Palos Heights Designer Celebrates Three Year Anniversary

As a young girl, Terry Torbik (now Sullivan) would help her mother decorate the Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables. Making sure colors matched and centerpieces fit with the decor, her talents were beginning to shine.

Today, Terry Sullivan, a Palos Heights resident, has been a designer for 32 years. If the Sullivan name sounds familiar, it is. With husband Paul they have 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. All the children graduated from St. Alexander’s in Palos Heights.

“I’ve been blessed with some really nice kids,” said Terry. “My boys all went to St. Laurence and my daughter is at Mother McAuley. My husband really tried to be involved in their school and we give back with our time,”she added.

January 2nd 2018, Terry will celebrate three years in her own design company, Willow Tree Design. She describes what keeps her client list growing.

“One belief I live by when I am designing for a client is simple. I design for the client and what that means is when I walk out of your home I want your friends and family to know that your home is "Totally You" not totally Terry. My goal as a designer is to take your likes and guide you through the process of making it all work. I want the room I design for you to be your favorite place to be,” she added.

On Saturday, Terry held her first open house at her business, Willow Tree Design located in Alsip in the Holiday Plaza on 127th Street.

Terry encourages the community to come on out for small business Saturday November 25th and stop by to say hello.

“ Small businesses have a lot to offer,” said Terry. “There is always something unique. I will help clients in a variety of ways from whole house design, to shopping for accessories with them. I also I am a dealer for various window covering companies, we also have a full fabric library for custom projects and reupholstering. I work with various contractors for remodeling projects as well, I want you get that personal touch with a small business,” added Terry.

How do you decorate for the Holidays? She gives a tip for you.

“Your holiday design should be a reflection of your taste. I love Christmas and we go all out in our home for the Holidays. So decorate to make you and your family happy. Your home should be a place people want to come to and feel comfortable,” she added.

“I have a few mottos, the first one which is obvious; No job is to Small. Everyone's project is important and every project gets my attention. All that being said I am going to also say that life is short so enjoy it and don't stress over the small stuff”.

Willow Tree Design will be open for Small Business Saturday from 10am-2pm. They are located at 5156 W. 127th Street in Alsip. Phone is 708-926-2005.