Carrying the Thread Forward

When I was a little girl, I used to wander through the County Draperies factory, mesmerized by the hum of sewing machines and the rhythm of skilled hands turning fabric into something beautiful. My grandmother, Sara Markowitz, co-founded County Draperies with my grandfather Carl Markowitz in 1978. She was, and still is, a force of nature, a woman with vision, grit, and a deep belief in doing things the right way, no matter the cost. She did not just start a business; she created a standard to measure up to. From the very beginning, County Draperies was more than just custom drapes and bedspreads. It was about craftsmanship, integrity, and relationships. It was about showing up, doing the work, and doing it properly. 

Today, nearly five decades later, I am honored and privileged to carry forward what she began. I’ll be honest, I've had my moments of doubt. There are days when the weight of this legacy feels heavy. I’m a wife and mother of young children, juggling school drop-offs, late-night wakeups, and the endless logistics of family life. And yet, every morning, I show up with a sense of purpose, knowing that I’m not just running a business. I’m continuing a story that began before I was born. 

County Draperies has always been a family-run and woman-owned business, and that’s something I hold close. My role here isn’t just about operations, sales, or human resources; It’s about stewardship. It’s about honoring the values that built this company while also pushing it forward into a new era. That balance isn’t always easy, but it’s what drives me to reach for greater heights.

When I stepped into this leadership role, I brought with me a background in computer science. At first glance, that might seem like an odd fit for a drapery company, but in reality, it’s been a powerful asset. Technology has allowed us to streamline our processes, improve our customer experience, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry. I’ve worked hard to blend the technical with the traditional; to respect the artistry and history of our work, while also embracing innovation. 

One of the things I’m most proud of is how we’ve stayed true to our roots while continuing to grow. We still manufacture everything right here in our factory in the USA. We still believe in quality over shortcuts, and we still treat our clients like partners, not transactions. Whether we’re outfitting a boutique hotel with elegant pinch-pleated drapes or producing luxury bedding for a major hospitality brand, we bring the same level of care and attention to every project. 

Being a woman in business today comes with its own set of challenges, but I’m constantly inspired by the women who came before me, especially my grandmother. She didn’t have a roadmap or a path to follow. She paved her own. And now, I get to walk it, adding my own steps along the way.  

I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have made County Draperies what it is today. Our team is filled with talented, passionate individuals who care deeply about their work. Many of them have been with us for years, even decades. Together, we’ve weathered industry shifts, economic ups and downs, and the evolving needs of our clients. And through it all, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most: delivering exceptional products and service. 

Looking ahead, I’m excited about where we’re going. We’re exploring new technologies and finding fresh ways to serve our clients. We’re also investing in sustainability, because we believe that doing good business includes doing right by the planet. This is how we continue to evolve without losing sight of who we are. 

To anyone reading this who’s navigating their own legacy, whether in business, family, or both, it’s okay to feel nervous. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, as I often do. What matters is that you keep showing up. That you lead with heart. That you remember where you came from and where it all began, even as you chart a new course forward. 

For me, County Draperies is so much more than just a company. It’s a living, breathing story. A story that began with a bold woman in 1978 and continues today, woven into every stitch, every shipment, and every satisfied client. I am humbled and proud to be part of that story, and even more so to help write its next chapter.