In this episode, I’m talking with my former coaching client Amy Nelson, a Home Stager who’s carved out a powerful, profitable niche by getting crystal clear on her messaging, her business model, and the clients she truly wants to serve.
We talk about the most effective strategy she’s used to win business in a rural area, how implementing the Donald Miller Story Brand framework transformed her marketing, and the simple visual tool she uses to show clients real results.
If you’ve ever struggled with visibility, clarity, or growth in a smaller market, this conversation will open your eyes to what’s possible.
Listen to the podcast below or subscribe on Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms.
What you’ll learn on this episode:
What Amy found to be the most effective strategy for winning business in her rural area
How Amy implements the Donald Miller Storybrand system in her marketing and messaging and why that is a game changer
Amy’s effective tool for visually demonstrating the results clients get when they work with her
How Amy’s business model evolved
Why Amy loves to do occupied staging
How Amy found clarity about what to say yes to and what to say no to
Xo Marianne
New Hampshire Designer Retreat | June 4–7 ✨
Imagine stepping away from your day-to-day and into a gorgeous mountain retreat in New Hampshire, surrounded by designers and home stagers who get you.
This isn’t just about trends (though you’ll get those, too ).
It’s about deep connection, shared growth, and unforgettable experiences.
Over three inspiring days, you’ll:
🤍 Learn directly from two seasoned coaches—Debbe Daley and Marianne Cherico—who will expand your vision, challenge your thinking, and help you step into what’s next
🤍 Gain just as much insight from the other talented creatives in the room—the conversations, collaborations, and “aha” moments are pure magic
🤍 Explore 2026 interior design & home staging trends, signature style, and what truly sets you apart
🤍 Learn how to leverage your design and staging expertise to invest in real estate, including how to evaluate and purchase investment properties—and combine smart buying with beautiful design
🤍 Experience the beauty of a private, historic NH retreat home, charming towns, antique shopping, and breathtaking mountain views
🤍 Enjoy cocktails, live music, laughter, optional Reiki sessions, hot-seat coaching, and plenty of time to relax and have fun
This is where business breakthroughs happen over coffee, wine, walks, and honest conversations—and where lasting friendships are formed.
Limited spots available
June 4–7 | Sandwich, NH
⏰ Registration closes May 29, 2026
If you’re craving inspiration, clarity, connection, and joy—this is your invitation
Complimentary Discovery Session
Together we will clarify your goals, uncover challenges that are preventing you from reaching those goals and discuss coaching options to help you create a life and business that is on fire! 🔥🔥🔥
I would love your review! If you enjoy what I share in this episode, please leave a review and comment on iTunes. I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
Connect with Amy:
Website –www.hometransformationsstaging.com
Instagram-@hometransformationsstaging
Connect with Marianne:
Set up a coaching discovery session to see if coaching is right for you.
Website: https://coachingbymarianne.com
Instagram: @homestagercoachmarianne
You Tube Channel-https://www.youtube.com/@homestagersanddesignersonfire
Join my FB Group: Fire Up Your Home Staging Business: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fireupyourhomestagingbusiness/
FB Group: Design for Today Collaborative- https://www.facebook.com/groups/DesignForTodayCollaborative
Visit my FB Coaching Page: https://www.facebook.com/CoachingByMarianneCherico/
Join my LinkedIn Group: Interior Redesign, Decorating and Real Estate Staging Professionals here.
Episode 141: Building a Solid Staging Team Culture
In my latest podcast episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire, I talk with Alisa Sparks. In 2017, Alisa founded "Linden Creek Home Staging," where her financial acumen and attention to detail seamlessly transitioned from corporate into the world of interior...
Episode 140: Hot Design Trends 2025
In my latest podcast episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire, I talk with Debbe Daley of Debbe Daley Designs. With over 40 years of experience in the interior home industry, Debbe is also a published author and president of the New England Chapter of IDS. She...
Episode 139: Win Lots of Business by Making it Easy to Work with You
In my latest podcast episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire, I talk with Jeff Martin of Mint Home Staging Company in California. Jeff started his company after seeing a need for affordable, on trend staging with quick turnarounds. Jeff is a Real Estate Agent...
Episode 138: Marianne’s Musings on 2025 Life and Business Plan and Dating
In the latest podcast episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire, I talk about creating a Smokin’ Hot 2025 Life and Business Plan and musings on how venturing into the world of dating sometimes takes the same mindset as building a business. I also share a time...
Episode 137: Inside the World of a Top LA Home Stager and HGTV Personality
Listen to the podcast below or subscribe on Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms. In this episode you will learn: What it is really like to be on HGTV How HGTV Stagers get paid (or not) How Kevin’s experience doing model homes helped him land HGTV...
Episode 136: Business Tips from a Multi Dimensional Entrepreneur
In this episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire I talk with Shauna Lynn Simon. Shauna Lynn is a multi award winning Home Stager and Designer, owner of SLS Academy and business coach for the busy female entrepreneur. She shares lots of “golden nuggets of wisdom”...
Episode 135: A RE Agent/Home Stager’s Advice on Winning Business
In this episode I talk with Shawn Varwig, the dynamic CEO of of Home Staging Northwest and Broker for Heritage Home Team Real Estate. His deep understanding of market trends, property values and buyer psychology allows him to provide staging solutions that position...
Episode 134: From Banking Career to Staging and Design Dynamo
In this episode I talk with Red Barrinuevo, owner of Redesign4more in Toronto. Known for his transformative approach to home design, and a passion for elevating spaces, Red's work goes beyond aesthetics. His thoughtful and innovative designs have not only enhanced the...
Episode 133: Financing Staging Inventory
In this episode I talk with Rod Basconcillo, president of R&R Financial... Since 2017 Rod has been serving the Home Staging Industry, providing financing solutions for his clients. Listen to the podcast below or subscribe on Apple, Spotify and most major...
Episode 132: Million Dollar Stager
Have you ever wondered what it is like to be a million dollar stager? Well you’ll get all the “inside skinny” in my latest podcast episode. Listen in as Michelle Minch of Moving Mountains Design talks about how she built her LA staging company. Listen to the podcast...
Episode 131: Transitioning from Corporate to a Successful Staging Business
In this episode I talk with Ellen Mann of Chrysalis Creative Home Staging. Ellen left a 30 year lucrative career in corporate to start a Home Staging business in Calgary Canada and now British Columbia. She takes us through the journey of building her business Listen...
Episode 130: Takeaways from RESACON 2024
In this episode I talk about the numerous takeaways from attending (and sponsoring) RESACON 2024. Even though I have been in the staging business since 2005, I am always excited to learn from others and share with my coaching clients and listeners.
Episode 129: Get Top Dollar for Your Staging Business
In this episode I interview Steven Denny, a partner at Innovative Business Advisors and the coauthor of the book You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know This book details the steps to take in order to build a profitable Home Staging business and one that has a strategic...
Episode 128: Success and The Business Building Journey
What does success mean to you? Are you looking to build a 7 figure business with a team? Or are you happy keeping things small and simple and making enough money to travel and do the things that tug at your heart? Success means different things to different people...
Episode 127: Pinterest as a Marketing Strategy
Have you ever thought of how you might drive more traffic to your website? Do you think of Pinterest as a tool to create boards and that is it? In this episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire, I interview Heather Cook of The Social Stager and we do a deep dive...
Episode 126: Bookkeeping Basics for Home Stagers
In this podcast episode, Lani Saviddis, owner of Bright Spot Bookkeeping talks about the importance of bookkeeping for your Home Staging Business.
Episode 125: Design Curious? This episode is for YOU!
Rebecca Ward has been designing in the greater Sacramento area for over 15 years. She is a Certified Interior Designer (CID), and she’s passed the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam. In this episode we talk about how she has built her...
Episode 124: 10 X Your Real Estate Agent Referrals
In this episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire I talk about how I might 10x my efforts in order to get better results winning the business of Real Estate Agents. Listen to the podcast below or subscribe on Apple, Spotify and most major podcast platforms....
Episode 123: From Home Stager to Wellness Design
In this episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire I talk with Kristyn Perreira of Reforma Interiors. Her journey began with Home Staging, where her keen eye for space, color, and style earned her numerous awards and recognition. Today, she is a trailblazer in the...
Episode 122: Unpacking the NAR Settlement and it’s Effects on the Home Staging Industry
The recent settlement with the National Association of Realtors has caused quite a stir and many Home Stagers are curious about how this might impact their business. In this podcast episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire I explain how the settlement will change...























