brown wall color creates a warm and inviting space. A contemporary rug grounds the spaces and introduces softness. #ResidentialInteriorDesigner #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FamilyRoomDesign

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to

May being Mother’s Day Month, we are pleased to feature several vignettes of our Mother-Daughter franchisees. Meet Patrice and Elizabeth Hawkins of North Carolina.

Doing What We Love, Side by Side

When Patrice Hawkins of Charlotte, NC, retired from Bank of America’s tax planning division in 2004, she followed her lifelong love of design and purchased a Decorating Den Interiors franchise. Her daughter Elizabeth, then a senior in high school, joined her for a summer internship just a few years later. “That experience sparked a major life shift for me,” Elizabeth said. “Inspired by working alongside Mom, I changed my major to interior design and officially joined the business full-time after graduating in 2010.”

Over the years, what began as Patrice’s second act has grown into a thriving family-owned business. Elizabeth now wears two hats—continuing her work with Hawkins Designs while also serving as Sales Training Specialist for Decorating Den Interiors’ corporate team. “I get to help empower other franchise owners to build their own successful businesses,” Elizabeth says. “It’s very rewarding.”

On the design side, Patrice and Elizabeth have led Hawkins Designs to win multiple sales awards. “We get to blend creativity, strategy, and foster deeper family bonds,” says Patrice. “For both of us, the greatest joy of working together goes beyond beautiful spaces—it’s about building a legacy, supporting one another’s strengths, and sharing the satisfaction of doing what we love, side by side.”

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