Meet Emily and Dennis Manzhul of Custom Drapery Workroom in Downers Grove

Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily and Dennis Manzhul.

Emily was on a date with a man named Alex. He asked her, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” In good humor she said she wanted to design and fabricate drapes. She was only 17. Years later she had moved to America from Ukraine (yes the one with all the Russia strife), with two kids, lived as a foreigner, worked odd jobs, oh and had married Alex. Once in a while she sowed. A neighbor knew that Emily had sown and asked for some window treatments. Being good friends she said yes. Once completed the neighbor was amused at the quality and design work, she begged Emily to start a business. This was the land of opportunity after all. Custom Drapery Workroom began shortly, over ten years after Emily jokingly said her greatest ambitions were to make beautiful drapes. In its infancy there was a lot of trial and error on the business side but the quality and workmanship always impressed. This got the foot in the door of some of the most beautiful homes in Chicago. Some great Chicagoans took notice. A skyscraper builder, brain surgeon, renowned baker, and many more saw the dedication and artisan talent. Emily was hired for all their homes: condos, lakefront mansions, and suburbanites. Word spread and the business survived exclusively on word of mouth. Even in the horrid years of the mortgage crisis. Emily made a name for herself in Chicago, which eventually spread across America, even overseas. The difference between Emily’s drapery designs and many others is that there is a focus on luxury and unique design sprung from a passionate designer. Author Pearl s. Buck said it perfectly, “The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”

Alex is the installer of all the projects working closely with his designer wife. Dennis, their oldest son pursued a business degree, and graduated from DePaul University in Chicago. There has been an uptick in marketing efforts and help from the business side. It is a statement to how long the business survived solely on word of mouth. Now with a college graduate and Emily’s prowess hopefully the teenager’s dream will be well and alive for generations to come.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The language barrier was difficult. Not having any proper schooling in English made it difficult. Lengthy letters from the government, all the procedural necessities of having a business in the U.S.

Custom Drapery Workroom – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Emily is the designer. Taking a look at her portfolio it is clear she is not a typical drapery designer. Unique and luxurious design take a special artisan to deliver. She is most proud of the interesting relationships made from prominent Chicagoans, and the history of work. Also, as a designer she does not outsource. She owns her own workroom and everything is made in house. Saving her clientele money, and being able to make luxury a bit more cost effective.

Dennis is in charge of the business side. Does the accounting, budgeting, marketing, and office work.

Alex is the head installer, and carpenter expert. Doing all the wood work needed, and installing intricate drapes.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Emily- “The reaction of clients. My work is very personal so if there is an appreciation for it then I have done my job. I feel very satisfied and fulfilled with a happy client and a happy home. If the look is perfect and the drapes aesthetic then it has been a success.”

Contact Info:

• Address: 1536 Brook Drive
  Suite B
  Downers Grove, IL 60515
• Website: www.draperyavenue.com
• Phone: 630-652-9999
• Email: info@draperyavenue.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Custom-Drapery-Workroom-139332262781361/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LuxuryDrapes
• Other: https://www.houzz.com/pro/customdraperyworkroom/custom-drapery-workroom

Image Credit:
Dennis Manzhul

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