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Melissa Bolinger, IRN I have studied interior design and architecture in one form or another since early childhood. However, as an adult I started by working in the fashion and merchandising world that I eventually left so I could resume my pursuit of decorating and architectural design - my true love. I have been a huge fan of Lauri Ward’s decorating style since her first book “Use What You Have Decorating” was published. When I learned Ms. Ward offered training and certification in her outstanding technique of Interior Refining, I flew to New York to be personally trained, tested, and certified by her. As a result of seeing Lauri’s incredible talent and passion for helping others, first hand, I knew I wanted to be involved with and connected to the Interior Redecorators Network®. My vision as President is to maintain and promote the IRN’s prestigious reputation by encouraging its connection, camaraderie, creativity, professionalism, and of course, impressive decorating. |
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Valerie Spelman, IRN Rearranging and recreating beautiful spaces, whether it is inside or outdoors, has been a love of mine since an early age. Having worked in different fields over the years, I am very fortunate to have been able to turn my passion for decorating and creativity into a career. Always looking for inspiration, I was encouraged by a friend to read Lauri Ward's book "Use What You Have Decorating." I loved Lauri's concept of using existing furnishings; recycling, reusing and refining! I was trained and certified by Lauri and became a member of the Interior Redecorators Network. I had no idea what a great decision I had made until becoming involved in the IRN. I am honored to be the Vice President of the Interior Redecorators Network and serving such a unique organization of talented, creative and professional individuals. I believe that what you put forth will return to you, and I look forward to the growth and future of the IRN as well as myself as a result! |
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Betty Spence, IRN Although my degree is in business, decorating has always been my passion. Over the years I have accumulated loads of decorating books and Lauri’s Use What You Have Decorating has always been my very favorite. In 2005, I googled “redecorator” and immediately recognized the name “Lauri Ward”. Within a couple of weeks I traveled to New York and was trained and certified as an Interior Refiner. Six months later I left my thirty-seven year career as a computer programmer and system analyst. I joined the IRN immediately after training and have loved the friendship, support, and continuing education it has provided. Lauri’s excellent training allowed me to create my own business and work a job I love. Nothing compares to helping a client create a functional and beautiful room using their most loved treasures. I will always be grateful for the confidence and opportunities being an Interior Refiner have provided me. It is my honor to be able to contribute to the Interior Redecorators Network by serving as your Information Officer. |
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Lauren Smith, IRN When I decided to return to a career in interior design, I wanted a way to add value for clients, making design more affordable, so more people could really enjoy their lives through great design without going broke doing it. Through a friend I learned about the Interior Redecorators Network. I went to the website and loved what I saw. The design philosophy was exactly what I was looking for and I enrolled in the training. I went to New York and during Lauri’s training I thought, “This is the right way to practice interior design… I’ve made the right career move.” I became a certified Interior Refiner in October, 2007 and I’ve never looked back. I believe that whatever you decide to do with your life, you must commit to being the best at it. Working with clients has confirmed that I made the right decision to return to my original vocation because they appreciate the value I bring as an interior refiner. I have a client who told me that after doing several rooms in her home her family life improved. Everyone was proud to live in their newly redesigned home and they continue to keep it clean and orderly, even their 16-year old son. What a wonderful thing to be able to do for someone. To be creative, fulfill one’s passion in life and, at the same time, improve the lives of others is truly rewarding. Joining the IRN shortly after becoming certified has provided me with greater focus, clarity and peace of mind, knowing that I can count on fellow refiners for encouragement, support and for information when needed. I network with the best of the best and I am a better person, both professionally and personally for it. As your new Treasurer, I welcome the opportunity to use my business skills to further support the IRN, its members, and founders Lauri and Joe Ward and look forward to a rewarding future. |
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Kathy Dukta, IRN My passion for design, color and beauty led me to change my career after owning an art gallery in Pittsburgh for over eleven years. I was trained and certified in New York in 2001 as an Interior Refiner by the pioneer of one-day decorating, Lauri Ward. Shortly after earning my certification I became a member of the Interior Redecorators Network®, the pioneering organization founded in 1995 by Lauri and Joe Ward. From 2004 -2006 I served as President of the Interior Redecorators Network. It is an honor to be a Director on the Board of the IRN organization. IRN members work together to promote a sense of community while helping each other achieve their professional best both as business owners and as Interior Refiners. My vision as Director of this international organization, that has members in the United States, Canada, Mexico and throughout Europe, is to meet the needs of our members through continuing education while supporting and promoting member businesses and helping to inform, involve and inspire the public about the benefits of working with members of the Interior Redecorators Network. |
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Susan Hayes, IRN After becoming certified by Lauri Ward in the "Use What You Have®" method, I had found my life's passion. I immediately joined the Interior Redecorators Network, the preeminent organization of one day redecorators, made up of talented and dedicated Refiners who encouraged me to take my dream of helping others redecorate to the next level. Every day, I have the pleasure of working with clients using the transformational and educational redecorating techniques that are unique to the IRN. After attending my first IRN annual Conference in 2004 I knew I wanted to be an active member of the organization so I joined the Marketing/PR committee. In 2005 I became the IRN Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors. In 2006 I served as IRN President Elect. From 2007 to 2009 I had the honor of serving as the President of the IRN and worked with the Board of Directors to continue a high set of standards in the one day redecorating industry and to support and encourage our members both professionally and personally. Now as I take a seat on the Board as a director I look forward to the challenges that lay ahead and embrace the visions of success that I hope will become a reality in the future of the IRN organization. It is both my pleasure and my honor to serve the IRN. |
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Jennifer Mangum, IRN I love to decorate. I love to create beautiful spaces where people can feel comfortable and enjoy every moment. I have been lucky enough to be able to turn that love into a career by training with Lauri Ward and becoming a certified Interior Refiner. Since I was certified as an Interior Refiner and joined the Interior Redecorators Network, I have been very impressed with the creativity, energy and passion for helping others that I see in every member of the network. I believe that everyone can have a residence that they are proud to call home. My top priority is helping people find what works for their style and is within their budget as they create a home they’ll love to live in. That’s part of what is so great about being an Interior Refiner. We are able to help people create beautiful homes while working within any style and budget. I am honored to serve as a Director on the IRN Board, to be able to give back to this organization that has given me so much. I look forward to helping our network grow as I also continue to grow as a professional. |