From Concept... to Completion
Jostar Interiors Ltd.: Masters of Great Design
Celebrations are planned for Jostar Interior Ltd.’s 40th anniversary. Find out what has kept this company going strong for nearly four decades.
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By Nerissa McNaughton
oanna Starko has always wanted to work in the design industry. “My love of fabrics, colours and textures began with my mother, who designed and sewed clothes for our family,” explains president Starko. “This love of the industry continued in home economics in school, through the home economics program at the University of Alberta where I received my bachelor of education degree teaching home economics in Calgary, and working in the industry.” With plenty of teaching experience behind her, Starko decided to focus on design and opened Jostar Interiors in 1975. “It was a huge learning curve,” smiles Starko. “I was well versed in providing creative designs and window coverings, but developing business procedures and accounting systems was a learning curve which I worked at over the years and developed systems that worked. [In 1975] I was young, ambitious with great passion, but I was naïve. I loved what I did, but I was not prepared for the hard work, long hours, and commitment
it took to build a business as a sole owner. As well as building the business, I was raising a family with the devoted support of my husband.” This, however, didn’t slow down the energetic Starko. She rose to the challenge and 40 years later, she and her professional team are pleased to offer a full range of services that include complete renovations, 3D drawings, space planning, painting, blinds, drapery, bedding, furniture, upholstery, area rugs, accessories, art, mirrors, flooring, storage solutions, fireplaces, wall coverings, holiday decorating, real estate staging and show home setup. “Clients are delighted, as we can oversee all their interior design needs,” says Starko. “Jostar Interiors is unique as it is a design company, a retail store, and a renovation company all under one roof.” Over the years Jostar Interiors has adorned many homes with fabulous décor and designed and renovated many kitchens, bathrooms and basements with amazing results. Builders
Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 1
From Concept... to Completion
and developers have benefited from her talent used to showcase their model and spec homes. Additionally, for several years Jostar Interiors appeared on Help TV as part of a panel of experts that responded to called-in questions from viewers. Jostar Interior’s clients enjoy the outstanding customer service in addition to the many available services – and those clients are fiercely loyal to the value they receive. “My first client in 1975 requested custom drapery in their home,” Starko explains. “I’m happy to say that over the years, we’ve worked on every home they have moved into and are now renovating their retirement condo. It’s clients like this that we are so grateful for.” It’s easy to see why the company so easily retains their clients. Jostar Interiors is solution-oriented. For example, when a client wanted a recreation room created in her home but was taxed with a low basement ceiling, Jostar Interiors did some research and learned they could excavate the basement under the exist-
Congratulations to Jostar Interiors on your 40th Anniversary!
ing home. The client now enjoys a complete basement and the desired recreation room. Jostar Interiors works with private clients, builders, developers and renovators. Starko’s expertise has taken her as far as Costa Rica to work on a luxury condominium complex. Jostar Interiors is currently involved in a large condo project at the Botanica in St. Albert, which sits on the site of the original
Congratulations Jostar Interiors on your 40 years and we wish you many more years yet to come.
We wish you many years of continued Success! Versatile Marble & Granite 7231-156 Avenue • 780.940.7867 Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 2
Zoran Arar: 780.721.0564
From Concept... to Completion nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Womination, a women’s business organization. Jostar Interiors ensures a beautiful world inside and out. Inside through outstanding design, and outside by supporting several non-profit organizations and mentoring emerging designers. The University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – Edmonton and Capital Region Chapter, The Ride to Conquer Cancer, Win4Skin, the Movember Foundation, Santas Anonymous and numerous community hockey and dance groups have benefited from the generosity of Jostar Interiors. As well, Jostar Interiors continues to provide mentorship and intern programs, working with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, the University of Alberta, and Lakeland College and Art Institute of Pittsburg for emerging design professionals.
Lois Hole Greenhouse location. “The project will be amazing,” confirms Starko. “The sales centre is completed and construction is now underway for the condo complex.” Jostar Interiors was chosen as the ideal designer to work on the design of the complex as well as to help preserve and showcase the essence of the land and the warm spirt of its history. It’s a challenge the company readily accepted – and exceeded expectations. Over the years, Jostar Interiors has been recognized numerous times for their outstanding work, including nine consecutive Consumer Choice Awards and two Top Choice Awards for Interior Designer of the Year. Starko is particularly proud of the Consumer Choice Awards, as it shows the appreciation of the people she works so hard for – her clients. Starko is currently
It’s a pleasure to work with a company that treats you like a friend. Congratulations on 40 Years!!
#70, 130 Broadway blvd. Sherwood park, AB 780-467-0082 • www.sherwoodflooringltd.ca
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We do.
Congratulations to Jostar Interiors Ltd. for 40 years of taking Albertans’ interior dream from Concept to Completion. atb.com/business ® ATB Financial is a trade name/registered trademark of Alberta Treasury Branches.
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From Concept... to Completion Starko’s four decades of work. “We are becoming a resource centre for many designers as they see the benefit of working with a design company that can support their work in so many ways,” smiles the designer. As Starko looks backs over four decades of growing the business, expanding the shop and the staff, meeting challenges head on and excelling in her craft, she is grateful for all those that have supported her vision along the way. “I would like to acknowledge the work of dedicated staff, love and support of my family and the skills of our trades and suppliers. I could not have done it alone.” From Concept.. to Completion
Starko is excited to be planning her company’s 40th anniversary celebrations. It’s a true milestone and a source of pride for the company. It’s not just the clients that have benefited from
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Maintenance and Renovations
17440 - 104th Street Edmonton, AB T5X 5W8 Ph: 780.718.3796 Fax: 780.406.1238 tesanom@telus.net
Congratulations on your th 40 Anniversary. We look forward to working with you and your great team for many more years to come.
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5538 Calgary Trail NW Edmonton, AB T6H 4K1 780-435-1727 • jostar@jostar.com http://www.jostar.com