I just returned from Arizona where I attended The SDP annual conference.  Can you imagine a conference about decorating, and growing your decorating business.  Check us out on utube.  You are going to see a lot of smiles as it was a huge success. We were overloaded with great speakers two of which were Mary Carol Garrity from Nell Hills, and Terri Bowersock from Consign and Design.

Mary Carol Garrity has written several books on entertaining and decorating all are worth having in you library.  I keep mine beside my bed.  If I can't sleep at night, I bring out "The Books"  they are like my Bible for decorating with great ideas.  You can find them at amazon.com.

Mary Carol was also kind enough to invite us all to her home next year for our conference.  We all heard it and want to go.  Yeah!  The conference committee will start to work on the plans soon so be sure to keep an eye out for the sign up.

There was an interesting blog from an attendee, Laura Gunn.  I think it's worth taking a look at it, shows photos from the decorating challenge.  That was some great decorators doing their best with what they had.  Good Work!

Terri Bowersock owns Consign and Design furnishings.  She was our motivational speaker and very insightful.  She has dyslexia and has had to overcome many challenges in order to be a successful entrepreneur.  She taught us that our thoughts are energy and all things are possible!  Our creator gave us a gift - to create the life we want.  We are the author of our life!  We have to trust ourself - think it - dream it - plan it - and never, never give up. 

Terri shared her personal map for success (aka...business plan) drawn with colored pencils.  Terri's business has grown to $36 million and 16 stores across the nation without a loan!  You can visit one of Terri's Consign and Design Furnishings here.

To sum the conference up would take much more time.  Instead I would like to say don't miss next years.  We are heading to Kansas City and yes, we are going to Mary Carol's house.

Watch for posts when it will be time to register.

The SDP would like to know what you are interested in learning about at next year's conference? 

What did you like about this year's conference?  We want to know.

~Marleen

Comments

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

My head is still abuzz with all of the wonderful and interesting things I learned and the fantastic people that I met.

I can't wait until next year.