Making Homes Beautiful: CCInteriors of Bedford

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. This series is as much about supporting companies as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Our spotlight today is on Colleen Canavan of CCInteriors.

Business: CCInteriors
Owners: Colleen Canavan
Website: cottagecollection.net
Address: I work out of my Bedford home office and have an off-site office where I can meet with clients on North Street in Greenwich, just over the Bedford Banksville border.
Contact_Info: cotcoll@verizon.net

How did you come up with the name?
My name is Colleen Canavan hence the CC, and my business has gone by The Cottage Collection for just about 20 years. I wanted to streamline it.

Why choose that location? Why start a business in this town?
It was only 15 minutes door to door. It allows my business visibility. I have been at that location for just about a year, and so far so good. I can meet with clients by appointment and go over details pertaining to their project. I am currently working on expanding my fabric library and will extend a 20% discount on all fabrics.

Briefly, what business are you in?
Interior Decorating, Home Furnishings and Custom Window Treatments

What’s the most difficult moment or challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?
The first thing to go when the economy takes a turn for the worst are luxury items, decorating is a luxury item. It is not a necessity but certainly can brighten your day.

Were there any challenges that made you second guess your decision to be an entrepreneur?
It is a constant challenge. It has its highs and its lows, and when it rains it pours. Then you have your droughts, it is never easy but quite gratifying and beats punching a clock.

What’s been your favorite moment or proudest achievement since opening?
Nothing makes me happier than a happy client.
I once had a client leave me the nicest message about a job we I just installed, she was giddy with excitement, and said that it was a great birthday gift.

What’s the most innovative idea your employees or customers have had that you put into practice?
I guess Social Media, I am a novice. I am hoping to become a little more media savvy, I am working on it.

How do you deal with difficult customers?
Hmm, luckily I have not had many. I think honestly and respect are important in a client/customer relationship. They have to be honest about their expectations and I have to be honest about what I expect from them as well, there needs to be a sense of loyalty. There is nothing worse than someone who will shop you, meaning price around after you have put in all the time and energy. It’s insulting.

How does your business give back or get involved in the community?
My business allows me to participate and volunteer at the school my children attend.
That is the best part of my business, the flexibility where my children are concerned.

The plan behind this series at Patch is to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

This is as much about supporting local businesses as it is about celebrating the places and faces that make our community special.

Click here to get to a simple form where local business owners can answer a few quick questions to be part of this ongoing feature.