Growing up in Chicago, Lauren became interested in the interior design business at a young age. “I had an aunt who was an Interior Designer and loved her creativity,” she says. She studied Interior Design and Architecture at the University of Kentucky and got into jewelry design after graduation. When her children were grown, Lauren decided to pursue work in the field she originally loved. So, she opened The Great Dames in Lexington.
The Great Dames specializes in full-service Interior Design. They do upholstery, draperies, bedding, lighting, wallpaper and other home design. They also do unique embroidery for items like chairs, headboards and draperies. “We pride ourselves in having one of the largest fabric libraries in town,” Lauren says.
Lauren has three children. Her daughter is currently working on an Interior Design degree in Nashville. Upon graduation, she’ll come to Lexington to be a Great Dame! Another daughter and son attend Lexington Catholic High School.
Lauren has a Great Dane and an Italian mastiff. She also has a blue and gold macaw named Bamboo. “I love animals,” she explains. “I always wanted to work in a zoo as a little girl. Now, I have one in my house!”
Favorites
Movie – The Holiday
TV Show – Any of the Housewives Series
Vacation Spot – Anywhere with a beach
Song – “Dancing in the Moonlight”
Scott grew up in Cincinnati, OH. His father-in-law manufactured the Aurora Woodstove in the 1980s and offered him a job running a small retail store in Lexington. The business he’s helped grow is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! Aurora Pools and Spas specializes in just what the name suggests, but they also offer patio furniture and accessories in addition to installation, sales and service of pools and spas.
Scott has two children and five granddaughters. In his spare time, he enjoys boating, fishing and horse racing. His horse Ancil just broke a track record at Tampa Bay Downs and has been invited by Queen Elizabeth II to run at the Royal Ascot in June.
Scott, who describes himself as positive and blessed, is involved with Commerce Lex. Of the many joys in his job, Scott says he most enjoys, “making children happy with a new pool and making elderly people with arthritis feel better with a hot tub.”
This couple has been married for 25 years and they have three sons and two rescue dogs. Their interest in their line of work is inspired by: “Our passion for the aesthetics of a home and the tremendous difference lighting makes in the warmth and appeal of a home,” they say. “We enjoy our outdoor living spaces and like the opportunity to help families expand their nighttime enjoyment of those spaces.”
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Central Kentucky opened in 2004. Martha and Tom acquired the business in 2013 and have enjoyed helping others rediscover their home exteriors. They specialize in high-quality copper and brass low-voltage and eco-friendly LED outdoor lighting.
Tom was previously a tenured media executive involved in internet publishing. Martha is an attorney with a great career in law. They decided to stop moving around the country and move home to work in a fun business they could enjoy together. When they’re not working, they’re actively involved with many community organizations.
“As a young man, I was always building and fixing things around my family’s property,” David explains. Over twenty-five years, he’s owned several home repair and remodeling businesses. “I enjoy making people happy and fulfilling their remodeling dreams.”
Quality Construction Company handles a variety of residential and commercial projects. “I like to think basements are truly our niche, but we do fantastic kitchens and baths,” David says. In addition to serving as a director of the Jessamine County Habitat for Humanity board and being actively involved with the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce, David helped develop R.O.C.K. Jessamine County, an organization that helps those in the community who need a hand up. “We believe in making life better for all those who need help,” David explains.
In his spare time, David enjoys shooting, golfing and hobbyist woodworking. This devoted father says that his relationship with his kids is his proudest accomplishment. “My children are always telling me that I’m the best,” he says. He credits much of his success to his mother. “She is my rock,” he explains. “She raised me to be the person I am. Never quit, never give up and never take no for an answer.”
Favorites
Movie – 300
TV Show – GoldRush
Vacation Spot – Las Vegas or New York
Musician – Michael Buble
Book– The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump
Brooke graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from the University of Kentucky. She says she’s always had a knack for home décor, often making her own drapes and accessories. “I understand that not everyone has those capabilities, so it just made sense to help others pick out window coverings for their homes,” she explains. “I started out of school in retail before going to work at a civil engineering firm doing office management and marketing. But I always wanted to own my own business and provide a service for others.”
Budget Blinds has been serving Central Kentucky for 10 years. They specialize in custom window coverings including blinds, shades, shutters and draperies. They also offer a free in-home consultation. As Brooke puts it, “You can always cover every window twice with blinds or shades and draperies!”
Brooke, who is a wife, mother and member at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary church, enjoys the creative aspect of her work. “I love walking into someone’s home and helping them find what makes their house a dream home,” she explains.
Tom has lived in Lexington for most of his life. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky. He is married with four children and eight grandchildren. He enjoys playing tennis and calls himself an avid gym rat. He’s currently relearning to play the piano!
Tom has been in the construction business for 34 years. He says he’s always been drawn to building houses and regretted not going to school for architecture–but admits that now, he gets to do all the fun parts of that work. For him, his proudest accomplishment has been to be a useful part of the community while contributing to its architectural landscape.
“There is no greater sense of accomplishment than to have treated everyone with whom you’ve dealt with fairness, respect and honesty along with occasionally giving up the benefit of doubt; and have that come back to you in later life,” Tom explains. “That’s the ultimate sense of pride and personal satisfaction.”