As a third-generation entrepreneur, Ronda Jackson knows the importance of adapting your business to changing needs. When she first founded Décor Interior Design, Inc., the company specialized in residential kitchens and baths. But the housing crisis led Jackson to shift focus to a predominately federal and commercial clientele by designing collaborative office interiors, facility maintenance and interior/exterior painting. Now, her business provides comprehensive facility services to airports, hospitals, hotels and offices for firms like US Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Bank and SoCal Gas.
Jackson’s strategy has paid off. Her company was awarded Supplier of the Year by the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council four years in a row and Jackson herself was named the 2018 Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) – West Star and Enterprising Woman of the Year. She was recently name Woman Business Owner of the Year by NAWBO-LA.
“It’s important to be consistently responsive and flexible,” Jackson says of her success.
Décor Interior Design also helps their clients adapt to meet new needs. Business relationships are important to Jackson because, in addition to being an entrepreneur herself, she is an advocate for other company founders. While dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, Jackson launched a podcast called “The Road to Recovery” that provides tools, education and encouragement to other entrepreneurs. One tip she has for small businesses is to obtain certifications that are recognized by clients you would like to work with. For instance, Décor Interior Design is certified as SBE, MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zones).
Starting her podcast series has been incredibly rewarding, Jackson says. “It has allowed me to share a wealth of information, empower my team and uplift the business community.”