This week’s business to be featured in the Leader’s community-centric “A Business Minute” is Sue and Rhonda Wall design, owned by artists Sue Oler and Rhonda Darling McDonald. Get to know what makes Oakdale businesses special.

Answers submitted by Sue Oler.

Tell me a little bit about your business (what you do, how you got started):

We are artists and we’ve been in business for 25 years. We met when we were both doing visual merchandising. We were both invited to do decorative painting for a non-profit organization and decided to create a business from there. Our business includes specialty wall finishes, murals and painted furniture. We work in both commercial and residential. I live near Escalon and Rhonda lives in Oakdale.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

We enjoy the chance to create art to make it personal for the client. It is a creative outlet for us.

What’s a common misconception about your work?

That we are too expensive.

If money wasn’t an option, which charity would you most enjoy giving to, and why?

Community Hospice. Because of all the people they help. We have always given to them through our involvement with their Designer Showhouses and we try to donate to their fundraisers with gift certificates or pieces of art. Another charity is the Guardian House in Oakdale because they provide a safe haven for children. We did some artwork in their building when they first opened.

What are some of your current projects?

We are currently working on a couple of new custom homes. In one of the homes, we are painting a large architectural design medallion on the formal dining room ceiling and faux wood beams on a library ceiling. We recently completed a mural in a grandma’s home for her infant grandson when he comes to visit.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your field, today?

Our biggest challenge (in our field) is keeping up with new trends. To resolve that, we go to the city to get new ideas.

What do you find most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding thing about our job is seeing how excited our clients are about the finished project.

What are some of your pet peeves?

We don’t have any. We have the best job in the world.

How has your business changed over the years?

We are more experienced artists today, therefore we offer a much higher quality product and service.

Who/what business or business owner would you like to see featured in the Oakdale Leader?

Empty Nest and the workshops they offer. Alexandria’s Home and Garden, I Love Paris,  Cottonwood Cafe. Green Pea in Escalon and the workshops they offer.

How can you be reached?

We both have home studios/offices. Sue Oler can be reached at 209-838-1401, and Rhonda Darling McDonald can be reached at 209-848-2944. We offer free appointments locally. Our website is www.sueandrhondawalldesign.com, where one can see lots of great photos of our work.