Christy Siverhus has an abiding interest in beauty.
For 10 years, she helped people achieve it through a career as an esthetician at Tuscany Day Spa.
Now, she helps them achieve it in their homes as a franchise owner and interior decorator for Interiors by Decorating Den.
"I've always liked decorating," she said. "It's not like work. I love doing it, and I have fun."
Siverhus is a lifestyle decorator, which means that when she designs, she considers how clients use their home.
She opened for business two years ago, working out of her home so she could spend more time with her family.
Instead of meeting her clients in an office, she makes her services more convenient to clients by meeting them in their homes.
"I bring everything to them," she said. "That way they can see it in their home and their light."
During the initial consultation, Siverhus gathers information about the client's lifestyle, establish priorities and sets up a budget. Armed with that information, she comes up with two or three design ideas to propose to the client.
She allows clients to be involved in the process as much or as little as they wish to be. She handles all the technicalities herself, from ordering the fabrics and furniture to supervising the delivery.
During the final setup, she prefers the clients to wait in another room, simply because she wants them to be a little surprised by the results.
That's her favorite part of the design.
"The process of watching it blossom from the before to the after," she said. "It's not as exciting when you see it go up."
Siverhus chose to purchase the franchise because, as part of Interiors by Decorating Den, she has access to training and furniture and fabric suppliers that she would not have as an independent consultant.
It also takes the burden of marketing and advertising off of her shoulders, allowing her to focus her energy and time on designing.
Siverhus said she can work on a variety of projects ranging from new constructions to businesses.
She also holds workshops on everything from decorating for the holidays to decorating children's rooms. She enjoys the freedom of being a franchise owner.
"It was a way to work out of my home and do what I love to do," she said.
For more information, visit www.decdens.com/csiverhus, or call (706) 829-7533.
Reach Lisa Kaylor at lisa.kaylor@augustachronicle.com.
