Sandi Young - Owner of Moderne Life Interiors in Jenkintown - Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Download Audio... Sandi Young is nominated as Woman of the Week this week, not just for her unique design style, but for her continuing support of local artists. At her design showroom in Jenkintown, you’ll always see a rotating display of “art for sale” and she recently kicked off “First Friday’s” in Jenkintown with an artist reception featuring the works of Leah Macdonald of Waxworks Photo. WOTW: How did you get started down this career path? Sandi: I have always been in sales; my husband was a furniture guy. This store occurred as a “mid-life” event. We opened the store we wanted to shop in but could never find outside of New York. A combination of amazing contemporary furniture that was livable with all the art and accessories that go with it. The biggest thing was service, which seems to be a dying art these days. WOTW: Of what are you most proud? Sandi: As a mother I am most proud of the amazing, responsible and compassionate children I have. As a business owner I am proud of the fact that after my husband’s untimely death, I was able to make this business prosper. My customers are happy and keep referring their friends. I also have a lot of designers who come to me instead of going to “The Designers Marketplace.” I have also started a kind of “First Friday” event where I showcase local artists work for an entire month. This helps them showcase their work, and most of the profits go directly back to the artist. I know how hard it is to make a living as an artist. WOTW: What’s your overall philosophy and how do you utilize it at work? Sandi: To treat my customers as I would like to be treated. I am also trying to get environmentally friendly furniture and it is not as hard as you would think! WOTW: What advice can you share with someone starting out in your business? Sandi: Live each day the best way you know how. Life is an adventure sometimes good, sometimes not. Enjoy your adventure and you will grow as a person. For the month of May, the featured area artist at Moderne Interiors is Leah Macdonald from Waxworks photo. Leah’s unique process blends photography with the ancient Greek technique of encaustic painting, which transforms pictures into works of fine art. On an aside, Leah just taped a full segment in New York with Martha Stewart on Fine Living (broadcast date - July 18th, 2008). Stop in to Moderne Life Interiors and ask Sandi when the next First Friday in Jenkintown will be and feel free to have a look around while you’re there. If you’d like to nominate a Woman of the Week, please email me – Marilyn@957benfm.com |