I have to admit, I really didn't have a choice from the very beginning. Starting with my ever glamorous Swedish grandmother, Maud de Don, she had an alluring sense of style and beauty that is still enamoring today. Both her and my grandfather, Gunnar de Don, always had some sort of animal in the house - sometimes very exotic. I particularly remember a wild large cat that took to them instantly and became a permanent residence in their lives. Sam was his name, and unless you were my grandparents, there was no point in trying to touch him. (Hmm, reminds me of one of my own cats named Sasha. Only after years of her training me, will she snuggle, but all other living things she despises.)

Next came my Georgia born grandmother, Helen Woolsey. Every week she went to the hair parlor to be properly coiffed, as all well-bred southern women would do. Her love for expensive shoes and classic, timeless, outfits inspired me on our regular shopping trips. Thomas Woolsey, my grandfather, would graciously allow for her eccentricies while piddling on the back porch with a smile.

But the most influential woman in my life was my mother, Helen Scott Pleasants. Her independence and beauty was unsurpassed. Adopting the nickname "Scotty", she was the epitome of Barbie rolled into a tomboy. Her long blonde hair and steel blue eyes was always dressed in the most fashionable outfits. She was the only woman I knew who could throw off her high heeled platforms and give the boys a run for their money on the volleyball field. In fact, after earning a degree in physical education, her slim athletic figure could trounce most men in any sport. (Though I never saw her play football, but that's probably a good thing.) She had a natural beauty (and still does) that others could only envy. Though any garment would look fabulous on her, she still would dress exquisitely, always making heads turn. It was no surprise that she modeled, then quitting to follow a more family and independent business path. I just wish I still had some of those incredible outfits she had back then!

Then there was me. As a small child, my mother already had a hard time putting me in sneakers. I only wanted "pretty shoes" on my dainty little feet. In junior high school I started a small business of selling jewelry to the elite girls of my school. A little later, I began experimenting with making my own clothes and got enormous response from my creations. As an adult, I have always kept abreast of the latest styles and have successfully predict where future styles will go. Shopping sample sales, working the club circuit, and spending countless hours in fashion research, I often revel in the diva's most comforting five words, "Where did you get that?"

My love of pets has a similar history. From childhood to adulthood, I have had a massive concern and connection towards all types animals. From taking in strays and finding good homes to fostering pets for the local Rescue shelters, I have delighted in the comforting qualities that these animals have shared with me.

Currently, my son and I have four wonderful pets:
Sasha (an owner give up) my calico, sometime psychotic 9 year female cat.
Sampson (rescue) our brave, fat, and incredibly friendly 7 year old male tabby.
Widget (stray) our local bug hunter, shy, and beautiful 5 year old female cat.
And Frodo (rescue) our adorable 5 lb Miniature Pincher/snuggle bunny 3 year old male dog.

Quite frankly, it is Frodo who inspired me to include pet items as he is so fun to spoil. I try to spoil the cats, but they just look at me in a curious way and go about their business. I think they do appreciate all the extras they get, they just don't show it like the dog does. Frodo, on the other hand, LOVES when I come home with a new purse pet carrier or snuggly warm sweater. He is our official toy and treat tester, and loves his job. Occasionally, we can even convince him to model for us.

Well, that's about all the babbling I can do for now. We hope you like what we've done here and are glad you are taking the time out to visit us. Drop us a line if you have more questions or are curious about our website. And remember House of de Don for all your Diva shopping needs - because everyone deserves to look good.