Creativity has always been a part of RESA member, Danielle Martin’s life. The Founder and Owner of Simply Chic Staging & Designs credits her mother with passing down the creativity gene.
It is a gift I certainly value, but I did not always know how to best utilize it. I have planned significant events, done social media marketing, and various other things within the real-estate realm, but it wasn’t until I was at a Christmas party I had planned, that the lights finally came on.
After 10 years in real estate, Danielle decided to leave the world she knew and take a leap of faith into a full-time home staging business and in the middle of a pandemic. Unsure about how she would make this work with all the furniture stores closed, Danielle was determined to learn this business.
It was hard work and but it was a very gratifying experience for me. I began working with successful real estate agents and lenders in the greater Sacramento area. With my gift of creativity and background in real estate, I set myself apart from traditional staging, and it quickly started paying off!
Learn more about Danielle Martin:
Danielle took some time to help us get some insight on her life and creative journey to Simply Chic Home Staging & Designs
Photos provided by Simply Chic Home Staging & Designs
How did you start your staging career?
I started out and bought enough inventory for one home. I used my profits for a year and half to build an inventory. Now, we own enough furniture and decor to stage 30 homes at once.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car?
Usually food. I am on the go so much that as soon as I get in the car, I realize I am starving! I keep healthy on the go snacks for this exact reason.
What’s your biggest pet peeve when it comes to working with clients?
I am big on communication. I would say my pet peeve is when clients are not communicating well and keeping us informed on the stages of a transaction.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your staging?
I follow a lot of other stagers on Instagram. I get so inspired by their work and success!
Photos provided by Simply Chic Home Staging & Designs
What do you enjoy to do outside of work?
Being with my family and relaxing! Staging is hard work and my downtime is so important.
If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
My favorite running shoes, my minivan (I am that mom), my Bible, and concealer.
Are you managing a team? If so, what do you do to keep your employees motivated?
We always bonus them after big jobs, order lunch/coffee on long days and show our appreciation for all the hard work. It truly takes team! We try to have fun and laugh a lot.
Photos provided by Simply Chic Home Staging & Designs
What part of owning your own business is the least enjoyable for you and why?
The business side is not my favorite! Luckily, my husband handles a large portion of the business side.
When you are in a rut creatively where do you go or what do you do to get out of it?
I love to grab HGTV magazines and watch home design shows.
How did you come up with your business name?
Many nights of brainstorming!
What was your first day on the job like? Tell us all the details!
Nervous and excited. It took me 3 days to stage my first home. I had NO training or knowledge! I wish I could go back and tell myself all the tricks! Now, we can stage a home sometimes in 1.5 to 2 hours.
Photos provided by Simply Chic Home Staging & Designs
What project are you really excited about right now and why?
I have a home that I am staging next week that is a brand new build. This is my second time staging for this builder.
What do you wish real estate agents knew about the “behind the scenes” of your business?
That is it such hard work physically and the craft of what we do it so important.
Tell us about your most rewarding staging job.
I had a home that I staged recently that was featured on Good Day Sacramento News. I was really proud to be able to go on live TV and talk about staging! The home sold quickly to which was an added bonus.
You can find out more about Simply Chic Home Staging & Designs by visiting https://www.simplychicstagingdesigns.com/
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