If you've heard any advice from Oprah (other than all women are wearing the wrong size bra) it's probably "turn your passion into your profession". In 2004, I did just that and Ellen Virden Paint Consulting was born. I'd been helping friends choose their paint colors for years, but never dreamed I could actually do it as a job. With some encouragement from my family and a local painter, I decided
to dive right in -- and I've never looked back. What started as a tiny business to help people pick their paint colors, has evolved into a tiny business that helps people pick paint colors AND so much more. So today, 8 years and 3 months since I had my first business cards printed, I'm officially launching my new company -- Get a Room Interiors. This name more accurately represents who I am and what I do. It's snarky, sarcastic and conveys that I am more than just a lady who chooses paints. How'd I get the name "Get a Room"? Glad you asked. Well, I held a contest on Facebook to name my new company. Several dozen names were tossed around. Some cracked me up; some made me wince. But none stuck. I was in name limbo for weeks. I knew the right name would find me, I just never would've guessed how. Here's how (lamely) it went down. My two oldest daughters on a Saturday afternoon: "Hey, we're going to play the Game of Life, want to join us? My husband: "Get a Life!!"
Me: "Get a room!"
I admit it's a totally weird thing to say to, and in the presence of, your own kids, but mostly I said it for my husband's reaction. It was quickly followed by me saying, "Wait. I think I just named my company!!"
And that's the net net of it. Thank you to all my past clients; most of whom are repeat customers and my biggest source of business. Without your referrals I'd be nowhere. Whether your job is a couple of rooms or a whole house, I'd love to see how we can work together. It'll be fun and productive. It always is. Remember: Life's too short to live in house that sucks.
