Nicole Schenk of Simple Elements based in Ottawa, Canada is known for her tenacity, creativity, and her innate ability to recognize the potential for interior space. Nicole’s clients benefit from the organization, time management, people skills, and attention to detail she gained during her earlier career working in management and visual merchandising for leading retailers. That career taught her how those outlets can maximize profits by creating an “eye-catching” in-store experience.
“I educate sellers and realtors alike that staging is a necessity, not a luxury, and that small steps can increase the selling price by 15,000 or more. I tell clients that if they don’t stage their home, it helps the neighbors sell their homes.”
Nicole is an avid learner who keeps current on industry trends through continued education. She has earned the RESA-PRO designation from the Real Estate Staging Association. 2021 marks her 5th year serving in a leadership role for the RESA Ottawa Chapter and is currently serving as 2021 Chapter President.
“Initially, it was because I thought it was important to be a part of the industry trade association. But now, it’s because of all that it has to offer in terms of its support, countless resources, continuing education, not to mention mentors and the many new friendships and connections. RESA has been invaluable in helping me position myself in the industry.”
Learn more about Nicole:
How did you start your staging career?
Very slowly. Actually, too slow. Part of the problem is I was already working full time, it didn’t allow me the time to adequately dedicate my time to staging.
My motto is…
to take a learning experience from everything.
When I am not working I enjoy…
Learning. I’m always trying to learn more, whether by reading, watching webinars, or taking a course. And, it goes without saying… shopping for home decor. It’s my favorite sport.
My number one goal this year is…
to have a firm marketing plan in place. I’ve been inconsistent in my efforts and now it’s time to start taking it more seriously.
My favorite meal after a long day of staging is…
Not a meal, but it would have to be peppermint tea.
My go-to staging accessory is…
Greenery. Lots of greenery.
What part of owning your own business is the least enjoyable for you and why?
Marketing and sales. I’ve never been a fan of putting myself out there and the fear of rejection has gotten the better of me.
When you are in a rut creatively where do you go or what do you do to get out of it?
I reach out to my fellow stagers. They’re a great source and a wealth of information. I know I’ll always get some great feedback and ideas.
If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be?
I can only think of 2: my Louis Vuitton and my wedding rings.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car?
No one thing. My brain closely resembles a computer browser with 256 tabs open.
Why did you choose to become a stager?
At the advice of a friend. I’ve always had a passion for all things design. Having done visual merchandising in my previous life and loving it, this seemed like a natural progression.
Would you rather stage an occupied listing or vacant?
I enjoy both but I prefer vacant. It’s a lot more work but I have control over the entire process and it’s very gratifying to see the final product.
What project are you really excited about right now and why?
Becoming a RESA Approved Instructor. I’d been wanting to do this for a while now, but procrastination got the better of me. Since 2020 was pretty much a write-off, I decided to make the most of the new year and apply.
You can find out more about Nicole and her company by visiting her website https://simpleelements.ca/
The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA®) is the trade association for professional real estate stagers. RESA is a 501(c)(6) tax-exempt non-profit trade association. For more information about real estate staging, or to find a professional stager call 888-201-8687 or visit the RESA website at www.RealEstateStagingAssociation.com.
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