Why Home Staging Partnerships and Mentorship Matter More Than You Think

Nedra D Hines
May 27, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Jan 3

When I first started my journey as a professional home stager, I had no roadmap—just determination and a book. In December 2016, after reading Barb Schwarz’s foundational work on home staging, I immediately began the process of establishing my LLC. That book became my guide for understanding vacant home staging, occupied home staging, and the contracts required to work with furniture rental companies.

At the time, I knew only one other home stager. I studied her work online, mainly through Facebook, trying to understand what professional staging results actually looked like. For nearly two years, I worked largely in isolation—learning, guessing, and piecing things together as best I could.

The Turning Point: Home Staging Mentorship and Formal Training

Everything changed when I was invited to take that stager’s professional home staging certification course.

I’ll never forget her telling me, “I want you to enjoy staging.” That single statement meant more than she probably realized. It showed belief, generosity, and leadership—qualities that define true mentorship in the home staging industry.

Beyond training, I had the opportunity to:

Work in the field alongside one of her full-time stagers
Learn directly from her interior designer
Ask questions freely and receive honest answers

That real-world experience was invaluable. To this day, I credit her and her team for helping shape my foundation. Her business has since grown into one of the largest home staging companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and I continue to be inspired by her success.

Why Home Staging Partnerships Are Essential for Growth

I share this story to emphasize one thing: home staging is not meant to be done alone. Whether you’re a new home stager or a seasoned professional, partnership and collaboration within the industry are critical to long-term success. Many stagers have generously shared knowledge with me—everything from staging systems to automation tools to workflow strategies.

That generosity has paid dividends.

I once had a local real estate agent ask, “Why would you all share information like that?”The answer is simple: paying it forward strengthens the entire industry—and it always comes back around.

Building a Professional Home Staging Community

Like any industry, home staging has its share of personalities. You’ll encounter people who guard information, criticize others, or operate from fear. Fortunately, you’ll also meet incredible professionals who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Many of us:

Belong to the same professional organizations
Participate in the same Facebook groups
Attend the same trainings and events

As your home staging network grows, stay open to advice and observant of others’ experiences. Their wins and mistakes can help you make smarter decisions and refine your own business direction.

Professional Conduct Matters in Home Staging Collaboration

One important note for anyone participating in home staging groups or online communities: avoid posting negative comments about other stagers or their work.

The home staging industry is smaller than you think. Public criticism doesn’t elevate your brand—it damages it. Professionalism, respect, and discretion will always serve you better.

Owning Your Unique Home Staging Journey

As you build relationships and mentorships, take time to evaluate why others operate the way they do—but don’t copy their path blindly.

Every stager’s business is shaped by:

Their goals
Their environment
Their values

Your job is to own your journey, not mirror someone else’s insecurities or ego. Learn from others, but make decisions that align with where you want your home staging business to go.

Final Thoughts on Home Staging Mentorship and Partnership

Home staging mentorship and partnership aren’t just helpful—they’re transformative.

They: