Long Island's Own The Drapery Lady Has Been Announced in the Top 200 Leading Moms in Business in the Nation

Bay Shore, NY, May 02, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Elisa Irvolino Was Voted One of the Top 200 Leading Moms in Business in Startupnation Competition.

The Drapery Lady announced today that it has been recognized as one of the top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation’s 2009 Leading Moms In Business Competition (http://www.startupnation.com/leading-moms-2009). The competition, sponsored by VerticalResponse, recognizes the achievements of mothers across the country who run outstanding businesses.

The Drapery Lady was formed by Elisa Irvolino in November 2007. She beat out many competitors through a vigorous process and was awarded a $6,000 SEED grant from The Tri Hamlet Community Development Corporation backed by Assemblyman Phil Ramos. Along with fellow grant recipient, Nereyda Aybar, owner of Nereyda Originals Dry Cleaning and Skirt Manufacturing, they opened a retail location at 55f Pine Aire Drive Bay Shore, NY 11706. The next year would prove to be a defining one for The Drapery Lady. The downturn of the economy coupled with the birth of a new baby would prove to be a difficult transition. But Elisa refused to quit. She redefined her business and expanded her product line to include blinds, shades and custom slipcovers. She followed the new trends of social marketing to maximize exposure with little overhead. Recently she expanded her service area to include Fire Island.

The Drapery Lady is a full service Home Dec Studio. They offer a full line of designer fabrics, shades, blinds and the new panel tracks. They offer unbeatable prices and quick service. They provide free in home consultations as well as design assistance. Call them today for all your home decorator needs, 631-513-1716. Check them out on the web. www.thedraperylady.net and www.thedraperylady.blogspot.com for great decorating tips.

"Moms across America were honored in this year’s ranking, showing that they’re capable of starting and running successful businesses while managing to balance family, career, home and self," said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation."Well over 600,000 votes were cast in support of several thousand contestants. What an incredible achievement to be named a winner, and what an inspiration for anyone looking to start their own business.”

"It’s challenging for anyone to start and run a successful business – particularly in this economy. These women are setting the standard for innovation and creativity," said Janine Popick, founder and CEO of VerticalResponse.

StartupNation (www.startupnation.com) launched the first annual Leading Moms in Business Competition in January with the support of VerticalResponse (www.verticalresponse.com) to recognize the achievements of mom entrepreneurs across the US. Winners were selected and ranked according to public votes accumulated from January through March, 2009. The elite 200 win bragging rights, promotional support, and digital winner’s emblems recognizing their achievements as the Leading Moms in Business.

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