Sheila Menchaca, owner and head designer, has been in business since 1977.  Originally from Austin, Texas, she lived in Germany for 4 years, and  California  for one year, courtesy of Uncle Sam. While there she traveled extensively, fascinated by the different architecture and design, along with the opulence of fabrics, trims and finishes.  Settling in Oakland with her former husband, she opened her first retail gift shop.  Retail gifts evolved into Design.  She now operates the Decorator’s Nook at 119 S. Second Street in Oakland.  She is very versatile in all areas of Design.  Whether it’s a Log Cabin in the woods or columns and oriental rugs, Faux Finishes or hand rubbed pieces, traditional or original, you can count on your own personal stamp thru her work.

 

Joanne Ashby is the studio manager and bookkeeper.  She and her husband Jim are natives of Oakland.  When you stop by she is someone that will greet you with a smile.  Not only is she a friendly face, but by being a native she is often called on to offer friendly tour advice! While not an active part of the design team, she is quite familiar with the different samples and product in the store.

 

 

Linda Severe is also a Garrett County native, although from the Northern End of the county!   As part of the design team, she is extremely well educated in the different products available thru the Decorator’s Nook and ready to share that information.  If she doesn’t have it at her fingertips she is also an excellent researcher for that special item. 

 

 

Jillian Friend is originally from the Charleston W.V. area.  She and her husband Tyler live in the Southern end of the county.   Jillian is a  2006 graduate of  West Virginia University and holds a B.S. degree in Interior Design.  She recently passed the NCIDQ exam for Interior Designers and holds NCIDQ Certificate #026368. She brings a fresh new outlook to projects along with her excellent organizational skills.  Since joining the Decorator’s Nook in August of 2006 she has been involved in many projects that were challenging and seems to have a knack for making it seem easy. 

 

Says Sheila:  “The best thing about our little company is that we all work together to give a client’s project our united effort.”