The Real Estate Staging Association, is the only 501(c)(6) tax-exempt non-profit trade association in the home staging industry. The purpose of RESA is dedicated to improving business conditions of our members and the industry as a whole, rather than for the benefit and profit of an individual owner(s). Our association survives and thrives because of the RESA Members themselves, and we could not do what we do at RESA HQ without the help of the 250 industry leaders who volunteer their time all over the US and Canada to move the RESA mission forward. At RESA HQ we are privileged to work with RESA members to grow their local chapters, and their businesses at large.
Get To Know The RESA Kitchener-Waterloo 2020 VP of Membership & Owner of Wendy Black Interiors & Exit Staged Right – Wendy Black
-
How long have you been staging – and what inspired you to start staging?
I have been in the staging business since 2006 and it started out as a favor for a neighbor. As a stay at home mom I was asked for help
with staging a neighbor’s home for an upcoming open house after it had been on the market for three months. After selecting paint colors and showcasing the home, it sold for full asking price at the open house. I had found my new calling and continued to help neighbors and friends stage their homes for sale until I was contacted by a local staging company to come on board with them. -
Are you a business owner, or do you work/collaborate with a staging company – tell us about the company you represent?
In 2011 I took the leap into entrepreneurialism and founded Wendy Black Interiors, a full-service home staging company. I have always carried furniture in my inventory and realized a need for a local based, luxury furniture rental business for home stagers, so in 2015 I opened Exit Staged Right. Both businesses were incorporated in 2019.
-
Do you have core training? And if so who did you get trained with?
I received my Canadian Certified Staging Professionals (CCSP) designation in 2008 and was fortunate to attend classes taught by Christine Rae. I regularly attend refresher courses and have attained designation as CSP Residential Staging Expert, CSP Luxury Staging Specialist and am a CSP Official Goodwill Ambassador. In the past year, Christine Rae has held two CSP Training & Designation courses in my showroom for Waterloo Region attendees.
-
When did you join RESA and how did you get involved with your local chapter?
I joined RESA in 2014 and attended my first local RESA Chapter meeting in 2015 after repeated invitations from chapter members. I assumed I was being invited to have members inquire about my fees and business practices and initially made excuses not to attend. But their persistence paid off and I decided to attend a meeting out of curiosity as a guest with “no obligation to join”. I went to the meeting with full intention to keep my cards close to my chest but was very impressed with what I witnessed. They had a guest speaker who provided very helpful information followed by conversation and mingling to which I noticed a camaraderie within the group and sisterhood that I did not expect. They made me feel very welcome as a newcomer.
-
Why did you choose to volunteer your time to RESA?
I loved what RESA represented. I didn’t feel like I was out there on my own anymore, and had a group of amazing, like-minded entrepreneurs who I could turn to for help when needed. When asked if I would like to run for the position of VP of Membership of the local chapter, I was more than happy to offer my assistance like they had done for me. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of this amazing tribe of women in the KW Chapter!
-
What do you say to home stagers who want to attend a chapter meeting but aren’t sure what to expect?
I advise our local RESA Chapter helps contribute to the personal and professional development of the members. That they will connect with a group of amazing women who support, empower, collaborate and promote each other and they will experience growth and learning through the various speakers and hosts scheduled for the monthly meetings.
-
What is the most rewarding thing about being involved with your local chapter?
Hands down, the people! The laughter, camaraderie, and sisterhood – and – they are a phone call away when you are in a pickle and want a second opinion on something. We attend events together that are not RESA related and sometimes just get together for a coffee or dinner.
-
What is the best piece of advice you have received in regards to operating a staging business?
When I first started in the industry I had a booth at a local real estate trade show and decided to introduce myself to a very successful home staging team who were also at the show. They warmly greeted me and said they were very happy to have finally met me. This powerful duo advised that even though we were in the same industry that there was plenty of business out there to go around for everyone. This simple statement opened my eyes and I likened it to being a race horse at the gate with blinders on and to do the very best that I can possibly do while keeping focus on my own path without being side tracked and intimidated by how the competition was doing.
-
What has been the most challenging thing you have navigated in this industry?
The hardest thing by far is trying to establish yourself in the industry when you are just starting out and do not have a portfolio, clientele list and/or testimonials. Word of mouth referrals only came once I had experience. Initially I spent a lot of money on advertising that did not prove successful (money wasted – this is before social media was popular). Finding good clients and realtors who use your services on a regular basis are key. When I put more emphasis on attaining great clients and contacts, my business started to grow.
-
What did you do prior to home staging that aids you in your staging business?
Prior to home staging I was in the travel industry. I worked for:
-Yacht charter companies and travel agencies selling corporate travel and group travel (tour escorting).
-I was a Sears Travel Manager where I lead a team of 8 commission based travel agents
-Travelled extensively for Sears Travel head office to write up reports on various destination hotels for 99 offices throughout Canada.These jobs helped to hone my skills in sales (attaining and maintaining clients), customer service, managing staff, project management, handling contracts, processing payments, banking, networking, professionalism, trade shows, presentations and public speaking, developing websites, social media, event planning, branding and designing marketing material.
-
What are 3 things you would recommend to those just starting out in the business?
1. Get trained and accredited as a professional home stager.
2. Join RESA and your local RESA chapter in order to educate yourself and take advantage of the many resources available to you.
3. Social media is the best way to get your business out there and it’s free! Use it! -
Who is your biggest staging inspiration and why?
Red Barrinuevo! His award-winning style is flawless, he contributes to editorials in the media, is keynote speaker at events and is now on HGTV!
If you are in the home staging or real estate industry and would like to connect with your local RESA chapter, you can find a list of all of our active chapters here. No chapter in your area? We would love to talk to you about the possibility of a RESA chapter near you – reach out to Vanessa@RESA-HQ.org for more details.
Learn more about Wendy Black and her staging business here.
Felicia has a background in production design and studied at Academy Of Art University where she had a focus in Motion Pictures And Television. In her free time you can find her reading about the latest marketing trends or hanging out with her husband in Disneyland.
- Catherine Waldeck’s Journey with Pure Lux Staging & Design - September 26, 2024
- Protect Your Home Staging Business with Professional Staging Contracts - September 25, 2024
- Transforming Dubai Real Estate: How MHY Homes Elevates Home Staging - September 19, 2024
