When Sonie Skogerson describes her career journey, she likes to say she simply shifted from dressing people to dressing windows.
After more than a decade working in fashion for brands like Brioni and Malo and Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City, Skogerson built a life around style, fabric and helping clients look their best. But once she moved to Bergen County to raise a family, the constant travel that came with the fashion industry became more difficult to maintain.
At the time, she wasn’t necessarily searching for a new career. But an unexpected opportunity appeared: a franchise with Budget Blinds.
“We were exploring different business ideas, and franchising really fell into our lap,” Skogerson said. “Budget Blinds had just launched more of the soft fashion side of the business — drapery, top treatments and fabric design. Since I had worked with textiles for so many years, it felt like a natural transition.”
In 2013, Skogerson purchased the Paramus and Westwood franchises. Nearly a decade later, in 2022, she expanded again by acquiring the Ridgewood territory, building what is now Budget Blinds of Paramus, Ridgewood & Westwood.
Today, she proudly calls herself the “Window Fashionista.”
Bringing the Showroom Home
Unlike traditional home décor stores, Budget Blinds operates on a shop-at-home model designed to simplify the design process.
Instead of asking customers to visit a showroom and guess what products might look like in their space, Skogerson’s team brings the design consultation directly to the client’s home.
“We bring the showroom to you,” Skogerson said. “Our designers come to your house with samples, measure the windows, talk through the design and provide a quote right there.”
From blinds and shutters to custom shades and drapery, the company handles every step of the process. After a design is finalized, the products are custom-made and installed by Skogerson’s in-house installation team, typically within three to five weeks.
“We want the experience to feel easy and personalized,” she said. “Your window treatments should work for your lifestyle, not the other way around.”
From Corporate Fashion to Business Owner
Starting her own business came with challenges, particularly after leaving the structured world of corporate fashion.
“Going from working for a big company to suddenly being your own team can feel lonely in the beginning,” Skogerson said.
Fortunately, the franchise model provided support and mentorship from other owners across the region. Monthly breakfast meetings and regional conferences helped her build relationships and exchange ideas with fellow franchise owners.
One mentor in particular made an impact.
“In the early days, I often reached out to neighboring franchise owner Sal Militello, who has been in the business for more than 20 years,” Skogerson said. “That mentorship was incredibly valuable. Over time, many of us became friends, and the support system has been amazing.”
A Woman-Owned Business Rooted in Community
For Skogerson, being a woman business owner in Bergen County means building relationships, not just transactions.
“Being a women-owned business means leading with a strong sense of community, relationships and service,” she said. “Supporting local schools and businesses is important to me — whether that’s donating, participating in events or partnering with other local entrepreneurs.”
Those partnerships often include collaborations with area interior designers and small businesses. She frequently works with design professionals on home projects and cross-promotes fellow business owners on social media.
Networking also played a major role in growing her business early on.
“I used to drive around in my Budget Blinds van, and people would recognize it and call me the ‘blinds girl,’” she said with a laugh. “Getting out into the community and meeting people has always been one of the best ways to build relationships.”
Designing Windows That Work for Real Life
One of the biggest misconceptions about window treatments is that they’re purely decorative. In reality, they also play an important role in safety, privacy and energy efficiency.
Skogerson encourages homeowners — especially families with young children — to evaluate older window coverings carefully.
“Safety is a big one,” she said. “Traditional cords were eliminated a few years ago because of child safety concerns. Those cords should never be dangling. Updating to cordless or motorized shades is a much safer option.”
For homeowners looking to refresh their interiors this season, she also sees several design trends gaining popularity.
“Cordless or motorized shades are always my first recommendation,” she said. “Natural fabrics are also huge right now — linen blends, textured materials and woven shades.”
Her favorite look at the moment combines simplicity with warmth.
“The most popular design we’re seeing is a natural Roman shade paired with side panels in a linen blend on an antique bronze rod,” she said. “It’s timeless and works in so many homes.”
A Design Refresh That Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Updating a home can feel daunting, but Skogerson encourages homeowners to take it one step at a time.
“Window treatments are one of the easiest ways to refresh a room,” she said. “Many people move into homes that already have treatments installed, and after about 10 years they usually need updating.”
Her advice? Start small.
“I always tell clients we don’t have to do everything at once,” she said. “We can work room by room. Take your time and do it right.”
For Skogerson, the most rewarding part of the business is seeing how thoughtful design can transform a space.
“We love helping homeowners make their homes both functional and beautiful,” she said. “That’s what great design should do.”
More Information
To learn more about Budget Blinds of Paramus, Ridgewood & Westwood or to schedule an in-home consultation, visit Budget Blinds online at budgetblinds.com/paramus. You can also follow the team on Instagram at @budgetblindsnj, connect on Facebook at Budget Blinds of Paramus, Ridgewood & Westwood, email Sonies@budgetblinds.com, or call 201-387-0050.
Skogerson and her local team proudly serve homeowners throughout Bergen County, helping clients transform their windows — and their homes — with custom solutions designed to fit every style and budget.
“Being a women-owned business means leading with a strong sense of community, relationships and service,” - Sonie Skogerson
“We love helping homeowners make their homes both functional and beautiful. That’s what great design should do.” - Sonie Skogerson