Melanie Gillis
Interior Designer
Relevant training and experience: I have a degree in Interior Design from Metropolitan Community College, but I have experience in other creative fields as well--namely fashion and the performing arts.
What inspires you? Things with a story, things that have patina.
What are you passionate about? Too many things! It seems like every time I try something new, I'm obsessed with that thing for a little while. I always fall back on the old standards though--design, cooking shows, traveling, vintage clothing, and Harry Potter!
If my house could talk, it would say...that it needs a new dining room table. A nice one this time, please.
What do you love about your job? That it allows me to be part of creating something special for other people, but also the camaraderie that I'm so lucky to experience with my co-workers!
Jill Pietrocini
Interior Designer
Relevant Training and Experience: Associate Degree of Applied Business in Interior Design from Virginia Marti College of Art & Design in Lakewood, Ohio; Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Communications from Miami University in Oxford Ohio; ASID Allied Member
What inspires you? Colors and textures found in nature, architecture, and anything that sparkles.
What are you passionate about? My family, my friends, and my faith...oh, and a really good shopping trip!
If my house could talk, it would say...Move over and set a few more places at the table, we have friends coming over for dinner.
What do you love about your job? I love the collaboration of talent and creativity with my Fluff family. I love creating spaces clients feel proud to call home.
Lorrie Williams
President/Interior Designer
Relevant Training and Experience: Graduated from Texas Christian University. I'm an interior design entrepreneur with two successful business startups under my belt.
What inspires you? Broadway musicals, museums, and an uninterrupted hour at the bookstore with lots of caffeine.
What are you passionate about? Creativity, beauty, people, family, God, and movies...not necessarily in that order.
If my house could talk, it would say...Make up your mind, woman!
What do you love about your job? Making people happy and working with people I love!
Joy Johnson
Vice-President/Interior Designer
Relevant Training and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design from UNL. My first job was designing housing for people with disabilities.
What inspires you? Traveling! It makes me excited to get home and try something new and different.
What are you passionate about? Family, books, movies, God...and shoes.
If my house could talk, it would say...Move me closer to Ikea!
What do you love about your job? Working with a group of fun, interesting, creative women.
Pendery Haines
Vice-President/Business Development
Relevant training and experience: I have a degree in anthropology from Middlebury College and experience in politics, research, and consulting. I don’t think anything could have fully prepared me for the ups and downs of running our business, but we really do learn something new every day.
What inspires you? Travel, but not necessarily in the conventional way. I do my best thinking/reading/dreaming on an airplane.
What are you passionate about? Family, learning, nature, reading, voting, organization, conservation, music, community involvement, skiing, exploring, bad humor, good restaurants, great friends, and chocolate.
If my house could talk, it would say…Please do something about all this dog hair!
What do you love about your job? I love that every day I am working to grow our business and build a future for myself, my colleagues, and designers around the country.
Sheri Shipman
Interior Designer
Relevant training and experience: Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Studies from UNL, AutoCAD training from MCC, and 17 years experience in the field working with satisfied clients. I was also a collegiate interior design instructor for 5 years.
What inspires you? Fun, color and nature
What are you passionate about? My family and making a difference. If I can make a meaningful impact on even one person’s life I can feel I succeeded in this life.
If my house could talk, it would say… I love my family and we enjoy a cozy, warm retreat to relax in.
What do you love about your job? I love making people happy! It is so fun to take an ordinary space and make it feel extraordinary. You can't attach a dollar value to the excitement of someone walking into a space and saying, "I can't believe this is mine!"