Guest Profile: Susan Woodcock

Susan Woodcock is an entrepreneur, educator, and one of the most recognizable voices in the custom window treatment world. She owns Home Dec Gal, a to-the-trade workroom, and is the founder of Workroom Tech—the only trade school in the U.S. dedicated to custom home decor sewing professionals. She and her husband also produce the Custom Workroom Conference, an annual gathering that draws passionate small business owners from across the country. Today, we’re diving into her journey, what it takes to train the next generation of fabricators, and why education is more important than ever in our trade.

The Journey Into Custom Workrooms

Susan Woodcock’s path into the window treatment industry began in her mother’s drapery workroom and quickly grew into her own business in the late 1980s. From English drapery styles to modern fabrications, she developed her skills through real projects and long-term relationships with designers. Today, Susan is recognized as one of the most influential voices in custom fabrication and education.

Why Education Matters

Hands-On Training vs. Online Learning

While online tutorials are convenient, Susan emphasizes that hands-on experience is irreplaceable. Fabrics require physical interaction—draping, measuring, and managing large cuts—that can’t be fully captured in a video. That’s why her school, Workroom Tech, offers small in-person classes with direct mentorship, complemented by interactive online sessions that expand access worldwide.

Training the Next Generation

Workroom Tech attracts students from all walks of life—young parents seeking flexible careers, professionals transitioning from healthcare or law enforcement, and retirees looking for creative encore careers. What unites them is a shared passion for fabric and craftsmanship.

Starting and Growing a Successful Workroom

Tools That Matter Most

According to Susan, the most important investment isn’t a machine—it’s a professional work table. Large-scale projects like draperies and Roman shades require space to spread fabric, cut precisely, and assemble with ease. With a table and basic sewing tools, many successful businesses have started from home-based setups.

Building Value Through Craftsmanship

Susan encourages fabricators to highlight the handcrafted, custom nature of their work rather than competing on price. High-quality window treatments last decades, and clients—whether affluent or budget-conscious—value the uniqueness and durability of custom pieces.

Branding and Marketing That Work

Establishing a Presence

Susan credits much of her growth to building websites early on, which helped past clients reconnect. Social media, particularly Instagram and Facebook, has since amplified her reach, giving her a direct way to showcase projects and connect with future students.

Consistent Branding

For Susan, branding is about more than visuals—it’s about consistency. She avoids discounts to reinforce the value of craftsmanship, teaching students to maintain pricing integrity. Her strategy is simple: quality, authenticity, and confidence in the value of custom work.

The Role of Conferences and Community

The Custom Workroom Conference

Beyond the classroom, Susan co-produces the Custom Workroom Conference, an annual gathering that combines education, networking, and community. Attendees gain exposure to new methods, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and build relationships with suppliers and mentors.

The conference is known for its welcoming atmosphere—something many small business owners in this niche industry deeply appreciate. It’s less like a trade show and more like a family reunion for fabricators.

Conclusion

Susan Woodcock’s journey shows that the custom window treatment industry thrives on a balance of education, craftsmanship, and community. From equipping new fabricators with essential skills to fostering collaboration through events, her work highlights the importance of building a trade on both tradition and innovation.

Show Notes

• Guest: Susan Woodcock – Founder of Workroom Tech, Home Dec Gal, and co-producer of the Custom Workroom Conference.


• Topics: hands-on education, starting a workroom, branding and marketing, and the role of community events.

Learn more about the Custom Workroom Conference: customworkroomconference.com

Other Notes/Links:

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Listen to other episodes

Home Dec Gal: Visit Website

Workroom Tech: Visit Website

Video

https://youtu.be/r3whm90EDpY