Debbie Travis, Reigning Queen Of Renovations: An Entrepreneurial Case Study On Finding Your Hedgehog

Abstract

Debbie Travis, awarded the titled “Reigning Queen of Renovations” by TV host Regis Philbin, is an international television personality, best-selling author, interior designer, syndicated newspaper columnist and, most importantly, a beloved entrepreneurial icon in the home decorating industry around the world (The Naked Entrepreneur, 2013). Travis had a fast ride to the top decorating and design world, making the most of her opportunities as she went. With no formal decorating or design experience or training, Debbie was able to find her personal hedgehog. She went on to become an award-winning author, with all eight books becoming best sellers. Some of her notable titles include: The Painted House, Decorating Solutions, Weekend Projects, Living and Dining Rooms, Kids’ Rooms, Bedrooms, Kitchens and Baths, and Facelift (Debbie Travis, 2013). She started her own productive painting and design business, which set her off to be a leader in the paint and faux finishing design trend that was hitting North America (The Naked Entrepreneur, 2013).

Following a very successful launch of her product line at Canadian Tire, Travis starred in her own television show, From the Ground Up with Debbie Travis. Double dipping in the house and home industry allowed Debbie to follow her two passions of television and home decorating while being very successful at both (Debbie Travis, 2013). When Travis was becoming a known personality in the decorating lifestyle industry, many people asked her, “How did you manage to get on Oprah?” Debbie’s answer was pretty simple, “I asked.” Travis was not afraid of the producers or talk show hosts saying, “No.” She figured there was no harm in asking. Her theory only proved to be successful as she was on all four shows with great success and response from the experience. With Travis’ unique background, Debbie is a sought after inspirational speaker for various women’s conventions, business organizations, and design and decorating shows around the globe. She is constantly looking for the next opportunity to add to her Debbie Travis ever-building empire.