We recently connected with Pantea Bionki and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Pantea, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Work ethic is very important to me. My first job after getting married was being a mom, which came with a lot of responsibilities. Raising good children requires teaching them to do the right things, manage their time, and set goals. From childhood through their teenage years to becoming adults, I instilled these values in them. This experience created a system in my mind that I now apply to my business.
I consider it crucial to understand the value of everything, take nothing for granted, and be thankful for many things. I believe in working hard for what you want; you’ve tried your best even if you fail. My business is now my new child, and I dedicate every ounce of energy to developing it. I strive to stay educated, continually learning and seeking training. I believe there’s something new to learn every day, and this journey is a work in progress.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a home stager and interior designer, a role that requires a lot of creativity. The most exciting part of my job is seeing my visualizations come to life for my clients, whether it’s a staging or design project. I specialize in luxury staging and mid-range design, each bringing its unique challenges and rewards.
One of our exciting service launches is our occupied staging consultation. Many people initially thought their fully furnished homes couldn’t be staged effectively and opted to present their homes as-is. However, our occupied staging consultation has proven to be incredibly valuable. For a small consultation fee, homeowners receive professional advice that helps them prepare their homes for the market, sometimes with soft or partial staging. This service is now highly valued as it transforms homes with minimal investment.
Additionally, we are expanding our offerings to include more options for new developments and short-term rentals. We aim to provide tailored solutions that enhance the appeal and functionality of various spaces.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
One of the most impactful skills in my journey was tapping into the non-creative aspects of the business, such as running the business itself. It’s critical to educate yourself, seek training, and stay informed about contracts, legal issues, and other operational essentials. Running a successful business requires more than creativity; it demands a solid understanding of business management.
Another important quality is being personable. There will always be many options in any situation, but it’s crucial to stick to doing the right thing. Integrity makes everything so much easier. If you’re not naturally social, commit to networking, as this will help you build confidence in facing clients and grow your business connections.
For aspiring stagers and designers, my advice is to work for an established firm for at least 1-2 years after completing your education. This experience will help you understand the ups and downs of the business, equipping you to decide whether starting your own business is the right path for you. This practical experience is invaluable in ensuring that your career choice aligns with your skills and interests.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
In staging, one of the main challenges we face is educating realtors about the true value of professional staging. Many realtors encounter hobbyist staging companies that operate from their homes and use their own furniture, which doesn’t deliver the same results as professional staging. These hobbyists often underprice their services and eventually go out of business, misleading realtors about the actual cost of quality staging.
For professional stagers, pricing reflects the full range of services, expertise, and costs involved. To overcome this challenge, we seize every opportunity to educate realtors about the value of our services. By highlighting the benefits of professional staging and demonstrating the difference it can make, we aim to shift perceptions and help realtors understand the true value we bring to the table.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bionkiinteriors.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bionki.interiors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pantea.bionki/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pantea-bionki-59b377227/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bionki-interiors-chino-hills-2
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.