Debbie Rafuse and Doreen Wells of Creative Interiors by the Designer Gals have built their reputation in interior design over many years.

Both Debbie and Doreen have over 20 years experience in interior design and decorating had have worked together for several years, when the decided to go into business together and Creative Interiors by the Designer Gals was born.

After several years in the Frontier Mall, they realized they needed more space. They purchased a lot at 141- 22nd St. in Battleford.

“We saw the lot, had a meeting and decided to buy it that night,” said Wells.

They hired local company Lyle V. Schell Construction for the project. Construction started in 2009 and they relocated in April of 2010.

They are particularly pleased with their new, spacious building that allows them more room for displays and consultations.

Creative Interiors offers interior design and decorating consultations. They also carry the Hunter Doublas brand of window covergins. One of their most popular items is the Duette Honeycomb

The ‘designer gals,’ Rafuse and Wells, are both proud of what they have been able to accomplish with their independently owned business, and both are strong supporters of women in business. They have built their reputation on a good selection of products and on strong customer service.

They say having a business has allowed them to branch out beyond interior design into such things as designer jewelry, clothing alterations and other things they couldn’t do before as employees at other businesses.

Their main business is selling window coverings and blinds, offering the HunterDouglas line. The Designer Gals also do custom drapery, some bedding and interior design and decorative consulting. They also plan to add shower curtains and some other things to their home décor offerings this summer.

Among their popular items is the Duette Honeycomb shade, which is a particularly efficient type of window covering when it comes to saving energy.

“It is our best selling blind,” said Wells.

“We stand behind the product,” said Rafuse, who adds “you basically get what you pay for.”

They also have good relationships with suppliers so they can provide their customers what they want. The two travel to Toronto and Edmonton twice a year to the gift shows there for many of their products.

Their market ranges from young families starting out with help for their first house to people who are retiring and moving into condos, and everyone in between.

Word of mouth about their business has spread quickly, and they have customers from throughout the region as far away as Saskatoon.

They are particularly pleased with their new, spacious building in Battleford, which allows them more room for displays and consultations.

Their reputation for marketing and customer service has earned them BBEX award nominations twice in recent years, and both appreciate the positive feedback from their clients.

“We always want our customers to feel welcome when they come to our store,” said Wells.

They add they always strive to improve their customer service because, in the end, that’s what matters.

“It makes them happy,” said Rafuse.