JILL ERNO & ELITE SHUTTERS AND BLINDS
OCTOBER 30, 2015
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Jen's Editing Note: West Valley Families - Estrella joined the Estrella Business Group in 2015 and we've had the pleasure of getting to know our community's small businesses much better.
Each month, business owners are given a unique task to share something about their business. This month, we had to come up with two true facts and one lie about our business for others to guess what the lie is. Jill Erno said something that resonated with me. As it turns out, she's found a way to turn a hobby into a business. As a new business owner myself, I can completely understand that joy. We thank Jill for her time in answering this week's #FridayFeature Q&A! |
Q. Where are you from and how did you decide to move to Estrella?
A. I moved to Estrella in December of 2006 from Northern California, 4 weeks before my son was born! My parents had a second home in Estrella and I ended up following them here when my dad was very ill with cancer. My sister soon followed and we lost my dad in 2009. My mom is still in Goodyear and we have made this "home".
A. I moved to Estrella in December of 2006 from Northern California, 4 weeks before my son was born! My parents had a second home in Estrella and I ended up following them here when my dad was very ill with cancer. My sister soon followed and we lost my dad in 2009. My mom is still in Goodyear and we have made this "home".
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
A. I have an amazing husband Stephen, who works for City of Avondale and is almost finished with his master’s degree at Arizona State University. GO DEVILS! My stepson, Ryland, is a senior at Estrella Foothills and is now driving and working for Avondale Toyota. My son, Nathan, is in 3rd grade at Estrella Elementary. He loves to dress like Spiderman and ride his bike and scooter. We all stay very busy, but make time for Family "Sunday Funday" activities.
A. I have an amazing husband Stephen, who works for City of Avondale and is almost finished with his master’s degree at Arizona State University. GO DEVILS! My stepson, Ryland, is a senior at Estrella Foothills and is now driving and working for Avondale Toyota. My son, Nathan, is in 3rd grade at Estrella Elementary. He loves to dress like Spiderman and ride his bike and scooter. We all stay very busy, but make time for Family "Sunday Funday" activities.
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Q. Tell me about your business.
A. In 2010, after being a stay at home mom for two and a half years, I started Desert Interiors by Jill and created my own career. With the housing market crash, being resourceful was very important. I used my background in real estate and new home design centers To start furnishing Canadians homes and vacation rentals. With my motto of “making homes beautiful on a budget,” I would take my son in his car seat with me in a rented U-Haul, finding Craigslist bargains and furniture deals. I continue to provide interior design services by referral, along with custom draperies, light remodels, and home staging. In addition, I work for Elite Shutters and Blinds managing the west valley store at Estrella Parkway and McDowell Road. I take great pleasure in helping my clients find just the right fit for their windows. Q. You mentioned at the Estrella Business Meeting that you feel fortunate to have turned a hobby into a business. What do you enjoy the most about your business?
A. I have always loved shopping, so what is better than spending my days shopping for other people! I love to find great deals, and it is just as fun to find someone else a deal as it is for myself. Q. As a business owner, what is something you'd like to see city leaders do to support small business?
A. Bring in all types of business to the city. The more shopping people have here in Goodyear the less likely they are to leave town. I would also like to see more support for family run businesses through partnerships with the City promoting the value of local personal service versus corporate stores. |
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Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. I love to leave Arizona!! My family and I spend as much time as possible at our family cabin in Lake Arrowhead, California. My son mastered water skiing there this past summer. We joke that we live there and commute here to work! Also, my husband and I love to visit Carmel, Napa and of course our family favorite—Disneyland!
A. I love to leave Arizona!! My family and I spend as much time as possible at our family cabin in Lake Arrowhead, California. My son mastered water skiing there this past summer. We joke that we live there and commute here to work! Also, my husband and I love to visit Carmel, Napa and of course our family favorite—Disneyland!
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Q. What do you enjoy most about Estrella?
A. How quiet and serene it is at night. I also enjoy the strong sense of community with the other area residents. Q. What is your advice for new people moving the area?
A. I would suggest that they rent first to make they like the area and are ok with the drive to wherever they work or like to frequent. Although everything in the Valley is a drive, I find that people do not realize that it takes 45 minutes one way to get to just about anything from here! And STAY OFF THE I-10, I despise that freeway! |
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Q. What is one thing you'd like to see in Estrella over the next 5 years?
A. Estrella Mountain Elementary painted, it is so drab and boring. We also need more restaurants that cater to the community and the school events, such as specials on back to school night, teen night buffets, happy hours, community mixers, oh the possibilities! Q. Anything else you'd like to add?
A. I love to refer people and other businesses that I have had a great experience with! |
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