The Scoop on One Day Decorating

v     Why should I choose a One Day Decorating class?

v     What are the fees for the One Day Decorating Classes and what do I get for my money?

v     What do you mean by “One Day Style?”

v     Do I have to have previous decorating experience?

v     Do I need a business background?

v     Is this a franchise or does it charge ongoing fees?

v     What if I already have an established decorating or staging business?

v     How do I find clients?

v     How much money can I make?

v     Can I do this alone?

v     Do I need to work full time?

v     What do I need to bring to the workshop and how should I dress?

v     How do I get there?

v     Where do I stay?

v     What happens when class ends?

v     Is there advanced training?

v     I have questions not yet answered...what do I do?

Why should I choose a One Day Decorating Class?

Why not choose the best and the first? The quality of any training you take depends on two factors….the ability of the instructor to teach you and your willingness to learn.  ODD is a well-respected industry leader in the development of certification classes for the decorating professional.  ODD was founded by JoAnne Lenart-Weary who did not begin this business as a second career choice. Decorating has been a life-long passion and a thirty year career.  JoAnne’s skills were honed by  developing relationships with peers, taking every class and seminar related to her business, attending conferences and conventions all over the country and most importantly, decorating tens of thousands of homes over the last 30 years.  This experience guided her to develop the keys to guarantee a successfully decorated room again and again. These are the keys she shares with her students. 

ODD classes are based on real decorating for real people, not just rooms that look good but feel good also.  JoAnne has never been a “product-driven” decorator but has always believed in service first.  When she decided to take on a partner, she looked for someone with the same philosophy she had. Carol Bass was one of JoAnne’s former students and had grown a very successful business. JoAnne was impressed with her decorating and training skills. The combination of their broad experience, enthusiasm and strong public speaking skills they bring to the table, make their workshops one of the most comprehensive offered. Many other trainers have actually based their curriculum on the ODD courses.  In fact, many of the trainers you may come across on the Internet actually began as JoAnne’s student. Some of them have qualified as ODD trainers and have undergone a rigorous training program. Recently JoAnne teamed with another industry guru, Cyndie Stefanik, to create the most comprehensive Professional Color Class available. After interviewing a variety of color “experts” JoAnne decided that Cyndie fit the bill for the type of class JoAnne was trying to create. Again, real decorating and color for real life living.  Cyndie brings 15 years of hands on experience as an award winning decorative painter who’s work has been featured in a variety of Show Houses and magazines, such as Architectural Digest. 

When JoAnne Lenart-Weary began as a professional interior decorator, almost 30 years ago, there was no mentoring or coaching in this industry. Carol and Cyndie both share that belief system and are proud to create rooms that truly reflect the people that live there and not just the latest trends. Some clients may honestly need to buy new things but many already have most of what they need; they simply don’t know how to use it. ODD encourages clients to first try to solve the decorating challenges in the room using what they already have and redesigning the space. After that the client is provided a “Decorating Plan of Action” to bring the room to its best level.  This may involve adding or replacing with new items, adding color, updating or adding window treatments and most of all, allowing the client to accomplish their mission at their own pace as their budget permits. 

What classes are offered by One Day Decorating and what is the cost of each?

Beginning with our professional classes, you have a variety of options. You may select only one class or as your business grows, you may decide to join us for other classes that will continue to develop your skills.  A wonderful “perk” from ODD is that you are welcome to audit your class again at no charge if you like.  We have found that we share so much information that it is difficult to process all of it at once.  Many of our students love to return and audit a class to reinforce what they learned the first time around. It also gives you an opportunity to interact with new students and remind you what a great job you are already doing with your business. The classes include many extras but do not include travel or accommodations. Our classes have all been certified by The Society of Decorating Professionals. 

Workshop One-Six Day Professional Redesign/Staging Class-$3000.00
This 45-50 hour class focuses on the decorating, business and marketing skills needed to launch a Redesign and Staging Business. It is the best savings as it is a combination of our former 5 day redesign program and Option Two. Combining these two classes saves you $795. Take a look at the redesign/staging class link to see all the details.

Workshop #2 -Color with No Regrets-$1100.00

This two day 16 hour class will teach you more practical information about color than you ever thought was possible.  Did you know that a paint fan deck is actually a color wheel and why does that matter?  How does Strip # 41 relate to Strip # 61 in a Sherwin Williams paint deck and why does it matter?  How can you go from over 1000 paint color choices to 60 in 90 seconds and guarantee your client will love your choice?  Take this amazing class and find out. Look at the page about the color class to learn more.

Workshop #3- The Interior Decorating Professionals Class-$3000

This intensive 40 hour class takes your decorating talents to the next level.  Resources, client skills, forms, what goes with what, how to use technology to help you stand out in the crowd and building presentation boards are just a few of the topics you will cover.  See the page about this class for complete details.

Workshop #4-Addicted to Decorating-$149

This is NOT a professional class but one geared to the Decorating Dabbler in many of us.  It is a segment of our Presentations with Panache program.  The fun class takes the student through our “12 Steps to a Spectacular Space” and will be held in a variety of locations across the country. As we travel the country teaching this workshop, we will be looking for decorating professionals in each city to showcase. The workshop was developed in conjunction with our video series, “Addicted to Decorating” which is actual homes and the redecorating process involving The Power of Placement and Color in addition to a variety of “I never would have thought of that” ideas. If you are a professional looking for ways to market your business-consider purchasing the right to teach this class and you will be provided the complete class with a props list, Power Point, and more. 

What do you mean by “One Day Style?”

One Day Style is based on decorating homes using talent, skill and professionalism.  But most importantly it is about solving your client’s problems with a combination of processes with redesign, shopping retail and wholesale, creativity.  This doesn’t mean that all of your jobs will done in 24 hours, but it does mean that every home can be impacted in as little as a day.  Great decorators truly understand what a client needs and how to get them there, on their budget, at their pace and giving them a space that reflects who they are. ODD has inspired successful decorating businesses all over the world. These businesses have followed the One Day Style by creating a business that is about real decorating for real people.  This philosophy is based on real life experiences of the ODD trainers who know the industry and clients communications inside and out.  Time has taught them that the best decorating is all about listening to the client’s needs and guiding them in making great decisions as a team.  Great decorating is also a combination of creativity and thinking outside the box.  Our classes encourage you to do that and find ways to satisfy your client’s needs in ways that are unexpected, whether it the way you arrange furniture, color a space or decorate a mantel.  A successful business is based on having fun with what you do and making the process enjoyable for your clients as well.

Do I have to have previous decorating experience? 

No, you do not need previous experience but you do need to have a flair and passion for making a room look great. Chances are if you are considering any of our classes, then you are the individual that everyone marvels about how lovely your home always looks.  Your friends and family may comment on your natural talent. You are the kind of person that even when visiting friends, you frequently have an overwhelming urge to move the furniture and pictures.

Are you ready to be paid for the ideas you have been giving away for years? If this sounds like you, then our workshops are tailor made for you. 

Do I need a business background?

No, you do not need a business background.  We will guide you in the necessary steps in implementing a new business, including obtaining necessary licensing for your area and advice on setting up your bookkeeping and office practices. Helping you to name your business, establishing pricing, and developing a marketing strategy to launch and grow your business.

If attending our six day class, you will have the added benefit of an in-depth phone conference with Tracy Fredrychowski; from Small Business Web Solutions  Tracy is an award winning webmaster and SEO. The professionally designed websites she develops are well known within the Redesign and Staging Industries. They consistently rank high in the search engines. As a courtesy to our graduates, Tracy offers a special Web Design Package to get your business on the net.

Is this a franchise or does it charge ongoing fees? 

Once you have paid for your initial training there are no other fees required of you.  You are an independent entrepreneur and the decisions you make to grow your business will be made entirely by you.  We are, however, as close as your computer or phone...feel free to email or call for emotional and business support.  You are welcome to attend one of One Day Decorating advanced courses for a fee but this is not required.  The advanced classes have been developed based on request from our alumni and other decorating professionals in the industry.

What if I already have an established decorating or staging business?  

If you have already taken the leap into the world of business, then our workshops will simply complement the business you already have.  More and more conventional designers have discovered the need of their clients to transform their home through the creative ideas and talent of their decorators and not by changing everything they already own.  This facet of decorating goes hand in hand with the conventional decorating needs of your clients and is a good way to get your foot in the door. Successful staging also requires someone who not only understands the psychology of the selling process but also someone who has a natural ability to transform a space on limited budgets.

How do I find clients? 

We spend a significant portion of the training concentrating on marketing, advertising, and self promotion.  After all, it doesn't matter how talented you are if no one knows you exist.  You will leave your workshop with a solid plan of how to get started. 

How much money can I make? 

How much you make really depends on how hard you work...but the industry average is about $350 a room for a typical Interior Redesign.  Decorating Consultations generally begin at $75-100 an hour. Staging consultations are frequently based on the size of the home. Decorating and staging have been receiving much exposure on HGTV and Oprah, as well as many magazines and other TV shows. Think Design to Sell, Decorating Cents, and many more. This is creating a curiosity about the new breed of decorating professionals.  People who never would have thought of using a professional before are now much more receptive to the idea. 

Can I do this alone?  

JoAnne and Carol do most of their redesign and staging alone but you certainly can find an assistant or partner if you like. There are many simple tools such as EZ Movers and others that will make the process easier.  You will be surprised how many people will be eager to help you when your business is up and running. We encourage you to have contacts with a local moving firm so you can hire a mover for an hour or two to help move that grand piano or antique armoire.  You may also hire day help from a temp agency.

Do I need to work full time? 

Remember you own this business so you can establish your own schedule. You can work as much or as little as you and your family needs allow.  No one can fire you for not working next Monday or for going on vacation.  You can set your own time and not base it on someone else's rules.  On the other hand, do understand that the more you treat your business with professionalism; the probability of success will increase.

What do I need to bring to this workshop and how do I dress?

Bring your energy, enthusiasm, and desire to learn when you come for the week.   We also suggest you bring your camera and a camcorder if you have one.  You will want to build a portfolio of your jobs so you can share them with future clients.   Dress for the week is city casual.   When working in a client's home, we want you to maintain a professional yet comfortable appearance.   Khakis or comfortable dress slacks will still allow you to work well but look like the professional that you are.  Jeans are fine on the days we do not visit a client's home.  We also suggest bringing a comfortable pair of shoes or sneakers to change into at the client's home so you do not bring the soil from your street shoes into their homes when working. If you are attending our color class, we encourage you to dress casually as you will be working with paint.

How do I get there?

Check with the trainer in the area you are considering taking a class. They can guide you to the correct airport or provide you with driving instructions. 

Where do I stay?

When you receive our welcome package you will receive a list of hotels that we have arranged special discounts to help you to save money.  

What happens when class ends?

We are not done with you when you leave us at the end of the week.  You are an automatic member of O.D.D.A.A. www.oddaa.com  our alumni organization with free membership for one year.   O.D.D.A.A. was created to promote the businesses of our alumni.  You are encouraged to be an active part of our alumni only message board and monthly tele-conferences..  

If you have participated in a professional workshop taught by a certified ODD trainer, you will also have met the requirements to join The SDP  is the premier decorating professional organization in the world and membership will benefit your new career.  An application will be provided to you at class.  

Is there advanced training?

JoAnne and Carol work hard to stay on top of the trends and offer ongoing training to help you to succeed.  JoAnne is the most experienced trainer in the SDP organization and has played a large part in the development of the SDP curriculum.  Carol and JoAnne developed the One Day Style of Staging class in 2004 and it has met with rave reviews.  Many former students have attended other staging classes around the country and state that there is no comparison….the One Day Staging class gives them more practical information than they believed possible. 

To further ensure your success you may want to take advantage of our coaching services. JoAnne is one of the elite few Certified Guerilla Marketing Coaches in the world.  She is the only Certified Guerilla Marketing coach that specializes in the decorating industry.

I have questions not yet answered, what can I do? 

Email JoAnne (Joanne@onedaydecorating.com) or Carol (carol@onedaydecorating.com  your phone number and a good time to call. We will be happy to phone you so you can have any and all of your questions answered.  

Ready to make your decorating professional dreams come true?
Submit your application TODAY!