Shifting from a Consumer Mindset

As a retail business owner for over 30 years, I’ve witnessed many changes in the marketplace and in the buying habits of consumer mindsets. Recently, there has been an important shift in attitudes toward consumerism—the idea that we must constantly acquire new things. This shift has been driven in part by the depletion of natural resources, along with a growing advocacy for conscious consumption and waste reduction.

This change made me reflect on how my business could better align with my personal values—wasting less and prioritizing quality over quantity. It led me to re-evaluate the products I offer and recommit to vendors whose values of craftsmanship and sustainability mirror my own.

Selling and fabricating window coverings has been the cornerstone of my business throughout my career. Early on, when I made the conscious decision to sell quality products, I chose Graber Blinds, a division of Springs Window Fashions. Their components are made of aluminum, ensuring durability and longevity—unlike vinyl, which can crack or degrade with temperature changes. Graber blinds can be safely cleaned without compromising their integrity, and my expectation is that once I install them in your home, you’ll have them for decades.

Springs Window Fashions is also a company committed to providing the Best Experience. If there’s a problem, they fix it. For example, the mechanisms that raise and lower the blinds come with a lifetime warranty. If a shade becomes difficult to operate, it will be repaired or replaced. Not all blind companies can make that claim, but I’ve repeatedly seen Graber step up to honor their promises. Their blinds are also repairable—if a string breaks, it can be fixed, keeping items out of the landfill. Surprisingly, that’s not the case with many manufacturers. Springs Window Fashions has received awards for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

Another product I’m proud to carry is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I’ve always had a passion for restoring antiques and, more recently, what has come to be known as “repurposing”—taking existing items and making them better. I grew up in a home where money was tight, so we often did without or made what we needed. Still, I always wanted to create a space filled with beautiful, meaningful, and unique items. When you're on a budget, that often means using what you already have or avoiding buying new. Thrift stores and garage sales are wonderful places to find that perfect piece of furniture to make uniquely yours.

This belief led me to research paint products designed specifically for furniture. Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is the pioneer of no-prep, environmentally friendly furniture paint. Cover Ups is proud to be the only distributor of this remarkable paint in Alaska. It's water-based, has minimal VOCs, and meets the highest indoor air quality standards. Annie’s business model mirrors my own—we both advocate for saving furniture from the landfill and giving items new life in creative, reimagined ways. Its unique formula eliminates the need for harsh chemical strippers and tedious prep work, allowing you to get straight to the fun part: creating something one-of-a-kind.

If you’re working on a project and trying to be more mindful about your purchases, we invite you to reach out to us at Cover Ups Window Fashions. We’d love to help you make something beautiful and meaningful.