Today we’d like to introduce you to Janice Richman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
While raising my three kids I decided to work part-time in a local seaside inspired home furnishings store in Winnetka called Seagrass. It was there that my love for design and home decor grew into my idea for a business.
In 2013, along with a partner, I ventured out with Nest Designs, Inc. We began as a home decorating business with a twist-we would re-purpose, rearrange or restyle a home in an affordable way to give it an updated look. Luckily, our first client was a friend and with her, we were able to learn the nuances of the business while honing our creative skills.
As word spread about our business a local realtor asked us to help her get a home ready for sale. We soon realized that home staging was another avenue to grow our business and use our design skills in a new way. Today I work alone with realtors on the north shore and in the city.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In today’s real estate market a customer buys what he sees, not what he imagines. This fact makes my job harder than most. I must transform a home to showcase it in the best possible light. Image is everything and home buyers peruse listings scrolling through dozens of photos on the internet, so I want our photos to stand out.
I have never owned a business before so I charged full steam ahead with what I knew I could accomplish, doing it all with a desire to help my clients and offer exceptional service. Struggles came in the form of managing my checkbook, learning to adapt to each realtor’s or client’s style and learning to say no when a job was too big or out of my realm.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Nest Designs, Inc. – what should we know?
Nest Designs, Inc. is a home staging and interior design company. As the business of home staging has grown in Chicago, so has this part of my business. I work closely with realtors helping them set the “stage” for their listings.
With my design eye, I am able to offer my ideas to each space and make it appeal to a variety of buyers. If needed, I manage not only design and furniture placement in a listing, but also paint recommendations, floor covering options and small remodeling jobs. I have a team of qualified people at my fingertips at all times. Additionally, I offer realtors/clients detailed room by room recommendations on every job.
I have also recently completed coursework to receive my ASP Home Staging accreditation and this month I am traveling to Rome, Italy to take part in the International Association of Home Staging Professionals conference! I am looking forward to networking and learning from other home staging professionals.
I am most proud when the realtors walk into space I have completed and their eyes light up, as well as when a home sells quickly of course!
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
As a home stager flexibility is key. My schedule is different from week to week; real estate is fast paced and when a realtor calls to see a listing I have to be ready to go!
Another very important characteristic for success in my business is empathy. As a stager, I am welcomed into homes of people who are selling for a variety of reasons, but the bottom line is selling a home is stressful and often emotional depending on the circumstances. I have learned to listen more and to respect the homeowner’s feelings regarding their home and their subsequent move.
Contact Info:
- Address: 932 Pine Tree Lane Winnetka, IL 60093
- Website: www.nestdesignsinc.com
- Phone: 847-778-8600
- Email: nestdesignsinc@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nestdesignsinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nestdesignsinc/
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