Barbara Green
Owner Sensibly Chic Interior Design
By Mimi Zelman
Some people think of “Pretty in Pink” as a movie. When I think of it,
Barbara Green comes to my mind. Pink is her signature color, and she wears it so well! I first met Barbara when she spoke at an E Women event in Mint Hill, just as I was starting Women With Know How. We reconnected this year, as both of us are in “The 50 most influential in Charlotte” by the Mecklenburg Times. Barbara is a woman who has a lot of courage and has had to overcome being abused by her ex-hus- band and surviving cancer. Barbara has been a designer 20 years and has designed spaces for commercial and residential clients. When the economy tanked, Sensibly Chic flourished, see- ing a 260 percent growth in revenues and a 300 percent jump in client base.
How did you get started in the design field? I went to college to be a professional flute player, but learned quickly that my chosen career path was not conducive to marriage or motherhood. Neighbors had always complimented me on my decorating skills and sought my assistance with their homes. I went back to school to expand my knowledge, and opened my own design firm so that I can work my schedule around my children.
What is unusual or unique about your busi- ness, in comparison to your competitors or similar businesses?
What is unique about my business is once I sell
something to one client, I never sell it to another client. Whether it is a piece of furniture, a fabric, a lamp, or anything else, it will never be repeat- ed in another design. My philosophy for this is if a client is going to hire me, they should receive a “one of a kind” interior that is reflective of their family, lifestyle, and budget. Another difference is my ability to create interiors in all manners of style, whether contemporary, traditional, or any- thing in between. The homes and offices I create do not have a “signature style” that people will recognize as soon as they walk in. The desired reaction is “this is so you!” not “Oh, I can tell Barbara Green did this.”
What are some of your greatest challenges in your business? The greatest challenge right now is on the sup- ply side. Before the recession, I could call an order into any supplier and receive it within a week. Now companies have reduced what they keep in stock, and very often do not order it from the manufacturer until they receive an order. This puts many items on backorder, and delays the entire design process. Clients are excited when they place their orders, and I hate having to go back to them and tell them about delays.
What are some interesting statistics about your business?
Sensibly Chic Interior Design has designed commercial and residential interiors in 17 states over the past 20 years. After the market decline
www.womenwithknowhow.com OCTOBER 2011 27
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