Rachel Borrelli is the owner and Property Stylist for Diversa Designs proudly serving Calgary and the surrounding areas since 2010. However, it is her prior career, where she moved up the ranks with a Canadian airline company, that helped her build some of the stepping stones which led her into home staging and redesign.
“I was a Director at a Canadian airline. I started out as a flight attendant, went into the training department and on to management. Everything I did in my past career has helped me with my career as a home stager; from how to work with a diverse group of people, what really is good service, and how to build a budget.”
With a passion for anything design, Rachel loves helping people get the most out of their home investment through staging.
“I enjoy helping people during their transition of selling and moving in. Really the occupied home consultations are my favorite part of staging. I enjoy seeing and learning how we surround ourselves with things that matter to us. Then the challenge of explaining to people they need to remove most of it, if not all of it by explaining the reasons. Sometimes they resist, but then they are so appreciative because their house looks good and/or they sold it quickly and for a good return on their investment.”
Rachel earned her Canadian Certified Staging Professional title in 2010 from RESA® Accredited Education provider, Certified Staging Professionals. In addition, she is a RESA-Pro® member and is currently serving her second year as the Alberta Provincial President for RESA®.
Photo provided and staged by Diversa Designs Home Staging and Redesign
Learn more about Rachel:
I am…
Grounded and grateful. I appreciate all that I have and take nothing for granted.
My go to staging accessory is…
Currently large wooden beads. So fun to place them on coffee tables or bookshelves!
Who is your role model and why?
My husband. I watched him grow his own business with awe. He works hard and still manages to find time to do things to help my business or anyone who needs his time.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car?
What podcast do I want to listen to? I can’t get enough of them as they make me think of things I should do or know more about.
Photo provided and staged by Diversa Designs Home Staging and Redesign
What does a perfect day look like to you?
As much as I enjoy staging, I have to admit, sitting on a beach, laughing with my family, is the perfect day.
When faced with a struggle…
I like to talk it out to find the best solution.
My favorite meal after a long day of staging is…
Pizza always!
If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
1) A suitcase my father came to Canada with, in 1958.
2) A framed hand and footprint of my babies when they were born.
3) A poem my husband gave me when we were 18.
4) A goofy pottery piece my kids made in preschool.
5) All my family’s photos especially the ones that are not on my computer and cannot be replaced.
Photo provided and staged by Diversa Designs Home Staging and Redesign
Would you rather stage an occupied listing or vacant?
That’s a tough one as I have fun doing them both. If I had to pick one then occupied home- I enjoy the puzzle of mixing pieces that work together to make that perfect updated and welcoming space.
My goal is…
Continue to have fun and grow my business.
When I am not working I enjoy…
Spending time with my daughters. They are beautiful young women going out and making their own path in life, so anytime I can get with them, I cherish it!
My personal aesthetic is…
My personal style is Eclectic for sure. If it makes me smile or if it’s got sentimental value-its in my space. For staging, I realize that a Transitional/Modern style is best in our region.
Photo provided and staged by Diversa Designs Home Staging and Redesign
Right now I am obsessed with…
Assisting mature adults and seniors sell their properties and move into their new homes. If they trust you enough to have you in their home, it can be one of the most gratifying projects. The stories of why an item or piece of furniture or artwork is important is my favorite part.
My morning ritual is…
Have coffee with my husband and discuss the day ahead.
My number one goal this year is…
Scale my business. I have great people to work with and I know they have helped me grow my business. Now I need to strategize exactly what skill set is missing in my company to reach my goals for 2021 and beyond.
When you are in a rut creatively where do you go or what do you do to get out of it?
I start by thinking about the style of the property and what I would be looking for if its a style I wanted to live in. What elements belong in that style? I also collect pictures from my travels. I take pictures of furniture, tile patterns, architecture, flowers or décor in hotels and places we visit and keep them in a digital file marked Inspiration.
You can find out more about Rachel and her company by visiting her website https://diversadesigns.com/
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