We recently connected with Kandice Dougherty and have shared our conversation below.
Kandice, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
At the age of 50 I made a major life decision to start my own business staging houses for real estate agents. I had spent most of my life in the field of education working with kids of all ages throughout my career. I wasn’t feeling appreciated financially or emotionally and I began to feel a need for a change. I was burnt out! I prayed and begged God to send me a sign of what my new path could be. I had always had a passion for design and always thought about doing staging but then I thought, “but who am I? I’m just a teacher.” I began to see a way that I could actually make it work. I took courses and learned all about the business of staging.all while preparing my business to open. I opened my business January 2019. I didn’t feel qualified and I felt like I was an imposter. What did I really know about running a business? I started reading inspirational books that made me feel motivated that I CAN do it. I faced my fears and began to work as a stager and propel my business forward. I faked it a lot of the time. My clients seemed to appreciate all of the work I was doing helping them through one of the most difficult periods in life. We prepared their homes for market and I doubled my business. Now that I have been in business for 4 years my business has grown so much. My skills have grown. My business sense has grown and I feel like I am no longer an imposter but someone who is doing what they want to do and make a living at it! Looking back now I know I was able to do this kind of work because I am still using my skills of an educator. I am just educating taller people on how to make their properties more marketable!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My business is focused on helping people who are getting ready to list their homes for sale. We help them get them ready for market so they look their best and sell fast and possibly for more money. Sometimes clients need help figuring out what buyers are looking for and how they can make their home the one a buyers is going to pick. We use a psychological approach helping buyers to connect emotionally with the space because home buying is a very emotional experience on both sides of the transaction. We guide our clients when picking a nice neutral paint color, updating fixtures that are timestamped, and even bringing in furniture if the property is vacant. We specialize in Occupied Consultations which the realtor often provides for their clients as part of their listing package to help them get started preparing the home for market. Our goal is amazing marketing photos so buyers want to check it out in person! You know the old saying, “You only have one chance to make a first impression!”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I believe my skill in talking to people in a gentle, respectful and caring way has been most impactful. I have always been a people person and connect easily to people.
I love the real estate market and am knowledgable about what it takes to get the highest offer!
Patience is also a skill that has come in handy. Moving is very stressful for people. I am patient with them and their belongings and can help them to move on during this difficult period.
Your really don’t need to be a “designer” you just need to know how to work with people in a respectful way!
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Right now my biggest obstacle in my business is this crazy real estate market! With interest rates on the rise not as many people are selling right now. Many are staying put instead of moving and getting into a high interest rate. Inflation hasn’t helped and a recession is looming. I have been adding additional income streams to my business and now offer Paint Color Consultations and Air B&B styling to my list of services.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kandiceleedesigns.com
- Instagram: @kandiceleedesigns
- Facebook: Kandice Lee designs
- Yelp: Kandice Lee designs
Image Credits
Kermo Photography
