Each month we will feature a woman from Hendersonville, NC. Through these monthly features we hope that you will learn a little more about your friends and neighbors.
Knowing Me
Sally Lindsay-Madrid
Owner, Interior Artist
Sally owns Opulent Wall Designs based out of her studio in Mountain Home, NC. She moved to this area five years ago, after the hurricane demolished her home in Punta Gorda, Florida. Sally has worked in the home design and faux painting field for over 20 years, starting her career in the Philadelphia tri-city area, then in Florida and now in Western North Carolina. When you hire Sally, you are placing your trust in someone who will exceed your expectations when it comes to originality and perfection. She has recently applied for a patent on a texturing technique working with American Clay for an amazing plaster finish in brilliant colors. Her work has appeared in Carolina Home and Garden magazine, highlighting a room she designed and painted for the showcase home in Brevard.
What inspired you to do what you do?
I have always been fascinated with the use of color. I consider myself to be an artist, not just a designer/painter. At some point I knew that I wanted to be my own boss and I’ve worked hard for that. I am inspired by other women in business and I want to help women realize their potential.
What are some of your valuable memories?
I have been really blessed to have traveled the world and seen other cultures; each one giving me a special memory. I loved visiting South Africa and I love living in Mountain Home, North Carolina; every place can impact who you are as a person and artist. My perspective on life is broader and less restrictive for having traveled and lived in different places.
What do you do for fun?
Well, I do love my work but I also enjoy growing veggies & herbs,
Friday night bunko with my girlfriends, playing with my 3 boxer-mix
dogs (which I rescued from the pound) and having a date night with my husband, David. People might be surprised to know that I like to hunt and fish as well; I once shot 3 turkeys with one bullet! No Joke!
What is something I cannot live without?
L O V E ( classical music and great friendships )
Best Advice: What you do matters! I take my work very seriously, but I can laugh at myself and really enjoy a good laugh. Hey – when you’re born with red hair and freckles – it’s hard to be all that serious about yourself.
Things I’m proudest of:
I feel a sense of pride when I’ve gone that extra mile to make sure a client is pleased with the job our company does. Building good relationships with the home-owners is really important to me and can be challenging at times. My company likes to use what the homeowner already has and pull things together for a totally “new look.” We go after that “ AHHHH “ factor and when the client is happy, we’re happy. It’s rewarding to know that we did our best for someone.
Describe yourself in one word: Dynamo
When you think of home you think of:
Truthfully, I feel at home wherever I am; I can’t explain it. I’m a “small town” girl with a “big city” flare, and I’m pretty comfortable anywhere I land.
Biggest Challenge:
Proving that a woman can do what I do and make it. The home construction/renovation business is dominated by men, and here comes this little petite red head who totes her own scaffolding. It’s always a process to win the trust and respect of fellow workers – but it’s worth it. When other artists, builders and work crews appreciate my work –“it’s the best” and it’s a great encouragement.
First Job: Selling t-shirts on the Jersey shore
Biggest Pet Peeve:
People who are prejudiced against people of other ethnic cultures and races. I’m also unhappy when people don’t take my work seriously.
How can Henderson County better help small business?
I am excited to be a part of a group called the “Third Thursday lunch group” that meets at Bella Regina. It’s a group of men and women that represent small businesses of every kind and we meet to talk about helping each other network strategies, fellowship and coordinate marketing to benefit everyone. I would love to see Henderson County “THINK BIG” and focus on hosting an expo twice a year to endorse all the small business’ that make this community a great place to live.
Compiled by Merri Tyndall, Front Porch Sweetery, 3400 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC, 28791. Do you have a suggestion for "Knowing Me"?, a person to recommend? , perhaps you'd like to offer some recipes for the web site?
Call 828-693-0501 or e-mail Merri@ezfindone@aol.com
Opulent
Wall Designs
Opulent
Wall Designs
Faux Finished Furniture Handcrafted Wallpaper
Artistic Paint and Plaster
