My Biz: Interior designers turn dreams into reality

HIAWATHA — For Tara Bowler and Allison Pospisil, teamwork has been key to making their interior design business work.

The duo started The Design House, based in Hiawatha, in 2020.

“We wanted to take our knowledge and create a business that offers all aspects of design,” said Bowler, noting it is what they feels sets them apart in the market.

“Our business is located in a house and that is how we came up with our business name. The house setting allows us to display a kitchen and a few living room group layouts. We are very small. However, we find this to be an appealing and inviting atmosphere to our customers.”

Customers can stop in and see the furniture lines they offer as well as an ever-changing selection of accessories, including candles, lighting, art, rugs and other décor.

Both Bowler and Pospisil have interior design degrees and had worked in the industry for years before meeting in 2008 when they were working for the same local residential design firm.

They became friends and realized their approach to working with clients on interior design projects was complementary.

“We formed a strong bond of friendship and haven’t looked back,” Bowler said.

Today, the two help clients of The Design House with all elements of interior design, everything from cabinets and countertops, to flooring, furniture, art and accessories. They work on new construction and remodeling projects, on jobs both big and small.

“At The Design House, the goal is to help individuals create a vision, perhaps as simple as choosing paint colors or as complex as building a dream kitchen or bath,” Pospisil said.

The end result is the most exciting part.

“The before and after transformation is what makes all the hard work worthwhile,” Bowler said.

Pospisil said any project has unexpected challenges, “but how you handle those challenges is what makes you a great business owner.”

The two work together on every project “because people love how well we work together,” Pospisil said.

“We are often called ‘the girls’ by our customers,” added Bowler. “We connect and get to know our customers on a personal level. We become friends by the end of every project.”

They admit growing their business has had its challenges. They opened during the pandemic and then came the devastating derecho.

“But we are strong women, and we believe this community is also strong,” Pospisil said. “It’s all about not just surviving but thriving.”

Know a Corridor business that should be considered as a “My Biz” feature? Let us know by emailing mary.sharp@thegazette.com.