A single mother has shared her success story of running a lucrative interior design business that brings in £1.5 million annually. Liv Conlon, the owner of ThePropertyStagers and StagerBoss, has built her empire without a degree or official qualifications, proving that anyone can achieve financial success in this field.
From Staging Properties to Helping Celebs: The Path to Success
Liv Conlon has mastered the art of home staging, a popular trend in the US that is gaining traction in the UK. Homeowners are willing to invest extra money to style their properties, increasing the chances of selling at a better price. Liv's business took off in 2015 when she staged her mother's property and achieved impressive results, proving that staging was a more effective strategy than dropping the asking price.
Eye for Style and a Good Work Ethic: The Recipe for Success
Despite having no direct experience in interiors, Liv developed a keen eye for design as a child. She used her talent and knowledge gained from home renovation shows to present properties in the most appealing way. Liv's success quickly grew, and she now earns up to £300,000 for a single job.
Building a Brand and Finding Clients
Liv emphasizes the importance of building a brand on social media and showcasing your expertise to attract clients. She advises potential entrepreneurs to start their own business without spending on advertisements. Liv suggests using the upfront payment from the first staging job to purchase the necessary kit, which can be reused for future properties.
Do's and Don'ts of Home Staging
Liv shares her top tips for successful home staging:
Do's:
- Think of the end user and style the property accordingly
- Use mirrors to make rooms look bigger
- Use double beds in all bedrooms if possible
- Use darker pieces of furniture and splashes of color
Don'ts:
- Use oversized furniture
- Implement your own taste
- Clutter the property
Considerations for Starting a Home Staging Business
While home staging can be a lucrative venture, there are some risks and costs to consider. Running the business involves expenses for services like moving and storing furniture. Cash flow can be irregular, and it's important to manage finances wisely. Liv advises having a clear and legally-sound contract to ensure payment upon completion of the job. Additionally, entrepreneurs should be prepared for the long hours and potential irregular income that come with starting their own business.
Overall, Liv's story serves as an inspiration for anyone interested in the interior design field. With passion, hard work, and a good eye for style, success can be achieved without formal qualifications.
