Remembering Beth Hodges
May/June 2020
Scroll to read full article. Obituary for Mrs. Carolyn Elizabeth Hodges Mrs. Carolyn Elizabeth Buford Hodges, wife of Hon. Thomas L. Hodges, III, passed away April 26, 2020. Beth was born in Augusta on January 14, 1949 to Carolyn Harrell Buford (Mosteller) and William Hal Buford, Jr., of Ellenton, South Carolina. She grew up in North Augusta, SC with her mother and her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. H.P. Harrell, Sr. She was an only child and the last member of both families. Beth was a loving mother to five children: Brian (Heather) Jones of Anderson, S.C., Leigh (Terra) Hodges of Athens, GA., Libby (Melissa) Hodges of N. Augusta, S.C., Thomas (Amber) Hodges of Cumming, GA, and Pierce (Stephane) of Reston, VA. She is survived by eleven grandchildren: Colin and Rhiannon Jones, Trevor and Mason Collins, Hank, Moira, Carolyn, Quin, Bobby, Emory and Cole Hodges. Beth worked at Southern Bell in Augusta for thirteen years before moving to Elberton with her husband, Tom, where he practiced law. She was an active member of many civic organizations in Elberton, but when twins, Thomas and Pierce were born, she took a break from civic activities to care for the growing family. During this time, Beth learned to sew. As her family grew, she began a small business making window treatments working alone and at home in what spare time she could find between children’s activities. As the children got older, the business grew also, and Beth took opportunities to learn her trade by attending classes offered at trade shows around the country. Eventually, she qualified for every certification available to someone in the window coverings industry and became a champion for education of people entering the industry. Through a chance meeting, she met Cheryl Strickland who was establishing a school to train others about window coverings, and Cheryl hired Beth as instructor. Beth continued to work as a lead teacher for seventeen years in addition to growing her business in Elberton. She became a lecturer, featured speaker, and taught classes across the country for many years and has visited every state but three. In 2014 Beth was named the Education Director for DoFix USA and traveled presenting seminars and doing private training for the German based company. Beth served for many years on the Board of Directors of the Window Coverings Association of America and as its president for two terms. She continued to present seminars at international events, trade shows, trade schools and universities throughout her working life. Beth loved to travel, especially with her friends Sandra Fortson and Sue Cone, and visited many others countries and enjoyed learning their histories. Medieval history fascinated her and she loved to read about European history, but also enjoyed books on all subjects. She always had one book to read and one to listen to while she was in the car. She loved to discuss the books she read, and always had a long reading list. It was always a joy for her to find a fellow reader. The Ladies who worked at Soft Furnishings over the years meant an awful lot to Beth. The family would like to thank particularly Gail Maness, Carolyn Snellings, Susan Lee, Sue Hall and Millie Stovall as well as many other employees who came through the doors of Soft Furnishings. Beth considered the members of the First Methodist Church, especially the choir and the Cross-Talk Sunday School Class as her family and loved them dearly. Her friendships with the members of Beta Sigma Phi were treasured, and she was extremely proud of the friendships and mutual respect that she held with former fellow instructors and attendees all over the country. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Beth Hodges will be planned and held at a later date. The family requests NO FLOWERS and memorials may be made to Elberton First Methodist Church, 132 E. Church St., Elberton, GA 30635 or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 As always you may share your condolences with the family on our website, www.hicksfuneral.com.
"How do we remember Beth? Her legacy is in her teaching." a tribute by Susan Woodcock
Scroll to read full article. On Sunday, April 26, 2020 Beth Hodges died at home, surrounded by loved ones after a difficult period of health challenges. My last message with Beth one week before her death was that the first hummingbirds arrived which was a sign of hope. She was in the hospital and wished she could see them. Now I think of Beth as the hummingbirds zoom around the feeders and flowers. That's just like Beth at a trade show zooming around with delight to see as many people as possible to get a hug, give an encouraging word and share a laugh. I met Beth in 2003, when I started teaching for Cheryl Strickland at the Custom Home Furnishings school in Swannanoa, NC. Little did I know then that I would own a similar trade school not that far away in the mountains of North Carolina where Beth would come and teach! Beth's last class was on January 30, 2020. It was a full day and she wowed the class with information, advice, tips and of course, humor. She insisted on taking Rodger and I out to dinner and we had a great conversation, wine, music and a lot of laughs. Beth left all her class samples with me for the next class - she was coming back to teach again. I was certain she would. Beth loved teaching. One of her favorite times was the Window Coverings Weekend Academy events that we taught together with Donna Skufis and Jeanelle Dech. The four of us went on the road to different cities around the US, and at each one Beth insisted that we "do something for fun". We went whale watching in Boston, a horse drawn carriage ride in Indianapolis, a dinner cruise in San Francisco and a crazy tour of Chicago that involved a train, a bus and a taxi. Beth had an open mind and an open heart. Her love was generous and inclusive and an example of her faith. She loved her work and the people she connected with through her business and classes but her biggest love was her family. She adored her husband and her children were her pride and joy. She especially loved having "grown", independent children who added spouses and grandchildren to her life. How do we remember Beth? Her legacy is in her teaching. Her influence on workroom education is impossible to measure. I will try to honor her memory by sharing like Beth did, by loving like Beth did, and by living like Beth did. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Scroll to read full article From Robert Döhlemann: The Window Coverings-world of USA has lost a very bright person, in pride she gave so many years her best to the industry. Now is our turn to express the way we knew her, we loved her and how we will remember her... Beth Buford Hodges No matter whether it was a trade show, a seminar, teaching in a workroom or an after-party - you always saw her surrounded by countless people that loved and respected her! The live-circle around Beth was always built quickly and you could hear from far away her charming laugh, her personalized comments to people that she always knew by name and their stories! It seemed like she never had a "bad day" and she would never show her pain as long as she worked... She gave her attention to everyone who needed it and she was enjoying attention, complements and popularity from thankful clients, colleagues and partners. She was always in the center and that's where she belonged! Intelligent and smart, always elegant and perfectly dressed, this highly educated woman with her optimistic nature was always a magnet for women and men in our industry. She was a high-class one and she would never touch something "cheapy", so döfix products came as the perfect match to be represented by Beth. We used to work many years together and I am thankful for every single one. When we traveled together after a long and a hard-working day, in a personal conversation she would always show recent pictures of her crowdy family (just imagine 6 children, their spouses, grandchildren, oh boy!), her lovely small dogs and beautiful flowers in her yard. How did she manage all of this? It will be a secret forever now.... Surely many of you have learned so much from Beth and when you think about her, as I do..., you will get a big smile on your face, so positive she was. Countless seminars, trade shows that we did together. Michigan to Florida.... all over the US "y'all" remember her Georgian-peachy-dialect and master-classes she gave. Our deepest sympathies go out to Beth's husband and the whole family, Robert Döhlemann and the döfix No Sew team
Click here to watch Beth's döfix Product Share Videos from The Workroom Channel.
As many of you know, our industry recently lost a dear friend, an amazing leader, and a true visionary. With great sadness, we recently learned of the passing of Beth Hodges -- long-time WCAA member and previous WCAA leader. As the owner of Soft Furnishings workroom in Elberton, Georgia, Beth provided wholesale workroom services for over 20 years, both locally and around the country. Beth joined the WCAA Board of Directors in 1994, having served as the treasurer, vice-president, and two terms as president throughout her career. Beth was known throughout our industry for her hard work, determination, expertise, and her ability to make friends wherever she went. Many will remember Beth as a legend in our industry; always eager to teach, share, and lead. She will undoubtedly leave a huge vacancy in our lives. For the full article, including Michele Williams' interview which is featured on page 1 of this issue, click here.
Interview with Beth Hodges by Michele Williams
Scroll to read full article I interviewed a few of my workroom friends for a project I was creating (and still am) back in 2016. Beth Hodges was one of my interviewees and you can read her unedited answers below. Beth and I met back in 2004 at a workroom conference hosted by CHF Academy in Greenville, SC (during the Cheryl Strickland days). In 2006, Beth helped us form a local chapter of WCAA in Atlanta and also became a member since she lived in the state. Beth encouraged me in 2007 and 2008 to speak at IWCE, which I did, and as president of the local Atlanta chapter in 2008-2009. In 2009 she appointed me to the Board of Directors for WCAA national when a position came open. That began our relationship of working closely together for many years. To say that Beth saw potential in me and assisted in helping me help the industry would only touch the surface of her impact on my life. Beth, as we all knew her, was funny, sassy, and southern. She would tell you how she felt about something not only in words but in her facial expressions. She had a heart for the workroom industry and brought a professionalism to it that we all craved in some way. Her heart was to educate and elevate each one of us. That is why all of us felt special to her and felt loved by her – we were. She always had a funny story to tell which just drew us in. My hope is that we can all learn from Beth and have a heart to help someone else who is working alongside us in this industry to be the best versions of ourselves. Beth was one of a kind, but we can do our best to emulate her love for knowledge and education and show. how much we really care for each other. And as Beth says, just keep swimming. Michele - What has been your biggest challenge to overcome in business? Beth - There are new ones every day. This is brutally honest…I think that in the beginning it was hard to set some limits with my family. I believe that my husband had a hard time realizing that I have a real business here…I am in the house and have a pile of kids and had not been working for years. As the business grew, there was a real adjustment period for us and I think he was pretty unhappy. He is very successful in his own right, and I had taken care of everything that had to do with the house and the children and suddenly I didn’t. It was hard, but over time we worked it out. I think that when I was on the cover of D&WC magazine and president of the WCAA…then named Entrepreneur of the Year by our Chamber of Commerce he thought I might have something here that was worth my time. Michele - Where did you act in courage – when you felt fear? Beth - Every day? I don’t think of myself as a particularly brave person. I think of myself as stubborn and determined. You won’t believe this, but I was terrified to drive by myself to my first Window Coverings show in Atlanta. I was terrified to get on a plane and fly to shows around the country. I was terrified the first class I ever taught. I HATE confrontation and I am nervous if I know one is coming up. Courage, I think, is not NOT being afraid, but being afraid and doing it anyway. I think that women have more trouble than men in this area and it involves just putting one foot in front of the other. Michele - If there was a defining moment or opportunity that changed the direction of your business – what was it? Beth - I think for me it was the realization that if I was going to have a good business I was going to have to go and get it. Put myself out there, so to speak. I cold called interior designers in both Anderson, SC and Athens, GA. I liked Athens much better because my kids all went to school there and it gave me a good excuse to visit with them. I did work for a furniture company in Anderson and hated every minute of it. They weren’t “nice” and not easy to get along with. There was a lot of whining. When I finally had enough of the picky complaints, I quit. I had some cornices returned for a very minor complaint and I refused to remake them. I refunded the money for their fabric and gave the cornices and draperies to my daughter. One of the smartest things I’ve done. Michele - Which failures have you learned the most from? Beth - The ones that cost me money…and there have been many. I learned always to mark hard treatments up at least 100% so that if you mis-measured at least you won’t LOSE money. And I’ve learned that the things that you do for free are the ones that often come back to bite you. I guess I didn’t learn that lesson as well as I should have since I still get bitten. Failures teach you how to charge. Failures have also taught me that sometime the failures are unavoidable and I TRY not to beat myself up. I think that it has given me a thicker skin. Failures have also taught me that sometime when faced with a big customer service problem that the best thing to do is just ask them what they want you to do. You don’t have to DO it, but at least you have a starting point. But see my definition of “failure”… Michele - What would you go back and tell the younger you about your business trajectory? Specifically as it relates to fear and failure. Beth - Just keep swimming? Sorry…Just keep moving forward and don’t give up. Be optimistic always. I think that I would tell THAT Beth Hodges that she had no idea what will come! First, set a goal every year. New web site or new telephone system, teach a class somewhere, make a certain amount of money, SOMETHING. Be brave and keep plowing ahead, and arm yourself with “psychic armor.” In other words, put yourself in a place where stings and arrows are not aimed at your heart. I would tell her to try to think more like a man doing business. (HA! Do you believe I said that?!) Try not to hold grudges or take things personally. Michele - How have you defined business, success and failure on your own terms? Beth - I have never had a failure because I look at setbacks not being failures. Does that make sense? A failure to me would mean closing the doors of the business. I have had up to seven employees who have all gotten paid as they should. Hundreds if not more than a thousand clients who I have satisfied. I have “maintained myself” as my husband says. I’ve made a profit every year for thirty years. I ship window treatments all over the country. I’ve done a home in Monte Carlo and a resort in Jamaica. I have helped many, many women and men to learn this business…and there have been many who have been extraordinarily successful. I helped WCAA to grow and pulled them through a very difficult, dark time. So what if I mis-measured a time or two. That’s not a failure, it’s a momentary set back. I’ll still married to the same man and all five of my children speak to me. Someone telling me NO isn’t a failure. I just need to look somewhere else to find someone who says YES. Michele Williams is the owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting. Using her software development and interior design business background, she empowers her clients to charge what they are worth and to have confidence in their financials. Michele is a Profit First certified coach focused on the interior design industry, and she hosts the popular Profit is a Choice podcast. You can learn more at www.scarletthreadconsulting.com.
Remembering Beth Hodges by Linda Principe
This article first appeared in the Window Fashions VISION blog which you can read here. Scroll to read full article. Beth Hodges—drapery fabricator, educator, speaker, trainer, installer, former Window Fashion VISION columnist and window coverings industry icon—passed away on April 26. Beth was born in Augusta on January 14, 1949. She worked at Southern Bell for thirteen years before moving to Elberton with her husband, the Hon. Thomas L. Hodges, III, where he practiced law. She was an active member of many civic organizations in Elberton, but when her twins were born, she took a break to care for the growing family. During this time, Beth learned to sew. She began a small business making window treatments, working alone and at home in what spare time she could find between children’s activities. As the children got older, the business grew also, and Beth took opportunities to learn her trade by attending classes offered at trade shows around the country. Eventually, she qualified for every certification in the window coverings industry and became a champion for education. Through a chance meeting, she met Cheryl Strickland, who was establishing a school to train others about window coverings. Cheryl hired Beth as instructor. Beth continued to work as a lead teacher for 17 years in addition to growing her business in Elberton. She taught classes across the country for many years. In 2014, Beth was named the education director for DöFix USA and traveled all over, presenting seminars and doing private training for the German company. Beth was a longtime member of the board of directors of the Window Coverings Association of America and its president for two terms. She continued to present seminars at international events, trade shows, trade schools and universities throughout her working life. In addition to her designers and clients, Beth cherished her ladies who worked for her. Beth was a loving wife, mother of five and grandmother of 11. No doubt Beth is making window treatments to make heaven an even more beautiful place. Heaven has gained a special angel. Below are heartfelt reflections from some of the industry professionals who were impacted by Beth’s skill and friendship. Roger Magalhaes: “I had my first contact with the window coverings industry in 2006. My goal was to just ‘hang shades’ as a part-time gig. Very soon, I realized that I needed some formal hands-on training. After doing a bit of research, I enrolled in Beth’s certification program at the Custom Home Furnishings Academy in Charlotte, NC. I had no idea what to expect, but boy, did she set my standards much higher. Before that , I thought I had to have a hardcore business mind to win business, but she showed me that being soft-spoken would win business and friends. “Beth taught me that my part-time idea could very well become a full-time company. She taught me to engage in the industry. She taught me to be professional. She taught me that you learn by sharing. She taught me so much that I wanted to follow in her steps by teaching others. She was a role model to me and to so many others in this trade. She is going to be dearly missed. But her smiley face, her southern accent and her family values will live on forever.” Margie Nance: “I met Beth back in the 90s and spent most of my career working with her on the educational side of the industry. Beth was an amazing teacher who also wrote the installation program for the Custom Home Furnishings Academy. She was a little southern belle who would train window covering installers in her high heels and pearls. She loved her industry and had no plans to slow down. She always told me that she would keep going as long as people wanted to learn from her. “Beth was one of those special friends that you could talk to once or twice a year and it was like you spoke yesterday. It was not unusual for our calls to last a few hours. She was always in the moment and nothing else mattered. If you were one of her students or ran into her at a conference, you always got the feeling that you were important to her, and that’s exactly how she felt about the people who came into her life. What I will miss most about my dear friend will be the enormous hugs she always gave when we got together. I was blessed to have known her as an industry icon, loving wife and a proud mother/grandmother to all her kids.” Pamela DeCuir: “I was her client, she was my mentor, but more than that, we were friends. We met at a window fashions industry show in the mid 90s. Beth had a way of making everyone feel important and she was fun to be with. “Our working relationship began in 1996 when Beth became my main workroom. I wasn’t sure how it was going to work because I was in New Jersey and she was in Georgia, but she assured me that it would be no problem. She was right. Beth’s knowledge of fabrics, hardware and installation techniques, plus her creativity, made me a better designer. Later on, we created and gave lectures to the industry describing the working relationship between designers & workrooms. Beth would unofficially call it “The Beth & Pam Show.” “The industry will miss this shining star. I can only add that I will always be grateful for her friendship and kindness, her humor and humanity, her counsel and her warmth. Rest in peace beautiful lady.” Sandra VanSickle: “I met Beth back in the early 2000s, but her close bond with the VanSickle family was formed with Ken when he took her installation classes at CHF. Her enthusiastic approach to teaching and her investment in the lives of her students helped lead Ken to the successful business he has today. Anytime she saw Ken, you could hear in her voice and see in her eyes just how proud she was of him. I was happy for them, but I was secretly a bit jealous I didn’t have that bond with her too. “Thankfully, my time came. My special bond with Beth was sealed at the Artisan Project weekend in 2019. Beth and I chatted many times over that weekend. Before we parted, she came to tell me just how much she enjoyed getting to know me better. She made me feel special. I’m so deeply saddened by her passing, but she can rest knowing we will all find a piece of her embedded in our lives.” Terri Booser: “Beth was a one super lady who meant so much to so many people. I was so fortunate to meet her very early in my career. We forged an instant bond. She loved to call me her little sister, but in truth, for me, she was the nurturing mother hen. She had a saying that I know everyone who took a class from her heard: “Put your big girl panties on and deal with it.” I really do not remember the situation surrounding the first time she said it to me, but it always resonated in difficult times. She even gave me an apron with this saying that I hung on my office wall, just in case I forgot. The apron will stay on the wall always, and Beth will stay in my heart.” Jill Ragan Scully: “My friendship with Beth began in late 2014, when she traveled to Minnesota for a WCAA event. Our little local chapter wanted to learn all about Döfix, so Beth flew in and I picked her up from the airport. I’ll admit I was a little nervous picking someone up at the airport I had never met. As I slowed down at the curb in the pickup line, there she was, waving her arms like a little kid so I would see her. I knew right then she was part of my ‘tribe.’ “We had a little time to spare, so we headed to the Mall of America so she could tell her family and friends she had been there. We walked around and then sat in a Starbucks coffee shop for what seemed to be about 15 minutes, but ended up to be around two hours. She was so easy to talk to. She was a genuinely nice person down to the core and completely focused on our conversation. Beth and I shared details about our families and discussed the drapery industry. I felt that we entered that coffee shop as strangers and left with a bond that would last a lifetime. “In my last communication with Beth, I reached out to her via email and signed the email telling her I loved her. Then we had a sweet dialogue where we wondered why more friends don’t say those three words more often to each other. I will love you forever, B.”
Scroll to read full article From Sandra Van Sickle: We will rely on the fond memories of you to help ease the heaviness in our hearts. You were passionate about this industry, and will be remembered for doing what you loved best -Teaching (always teaching and encouraging) -Loving everyone (like you’ve always knew them) -Laughing (Always had a smile) -Hugs ( big hugs) We will NEVER forget that southern drawl! I’m terribly sad you are gone, but I know I’ll find a piece of you in the lives that you have touched. RIP my friend, and thanks for the memories. From Kelli Chitty: The custom drapery industry lost an icon. Beth Buford Hodges was a trailblazing industry leader, teacher and advocate. Not to mention a funny, sassy, loving friend to so many. You will be missed Beth! From Roger Magalhaes: It is with a VERY HEAVY HEART that I say good bye to a LEGEND in the industry. Someone that taught me the first steps in my installer's career. Someone that was always smiling and was always willing to help. Rest in peace Beth Buford Hodges. Your mission is accomplished, your suffering has ended but your memories will stay forever. From Jennifer White: I love you Beth Buford Hodges, and I will never forget you and your stories, your lessons and your light. You’ve taught me so much, about work and family and strength and love and life. I cannot find the words to express my sadness of your passing. I know how much you loved your family and how proud you were of each and every one of them. My heart goes out to them, I know how much they must miss you. I miss you. I was fortunate to have you as a guest, in my home. My guest room has been and will always be the “Beth Hodges Suite”. There is a funny story about that, and I hope your family will read this with a smile. It was the room with no shade or curtains, until I threw up a horrible mistake of a remake shade just to block the sun, installed so poorly that I was ashamed to leave it up (and yes, I own a professional workroom and install window treatments). At the time I thought, “it’s not like Beth Hodges will ever see it”....until she did....about 3 years later....and even slept under that awful shade. She did not judge me, though she should have! I was so ashamed....though it was worth the laughs and the memory! I only just replaced that shade a week after I saw her last, at the CWC this past September. I will miss you my friend. From Jill Stanbro Plummer Hughes: Our wedding!! My great friend, Beth Buford Hodges, who is in the first row far right, passed away yesterday. The world lost a wonderful, sassy, kind, loving woman. She will be missed by thousands!! From Christine Kolle Shepard: The drapery and workroom industry lost a legendary woman yesterday. Beth Buford Hodges, you were loved so very much and influenced so many just by being your funny, Southern and gracious self...you will be greatly missed, sweet friend. From Tammi Le Nair - Chesnet: heartbroken upon hearing about the death of my Miss Beth Buford Hodges. We forged an instant friendship and shared our deepest secrets, first in France on a design trip then later at my house when she came to my workroom to teach a Dofix seminar. I look forward to seeing you again my friend... From Jo Moore: She always knew who I was From Kevin Kise: Saying goodbye to a legend us never easy. Beth Buford Hodges, the world is a better place because you were in it. Beth was an icon in the window treatment industry. Always willing to give you a hug or opinion with a twist of southern sass! We’re going to miss you, Beth From Susan Sifakis: When Beth calls and says she is in Boston last August due to a flight delay with her girls going on a trip over the ocean, I of course hopped in my car to say hello ! From Jill Ragan Scully: I will miss you forever, my friend. From Anna Davis: July 26 2018 when Beth Buford Hodges did a dofix meeting in Nashville for our group. Beth stayed with us. We had such a great time. You will be missed by all.
FACEBOOK TRIBUTES from Beth's friends in the industry
See the announcement with Susan Woodcock and Rodger Walker here.
Save the dates! We can't wait to get together again. Custom Workroom Conference has been rescheduled for Monday, October 4 - Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Thank you to our sponsor Hanes Fabrics and industry organizations Window Coverings Association of America, WCAA and National Upholstery Association, teachers and exhibitors for supporting this decision.
In Memory of Beth Hodges Her Podcast Re-Released
This past week has been so difficult, learning of the passing of Beth Hodges. So many people felt drawn to her and she made everyone feel special and important to her. I am re-releasing my podcast recording in her memory. Rest in peace, dear Beth. I will be nice in your honor! - Ceil DiGuglielmo Click here to LISTEN.
www.HELSERBROTHERS.com E: information@helserbrothers.com P: 480.497.8191
www.mylltd.com
with Beth Hodges
Printed on 1yd white canvas and suitable for mounting to a wall, workroom stands, or edge of workroom table. This original design was developed by Beth Hodges, an industry icon who passed in April 2020. We will miss her warm personality and inventive mind. Watch the video below to hear how Beth explained the development and use of this handy tool. The template includes every measurement to dress the perfect swag. No grabbing a yardstick! In honor of Beth, The Workroom Marketplace is offering the remaining inventory of Swag Dressing Templates free of charge while supplies last. Please use coupon code SWAG2020 or click here to redeem this offer.
Swag Dressing Template
Scroll to read full article REGISTRATION EARLY BIRD PRICING NOW OPEN! Changing times require creative solutions. The International Window Coverings Expo is not able to take place live this year for health and safety reasons. Moving forward requires a new approach to bringing the industry together to educate, inform and inspire our path forward. We hope you join us for the first worldwide virtual industry education and business networking event. IWCE Virtual will take place on July 29 and 30, 2020, exclusively online! With product information, training and the ability to schedule appointments with exhibitors, it will be all the things you look forward to at IWCE, all from the comfort of your home or office. Check back with us soon for registration and a schedule of keynotes, educational sessions and exhibitors. The International Window Coverings Expo is the only U.S. trade event dedicated to the success and growth of the window covering industry. This annual event is designed specifically for the window fashion decorator, designer, retailer, architect, workroom, installer, remodeler and stager. Thousands of U.S. and international visitors and buyers come for the latest products, technology and education in window coverings, as well as home decor and accessories. At IWCE, you’ll find leading industry suppliers, new and innovative products, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Due to the inability to hold the show live, we are excited to connect through technology in 2020. AMERICA'S LARGEST VIRTUAL BUSINESS NETWORKING & EDUCATIONAL EVENT FOR WINDOW TREATMENT PROFESSIONALS! Learn How to Rebound from the Crisis, Sell Virtually, Price Services, Maximize Social Media and Do Business Successfully in a Changing World! Highlights ● Seminars presented by Top Industry Experts with live Q&A ● Business-critical sessions to drive immediate action and business growth ● Engage and Chat with Top Industry Leaders through interactive and intuitive chat capabilities ● Be at the top of the leaderboard by attending events and visiting exhibitors and win Fantastic Prizes! Powerful Seminars & Speakers Lineup to Inform, Educate and Inspire!
click here for FREE DOWNLOAD from A Day in the Workroom Life: 25 Lessons to Live and Work By by: Beth Hodges Drapery & Design Professional Magazine Volume 2013, Issue 6
Blast from the Past
Join the LIBRARY! seach more than 500,000 forum posts read every issue of the ORIGINAL Drapery & Design Professional Magazine View more than 100 hours of educational webinars
Scroll to read full article From Jeanelle Dech: As you can see from the outpouring of fond remembrances, Beth inspired all of us in so many ways. I am grateful to have known her and will miss her wit, charm and friendship. Our entire industry will miss her leadership and beautiful smile: both are evident in her REAL WORKROOMS tour filmed in 2015. Beth, we will always keep you in our hearts. We will remember the many lessons you have taught us as we grow our businesses and support our families and communities. Love, Jeanelle
REAL WORKROOMS - Beth Hodges
Content Coordinators
Jeanelle Dech The Workroom Channel The Workroom Marketplace Jeanelle@jeanelledech.com
Ceil DiGuglielmo Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library Sew Much More Podcast Ceilwdi@gmail.com
Love this e-pub? Don't miss a single issue!
May-June 2020 photo credits: Michele Williams, Scarlett Thread Consulting Linda Principe, Window Fashions Vision Susan Woodcock, Home Dec Gal
FREE SUBSCRIPTION
The Drapery & Design Digital Digest is the result of the collaborative efforts of The Workroom Channel and the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Resource Library. Our mission is to showcase the outstanding work of custom home furnishings professionals, spotlight quality products, and share educational resources. Layout Editor: Liz Kelly, The Workroom Channel
