Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law.
You know when you’re starting to look for window treatments and you head over to Pinterest and you head over to Bed Bath & Beyond looking to piece-meal items to recreate the look you found on Pinterest…. Yeah, don’t do that. Because we have found the absolute ray of sunshine, the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, the wind in your sails gem of a human, Dana Spiwak. When CNSM first met with Dana Spiwak, founder and owner of Spruce Interiors, it became instantly clear that she loves her job, really gets to know each of her clients and executes an exquisite window dressing that truly finishes your room in the most perfect way. Get to know this Deerfield boy mom of three grownish kids, her perfect mantra, shows on her watchlist, how she came to start up Spruce Interiors and what she can do for your home. Welcome, Dana!
Hi Dana! Please introduce yourself. Where are you from originally? What city do you live in now? What brought you here.
Hi, my name is Dana Spiwak. I grew up in Northbrook and am now raising my family in Deerfield. I loved growing up on the Northshore and feel so grateful that I am able to raise my family here!
You’re a boy mom, tell us about your little loves.
Yes, I’m a boy mom but my little loves are not so little anymore! My boys are 23,18, and 16. They are all amazing humans and I am so proud of them. My oldest, Tyler, graduated last year from The University of Minnesota. My middle, Sammy, is a freshman at Michigan State. My “baby” Jake, is a sophomore at Deerfield High School. I’m married to the best guy, David! We also have a Golden Doodle Reggie. Yes, I am the queen in our home!
What are one or two fun facts to know about you?
I am an eternal optimist, my super power is giving everyone the benefit of the doubt. I really don’t enjoy small talk, I go deep or go home! I am neither a night person nor a morning person, I am my best between 10am and 10pm! I change tables and hotel rooms 90% of the time – Yes, I drive my husband crazy but he’s always happy with the outcome!
Haha love those tidbits!
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent?
I love going out for dinner, but i prefer my husbands cooking to any restaurant. My local favorites are Hole in The Wall in Northbrook, Bobby’s in Deerfield, and Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest. I love walks in my neighborhood, Wood Oaks Park and The Glen.
What gets you through a tough day?
I try to so something everyday for my physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. A typical day includes a strength class at the Sachs Center, Jewish learning, some kind of podcast like Brene Brown and The ed Mylett show, spending time with my family, and ending the day with a mindless tv show!
We love a good rec. What is your TV show list?
Currency Jane the virgin LOL, Virgin River, Loved, Firefly lane, Never have i ever, Ted Lasso.
What is your mantra you live by?
Look for the good and you will see good; life changing!
You are a the founder and president of Spruce Interiors. Tell us about your company.
Yes! Spruce Interiors specializes in window treatments for homes and small businesses. All of our treatments are handcrafted locally in our designer workroom. Our workroom is committed to the highest level of precision for all of your fabric needs. The products are of exquisite quality and craftsmanship. These products include custom window treatments, custom draperies and roman shades. We aim to provide the finest in custom fabric services.
We all have a career story. What was the impetus behind starting Spruce Interiors?
My window treatment story started with a store in Lincoln Park called Vertical Blinds Factory. My then partners and I opened in 1994. With zero business experience, I learned everything on the job! We worked 7 days a week and I absolutely loved it! When the world experienced an economic downturn in 2008, I decided to leave and stay home with my three kids. Well, that lasted about a week! I knew i wanted to find a way to work from home around my kids schedules. After a few months of planning, Spruce Interiors was born with my friend Laura Bluman as my partner.
Do you have a staff or do you do it all?
I have the very best business partner, we have never had an argument! Laura does all of our commercial projects – think offices, restaurants, assisted living and I do all our residential projects. We trust and respect each other 100%. It is truly the most perfect relationship. We also have the very best installer Joe and 2 back office ladies. We are very grateful for our team!
What is your process with clients who come to you for design help?
We try to get as much information about a new client before our initial meeting. We discuss needs and budgets. I love sending photos of past clients homes to get a feel for what the client is looking for. We then schedule a home visit where I take measurements, show samples, and make selections. Within 48 hours of the visit, I send a proposal with all options we discussed. Once the job is approved, we send over the installer for the field measure and place the order!
How do you see the face of design changing in the ever increasing virtual and AI world?
You can never replace a human relationship. I don’t just sell window treatments, I truly make friends with all my clients. It is so much more to me then just the products.
We could use a little design advice, care to share?
A window treatment is like adding a fabulous pair of earrings to a great outfit, it is the perfect final touch to complete the space! Window treatments also do a beautiful job of softening the tone of a space. Imagine a room with hardwood floors and zero furniture. By simply hanging curtains or textured shades, you add warmth and invite people in.
What’s on the horizon for Spruce Interiors?
We are always looking to grow and stay on top of all the design trends and technology. We absolutely love to partner with designers so please reach out, we promise its so fun to work together!
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about yourself or Spruce Interiors?
I almost forgot to add that my very best client from 27 years ago is my husband! But seriously, we stand behind every job we produce and I truly care about all my clients. There is nothing I would not do to make them happy with their purchase.
How do we get started? Do you have a showroom. What are your contact dets?
Reach out, I’d love to start a conversation! You can email me at [email protected], Text 773-810-810, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
