What does it really take to build a thriving staging business in a rural market — without burning yourself out or saying yes to everything?
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 ✨
Early Bird Special Pricing
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 95: Create a Business That is in Alignment with Your Core Values
In this episode I interview Dawn Drew, a successful business owner and entrepreneur in Raleigh, NC. As a Home Stager, Designer, House-Flipper, and NC Real Estate Agent, Dawn’s commitment has always been to personal growth, her own and those around her.
Episode 94: Business Productivity Consultant
Check out my latest episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire. In this episode I talk with Shanice Miller, a Business Productivity Consultant with Taskly Group
Episode 93: Cape Cod Designer and Stager on Work Life Balance
Welcome to episode #93 of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire. Donel Beals has been one of my coaching clients for 5 years and has built a thriving Staging/Design business on Cape Cod.
Episode 92: Team Collaboration Business Model- Staging Company
In this episode I interview Monica Murphy of Preferred Staging serving Northern Virginia, Washington DC and suburban Maryland.
Episode 91: Designing Model Apartments
Jodie started her staging business in 2017 and has pivoted into residential and commercial design targeting multi family property management groups. Her specialty is providing luxurious model apartments, working community areas as well as outdoor rooftop lounges and leasing offices.
Episode 90: How to Win the Business of RE Agents and Broker/Owners
In this episode I interview Jennifer Mello, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Real Estate Broker and owner of the Mello Group. Jenn has been a well respected, top performing agent since 2005.
Episode 89: Leading a Fulfilled Life and Business
A fulfilled life is sometimes described as being perfectly alive, filled with purpose and satisfaction, involving vision and requiring intensive alignment with what you value most—a highly meaningful life. And a highly meaningful life means something different for everyone
Episode 88: Concierge Home Staging, Estate Sale, and Real Estate Business
In this episode I am delighted to talk with Tracy Molendi. Tracy started her business as a Professional Organizer. She then added Staging Services, Design work, Senior Downsizing, Estate Sales, and a Retail Store to her menu of services.
Episode 87: Year Long Design Job on the Coast of Maine
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to do a really large design job from soup to nuts? In this episode Debbe Daley dishes on what it was like for her, the trials and tribulations of taking on a project this large in scope.
Episode 86: Home Stagers- Build Your Relationship with RE Agents by Volunteering in the Community
Cathy Lee has built a lucrative staging business by being active in her community. She shares how being involved has benefitted her both professionally and personally and how “giving back” feels really good, a “win, win”.
Episode 85: What You Need To Know When Building Or Growing Your Website
After more than 20 years delivering marketing technology solutions for corporate clients, Judy left the corporate world to start her own business JB Home Style Interiors, doing staging and interior redesign. A couple of years in, she re-discovered her inner geek and pivoted to help other creatives build their websites
Episode 84: From Home Stager to STR Specialist
n this episode I discuss how to add Short Term Rentals to your Home Staging or Interior Design menus with my special guest Amy Powers. Amy has been an award-winning Stager and industry leader since 2007.
Episode 83: 3 Ways Mindset Impacts Your Success
business? Are you taking lots of action but aren’t gaining the traction you feel you should be getting? Do you wonder what you might be doing differently?
Episode 82: From Marketing Career to Home Staging/Design Business
Leah is the owner of LJ Interiors, a design and home staging company in Chaska, MN. Leah spent over 12 years in Marketing helping clients choose the perfect color or color scheme to create dramatic transformations and captivating results and now draws on those skills as she helps clients in their homes.
Episode 81: Raw, Unfiltered Grief, Doing Tough Things and Business
In this episode I talk about grief and how it has impacted my life and business after my husband, Jimmy died.
Episode 80: Money Management and Mindset
As a money management and mindset coach, Erinn Bridgman empowers female entrepreneurs to design a business that is not just ‘profitable’, but actually grows their personal wealth.
Episode 79: Instagram for Home Stagers and Designers
In this episode I talk with Andress Eichstadt of Staging Studio about how to use Instagram, effectively to grow your business.
Episode 78: The benefits of using Mydoma for your Home Staging or Interior Design Business
In this session Dixie Willard and I will discuss the benefits of using Mydoma for your Home Staging or Interior Design Business.
Episode 77: Optimize Your Sales Funnels, Newsletters, Social Media
When Interior Designers, Home Stagers and Professional Organizers want to automate and streamline their marketing, Kate the Socialite is their “go to Gal”.
Episode 76: Knowing your financials
Knowing your numbers helps you make better business decisions so that your money is working for you.
In this episode of Home Stagers and Designers on Fire I interview Danielle Hayden of Kickstart Accounting.
