Military Spouse Entrepreneurship: How Custom Window Treatment Businesses Are Thriving in Onslow County’s Military Community
In the heart of North Carolina’s coastal region, where Camp Lejeune calls home to thousands of military families, a quiet revolution is taking place. Military spouses are transforming challenges into opportunities by launching successful window treatment businesses that serve their communities while providing the flexibility their unique lifestyle demands.
The Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Movement
The statistics paint a compelling picture of military spouse entrepreneurship. Of over 2,000 military spouse entrepreneur respondents, 87% believe that entrepreneurship is the right choice for their family, while 48% are self-employed, business owners, or aspire to be. This trend isn’t surprising when you consider that military spouses face a 22-26% unemployment rate, significantly higher than their civilian counterparts.
When military spouses enter the world of entrepreneurship, it provides income, flexibility, and a career that moves with them all over the world. Military spouses are 45% more likely to launch and grow a small business, and are 4x more likely to succeed than their civilian counterparts.
Onslow County: A Military Community Hub
Onslow County presents a unique opportunity for military spouse entrepreneurs. As of the 2020 census, there were 204,576 people residing in the county, with a large population of military personnel who served in Gulf War (2001-), 3.93 times greater than any other conflict. Onslow County, located in North Carolina, has a large population of military personnel, creating a substantial customer base for service-oriented businesses.
The county’s demographics are particularly favorable for home service businesses. There were 69,576 households in the county, of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living in them, indicating a strong residential market. Onslow County, North Carolina’s local economy thrives on the connectivity of the mid-Atlantic states, a young and flexible workforce, and a strong and supportive relationship with the military and local employers.
Window Treatment Businesses: A Perfect Fit for Military Spouses
Custom window treatment businesses offer several advantages that align perfectly with military spouse entrepreneurship needs. These businesses can be operated with relatively low overhead, provide flexible scheduling, and offer services that are always in demand as military families frequently relocate and need to customize new living spaces.
The home improvement and window treatment industry has shown resilience and growth, particularly as homeowners invest in comfort and energy efficiency. Military families, who often live in base housing or rental properties, frequently seek ways to personalize their spaces while maintaining functionality and privacy.
Success Story: Coastal Window Fashions NC
A prime example of entrepreneurial success in this space is Coastal Window Fashions NC, which demonstrates how local businesses can thrive by serving the military community. With years of expertise, they specialize in designing and installing premium window treatments and doors for homes in Pender County and surrounding areas. Their team ensures exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and top-tier materials to enhance the beauty and security of homes.
The company’s approach reflects the values that resonate with military families: “Customer satisfaction is our top priority”. With 50 years of design, measurement, and installation knowledge, they can cover any window with blinds, drapes, and more. Their commitment to quality is evident in their promise: delivering top-notch products at the most competitive prices, with projects executed seamlessly on schedule with a flawless outcome every time.
For military families seeking reliable Window Treatments Onslow County services, companies like Coastal Window Fashions NC understand the unique needs of military households, offering full mobile services to make it easier for clients to compare styles, designs, and recommendations.
Why Window Treatment Businesses Work for Military Spouses
Several factors make window treatment businesses particularly suitable for military spouse entrepreneurs:
- Flexibility: Frequent relocations are a part of military life, which means that a business often has to travel with you. Window treatment consultation and design services can often be conducted remotely or adapted to new locations.
- Low Startup Costs: Unlike businesses requiring significant physical inventory or storefronts, window treatment consultation can begin with minimal investment.
- Recurring Demand: Military families move frequently, creating consistent demand for window treatment services as they settle into new homes.
- Relationship-Based: Military spouse business owners hire other military spouses, with veteran and military spouse business owners being 10x more likely to hire fellow veterans and spouses.
Building Community Through Business
Within a military town comes a strong sense of patriotism and community spirit. Military spouse entrepreneurs in the window treatment industry often find themselves serving not just as business owners, but as community connectors. As a community, they ensure that military families feel welcome.
The success of businesses like Coastal Window Fashions NC demonstrates how understanding the military lifestyle can translate into business success. Their approach of providing a diverse selection of window treatments suitable for any size, delivering top-notch products at competitive prices, with projects executed seamlessly on schedule aligns perfectly with military families’ need for reliability and efficiency.
The Future of Military Spouse Entrepreneurship in Home Services
As the data shows significant challenges in the traditional job market, driving many military spouses toward entrepreneurship as a flexible and accommodating career path, the window treatment industry presents ongoing opportunities. Notably, 74% of respondents recognize entrepreneurship as a positive force in their professional lives.
The combination of Onslow County’s growing military population, the constant need for home customization services, and the entrepreneurial spirit of military spouses creates a perfect environment for continued growth in this sector. Companies that understand military families’ unique needs—like frequent moves, budget considerations, and the desire for quality and reliability—are positioned to thrive in this market.
Military spouse entrepreneurship in the window treatment industry represents more than just business success; it’s about building community, providing essential services, and creating careers that can adapt to the demands of military life. As more military spouses discover the potential in this field, Onslow County’s military community continues to benefit from personalized, professional window treatment services that understand their unique lifestyle and needs.