About Grace McNamara Inc.
Grace McNamara is president and CEO of Grace McNamara Inc. (GMI), based in St. Paul, Minn. McNamara founded the company in 1986 with the purchase of Window Fashions magazine. In 1997, she founded FFI–Fine Furnishings International magazine, targeting upscale interior designers and high-end retailers. In November 2008, GMI re-launched Window Fashions as Window Fashion Vision, developing a fresh new look for the magazine and starting a revolution for no more naked windows.
“We are on a mission to elevate window fashions in the minds of designers and consumers,” says McNamara. “The re-design and re-naming of our product better represents what we have to offer, which is the industry vision for our readers and advertisers. We are the voice, the views, the ‘vision’ of the industry.”
In addition to publishing, GMI produces educational seminars, conferences and trade shows for the window-fashions industry. Since 1997, the company has produced the International Window Coverings EXPO (Vision09), the exclusive trade show for the window-fashions industry.
GMI developed the Window Fashions Certified Professionals Program™ in 1990, the very first and leading education program for the window-fashions industry, featuring CEU-accredited seminars. This multilevel program is offered at the International Window Coverings EXPO (Vision09) and at regional conferences throughout the United States, with numerous educational products available in our Education Center located online.
American Cake Decorating and Mailbox News were acquired by GMI in 2002 and 2003, respectively, and comprise the company’s Culinary Division. These publications represent a natural extension of GMI’s design focus into the delicious realm of sugar, offering information and inspiration to both professional and enthusiast practitioners.
McNamara has been a member of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) since 1986. In 2005, she was named IFDA’s Trailblazer of the Year. She is a press member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).