First things first!
I got to meet Donny Osmond at the Atlanta market last week! Squeal! I still can’t believe the opportunities I get with this job of mine, but wow is it fun.
I had no idea that THE Donny Osmond, superstar singer, winner of Dancing with the Stars, and overall mega-talented guy, who I’ve watched grow up on TV all these years, now has launched a furniture collection with his beautiful wife, Debbie. I think he is about 2 years younger than me, so we are definitely in the same generation and I loved watching him and his family sing and dance and entertain America all these years. I’ve loved his music and his talent and didn’t miss an episode of the Donny and Marie show back in the day. Their family represented solid family values to me, much the same as my own family does.
So, you can practically say we grew up together!
To get to meet him in person was such an honor and I got to sit down and chat with Donny and Debbie about their newest venture, Donny Osmond Home Collection. I got an email from their PR firm, asking me if I’d like to come to the Mart, see the collection and interview Donnie and Debbie?
Yes, please!
I snapped a few photos in a hurry, but they are not the best. This is my iphone pic with Donny.
And another with Debbie and Donny. They were such nice folks to chat with and very personable and friendly in person.
I did sit down for just a few minutes to ask them a few questions and I planned on recording it so I could remember everything, but my phone didn’t have enough memory. So, instead of a lot of exact quotes from them, I’m going to give you the overview of the conversation.
I asked Donny how they decided to get involved with a venture like this and they told me that it was something that had been on their mind for a few years and things came together for this collection to happen, so they took it. They also mentioned that they are a very private family and don’t open up their home for the public to see, so this was a good way to share their style and love of home with others. They have 5 children and 6 grandchildren (don’t they look great for grandparents!) and have a busy active life. Married for 35 years, Donny is celebrating 50 years in show business. Now that’s incredible!
They really wanted me to convey their love of family and home and how much it means to them to have a comfortable home for family to gather in. I get that myself! I think that’s what most of us want, a comfortable and casual home that feels like HOME to us all. A place for family and friends to come and feel welcome and safe. Their brand message is “Making Home and Family #1”. I love that message!
From a magazine article I read, from Donny, “Debbie and I want to encourage families to spend quality time together and to do so in an environment that is inviting and family friendly. Debbie’s and my home collection is a reflection of the décor found in our home, a blend of textured neutrals with color accents depicting a casual and comfortable lifestyle.”
I also asked Donny if he was still traveling around and touring and he said that he’s been in Las Vegas for the last 6 years with his big show. What started as a 6 week engagement turned into 6 years, so that shows the longevity of this talented guy and how popular he still is to so many people. I can understand that too, I’ve always loved his music. I asked him if he and Marie were still singing together and he said they just finished touring with a Christmas show. I know that would be a good one!
So, I took a little peek around at their brand new collection, just launched this week and I did like what I saw.
They even have a wall tile collection to add architectural details to a wall.
From furniture, accessories, lighting, rugs, linens, bedding, door hardware and more,
Pretty bedding.
Love that wood and glass folding screen in the back, as well as this occasional chair.
Door hardware.
Pretty rustic bookshelf.
From the press release: Retail pricing ranges from moderate to mid-range. Pricing will reflect Donny and Debbie’s desire to create affordable product that appeals to mainstream retail outlets and consumers.
Products will be available in mainstream retail channels and online. Look for Donny Osmond Home in furniture showrooms, department stores, specialty stores, independent retailers and distributor showrooms and catalogs. For lots more information, check out DonnyOsmond.com. You can see the collection and read more about all of their plans.
I loved getting the opportunity to sit down and chat with them! I’ll be back next post to share more from the Atlanta Market. It’s always fun and inspiring to go there and see what’s hot!
Wow! Somehow this collection totally missed my radar. It appeals to me. I also have to say that Rhoda you look completely stunning! That color is fantastic on you and your haircut is truly pinable! 🙂
Rhoda you DO look positively fabulous in the photo!! I, too grew up listening to Donny and his family sing. Although I liked his music and his family values, it just kind of confuses me why I would want to buy furniture with his name on it…not that it is unattractive. (I do like the chairs.) I just find the marketing strange (…but then why would I want to buy it because a model’s name was on it either??) I guess I am just not the “norm” when it comes to marketing. Lucky you for getting to meet him though!!
I love this collection! The piece in the last picture (console) is just what I need for my dining room which is getting a makeover. I hope I can find this in our area, Rhoda.
Rhoda – how very exciting for you to meet Donny and Debbie Osmond. And you look fabulous! I will definitely check out this line of home furnishings.
What a great opportunity for you! I couldn’t help but notice the resemblance between you and Debbie. You could be sisters.
Don’t you just love him? I met him last January for my birthday. He was giving a special concert in a town near us, and my husband arranged for us to be seated in the front row/center seat right in front of him. He was wonderful. It was actually a year ago yesterday.
Wow! You got to chat with one of my main childhood idols!! And I still do enjoy his music. Going to a concert is on my bucket list. What a pretty collection! So happy for you, Rhoda. I do hope you are writing a book. You have an amazing story to tell. A story of hope!
Hi Rhoda
I saw Donny and his furniture collection as well. I thought it was a nice collection, and it was affordable! I thought the show was good – lots of things I would like to have in my home!
wahhh you got to meet Donny Osmond.. were are all our old issues of 16 magazine and Tiger beat. sigh lucky Rhoda. 😉
Love his collection, but mostly I love your new hairstyle! Looks so youthful!!
When will it be in stores? I’m loving the bedding for Spring. Rhonda you look so cute in your boots.
How exciting to meet Donny Osmond! I loved watching the Donny and Marie show years ago too. Beautiful picture of you. Looking fabulous!
Beautiful furniture line! I could handle a whole house filled with his collection! You look stunning, Rhoda!
How fun! Their stuff looks amazing.
I am loving the look they have going with their furniture line! How fun for you that you got to meet them and chat! one of my dreams is to get to attend that market someday!
Wow. Looks like they’ll be a hit. I especially loved the fans! And btw – in that photo of you with the dress and cowboy boots – you looked so darned cute! And sassy!
Love the collection. The rustic bookcase has my name written all over it. The finished on the pieces are really pretty. Thanks for a walk down memory lane Rhoda and for sharing this with us.
Ditto… repeat…. bravo; great job Rhoda. Its so amazing the opportunity that you get to do what you love so much. Like so many others; Donny was my teen heartthrob.
Way to go…Rho! Those are great pictures. He always seems so gracious on TV and I feel that is genuine. So happy for you. Saw you in the choir yesterday. Wonderful message by Mark as always.
L,
Judy
Okay Rhoda now I’m seriously jealous. He and I are the same age and I was suppose to be Mrs. Donny Osmond…it was meant to be, afterall I have his sister’s name! When he married Debbie I was heart broken. LOL Their collection looks great and I’m looking forward to seeing some of their pieces in the flesh.
A brilliant blog interview with a very special couple, best of luck with their range xx ( I’d purchase that cardboard cutout of Donny too!!) Pls have a read of my Osmond Family Blogs inc 1977 D&M Show & D&M UK Tour + photos at: tinamckenzie2013 xx