Staging Diva Graduate Home Stager Named New Entrepreneur of the Year!

Written by Debra Gould -

There are a handful of Staging Diva Graduates who stay in very close contact with me making them impossible to forget. I love connecting with students on Twitter, Facebook and through the comments they leave on my blog.

One of these home stagers is Heather Stewart of HS Home Staging located in Langley, British Columbia. Heather recently informed me in a message on Facebook that she has been named the 2009 New Entrepreneur of the Year for her local Chamber of Commerce.

I am very proud of Heather whose reason for starting her business inspired me and many others after she left a comment on a blog post I wrote almost a year ago about the price it can cost you to not follow your dream.

Heather candidly shared that after struggling to recover from a mental illness, she decided to honor her ability to survive by combining her creativity and business skills to start her own home staging business. She wrote, “I’m working hard to grow the business, maintain my health and survive while the business develops. This is one path I will NOT regret not having taken! I draw on my courage every day and know that I am in the right place at the right time, doing what I need to do.”

Heather is using all of the marketing advice she was given through the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program and has embraced the world of online marketing and social media being very active on Twitter, Facebook, Active Rain and as a frequent commenter here on the Home Staging Business Report.

HS Home Staging is listed on the Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers where Heather showcases her fabulous logo, smartly written sales copy and before and after photos that only reflect true transformations, demonstrating her talent.

I hope you all join me in offering my sincere congratulations to Heather. I know she’s an inspiration to all of us.

Debra Gould, The Staging diva

Internationally recognized home staging expert Debra Gould created the Staging Diva Home Staging Business Training Program to teach others how to earn a living doing something they love. She has staged millions of dollars worth of real estate and is the author of several best-selling guides. With 30,000+ students in 24 countries, Debra is celebrated as one of the most influential people in the home staging industry. She appears on: HGTV, CBS Radio, CNNMoney, The Wall Street Journal, Woman's Day, House & Home, Style at Home, GlobalTV, This Old House and more.

Comments

Heather Stewart says

November 2, 2009 at 2:01 pm

Thank you so much Debra! You and the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program continue to provide me with practical tools and support to grow my business and I couldn’t have come this far without your help.
- Debra Gould, The Staging Diva says
  
  November 2, 2009 at 2:44 pm
  
  You are most welcome! You deserve every success you’ve worked hard for it and it’s a joy to watch your progress!
Hayley Harris says

November 3, 2009 at 5:50 am

Way to go Heather! Enjoy your accolade and keep up the hard work! It’s great to hear of the true success stories. You go girl!
Lisa Altizer says

November 3, 2009 at 8:17 am

Congratulations Heather! Very excited for you and your business!
Kay Keeton says

November 3, 2009 at 8:29 am

Heather,
You are an inspiration to me, and to other stagers! Congratulations on being named the 2009 New Entrepreneur of the Year for your local Chamber of Commerce.
Way to go!
Jayne Steuart says

November 3, 2009 at 9:51 am

HEATHER!
This is amazing! And so inspirational. Not only for the honor that you have received, but for your honesty about your personal challenges and your determination to live your bliss. Your story is an inspiration to people you have never even met. Now that is what I call SUCCESS! Thank you for sharing with us!!!!
Cheryl says

November 3, 2009 at 10:35 am

What an inspirational story, on so many levels! Heather, you should be very proud of yourself for your well deserved award. Debra, thanks for bringing the story to us.
Donna Dazzo, Designed to Appeal says

November 3, 2009 at 3:45 pm

Heather, I love the “double entendre” of “hs” – your initials AND home staging – very clever. Also, love your logo – very clean, classy and professional. And I enjoy reading your tweets on Twitter. Best to you.
Pat McArthur - Home Definition says

November 3, 2009 at 7:04 pm

Heather, Congratulations on all of your success and providing inspiration to all stagers. Looking forward to hearing more good news from you.
Heather Stewart says

November 3, 2009 at 8:25 pm

Thank you Hayley – I’m goin’!
Thank you Lisa – I’m excited too!
Thank you, Kay! I’m honoured and humbled that my story provides inspiration.
Thank you, Jayne – I am determined and the honesty comes naturally – I wouldn’t know any other way to share my story 🙂
Thank you Cheryl – I, too, am grateful to Debra for writing so eloquently and sharing my story with you.
Thank you Donna! I, too was enamored with the double entendre of “hs” and called my email newsletter HS2 (squared) – so glad you enjoy twitter – it’s been an amazing way for me to connect with so many people – online, then offline.
Thank you all! I am so touched by such an abundance of good wishes 🙂
Colette@StagedwithFinesse says

November 4, 2009 at 12:04 am

Well done Heather – a wonderful achievement for you – keep up the great work!
Heather Stewart says

November 10, 2009 at 1:31 am

Thank you Pat & Collette – I’ll do my best to keep the good news coming!
I recently did an interview that was really fun:
http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/25317392
Cheers!
Carol Snyder says

November 19, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Way to go Heather! Congratulations on your award, couldn’t have happened to a better person! I took the Staging Diva Training Course in late September and am in the final steps of setting up my business up in two separate locations. You are a true inspiration! Good luck in all you do. I look forward to chatting with everyone on a regular basis soon and will be becoming a member of The Staging Diva Directory within the next week or so.

Carol Snyder
TheStyleStagers, LLC
Heather Stewart says

November 20, 2009 at 3:07 pm

Thank you Carol! Congratulations to you for getting your staging business started! Two locations will be very interesting and I’d love to hear more about that…
Michele Lanthier says

November 25, 2009 at 12:49 pm

Congratulations on your award Heather! Just goes to show that hard work and determination does pay off! Your story truly does inspire me to continue on my path. I hope to be up and running on my own within the next few months.

Michele Lanthier
Heather Stewart says

November 26, 2009 at 11:41 pm

Thank you Michele! All the best to you – follow your dream 🙂

“The Staging Diva Business Training Program is worth every penny!

While there are other home staging courses out there, I’m so happy I follow the business model Debra teaches in her program. It is specific, concise, and thoroughly explained.

In addition to her courses, Debra offers SO many supplemental materials that are incredibly helpful too. The community of Staging Diva Graduates is another bonus, as we all support each other and share each other’s wins.”
— Cristin Lyons (NC)*Raleigh Staging & Design

“The Staging Diva Program is very well organized and explains in the most straightforward terms how to set up your business, maintain and grow it.

By the time I was on Course 3, I had already completed three home staging jobs which more than paid for all the training!

Debra’s step-by-step process allowed me to start a 2nd career doing something I probably should have been doing all along!”
— Rob Reinhart (CA)*Make It-Home

“Once I decided home staging was for me, I was terrified of starting my own business. Staging Diva Training gave me the confidence to do what I love, and contribute to our income after being out of the work force for 15 years.

Debra gave me the information I needed to get over my fear of failure, charge what I’m worth, and get out there and start my home staging business!”
— Kelli Hughes (TX)*ReAbode Home Staging and Redesign

“I felt like I hit the jackpot when I found the Staging Diva Program. I bought it without hesitation and began my training immediately.

I’m excited and inspired. The courses exceeded my expectations and gave me the knowledge to confidently start my own staging business.

So grateful for what I learned from Debra. She shares her gifts and talents so generously!”
— Mary-Maye Lorriman (UK)*Room by Room Interiors Ltd

“The Staging Diva Program was such an influential part of my home staging business plan. The business tools, processes and procedures Debra Gould outlines in the program set you up for success.

I have taken other courses but none compare to the comprehensive program with Staging Diva.

I truly appreciate all Debra’s help and guidance through the courses and group coaching calls. She is such a great inspiration!”
— Lori Carbone (NJ)*Spaces That Speak Home Staging

“I love Debra Gould’s straight forward approach and candor. As a home stager, she knows first-hand what it’s like in the field. Debra is running her own staging business as a real business and knows what it takes.

Debra is truly an uplifting woman and I continue to aspire to follow her lead. Her amazing passion for home staging is felt all the way over here on the Jersey Shore.”
— Wynette Williams (NJ)*Red Robyn Interiors

“The Staging Diva Program taught me many secrets about home staging consultations— especially how to charge, and have no inventory.

I took another home staging course before Debra’s and the Staging Diva Program really helped build my business. Debra forced me out of my comfort zone, she is such an inspiration! Now I know I can make a difference in many people’s lives.”
— Susan Bierig (NJ)*Re-deZine The Shore Way LLC

“I loved Debra’s no-nonsense style of running a home staging business, it’s very easy and straightforward. She keeps it simple, and it all “clicked” for me.

I now have the confidence to get out there and do what I am passionate about. I knew I had the talent, and now I have the business knowledge to round out my staging business. Thank you Debra!”
— Judy Chizmar (PA)*Judy Chizmar Home Transformations

“The Staging Diva Program is fantastic! I wish I had found it before completing a different home staging course. The program provided me with valuable business information that the other course lacked.

I am very impressed with Debra Gould. It is quite evident that she is honest and ethical in all her dealings with her students and clients, and that’s #1 in my books.

She truly has become my mentor!”
— Monique Milne (MB)*Milne Well Dressed Homes (MB)

“I’m so glad I came across the Staging Diva Home Staging Training Program. It’s a perfect fit for me with Debra sharing her business model and what has worked for her. She takes the guess work out of how to run a successful home staging business.

Debra is supportive, down to earth and has a wealth of experience under her belt. I can now express my creative passion with more confidence following her guidance.”
— Shelley Giffin (QLD AU)*Rooms for Miracles

“The Staging Diva Program is very comprehensive, flows well, is explained simply, and the content is engaging. I loved the combination of information from Debra mixed in with student questions.

I do not need a business background to be successful as a home stager after taking the Staging Diva courses. They gave me the confidence I needed, to know that I can be successful.”
— Haana Nyamekye (MD)*Zuri Sophia Interiors

“I love that I’m pursuing a career that pays me to be creative, rather than spending my time working for someone else.

Plus, I have the freedom to be available to my family when they need me.

The Staging Diva Program filled in all the questions that I still had after completing another ‘hands on’ program. Thank you Debra, I now have the confidence to build my staging business.”
— Tracie Lacroix (BC)*Sold by Design

“This is the first time in my 57 years of life that I am pursuing something solely for myself — despite my often paralyzing fear!

I’m optimistic and excited to see what the new year has in store for me— due in large part to having found the Staging Diva Program and feeling prepared to take this new journey as a home stager. Debra, thank you sincerely!”
— Lisa Tyus-Lee (OH)*Lights Camera Stage LLC

“Debra’s knowledge and expertise on how to start a home staging business have inspired me.

As a seasoned Real Estate Agent who already staged clients homes, I believe this is a great business to be in.

I am moving my dream of staging homes into a separate business because Debra taught me how in the Staging Diva Program. Thank you Debra!”
— Leslie Manson (BC)*Staging Homes by Leslie

“I appreciate Debra’s candid approach. It’s the reason I chose the Staging Diva Program over other home staging courses.

My first project sold the first day on the market for more than the asking price. This confirmed I’m in the right business.

Thank you, Debra!”
— Casey McDougall (TX)*Custom Home Staging

“I loved the Staging Diva Program! I was skeptical about the format at first, but it was great. The notes were concise and easy to follow. Students asked questions I was wondering about myself, and Debra is clear and direct.

I’m confident in my decorating abilities, but wasn’t sure how to run a professional and profitable staging business. Debra walks you through the entire process.”
— Deborah Brischler (CA)*Home Staging Solutions

“The Staging Diva Program will help me avoid possible mistakes and has provided great clarity on many grey areas— which is great!

I love staging homes and since doing the program, I love it even more as I am confident that I can provide a really worthwhile and valuable service! These home staging courses are very practical. I wish I had completed them sooner!”
— Clodagh Doyle (Ireland)*Placelift Property Renovation Specialists

“I have never been so driven, passionate and totally motivated as I have been since completing the Staging Diva Program. I have not lost any steam nor any excitement.

The fact that the program is start-up business and marketing related to home staging makes it so perfect.”
— Dane Caldwell (ON)*2 Hounds Design

“I knew what I wanted to do as a home stager, but I didn’t know how to go about it. Staging Diva gave me the processes and I followed them.”
— Meg Ritchie (AU)*Gold Coast Homestaging

“I already have a knack for the decorating part of home staging, but I lacked the business side of things.

The Staging Diva Program was great to have at my fingertips so I could listen at my own speed and in my own time.

I was concerned about handling all the paperwork I thought had to be involved in the contracts and such, but Staging Diva has made it SO much easier!!”
— Amy Brown (MO)*Simply Staging by Amy

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