Pillow Power

The following is a reprint of the May 12, 2005 interview by Yvonne Lim Wilson from the West Austin News:

"From handmade lace from the Victorian era to ribbons made of 14-carat gold from France, the pillows from Deborah Main Designs are all pieces of art. Deborah Latimer, 48, owner and designer started her business last year. Currently, Latimer has 47 pillows in her inventory, all different, handmade with exquisite materials. Every pillow features a scroll that describes the materials used. Deborah and her husband David live in Barton Hills with their son, Cason, 16, and daughter Qin, 9. Deborah Main Designs is available at Bella Dimora in Davenport Village and Amaysing Antiques in Whit Hanks. Visit www.deborahmaindesigns.com or call 447-9807 for more information.

WAN: How did you get your start in the business?
DL: I was in Cush Cush to buy things for the home and just got sidetracked. I started pulling all these ribbons and an hour later I had this design in front of me. Two years later, there was an open call for designers at the Garden Room (April 2004). I whipped up two other pillows. I didn't know this was in my future.

What makes your pillows unique?
They're all one-of-a-kind. I make them all myself. I have always placed a premium value on things passed from generation to generation. That goes into my pillows. I help give people an understanding and appreciation for the beautiful handiwork our grandmothers and great-grandmothers have done.

How does your business express your personality?
I've always valued my family history. I've always loved antiques, textiles and color. I've never had one style. There are 20 facets to who I am. The business gives me everything I love to do. It gives me an opportunity to express all my sides, from very quaint and sweet to some that are really out there. Sometimes it takes a long time in life to find what you love to do.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The marketing and advertising takes a lot of energy. Nothing's going to happen unless you go to it. Its a lot of self-promotion.

Where do you see the business in the next five or 10 years?

I want Deborah Main Designs to be known as making exquisite, handmade pillows. I want them to be coveted. I want the people that care about the beauty and history of these pillows to have a pillow. I would like to be known as the pillow lady.

What inspires you?
I see beauty everywhere in the world - particularly in nature, in art, in what people wear. I'm always intrigued by color combinations.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

I love the pillows. I feel privileged and honored to do it. It's like therapy to me. It's like Lady Bird Johnson spreading wildflowers...I'll spread pillows. We all need art and beauty in our lives.

What does it mean to be a woman entrepreneur?
My father and great-grandfathers owned their own businesses. None of the women in my family had their own business. I feel like I'm carrying on the tradition and feel very proud I'm able to do it. I find such strength connecting with other women in the community. The power of women together is just amazing to me."