About the Virtual Chapter
The WCAA Virtual Chapter is one chapter among many in the Window Coverings Association of America. We provide education to make it easy to grow your business exactly where you are, join a supportive community and learn from other experienced business owners. We provide monthly educational webinars that include best business practices, fabrication techniques, social media and marketing ideas and vendor resources. As an organization, since we believe in community over competition, our goal is to provide an environment where that is exemplified. We are under the very supportive umbrella, WCAA National, Your national membership provides you access to some wonderful window treatment vendors and industry partners - make sure to get familiar with them. You can find links to the industry partners websites here. |
Meet the Virtual Chapter Board |
 President Kathryn Dillon owns and operates Kathryn Dillon Drapery and Design LLC, a full service window treatment and soft goods design and fabrication business. Kathryn has built her business by consistently providing exquisitely handcrafted products and services in addition to window coverings, such as furniture, upholstery, rugs and paint color selections to busy homeowners and executives. Over the past 27 years, she has created lasting relationships with repeat clients and those that value attention to detail throughout the design and fabrication process. Kathryn credits the success of her business to the trust her clients have placed in her collaborative style, her ability to listen and transform their design dilemmas into beautiful as well as functional solutions. Kathryn completed a Bachelor of Science in Textiles and Clothing along with a Studio Concentration in Fiber Arts from Colorado State University. She has continued to add to her own professional development by attending seminars, conferences and receiving business coaching. Kathryn is an avid learner and has received certification in Slipcover Fabrication Techniques and Shades and Advanced Top Treatments and certification as a WFCP Designer and Workroom Specialist by completing the Window Fashions Certified Professional Program. In March of 2017 she was awarded Second Place in the IWCE Vision Workroom Competition in the Bedding and Pillows category. She had been a local and national WCAA member since 2005 and has served on several committees in the Atlanta Chapter. She is currently the President of the WCAA Virtual Chapter. Kathryn has also been a frequent contributor to Vision Magazine since 2017. |
Robin Matthews opened her workroom in 2000. “Seams Sew Right” specializes in window treatments, bedding, slipcovers, cushions and pillows. Robin is known for her innovative fabrication and installation techniques. Her work has been featured in DIY Good Housekeeping, Design NJ and Vision magazines. Robin has taught at The Custom Workroom Conference and Workroom Tech. She is a member of the WCAA, WCAA NJ Chapter and WCAA Virtual Chapter. |
Like many others in this business, Amanda Smith did not start out as a fabricator of window treatments. She attended college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte earning a bachelor’s degree in Middle Grades Education. After teaching English and Social Studies for seven years, she attended graduate school earning a master’s degree in Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and worked as a high school media specialist for three years. She became a stay-at-home Mom in 1998 when her twin boys were born. When her boys turned three Amanda knew she wanted to work but did not want to return to teaching full time. While visiting a friend one afternoon, she noticed her friend had new window treatments in the family room. It was an “ah ha” moment. She thought, “If I can make cocktail dresses, I can surely learn to make window treatments.” Amanda comes from a family that sews. Her mother, an accomplished sewer and quilter, taught Amanda the art at age 12. Her father owned a successful auto upholstery business for 25 years. Both of her grandmothers and all of her aunts sewed. With her family’s support, she set up a small workroom in an extra bedroom and completed her first job in July 2001. What started out as a small, retail business has grown into a to-the-trade full-service workroom offering fabrication of panels, valances, bedding and decorative accessories as well as several lines of fabrics, hardware, shutters, blinds, woven woods. Over the years her work has been published in several local magazines and online design sites. She has provided fabrication for several designer show houses in North Carolina. Amanda continues her fabrication education by belonging to the Window Coverings Association of America and by attending local and national conferences. She is currently serving as treasurer of the Virtual Chapter of the WCAA. |
Born in the Midwest, Jill grew up in Minnesota, started college in Wisconsin, took a brief hiatus to travel, and then continued her studies in Minnesota. She received a thorough education in interior design, window treatment design/fabrication, and upholstery. Jill started Impressive Windows & Interiors LLC when her children were young and worked part-time until they were older. In 2015, before her boys left the nest, she opened a showroom in downtown Hastings, Minnesota. She recognized the need for access to a broader range of products and services for her peers, so Jill founded My Designer Concierge, a buying group for the soft furnishing industry in 2017. In 2019, she furthered her dedication to the soft furnishing industry by founding a cordless shade distribution company focused on child-safety called Cordless-Shade.com. She is a self-proclaimed neat freak and organizational wizard. Jill is currently the Secretary of the Virtual Chapter and does an outstanding job finding new speakers to educate the members of the our chapter each month. |
Meet The Committee Coordinators
Jennifer owns a one-person workroom which is located in her home. She is primarily a retail workroom, selling fabric, foam, and drapery hardware, however she also enjoys working with young designers in her area. Jennifer has become well known in Florida for slipcovers so she stays very busy with that part of the business. Recently, she has been receiving more interest in draperies and Roman shades in the last year which she is enjoying very much. Prior to starting her workroom 6 years ago, Jennifer worked for 10 years at a local Bernina dealership. She sold machines and taught all their guide classes as well as a lot of project classes. It was a great launching pad for her workroom business. |
Kate Winton is the owner of Kate Winton Designs, she has over 30 years of experience in the interior design, textile, and marketing industry. She has held positions with Macy’s, F. Schumacher & Co. and P/Kaufmann, Inc and recently added a custom workroom to her business. Kate’s dedication and passion for design allows her creativity to help fabricate delightful interiors for her clients. She is an active member of WCAA, the WCAA Virtual Chapter and the New Jersey Chapter. She also a WAM member and a PRO+ Member of the Curtains & Soft Furnishings Research Library. |
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