Why I Do Business in Great Falls, MT

Third-generation owner and award-winning entrepreneur shares what makes this region so special.

By Rebecca Deurlein on February 7, 2024

Paris Bread

When the Great Falls Development Alliance and community partners chose The Decorating House as one of its honorees for exemplary women in business, it made sense. After all, the business in Great Falls has thrived in its evolution from first generation to third. 

Begun in 1988 by Lloyd and Betty Miller, the business succeeds due to strong work ethic and each owner’s personal style. First, it was Wallpaper World Pittsburgh Paint, then daughter Robin Miller purchased it, painted it pink and named it The Decorating House, adding Thomasville furniture to the design center.

Now, granddaughter Britta Lee has assumed ownership and expanded further, with custom upholstery and leather, window treatments, lighting, rugs, accent items and even interior design services. 

Lee shares the story of her success, the wisdom she has gained along the way and the many reasons why Great Falls is her chosen place to live and work. 

Paris Bread

How has your business succeeded for multiple generations? 
There is no one secret to a successful business. We carry beautiful products, and people are attracted to quality. But we also love what we do – creating beautiful and functional spaces. That passion and commitment drives us to do our very best every day in taking care of our clients and executing projects with tenacity. We try to stay inspired and not get too bogged down by the day-to-day. That’s the best thing about design – it is always something different. 

Why are you inspired to both live and work in Great Falls? 
Great Falls is an amazing small town, and it keeps getting better! I am so impressed by the downtown development and the town’s overall support for small business. There has never been a better time to live, work and play in Great Falls. Mostly, I love raising my family here because the culture favors a balance between work and family life. Because many of my clients are also business owners, they understand when I have to be there for my kids. 

What’s your favorite part about being a small-business owner? 
I love living in what I call the “art of possibility.” As a small business owner, I am free to manifest my highest dreams and aspirations. For example, our business hosts an annual Garden Party event where we turn the entire parking lot into a retail space with live music and beautiful refreshments. This year, we had a string quartet playing for the event. We will be hosting a similar Christmas event, as well. 

I also love being able to give to our community. Our business is committed to investing in Great Falls. This year we sponsored a hole at the new disc golf course, Silver Thorn. We’ve also supported Fur Ball, the Great Falls Ice Plex and other local charities. 

What are your favorite design projects? 
My favorite project is whatever I am working on, whether it’s the Great Falls College Weaver Library, a complete renovation of a Park Plaza condo or a Western-style ranch. 

I love my clients and I love design! Every project is a new journey with unique challenges. As a designer, I strive to create a space that reflects my clients’ tastes and preferences, not necessarily just my own style. That keeps each project fresh and interesting and the clients feeling most satisfied. 

Any tips for other entrepreneurs? 
Embrace failure. None of us likes to fail, but it is a very necessary part of starting a business. Every evening at our dinner table we share a success, but also a failure, with the idea of normalizing and even celebrating the more painful parts of the learning process. You have to fail to succeed and always ask yourself what you learned, then try again.