Small Business Q&A: Fringe Benefits

Have you seen the current TV ad that features a character named Dave? He's a small business man who wears many 'hair styles' simultaneously. He's the accounting department, sales team, receptionist and copier repairman.

Fringe Benefits owner Connie Olliff shares that 'Dave' is her middle name.

"I do everything here. Except, make the drapery and upholstery. My fabricators do that and they're great, they've been with me for 17 years."

Olliff does have two other sales professionals to help customers navigate through the rows of decorative fabrics and variety of trims.

Q. What's the best thing about your job?
A. Working with people.

Q. What is the best thing about East Cobb?
A. It's fresh and new.

Q. Why did you choose to open your business in East Cobb?
A. I had been living in Decatur for some years and I wanted to open a business here, so I bought a house near here and then found a place to start my own business.

I'm originally from a small town in North Carolina. My brothers came to Atlanta first and I would come and visit them in 'the big city' on my vacations. 

I had so much fun that I moved here. I'm still having fun.

Q. Why did you pick this kind of business?
A. I love designing window treatments. I enjoy helping people. I enjoy making it easy for them to create nice, custom things for their homes. 

Q. What are some of the services you offer that people don't know about?
A. People might not know that we make bed ensembles. 

I think people do know that we offer great customer service. I can help match up colors and figure needed materials for their projects.

We make custom furniture and recover existing pieces as well as design and make window treatments.

Q. How long have you been in business?
A. This store opened the first of November, last year. That makes it four months.

Q. How did your business get started?
A. I was working at a family business, Outrageous Bargains, and learned that I really like doing window treatments. 

One day it was time for me to grow and try it on my own.

That was 17 years ago. I opened Needful Things, Inc. in the Kroger Shopping Center at Chastain Corners.

It was the same kind of store as this, except we had more home decor items.

My lease was up there, so I sold the business, contents and all. This new store is a bit south on Canton Rd., across from Cherokee Cattle Company.

Q. Do you have advice for anyone who'd like to start a small business in this area?
A. Don't have kids, family or a life. You're married to your business for the first three years. 

Once your business has been open five years, you'll make it.

You have to love what you're doing.

Q. Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?
A. Come and see us. It's all new fabrics and fringes.

Fringe Benefits
2673 Canton Rd., Suite B
770-516-3600