Nikki Giovanni Watson has always helped other people with their homes for free. She never thought about it as a business until she met a Home Stager named Jason Maxwell. Jason owned a large Staging business in Dallas and was a client of hers at the flooring company where she worked. When Jason took her to his warehouse, her world was opened up to new possibilities. She now owns the largest Home Staging Company in the Nation.
Takeaway:
- Nikki Giovanni Watson, owner of the Largest Home Staging Company in the nation, started the company with a borrowed $10 from her mom.
Nikki Watson, founder of The Design Quad
Can you start by introducing yourself and telling us your inspiring story?
I started my company with a borrowed $10 from my mother. My ex-husband was in charge of our finances, and my check would be deposited into his account, and I had no access. If I needed anything, I would have to ask him for money. I started advertising myself as a Home Stager after learning about this career, and got a call for my first customer. She was 8 miles away. I asked him for $10 for gas to get there, and he refused. He said that Staging sounds stupid and it wouldn’t be successful. I called my mom and she sent me the money by Western Union. I got the contract, and that is how my company started.
What made you decide to go into business for yourself?
I started while I worked full time as a flooring salesperson. I met a Stager and thought it was great since I was already helping family and friends with their homes for free.
How did you market your business when it was brand new?
I talked to any Real Estate agent, investor, or Builder that I could find.
What is a typical day like for you?
I am the marketing representative for my company. Most days, I am visiting Realtor offices and teaching classes. I am not involved in the day-to-day staging anymore.
What are the three most important habits to be a successful entrepreneur?
Time Management (blocking), Hiring for strengths you are weak in, and doing the hard stuff first.
If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?
Do not wait until it’s perfect, just start.
Yes, we are based on service. We do four service projects a year, minimum, and we invite our clients to serve with us. They love it. We have done everything from feeding at the homeless shelter, furnishing apartments, food bank serving and more.
How do you prioritize self-care and well-being while managing the demands of your
business?
I take at least one day a week off to slow down and focus.
What would you consider your biggest accomplishment and why?
Our company is featured on two HGTV shows and one show on A&E Network
How do you set your business apart from others in your industry?
We are a high-volume company, and there is no other company doing the amount of business we are. Our normal workload is 6 vacant properties per day.
What social media platform is the best for business growth and why?
Facebook has been my highest form of social media referrals.
Which female leader do you admire, and why?
Michelle Obama. Such grace, poise, and intelligence.
Do you have a favorite quote or motto that inspires you?
“If you learn, teach. If you get, give.” – Maya Angelou
After a few years of doing Staging as a hobby with a full-time job, the owner of the company called and said God told him that I should be Staging and not working for him. That was September 2017, so at the end of the month, I was let go from my job. I had to make it work. From October 2017 to October 2018, I wrote $975,000 in Staging sales when I was bringing home $750/week from the flooring company.
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Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?