Shared passion produces profits

A mutual love of sewing, a mom's contacts and a daughter's innate flair crafted a pattern for success Business: Janet Lyon Interiors Mother: Susan Casden Daughter: Janet Lyon Ages when launched business: Lyon: 28; Casden:48 Year business founded: 1991 as a workroom for other interior designers; 1993 as their own full interior design house. Interruption in business for myriad health issues in 2006. Business reopened in 2008 with Casden now taking a less active role role. Lyon on how the business concept developed: "We started from a hobby . we were selling table runners and pillows and small quilts [at craft fairs]. We were good with colors and sewing and those two things are interior design." Casden on their very first client: "I was a dental hygienist and one of my patients [an interior designer] asked me to make some curtains for her and I did such a good job she asked me to make some draperies . I asked Janet if she wanted to do [ the curtainmaking] with me, and she said yes." Lyon on growth of business: "I went back to school in 1993 to get formal interior design training and from there instead of being a workroom for other designers we opened our own shop." Casden on how the partnership worked: "I did more of the office work and [Janet] did the sewing and design . she sees things and has the fashion sense .It just worked out that we both had things we could do and that's how we [divided the business]." Lyon on advantages of working with her Mom: "We know each other's styles and strengths and weaknesses [and] you have to know your partner's strengths and weaknesses. "She can't do what I do, and I certainly couldn't do what she does." Casden on disadvantages of working with your daughter: "You're close and you work together every day . but most of the time we were in sync. "We did have some loud disagreements, but because she was my daughter, when we disagreed we could see each other's side . we could step back and look at it and understand the other side and work it out." Janet Lyon continued to teach the popular interior design course at Springfield Technical Community College during the interruption in her interior design business. She is now accepting new clients. Her mother is involved in the marketing of her business re-launch. She can be reached at:413-439-0595 or via email at jluoninyrtiotd@aol.com