Julie Finch revisits her interview with Marianne Buckman

Growing up on a farm with cattle and horses in rural La Crosse, WI has really given me patience, problem-solving skills and a work ethic that is perfect for being an entrepreneur.  I took the long route to my dream job of Interior Design.  After an architectural education, I drifted into banking and stayed there way too long.  Met some remarkable people along the way, but absolutely no creativity. 

At the age of 40, I decided to go back to school for Interior Design.  The final project for my Interior Design class was to create a business utilizing the classes I had in college (finance, retail, business…)  With the help of my professors I created CocoBello.  In 2003, I actually opened a home decor business in historic downtown Hudson.  I was going to introduce my interior design business a year later, but my first client came in within days of opening the retail store.  Haven’t looked back since. 

After 10 years of running both companies, 4 designers, and numerous retail employees throughout those years, I decided to close the retail aspect of the business and focus solely on my passion – Interior Design.  And I love it.  I received my General Contractors license in Wisconsin over three years ago and am a member of NARI – National Association of the Remodeling Industry.  Now I offer my Wisconsin clients an even more customized and personalized service.  Being an Interior Designer, I find myself wearing many hats: designer, curator, concierge, educator, project manager, and psychologist.  Never a dull moment.