Design Time
Expecting parents welcomed two bundles of joy: a new baby and a design business.
Vital Stats: Emma Gardner and Patrick McDarrah, 38 and
39, respectively, of Emma Gardner Design LLC
Company: Litchfield, Connecticut, company that designs
and develops fine contemporary interior products
2006 Projected Sales: $1.5 million
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Maternal Bliss: Expecting her first child, Gardner knew
she wouldn't have time outside work to focus on her love of
art, so she took her creative energy and started a business.
"It dawned on me that designing area rugs would be a perfect
fit," says Gardner. So she spent a year researching the market
and created a portfolio of designs.
Business Travelers: Excited by his wife's idea,
McDarrah left his job in 2002, and the couple set out to find
showrooms in big markets, positioning their rugs for the high-end,
contemporary set. After meetings at five trade showrooms and
retailers, four agreed to carry the line.
"I Knew I'd Made It When...": After the
initial meetings, "We knew we had something on our
hands," says McDarrah. Three months later, they embarked on a
seven-city road trip and received offers at every stop.
Warm Tidings: Emma Gardner Design has introduced throw
blankets and pillows and is targeting the hospitality market, with
Starwood and Steve Wynn Hotels as clients. Under consideration:
product developments such as wall coverings and lighting, as well
as licensing options.