MASON CITY, Iowa – Molly Watson of Home Style in Mason City has been named the May 2025 Entrepreneur of the Month by the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC.
Home Style specializes in a wide range of interior design services, from furnishing and décor projects to full-scale remodeling and new construction work. Watson says she works closely with residential and commercial clients to create personalized spaces that meet their needs and aesthetics.
Watson spent 20 years working in marketing before taking the leap into entrepreneurship for her long-time passion of interior design.
“I saw women my age losing opportunities for various reasons, and it made me think about what I truly wanted for myself,” says Watson. “The only thing holding me back was fear, and I realized I would regret not taking the chance.”
Watson credits the Venture School program, offered through the NIACC Pappajohn Center, with helping her refine her business approach. She says a family friend encouraged her to enroll in the program, which provided her with invaluable resources, mentorship, and practical exercises such as customer interviews.
“One of the most valuable takeaways from Venture School was learning to ask potential clients what they need and want,” says Watson. “That insight continues to shape how I deliver services today.”
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center partners with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center to provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center online at www.pappajohncenter.com.