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Distributed by mail monthly to the Loudon & Monroe lake and golf front communities including Tellico Village, Kahite, Rarity Bay, Avalon Golf Community, Harbour Place, Tellico Harbor and Foothills Pointe. Volume 21, No. 11, Section A
FREE
November 2021
Dedicated toDistinctive Decorating Photos by Tweek Imaging
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HEN MOMTREPRENEUR Mary Ellen Nichols first launched Christmas Decor Plus More in 2020, she approached this new venture with her same unbridled level of enthusiasm that has marked her entire business career. Mary Ellen started in business as a commercial banker with a large regional bank, later leaving to acquire multiple The UPS Store franchises with her husband, John. With their desire to diversify and Mary Ellen’s love for everything Christmas, they acquired an existing business, Christmas Decor of Knoxville, in 2020. For 15 years, Christmas Decor of Knoxville had focused primarily on holiday outdoor decorating and lighting. But why stop on just the outside? Mary Ellen and new business partner, Linda Heaton Ridings, soon expanded their services to include interiors with their newly launched Design Decor, an allinclusive concierge decorating company specializing in seasonal and event décor and interior decorating. Linda is also no stranger to Knoxvillians. The creative genius of Design Decor, Linda is the former owner of Knoxville-based Elegant Essentials, master florist, interior decorator, former Executive Director of Marketing for East Tennessee PBS, master networker, full-time realtor, culinary artist, wife, and mom. Ask a busy woman, RIGHT? In this issue of East Tennessee’s Mountain Views, we are excited to bring you this recent interview with two of Knoxville’s busiest women and dynamic duo, Mary Ellen Nichols and Linda Heaton Ridings. Whether you’re considering a future event or if your holiday décor or home’s interior requires a much needed boost, this interview will be sure to please.
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MV: First of all, for all the aspiring women entrepreneurs out there, what motivated you to launch your own businesses? Mary Ellen: As a commercial banker, I first became inspired by my almost daily interactions with small business owners. I understood their commitment and responsibilities to their businesses, but I also saw the enthusiasm for their futures that only seemed to be limited by the size of their dreams. Linda: My mom said that I was born an entrepreneur. Self-employment soon became an outlet for my creative side. A traditional career path might have stifled my creativity by placing me in a box. Regardless of your age, it’s never too late to venture out on your own and to pursue your dreams! MV: Does Design Decor provide services to both residential and business clients? Linda: Absolutely! Homeowners and business owners understandably become frustrated with the time required to properly decorate the interior and exterior of their homes and businesses for the holidays. They also get bored with their two decades old ornaments and seasonal décor. Mary Ellen: We take the frustration out of seasonal and event decorating. We do it all, leaving you with nothing but the fond memories of a very special event or seasonal celebration enjoyed with close friends and family. Continued on page 2A ...
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