Describe your company in a few words

Property Stylist in Brisbane. We put the “Wow” factor into homes for sale. You have 8 seconds to make an emotional connection when selling your property. Homes are sold on emotions.

How did you first get started in property styling?

It was a natural progression for me after owning a boutique market business and a children’s retail store. Every day I was styling for retail and it followed into my home and life. I think if I styled my children’s rooms anymore they would kill me. And so it began. I spent time learning from industry experts working for free to gain the knowledge of the industry – a real eye opener.

What does a typical day look like?

Where do I start? Besides getting my family running and being the CEO of my household, I also run Grace & Co Property Styling full time. Life is busy. Days are usually filled with quoting and designing new jobs, selecting inventory and furniture and shopping for new accessories. Styling install days are all day on your feet making the “wow” happen for your clients. It’s like moving house every day, I don’t think people realise it’s not all glamorous but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s been your proudest moment?

Getting my first job and having the Agent come through and nearly crying. It sealed the decision for me that I was doing the right thing. The house was a total disaster zone and we turned it around in 3 weeks to sell for a lot more than it was valued at the start. This job turned from a styling job into a full-on renovation project for the owner – I learnt a lot from the job.

Tell us about your most important business lesson you’ve learnt so far?

Never assume anything from the home owner. The emotional connection people have to their homes is very strong and as a stylist, you have to be very aware of that connection. You have to learn to work with the client to make them happy, it’s not just about what you think will sell the property.

What’s the most common mistake people make when styling their own home?

People style their home emotionally and how they would live in it. Styling a home for sale is very different from styling your home to live in it. It has to look like a home not like a catalogue picture. Cleaning your home from top to bottom every nook and cranny is something that is not done enough. I like to use the word ‘GLEAMING’ when I first consult my clients. Preparation is everything. It’s fine to pay someone to style your home and fill it will beautiful inventory – but if it’s not clean potential buyers will not notice how ‘nice’ the furniture is.

Who or what inspires you?

My best friend Chrissy who passed away from breast Cancer last year. She inspires me every day to be the best person I can for myself and my family.

What are the plans for the future?

I am not out to have huge warehouses full of inventory and dominate Australia in Property Styling. My goals are to style a house every second day by 2018 – though that will keep me on my feet! My other goal is to take my family travelling and to be able to pay for it myself.

About Grace & Co Property Styling

Grace & Co Property Styling specialise in styling and preparing properties for sale. They also offer property styling consultations, styled lease, styled for accommodation and holiday homes. The styling concierge service takes the hassle out of organising your property preparation with extra trades and services (cleaning, lawn mowing etc).

Grace & Co Property Styling are based in Shorncliffe, Brisbane QLD and primarily do property staging in Brisbane. Day trips to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are available. For further information please visit the Grace & Co Property Styling website.