Samrihat Dhaliwal’s path to launching D Designs is as inspiring as the homes she stages. From her beginnings in India to becoming a Top 10 Rising Star at the 2024 RESA® Home Staging Industry Awards, Samrihat’s story is one of passion, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
A Journey of Resilience and Vision
Born and raised in India, Samrihat moved to Canada at 17 with plans to study civil engineering. However, her passion for interior design was undeniable. “I’ve always had a passion for design. Even as a teenager, I was redecorating my own room and creating custom furniture,” she recalls. After switching her major to interior decorating, Samrihat’s career took off.
Her work with furniture wholesalers gave her invaluable industry knowledge, which later became the foundation for launching D Designs in 2022. “I was fortunate to have my family’s support from the beginning. My brother was my first investor, lending me $2,000 to purchase my first inventory,” she shares. This family support helped her transform a passion into a thriving business.
The Art of Staging
At the heart of D Designs is Samrihat’s belief that staging is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating connections and selling a lifestyle. “Staging is about making buyers fall in love with a home, helping them envision their life there,” she explains. Her staging process is deeply personal, inspired by the unique features of each home and a commitment to showcasing a property’s best qualities.
Her ability to blend creativity with market demands has quickly established D Designs as a go-to staging company in the Canadian market. Samrihat draws inspiration from nature, design trends, and the property itself, ensuring each space is not only visually stunning but also market-ready.
Commitment to Growth through Education
Samrihat’s growth has been heavily influenced by her dedication to continuous learning. After taking two courses at Staging Studio, her approach to staging and business operations shifted. “The Staging Design Professional course was packed with detailed insights from 18 years of industry experience, which gave me a strong foundation. I’ve already implemented some of the helpful templates in my marketing, making my client communications clearer and more substantial,” she explains.
While the first course focused on building a solid foundation, the Master-level course provided a hands-on, immersive experience. “The Master-level course was truly eye-opening. It covered large-scale operations, from managing warehouse inventory to understanding the design process on a bigger scale. It was structured step-by-step, making sure I thoroughly understood each concept before implementing it in my business,” she adds.
Samrihat is especially grateful to RESA® for introducing her to Staging Studio. “I’m truly thankful to RESA® for connecting me with the wonderful people at Staging Studio. Their courses provided me with a wealth of knowledge and resources, and their openness and kindness made the entire experience even more valuable.”
She also highlights the supportive community Staging Studio has fostered. “Through their CRU program and active Facebook pages, I continue to feel connected to a collaborative network that offers help and advice, even after completing both courses.”
Attending RESACON: A Game-Changing Experience
Attending RESACON for the first time was a turning point in Samrihat’s career. “It opened a whole new world of staging for me,” she reflects. “I realized that I’m not alone in this journey—there are so many incredible people riding the same waves, even if we’re on different boats.”
One of her biggest takeaways from RESACON was the importance of understanding the business side of staging. “Coming from an interior decorating background, I didn’t always focus on the numbers and financials. But RESACON reinforced that, to be sustainable, we must treat staging as the legitimate business it is, not just a hobby for design lovers.”
This insight prompted Samrihat to revamp her entire business plan, ensuring that her pricing and operations reflected the true value of her work. Additionally, RESACON introduced her to invaluable resources tailored to stagers, from inventory management tools to opportunities for women in business.
The event was particularly meaningful for Samrihat and her company, D Designs, as they were recognized in the Top 10 of the Rising Star categories for both Occupied and Vacant Staging. “This recognition was a huge confidence boost and validation of the value we bring to our clients’ listings. It motivates me to push harder and achieve even greater results next year.”
A New Milestone: The Warehouse
Securing a 2,000 sq. ft. warehouse has been a game-changer for D Designs. “Previously, I worked out of three storage units, which made managing inventory challenging and time-consuming,” Samrihat explains. Now, with a dedicated space for inventory and operations, D Designs can operate more efficiently and effectively.
“We have 3 to 4 levels of vertical storage, which holds far more than 10 storage units combined. I’m very particular about how things are stored and stacked, and my goal is to keep the warehouse at least half empty, ensuring our inventory is always working in clients’ homes,” she says.
This move has enhanced her ability to serve clients by providing greater access to high-quality furnishings and decor, allowing for faster, more streamlined staging projects.
Boutique Brilliance: The Future of D Designs
Looking ahead, Samrihat remains committed to maintaining D Designs as a boutique home staging company. “I believe that ‘less is more,’ not just in design but in how I run my business. I don’t want to be a company that stages five homes a day. I’d rather spend two days on one staging, carefully planning and selecting the right elements to create a lived-in look that feels personal.”
She emphasizes that this approach ensures she doesn’t lose the personal touch that has made D Designs successful. “While I’m just stepping into my third year in business, I know that prioritizing a thoughtful, curated approach over volume is what will help me stay passionate about design and stand out in the market.”
Join RESA® and Connect with D Designs
If you’re inspired by Samrihat’s journey and want to connect with a community of staging professionals, consider joining the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA®). RESA® provides invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and education to help home stagers grow their careers.
To see more of Samrihat Dhaliwal’s stunning work or inquire about staging services, visit her at D Designs.
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