Shades of Light sales up despite shaky economy

November 13, 11:50 AMSan Diego Women's Business ExaminerJulie Wieden

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Karen Taggart just posted her highest quarterly earnings ever since the launch of Shades of Light custom window treatments six years ago—and her customers are homeowners, realtors and commercial builders.

Who would have thought, considering the U.S. unemployment rate is 10.2 percent, and San Diego County home foreclosures currently top 34,000?

Taggart’s business is doing surprisingly well, even in this recession. The reason, she says, is because people are staying home more. Great news if your business makes staying home a more comfortable, enjoyable experience.

She credits her success to keeping up-to-speed on what’s current in the marketplace, and providing what her customers want.

“The industry is headed toward energy-efficiency in products and materials, including recycling.” And in this economy, she says “people who have money still want to spend it.” “But,” she adds, “they want to be smart about it, and they want to work with reliable people.”

As an authorized dealer for Hunter Douglas, a U.S.-based manufacturer of premium-quality window coverings, ceilings, solar control systems and facades for residential, commercial and industrial uses, and longtime contractor for more than forty commercial clients, Taggart meets the criteria for her customers’ demands.

Shades of Light also participates in the Hunter Douglas Hunter Green initiative, which is committed to promoting the development and usage of energy-saving products that “channel and exploit the natural power of the sun.”

Taggart’s energy-friendly window treatments include solar shades, UV and blackout film, tinting, automated skylights and remote-controlled draperies for maximum management of heat, reflection and maintenance of indoor temperatures.

Cathedral Catholic High School in Del Mar features Taggart’s application of energy-efficient solar shades and UV film. The campus is comprised of multiple buildings, and required treatments for 400 windows. It is her largest project so far.

Earlier this year, Shades of Light and Hunter Douglas Contract (HDC), the architectural and commercial division of Hunter Douglas, were awarded the design contract to install HDC solar shades for the new U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) west coast office.

The facility is scheduled to open in Del Mar at the end of November, and will serve as the non-profit organization's second national office. USGBC headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.

Taggart advises San Diego women business owners facing challenges and decisions in today’s economy to periodically assess their tolerance for risk and stress as they move forward.

“It can take 5 to 6 six years before people get to know you and your company, so don’t get discouraged.”

Also, decide early on what your goals are. “My business plan was only two pages. I knew then that I didn’t want to be the biggest—I just wanted to be the best.”

Shades of Light is located in University Heights at 4421 Park Blvd. Ste. 207.
Visit their website at www.shadesoflightsd.com.