The Finishing Touch team from left, Danny Burns, Linda Maes, owner Cheryl  Sowder, Mariana Ianakieva, Kaylen Pocaterra and Joshua Fox. Photo by Chris Clark/ladailypost.com 

When customers walk into The Finishing Touch at 174 Central Park Square, they encounter a beautiful selection of custom fit window coverings, shades, blinds, shutters, drapes, cornices, carpet, wood flooring, tile, paint and stains.

“The Finishing Touch is in the project business, which means we have the opportunity of working with customers over a longer period of time,” owner Cheryl Sowder said. “This gives us the chance to get to know the customer and develop a relationship.

Sowder moved to Los Alamos as a child when her father was transferred to Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) from the Nevada Test Site. Sowder opened her first of three businesses 43 years ago. She has owned The Finishing Touch for nearly 38 years.

“We are here to help the community,” she said. “If our store doesn’t offer the product or service, we will help you find one that does.”

Sowder explained that at The Finishing Touch, shoppers will find more than great window coverings. Whether looking for a single window treatment, redecorating an entire house or seeking the solution to a complex design challenge, the staff at The Finishing Touch have the knowledge and expertise and are help put it all together, she said.

“Since we’re locally owned and operated, we take our long-term commitment to the community seriously, and we are proud of the professional products and services we provide,” Sowder said. “We are here now – and we’ll be here in the future when you need us again.”

Sowders describes the greatest thing about her business as the connections she and her staff have developed with their customers throughout the process of a home improvement project.

“Because homes are such personal spaces, working together in a customer’s home lends itself toward building relationships,” Sowder said. “We get as excited as our customers during the process; it’s often sad when the project is completed and we don’t see them regularly any more … until the next project!”

Several employees and installers have been employed by The Finishing Touch for years. , Mariana Ianhkievhhas been with the company for 10 years, Linda Maes for 14 years and she also has three subcontract installers – one has been with her for more than 20 years, the second for 19 years and the third for nine years.

“The Finishing Touch is built on catering to the customers’ needs. It isn’t a ‘you’re-on-your-own’ type of store, but rather a ‘we’ll-walk-you-through-the-process’ kind of store,” Sowder said.

For more information, call 505.662.3388 or visit www.tftlosalamos.com.