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You may have looked once twice or even
three times at a showroom window in
Bridgetown which Ian Atkins
conceptualized, designed and decorated. But now Atkins is
looking for a new window for his talent.

After ten years of designing windows for Harrison´s and DaCosta´s, Atkins is now taking his business into his own hands with Interpretations Décor & Design. “I resigned about two years ago to go and do things on my own. So I started Interpretations Décor & Design. “It was arisk I had to take and when I started business was slow and I had to set up and also build a clientele, but this is something I love. I love decorating; it is a passion for me,” he said.

Atkins, who has designed award-winning booths at BMEX and other trade shows, said after being encouraged by people who knew his work and ability, he got started with a loan from the Barbados Youth Business Trust and since then he has been moving forward. “The loan was necessary to get started with the equipment I needed. My computer, scanner and printer are very important to the job in terms of giving a visual, because sometimes a person might tell you what they want and you can work through it with them but they are not really seeing what you are saying. So a visual is very useful,” Atkins said.

Atkins is quick to point out, however, that while he did a decorating course while working at Harrison´s as well as some other correspondence courses, the creative element of his work comes naturally. “When I am decorating it does not even feel like I am doing work. It does not feel like a job. In fact, the only stress is the people I work with sometimes and you have to find a way to work with them,” he said.

While he runs a one-man show, if there are pieces, like carpentry, that he can not handle, he usually sub-contracts work to people whom he knows do it well. Atkins, who now operates from his bedroom, said he is hoping to have an office where people can walk in and view his designs. Atkins pointed out that while he was not complaining things were now relatively slow.

“Last year was really good, but after September 11, everybody´s complaining about not having any funds. I would like business to come in more readily but I´ve got God to thank for everything so far,” he added. The 31-year-old said he would encourage any young person to use their talents and start a business, but would urge them to have a strong business plan and no matter what happens, they should try to stick to it.
The Business Authority, Monday August 5, 2002