In this episode of The Staging Insider, RESA® Creative Director Felicia Pulley sits down with Susie Passons, founder of SP Design in Minnesota, to talk about the real side of growing a staging business the right way.

Susie shares how she navigated a surprise audit, transitioned from 1099 contractors to W-2 employees, and why having systems like payroll and bookkeeping in place protected her business. She also opens up about pricing mistakes, building her team, avoiding burnout, and what she’s learned from years of growing in the staging industry.

Whether you're a new stager or a seasoned pro, this episode delivers valuable insights about running a legit, lasting business.

⏱️ Key Moments:

• 00:00 – Intro & Susie’s background
• 04:26 – Corporate layoff to full-time staging
• 07:55 – Building agent relationships
• 10:12 – Pricing challenges
• 13:45 – Gaining pricing confidence
• 17:03 – Profiting in occupied staging
• 21:17 – What agents love about her services
• 26:30 – No warehouse? No problem
• 30:15 – Advice for stuck stagers
• 35:10 – RESA reflections

Links Mentioned:

Follow SP Design: https://www.instagram.com/spdesignmn/" target="_blank">@spdesignmn

Find a RESA® Chapter: https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=225&club_id=304550" target="_blank">Click here

Learn about RESACON®: https://resaconvention.com/" target="_blank">resaconvention.com

Disclaimer: This podcast reflects the experiences of one staging business. Always consult a qualified tax or legal professional for advice specific to your business.

RESA® is the trade association for professional home stagers. Learn more at https://www.RealEstateStagingAssociation.com" target="_blank">RealEstateStagingAssociation.com.

What does it really take to run a successful home staging business? Ashley Provost, founder of an award-winning SF Bay Area staging company, shares her journey, struggles, and lessons learned—from imposter syndrome to managing cash flow and winning a RESA® award.

Key Takeaways: - How winning a RESA® award impacted Ashley’s business - Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding support - Why analytics and math matter in staging - Handling cash flow challenges and seasonal slowdowns - Building a brand, leading a team, and evolving a business Final Takeaways Ashley’s biggest advice: Find your community, keep learning, and know your numbers. "Find your people. Learn from them. And don’t be afraid to change what’s not working." Links & Resources: 📌 RESA®: [https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/](https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/) 📌 The Staging Insider: [https://thestaginginsider.com/](https://thestaginginsider.com/) 📌 Follow Ashley: [https://www.instagram.com/ashleyprovostdesign](https://www.instagram.com/ashleyprovostdesign) 📌 Join the Staging Community: [https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/join](https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/join)

On this episode of The Staging Insider, host Felicia Pulley welcomes Amber Guyton, the founder of Blessed Little Bungalow, an Atlanta-based interior design firm and influencer brand. Amber’s journey is anything but traditional, making her story an inspiring roadmap for stagers and designers alike. Highlights from this episode include: Taking the Leap: Learn how Amber transitioned from a thriving corporate career in advertising and marketing to pursue her passion for design, overcoming fear and uncertainty along the way. Authenticity and Brand Building: Amber shares how staying true to her values and aesthetic helped her build a brand that resonates with clients, followers, and national partners alike—proving that authenticity pays off. Financial Freedom Through Design: Hear how Amber used her design side hustle to pay off $100,000 in debt, showing how strategic financial planning and discipline can turn a passion into profit. Scaling a Creative Business: Discover Amber’s approach to outsourcing, managing burnout, and planning for growth, including her goal to expand her team and diversify her business with licensing deals and partnerships. Navigating Nontraditional Paths: Amber opens up about her decision to focus on virtual consultations and curated services instead of full-service design, offering a fresh perspective on success that challenges industry norms. Brand Partnerships Done Right: From Sherwin Williams to Wayfair, Amber reveals how organic relationships with brands have elevated her career, and shares her advice for landing partnerships without compromising your authenticity. Whether you’re a stager, designer, or creative entrepreneur, Amber’s story will inspire you to embrace your unique path, take bold steps toward your goals, and create a business that aligns with your vision and values. Tune in to hear how Amber turned a side hustle into a flourishing design empire—and why staying true to yourself is the ultimate power move in the creative industry. Follow Amber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessedlittlebungalow/ Connect with Amber at RESA Connect in Atlanta Jan. 14th, 2025: https://resaconnect.com/ Become a member of the Real Estate Staging Association: https://www.realestatestagingassociation.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=304550&module_id=133393 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