NorthernHomeFurniture&Design

what was the inspiration to open a furniture store?

Northern Home Furniture grew from the increasing residential work the interior design team in her husband’s architectural firm was experiencing. It started small with only a few groups of furniture in their old office space, then it expanded to a showroom at 300 NP Avenue., and has now grown into the beautiful open showroom in the Historic Ford Building.

how many employees do you have?

We have 5 designers, 2 delivery / warehouse people and myself.

how long has NHF been in business?

We will celebrate our 10th Anniversary this fall. do you work with commercial or residential customers?

We work primarily with residential clients, but welcome commercial clients as well.

what is your primary role at NHF?

I handle all the ordering, marketing, customer service issues and coordinate special events that we host. I also accompany Sheila, our design manager, to market to choose the furniture and accessories for the showroom.

what quality do you believe every woman needs to have to be successful in business? She needs to love what she is doing and believe in herself.

what experience did you rely on when planning your business?

I really didn’t have any experience in running a business so I had to learn with “on the job training.” Certainly my background in teaching, many life experiences and time spent in volunteer opportunities provided valuable knowledge. Just knowing how to work with others is very important.

what is the biggest misconception of your business?

Many do not know that we carry a wide variety of furniture styles and price points. We also have many accessories, dishes and glassware.

what business knowledge do you have now that you wish you had when starting out?

I wish I had known more about marketing a business in the beginning.

what is the best kept secret of Northern Home Furniture that we may not know about?

We are not only a furniture store. We have interior designers that can help with any and all aspects of your home project, including space planning, flooring, tile, and kitchen and bathroom design. We can partner with our architectural firm if the project calls for it. We are truly “full service.” We love projects of all sizes - anything from finding that perfect accessory to helping with your entire home design. if you could do any part of your business over again, what would it be? what is your biggest productivity secret that helps you accomplish the most in your day?

I would have opened the store on Broadway right away. When we were on NP Avenue we were strictly a destination for shoppers—they had to be looking for us, but since being on Broadway, our walk-in traffic has increased and so have our sales. Location, location, location!

I am a list person. Taking the time to make a list and prioritize the things that need to be done keeps me on track. I have also learned that when the demands of the business are getting to me, it is OK to step away for a few minutes, take a walk, and gather my catalystmedicalcenter.com

COUGH, SNIFFLE, SNEEZE

We treat allergies with ease

Allergies affect children at school, in extracurricular activities, at home and during sleep. The most common allergies are to:

1. Pollens (outdoor)

• Springtime = hay fever from trees & grasses

2. Household allergens (present year round)

• House dust

• Pet danders

• Chemicals

3. Mold (present year round & outdoors/indoors)

4. Food thoughts. After a short break, suddenly the task at hand seems so much easier to deal with. Spending a few minutes away saves time in the long run. outside of your profession what might we find you doing? how has your family benefited from you owning your own business? what has been the most rewarding part of being a mompreneur? would you encourage your children to own their own business? what lessons do you hope your children have learned watching you be a mompreneur? what is the best advice you would share with a budding mompreneur?

Our physicians are moms and know the importance of keeping kids healthy and happy!

Call 365.8700 to schedule an allergy consult today.

I love to bake, read, travel and spend time with family and friends. My husband has a Harley and we enjoy going on weekend rides—or try to arrange a few group rides each year with friends.

I have become a better wife and mother because I have been happier and more self confident.

The MOM part, of course!

Certainly, but only if they have a passion to. I want them to follow their dreams and will be there to support and cheer them on.

That it is important to work hard, respect others and believe.

It probably won’t be easy, and there will be long hours and lots of responsibility, but if being a mompreneur is what you truly want to do, you should try. Do the research first, make educated choices, and most importantly, believe in yourself!

Northern Home Furniture & Design

505 N Broadway, Fargo, ND 58102

701-271-1550 www.northernhomefargo.com

Monday – Friday 10am–6pm Saturday 10am–4pm