We had the good fortune of connecting with Richelle D. Stannard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Richelle D., have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I started my Home Staging and Redesign business in May 2011.  I had a family with 3 kids, a husband and a dog which came with a lot of responsibilities.  On top of this I had a very demanding Real Estate career. It was overwhelming, to say the least. It has been my desire to work in the art/design world since I was a very young girl. I knew I needed a career that I thoroughly enjoyed in order to succeed and one that would allow me to be truly present in my children’s lives.  It was also my goal to improve our lifestyle and to leave a legacy. When I founded Staged to Sell by Richelle, I quickly learned that I had the ability to arrange appointments, and projects around my family and social life. Although it wasn’t always so simple, I made it a point to try and schedule work while my children were at school and afterschool programs. It was important that I was flexible with the time I spent with my family and friends, oftentimes working all night after my children were asleep.  I moved projects around family, friends and my children’s birthdays, dinners, events etc. I make it a point to take one day out of the week, oftentimes on Sundays to completely disconnect.  This allows me to recharge and be ready to tackle the next week.  I take time to grab a few getaways throughout the year with and without the kiddies.  Overall, I think I’ve achieved a great balance between my business and personal life. I always tell people I play just as hard as I work!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I created smart, flexible, and affordable services that work for all of my clients. No matter what my client’s needs are, using my own inventory, I will go out of my way to customize the perfect Staging Design or Re-Design for my client’s space. I believe a home should speak to everyone that enters… & I know just what people want to hear. I fully embrace my passion for Home Staging & Design and pride myself on my innovative creative solutions, gorgeous, hand-picked inventory, talent, and integrity.

I create desired moods and intentions with each project, accentuating the best attributes of the space, which allows potential buyers to envision what their lives will be like. Where you spend your time, should fulfill your desires and intentions for living your best life…

When I started my business in 2011 I started with nothing but my dream, entrepreneurial classes that I took at PACE, and a certification from Staged Homes. In the beginning, I wouldn’t even break even.  I was definitely putting out more money than I was bringing in. But it was too late, I was in love with my craft.  I understood and was prepared mentally to withstand the time it would potentially take for me to see a profit. It took a lot longer than I’d hoped because I didn’t have the necessary resources or financial backing needed. But I believed in my work ethic, my talents and my business motto.  I knew deep down that If I stuck with it, I would bear the fruits of my labor. This did not go without many stressful days and nights. There were many days when I didn’t know how I was going to cover the bills. But I made sure I ran my business in such a way where my clients didn’t know what was behind the scenes during these stressful moments. My staging and design end results and my clients’ satisfaction was always my priority.

In running my business over the last 10 years. I learned the importance of consistency, having clear communication, and keeping my word by executing on everything I promised to my clients. Believing I’m good enough and not focusing on the money but the overall result and making sure I enjoy my craft at every moment.

I come from humble beginnings, I was born and raised in the projects in Buffalo New York. I left home at 16 and ended up moving around a bit, following my older sisters, one who was in the military. I lived in NewPort News Virginia, El Centro California, Atlanta Georgia, San Diego California, and for the last 17 years Los Angeles California. I’ve been working to support myself since I was 16 and had my first child at age 19. I don’t have a big family and did not have a strong support system. I was always determined to succeed. Failure and mediocrity for me and my children was not an option.  I worked on my thoughts and intentions to keep in line with my vision.  With literally blood, sweat and tears I’ve done everything in my power and beyond, to accomplish where I am today. I feel so blessed to have this creative talent that allows me to be enriched and achieve so much while doing what I love.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Southern California, and it offers both coastal and mountainous areas. I love the beaches, neighborhoods in the hills, the views, rooftop restaurants, lounges, day parties and the amazing restaurants all around.  Everything is so open, the energy is so laid back and you just know the sky’s the limit here. The weather is beautiful year-round, and the diversity of the different lifestyles and cultures just tops it all off. There’s always a new experience waiting. Therefore, I fell in love with Southern California and why I’ve made it my permanent residence.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give special thanks to Tamara Thomas, my best friend in life and now in spirit. Who encouraged me, saw me, believed in me, mentored me, and loved me for me!

Website: https://www.stagedtosellbyrichelle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richellestages/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richelle-d-stannard-9758a446/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StagedtoSellbyRichelle/

Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/eLYmrph8sfmr083menxrvA

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/richellestages/_created/

Image Credits
None

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