We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Horning and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lindsay, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My family and I love to spend open afternoons at our neighborhood pool, and one summer as we looked around for an open table, I couldn’t help but observe a common issue for many public spaces – the tables weren’t exactly spotless.
That same summer, I saw a mom’s frustration when her toddler accidentally spilled on the white plastic table and all she had were flimsy bathroom paper towels to clean it up. I watched families wander in with nice picnic lunches only to find that the only available table had already been visited by the local birds. And I witnessed breezy days blow away those flimsy, plastic, disposable tablecloths that people struggled to fit around the table umbrella.
I thought there has to be something better, some solution to these frustrations, and that summer I created my first TableTopper™ prototype. It was made from a cheap plastic tablecloth I bought at the grocery store and didn’t last very long, but it covered those tables with ease and beauty, and that was the beginning of creating my outdoor brand, Fresko Decor. Since then, we’ve improved the design dramatically, using performance fabrics that are spill-proof, easy to clean and reusable, but are also modern, bright and cheerful.
I wanted to give people a portable, fitted tablecloth they can effortlessly use at the pool – or anywhere – to avoid the mess and fit the umbrella, that wipes up quickly. Better yet, I though it should be modern and stylish, so it works for birthday parties, backyard cocktails with friends, or an impromptu al fresco dinner party where it won’t blow away with the breeze!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Q: What is the most important factor behind your success / the success of your brand?
I believe the most important factor behind the success of Fresko as a brand has been the ability to adapt. Adaptability has allowed me to listen closely to my customers, responding promptly to their changing preferences and needs. By evolving beyond the flagship TableTopper™ product, I’ve been able to introduce a diverse range of new products that share the same high quality fabrics and timeless design. While I might have evolved here on my own eventually, listening to customers and being adaptable to what they are looking for made this happen at a much faster pace. I listened when they asked if I could make a TableTopper™ for picnic tables or covers for their outdoor pillows. I listened when they asked for the TableTopper™ to include a carrying bag. It’s through these adaptations and growth that Fresko has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the demands of a broad and ever-changing audience.
Q: What value or principle matters most to you? Why?
Integrity is not just a principle, it’s the soul of Fresko Decor and me personally. To me, integrity means a dedication to quality, durability, and trust. Quality is reflected in the craftsmanship and attention to detail in every product, from the selection of materials to the finishing touches. With integrity comes durability, and that means our customers can enjoy their products for years, creating lasting memories with items that remain as vibrant and reliable as the day they were purchased.
By creating products that are built to last, we can also contribute to a more sustainable approach to home decor. I believe quality and sustainability go hand in hand towards shaping a responsible brand. And since our customers are at the heart of everything we do, we believe quality is the foundation of building trust and satisfaction. When our customers choose Fresko Decor, they can trust that they are investing in products that will not only meet, but exceed their expectations.
Q: What’s the end goal? Where do you want to be professionally by the end of your career?
While I started with a single idea and product, I envision Fresko Decor becoming a destination that goes beyond acquiring outdoor pieces; it’s about curating an ambiance into every aspect of al fresco living. I want people to see themselves lounging on plush pillows, connecting with friends and family by the fire pit, surrounded by the warm glow of thoughtfully designed candles atop a perfectly adorned table, where every item works both individually and together. This vision is what motivates and inspires me..and maybe with future success I’ll get to spend a few more of those summer days at the pool with my family.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love it when friends come to visit and living in such a beautiful place, we certainly get a lot of opportunities to show it off! For me, this usually revolves around where we’re going to eat and I am loving the vibrant restaurant scene that is growing in northeast Denver where I live. I would definitely try to fit in dinners at Benzina, the Plimoth, and Annette, just to name a few. I love grabbing a cocktail at Bistro Vendome or a glass of wine from Trellis Wine Bar. One of my favorite city activities is scouring the shops and antique stores along Broadway or Colfax and Tessa Delicatessen is a great place to break for lunch. Hiking anywhere along the front range is always a hit and if I can squeeze in some paddle boarding in Frisco, I’m happy.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
None of this would be possible without the support and encouragement from my family and friends. My husband and son have happily put up with countless hours listening to my sewing machine whir and providing crucial feedback on many design iterations. Their ability to still smile as I run to them saying ‘look what I made!’ is motivation enough for me to keep going and I am forever grateful. I’d also like to shoutout my friends who have dutifully taken their TableTopper™’s with them to parties, pools, camping trips and more to help spread the word. Lastly, a shoutout to my loyal customers who love what I make and keep coming back for more – it’s all because of them that I get to do this!
Website: www.freskodecor.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/freskodecor
Other: https://freskodecor.etsy.com
Image Credits
Tressa Ranee Photography https://www.facebook.com/tressahorning.art/