jostar interiors ltd. profile
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Joanna Starko has always wanted to work in the design in-dustry. “My love of fabrics, colours and textures began with my mother, who designed and sewed clothes for our family,”
explains president Starko. “This love of the industry continued in home economics in school, through the home economics program at the University of Alberta where I received my bach-elor of education degree teaching home economics in Calgary, and working in the industry.”
With plenty of teaching experience behind her, Starko de-cided to focus on design and opened Jostar Interiors in 1975.
“It was a huge learning curve,” smiles Starko. “I was well versed in providing creative designs and window coverings, but developing business procedures and accounting systems was a learning curve which I worked at over the years and devel-oped systems that worked. [In 1975] I was young, ambitious with great passion, but I was naïve. I loved what I did, but I was not prepared for the hard work, long hours, and commitment
it took to build a business as a sole owner. As well as building the business, I was raising a family with the devoted support of my husband.”
This, however, didn’t slow down the energetic Starko. She rose to the challenge and 40 years later, she and her professional team are pleased to offer a full range of services that include complete renovations, 3D drawings, space planning, painting, blinds, drapery, bedding, furniture, upholstery, area rugs, ac-cessories, art, mirrors, flooring, storage solutions, fireplaces, wall coverings, holiday decorating, real estate staging and show home setup. “Clients are delighted, as we can oversee all their interior design needs,” says Starko. “Jostar Interiors is unique as it is a design company, a retail store, and a renovation company all under one roof.”
Over the years Jostar Interiors has adorned many homes with fabulous décor and designed and renovated many kitch-ens, bathrooms and basements with amazing results. Builders
By Nerissa McNaughton
From Concept... to Completion
Celebrations are planned for Jostar Interior Ltd.’s 40th anniversary. Find out what has kept this company going strong for nearly four decades.
Jostar Interiors Ltd.: Masters of Great Design
Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 1
and developers have benefited from her talent used to showcase their model and spec homes. Additionally, for several years Jo-star Interiors appeared on Help TV as part of a panel of experts that responded to called-in questions from viewers.
Jostar Interior’s clients enjoy the outstanding customer ser-vice in addition to the many available services – and those cli-ents are fiercely loyal to the value they receive.
“My first client in 1975 requested custom drapery in their home,” Starko explains. “I’m happy to say that over the years, we’ve worked on every home they have moved into and are now renovating their retirement condo. It’s clients like this that we are so grateful for.”
It’s easy to see why the company so easily retains their clients. Jostar Interiors is solution-oriented. For example, when a client wanted a recreation room created in her home but was taxed with a low basement ceiling, Jostar Interiors did some research and learned they could excavate the basement under the exist-
ing home. The client now enjoys a complete basement and the desired recreation room.
Jostar Interiors works with private clients, builders, devel-opers and renovators. Starko’s expertise has taken her as far as Costa Rica to work on a luxury condominium complex.
Jostar Interiors is currently involved in a large condo project at the Botanica in St. Albert, which sits on the site of the original
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From Concept... to Completion
Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 2 Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 3
Versatile Marble & Granite7231-156 Avenue • 780.940.7867
Congratulations to Jostar Interiors on your 40th Anniversary!
We wish you many years of continued Success!
Lois Hole Greenhouse location. “The project will be amazing,” confirms Starko. “The sales centre is completed and construc-tion is now underway for the condo complex.” Jostar Interiors was chosen as the ideal designer to work on the design of the complex as well as to help preserve and showcase the essence of the land and the warm spirt of its history. It’s a challenge the company readily accepted – and exceeded expectations.
Over the years, Jostar Interiors has been recognized numer-ous times for their outstanding work, including nine consecu-tive Consumer Choice Awards and two Top Choice Awards for Interior Designer of the Year. Starko is particularly proud of the Consumer Choice Awards, as it shows the appreciation of the people she works so hard for – her clients. Starko is currently
nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Womi-nation, a women’s business organization.
Jostar Interiors ensures a beautiful world inside and out. Inside through outstanding design, and outside by supporting several non-profit organizations and mentoring emerging designers. The University of Alberta Hospital Foundation, Multiple Sclerosis So-ciety of Canada – Edmonton and Capital Region Chapter, The Ride to Conquer Cancer, Win4Skin, the Movember Foundation, Santas Anonymous and numerous community hockey and dance groups have benefited from the generosity of Jostar Interiors. As well, Jostar Interiors continues to provide mentorship and intern programs, working with the Northern Alberta Institute of Tech-nology, the University of Alberta, and Lakeland College and Art Institute of Pittsburg for emerging design professionals.
Who celebrates our partners? We do. Congratulations to Jostar Interiors Ltd. for 40 years of taking Albertans’ interior dream from Concept to Completion.
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From Concept... to Completion
Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 2 Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 3
#70, 130 Broadway blvd. Sherwood park, AB780-467-0082 • www.sherwoodflooringltd.ca
It’s a pleasure to work with a company that treats you like a friend.
Congratulations on 40 Years!!
Starko is excited to be planning her company’s 40th anniver-sary celebrations. It’s a true milestone and a source of pride for the company. It’s not just the clients that have benefited from
Starko’s four decades of work. “We are becoming a resource centre for many designers as they see the benefit of working with a design company that can support their work in so many ways,” smiles the designer.
As Starko looks backs over four decades of growing the busi-ness, expanding the shop and the staff, meeting challenges head on and excelling in her craft, she is grateful for all those that have supported her vision along the way. “I would like to ac-knowledge the work of dedicated staff, love and support of my family and the skills of our trades and suppliers. I could not have done it alone.”
877.FLOFORM FLOFORM.COM
the Kitchen you Live in
7630 YELLOWHEAD TRAIL
EDMONTON, AB
3TRIPLE M HOMEMaintenance and Renovations
M17440 - 104th Street
Edmonton, AB T5X 5W8
Ph: 780.718.3796Fax: [email protected]
Congratulations on your
40th Anniversary.
We look forward to working with you and your great team for
many more years to come.
From Concept... to Completion
Jostar Interiors Ltd. | 40 Years | 4
5538 Calgary Trail NWEdmonton, AB T6H 4K1
780-435-1727 • [email protected]://www.jostar.com
From Concept.. to Completion