Wrightsville Beach Magazine

Name: Nancy Mullineaux

Business Name and Address:
Dezign Inspirations Inc.
6800 Wrightsville Ave. Ste. 3
Wilmington, NC 28403

Sarasota - Boca Raton - Palm Beach, Florida

Number of Employees: 4

Years in business:
20 yrs total; (Palm Beach, FL)

(Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington, NC)

Job Title/Description:
Owner/President: Home Design Resource / Dezign Inspirations / Interior Designer
 

Wrightsville Beach Magazine
Women in Business October 2006 Issue

 

Describe your career launch:

After graduation and obtaining my degree I worked in South Florida as a freelance designer for several years. It was a very exciting place to start my career. I was privileged to be involved in a wide range of Interior Design styles …… "Transitional…..Contemporary…..Traditional.. ……Eclectic. Palm Beach attracts a very versatile international clientele.

 

Describe your first time to Wrightsville Beach:

My parents grew up in this area and moved away .We moved back to Wrightsville Beach area when I was only 5 years old. I pretty much grew up here and graduated high school. At 18 years of age I moved to South Florida to go to college. Wrightsville Beach has always held a dear place in my heart. I would often come home to visit my family and miss the beautiful beach and friendly small town charm that is so very evident here. Especially in contrast to the big city high-speed race that is standard in such an area as Palm Beach, Florida. I finally had to follow my heart and move back to serene Wrightsville Beach and to be closer to my family.

Where were you born?

Albany, GA

Where did you grow up?

Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington, NC

Where did you attend college?

The Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale, FL

What degrees do you hold?

Associates Degree in Business Merchandising

Organization Membership(s)?

Interior Design Society, American Cancer Society, Red Cross.

 

What has been your proudest moment in business?

It is very difficult to pinpoint one exact moment as I have had so many …year after year! No job is ever the same but they all share the same finishing component. There is that sense of joy and accomplishment when you have been working hand in hand with a client for several months pulling ideas and concepts together for them. Then comes the day when the floors are finished, the faux finish is on the walls, the area rugs go down, furniture goes in place, the drapes are hung, artwork goes up, accessories are placed… Ahhhhh, then the client’s first viewing. There is nothing more gratifying than the excitement in my clients’ eyes when they are able to see how well I captured their personality through my inspirational designs!

Who has had the biggest influence on your business or your decision to go into business?

I’d have to say that my clients have been my biggest influence and inspiration. I approach each project individually as each client is unique. I almost have to play the role of part psychologist to truly figure out what my clients’ wants and needs are...even if they don’t know themselves. I always strive to bring together my imaginative visions and talents to inspire my clients. I have a driven desire to enhance spaces in an expressive manner that surprises and excites the eye, yet seduces and soothes the spirit.

 

What quality do you value most in others?

Integrity, honesty, loyalty and dedication

What is your pet peeve?

Someone who says they will do something and they don’t follow through.

What is your worst nightmare?

Manufacturers who decide to drop something without informing anyone. We constantly have to check on merchandise, inventory and availability of items chosen for projects.

What is a little known fact about you?

My 1st career interest was Fashion Design. I’ve always had an eye and passion for combining unusual colors and textures together. Now I’m able to help people "Dress and Accessorize their Homes" so to speak… I’ve always felt that the way people dress and design their interiors should be a true inner reflection of beauty, comfort and above all, an extension of their personality, taste and lifestyle.

What have been your observations about doing business on Wrightsville Beach?

I’ve been back in Wrightsville Beach for 13 years. When I first moved back I noticed a big burst of growth in the area. I haven’t seen it let up yet. Everything on projects for residential/commercial and yachts involving remodeling, new construction and spec homes .I have seen a big influx in the last few years of older homes being purchased for the sole purpose of leveling the property and starting from the ground up. The location and land seem to hold more value than the home itself sometimes. A large percentage of my clients are new to the area. Many of them have been vacationing at Wrightsville Beach for several years and finally decided to move to paradise verses visiting once a year. I feel I have been so blessed to have the opportunity to grow up and live once again in such an amazing place as Wrightsville Beach. It has been fabulous to have Wrightsville Beach as my home base while still maintaining projects in South Florida, Atlanta, Virginia, South Carolina and throughout North Carolina. It’s always good to come home to Wrightsville Beach after a business trip. Wrightsville Beaches growth has awarded me amazing opportunities to work on very exciting projects with amazing clients!

 

Where would you like your business to be in five years?

My desire in five years would be to have a larger design resource showroom in Wrightsville Beach/Wilmington and continue to expand my business in Palm Beach, FL and Sarasota, FL. This would enable me to display more resources and samples for my clients and builders. My showroom now houses a unique selection of carpets, area rugs, tile, marble, granite, wood, fabrics, window treatments, bedding, blinds, furniture and much more. In my business you can never have too many resources and choices to show clients. Interior design is the most exciting it has ever been. The design industry is constantly changing which always means adding new resources and More New Samples!

 

What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in the business world?

In my line of work I deal with contractors, tradesmen, installers, laborers…. Mainly Men Being women in a man’s world can sometimes be difficult. I have sometimes felt the need to prove myself because I am a woman. I try to overcome that obstacle by showing them respect but also that I do have hands on construction knowledge as well, Thanks to over 20 years of experience in the business!

Have women achieved equality in the business world? If not, why not, and what can be done?

I don’t feel that we have achieved equality on all levels of business. Although, I do believe that we are being continuously more recognized by men for our outstanding abilities and capabilities. We are a new generation of working women. My mother and generations from before were housewives. We are a generation today that is changing the face of time for women throughout the world with our many achievements, hard work, dedication and perseverance! I have begun to see more and more…. signs of equality reflected through the eyes of men as respect in the business world. So I do see hope!