MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
Happy Monday Modern Boca Moms! Welcome to our next installment of MOMpreneur Monday. This is where we highlight Florida businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow Mommas.
Today’s featured Modern Boca Mom MOMpreneur is…Leslie Alvarado Excell, founder and owner of South Florida’s Excell In Design Group, Inc.
If you haven’t met entrepreneur and design guru Leslie Excell yet, then you are missing out. Leslie is the former President of the Boca/Delray chapter of FemCity, a mom and full-time business owner. She has been growing and running her successful South Florida drapery, upholstery and interior design firm, Excell in Design Group.
Tell us a little bit about your background, Leslie…
I grew up here in Sunny South Florida and worked for a drapery & upholstery workroom throughout college. It was then that I realized that Interior Design was what I aspired to do.
I changed my major immediately, left the drapery workroom after almost 10 years there. I went to work for a local design firm and pursued my degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale.
Before
After
How did you get Excell in Design Group off the ground? Did you face any immediate challenges?
One of the challenges for me was the decision to leave a wonderful job to work for a much lesser salary at an Interior Design firm. But, it was the experience that I was after, so I took the plunge.
The timing, however, was really the biggest challenge. I started at the Interior Design firm during my college thesis while juggling a marriage and my son. Then, my father became very ill and was hospitalized for months.
I decided during this time that I would pursue my business, mainly because of the flexibility it would allow for me to care for my family and focus on my education.
The day I graduated college was the day my father passed away. I remember that morning so vividly because after having my son so young and having changed my major, it took me almost 8 years to finish college. I attended part time while juggling work/family life.
When I went to visit him in the hospital that morning, he chuckled at me when I said, “Can you believe this day is finally here Dad? I’m graduating today…I did it!” That night, my mother went to visit him as she usually did and he had already passed away. It was then that I knew I made the right decision to pursue my company. It would allow me the flexibility to care for my family when needed.
Do what makes you happy now and spend time with those you love most, as tomorrow is never promised.
What is truly unique about your business?
I work with my clients to customize and tailor each individual project based on the homeowner’s needs, preferences and ideas.
Why should MBMoms become your customers?
I offer a free consultation, competitive pricing and superior service.
What exciting things are coming up with your business?
I just re-branded my company for our 10 year Anniversary April 2016) with a top notch marketing firm!
What do you love most about living and working in South Florida?
Living and working in South Florida allows me to create different design styles considering we have residents from all over the world! Creating and designing window treatments is what I love most about my job. And, the gratitude I receive from my clients when the job is complete.
Follow Excell in Design Group on Facebook HERE.
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