Dara Sharma, TruBlue’s newest franchisee, who is making waves in Nashville, Tennessee with her unique blend of expertise and passion. With over 23 years in the interior design, architecture, and construction industries, Dara’s career has been rich and varied, encompassing projects from healthcare facilities to luxury homes. Yet, it’s her latest venture that is perhaps the most personal and empowering.
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Dara’s Motivation for Joining TruBlue
Dara shares her personal story, which resonates with challenges and aspirations. “After facing roadblocks and hitting a glass ceiling in my corporate journey and having a pressing desire to champion women in my industry, I was ready to take control of my own destiny and ensure I would never be in a position to hit a glass ceiling again,” she explains.
Her vision for her TruBlue franchise is about business growth and community enhancement. Dara is committed to leveraging her extensive design experience to enrich the lives of the Nashville communities she has participated in for over three decades. She aims to blend her professional skills with her personal insights into the needs of busy families and the elderly to offer a comprehensive service that genuinely gives back.
From Education to Franchising
Reflecting on her journey, Dara recounts her educational and professional background. “I’ve been in the Nashville area for 30 years. I went to college at O’more College of Architecture and Design in Franklin and graduated there with a B.A. in Interior Design. I have been a practicing Interior Designer in this area ever since, except for a brief stint in NYC before we had kids,” she details. Her deep experience spans several key sectors, making her a versatile and knowledgeable leader in her field.
Her husband is a real estate investor, and she often collaborated on long-term rentals, short-term rentals, multi-family projects, renovations, and property management. During this time, she was also a freelance residential interior designer, so she has a wide array of design, architecture, and construction experience over the last 23 years.
Dara’s decision to venture into franchising was influenced by a mix of personal and professional factors, especially after a challenging experience in a previous leadership role. “I really hit the glass ceiling hard there, resulting in a difficult ending no one should ever have to endure. That experience really inspired me to reevaluate my life and career. I ultimately decided to take a leap and to go out on my own,” she states.
Why TruBlue?
When asked about her decision to choose TruBlue, Dara emphasizes aligning the franchise’s values with her own. “When we found TruBlue, it really felt like the perfect fit. I have so much experience with home design, managing properties, and knowledge about caring and designing healthcare spaces for the elderly,” Dara mentions. Her personal connection to aging-in-place services, informed by her family’s experiences, adds a layer of empathy and purpose to her business model.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dara is optimistic about the impact and growth of her business. “After getting the business off the ground, I would love to market it across all of Middle Tennessee. I plan to bring on a supportive team to manage the two territories I currently own. Beyond that, my goal is to have a premium local business that has a stellar reputation in our community,” she outlines her ambitions.
Dara’s story is a compelling narrative of overcoming professional hurdles, embracing entrepreneurial spirit, and committing to societal contribution. As she embarks on this new chapter with TruBlue, her journey will undoubtedly inspire many, particularly women in the design and construction industries, to pursue their dreams and break their own ceilings.
