We were lucky to catch up with Nastassja Olson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nastassja, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism stems from the belief that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. Life has taught me that opportunities will inevitably present themselves, and whether I feel ready or not, I strive to seize them and make the very best of them. This approach has taken me far, both in my business and personal life.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Four years ago, I embarked on a new journey by founding Cozy Corners Home Staging, an Phoenix based Home Staging Company. After nearly 20 years in my corporate role, I felt the urge to build something of my own. Obtaining my certification as a home stager was just the beginning; I’ve since pursued further education in business and other related fields, which I believe is essential for better serving our clients.
What excites me most about what we do is the impact it has on our clients—Realtors, Investors, and Homeowners. We help them understand the value that great home staging adds to their listing and marketing strategy. Whether we’re staging a vacant home or an owner-occupied one, our goal is not simply to furnish and decorate; we aim to increase the perceived value of the house for potential buyers. This approach translates to more interest, quicker sales, and higher quality offers for our sellers.
As for what’s new, we’re constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve our services. We’re exploring new partnerships and collaborations to expand our reach and better serve our clients. Keep an eye out for exciting updates and events from Cozy Corners Home Staging!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in my journey were dedication, project management, and business acumen.
Dedication and Goal Setting: It can take a very long time to see the fruits of your labor in this industry, particularly if you choose to build your own inventory (Furniture, Art and Decor). It is no surprise that many home staging companies succumb to the financial pressures of this business. My advice for those starting their journey is to cultivate dedication by setting clear goals, staying motivated, and being resilient in the face of challenges.
Project Management: There are many logistical challenges that can impact your effectiveness as a home staging company. Efficient project management skills help me stay organized, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results to my clients. For those early in their journey, I recommend learning the basics of project management, such as creating timelines, setting priorities, and communicating effectively with team members, vendors and clients. These skills will be invaluable as you grow your business.
Business Acumen: Understanding the fundamentals of business, including finances, marketing, and customer service, was essential in running a successful home staging business. Early-stage entrepreneurs should focus on building their business acumen by taking courses, reading books, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals. There are a great deal of industry resources, groups, and affiliations (RESA Home Estate Staging Association for example) that can help you build your understanding of these aspects of business.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Seeking out opportunities to learn from other home stagers in the industry has been instrumental in my success. Many experienced professionals are willing to mentor newcomers, understanding the challenges of starting out on your own. I’ve learned a great deal by asking questions and observing how others in my field handle the same challenges I face. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel when others have already faced and overcome similar obstacles, and are often willing to offer solutions.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cozycorners.net
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/cozycornersstudio
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/cozycornersstudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nastassja-olson-29a4b7146/
Image Credits
LCS Productions LLC
