Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Baxter.
Hi Brenda, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was a young mom with babies in bouncy seats, sewing drapery, pillows, and slipcovers on the side for my mom and neighbors. Encouraged by friends to start a business, I quickly realized that both sewing and selling the products were equally important—and equally demanding. Over time, I discovered that I preferred the design and sales side of the business, so I began outsourcing the sewing to professional workrooms.
There were many learning curves in those early days. I often brought sewing supplies to installations and would repair drapery pleats while standing on a ladder until I found the right workroom partner. At first, I couldn’t afford the ideal workroom, so I focused on improving my marketing and building a stronger brand presence. My efforts paid off—I began submitting projects for award competitions and, in 2009, won both an Award of Excellence and First Place in Drapery. Whatever I was doing was working.
As the business grew, I hired an office manager, then another talented drapery designer, and eventually, another. Then the pandemic hit. Like many, I had no idea how it would affect our industry. There was no playbook for this challenge, and we had to get creative. Would clients even allow us into their homes? I joined every industry forum, podcast, and Zoom discussion I could find for advice. Our team decided to create a video featuring each designer from their own home, sharing the message that “We’re here for you.” It worked—we soon became busy again and were extremely thankful. We learned how to balance safety, health, and business growth.
Not long after, I faced another personal challenge: a divorce after 32 years of marriage. Balancing grief with the responsibility of supporting my team and business wasn’t easy, and I made my share of mistakes along the way. But shortly after the pandemic and divorce, I found a beautiful new studio space that we all now truly enjoy—designing together, collaborating, and continuing to grow.
Since then, we’ve won additional industry awards and had the pleasure of meeting incredible clients by doing what we love most: design.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I can’t imagine building a business ever being a smooth road. It seems I’ve learned my toughest—and most valuable—lessons through challenges. Each one has helped shape the processes that work so well for us today.
For example, I realized early on the importance of organized accounting. That meant learning QuickBooks from scratch. After meeting with our accountant to design a system that fit our business, I spent hours in an empty conference room entering years of back bank statements until everything was in order.
Another challenge came with redesigning our website—a project that demanded both creative and technical precision. In the midst of it, I also recognized that our SEO team wasn’t the right fit. While the website was still under construction, I began networking within the industry, determined to find an SEO partner who truly understood our goals. At times, it felt like I was “flying the airplane while building it.” Who really understands SEO, anyway?
What’s important to me is transparency. Every challenge I face happens in real time—my team sees me learning, making difficult decisions, and figuring things out right alongside them. That matters to me. They matter to me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Custom Drapery Designs is an award-winning, full-service window treatment and interior design firm proudly serving Dallas and the surrounding communities.
Our niche lies in the couture quality and meticulous attention to detail we bring to every window covering—whether it’s drapery, valances, Roman shades, café curtains, or Hunter Douglas shades and shutters.
We specialize in distinctive, high-quality custom window treatments that reflect our clients’ personal style while complementing their home’s architecture. Beyond window treatments, we offer elegant and innovative interior design solutions, including upholstery, lighting, area rugs, and carefully curated accents that complete each space beautifully.
Renowned for our craftsmanship, we take pride in our use of premium fabrics, intricate trims, and custom-designed hardware and finishes that transform each project into a true work of art. Every detail is executed with artisan-level care and precision.
We love witnessing our clients’ reactions during the final reveal—hearing how they “never imagined” the stunning difference custom drapery could make to their home’s aesthetic. Over the years, our dedication to design excellence has been recognized through numerous industry honors, including the Award of Excellence, First Place in Curtains & Draperies, First Place in Decorative Hardware & Trims, and First Place in Design of Soft Shades. We are equally proud of our consistent five-star Google reviews, reflecting the satisfaction of our clients.
When a client reaches out to schedule an in-home consultation, we provide a beautifully curated LookBook that includes a visual portfolio, an outline of our process, and an introduction to the designer who will attend the consultation. This initial meeting is where inspiration begins—our designers listen, learn, and begin shaping a vision that perfectly fits each client’s lifestyle and goals.
Following the consultation, the designer presents a comprehensive design plan complete with sketches, detailed specifications, and material samples for a clear visual understanding. From that moment on, every project is personally managed from start to flawless installation, ensuring a seamless experience and stunning result.
At Custom Drapery Designs, our goal is to be professional, approachable, and to eliminate any intimidation clients may feel when starting a design project. Success for us means truly listening to our clients—their dreams, their needs, and their stories—and turning them into beautifully designed spaces that feel uniquely their own.
From consultation to completion, from couture details to perfect installation—we handle it all.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We’re also lucky to have the company of Bailey, the owner’s lovable Red Fox Lab, who often spends her days in the studio keeping us all smiling.
Pricing:
- It is important to review the investment goal or budget for a successful design process.
Contact Info:
- Website: customdraperydesigns.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/customdraperydesigns/
- Facebook: http://Facebook.com/brebaxter/
