Setting The Stage Where Creativity Meets Business

What one word describes Shayla Noel and Sherrie Robinson, the mother-and-daughter team who recently launched EZ Design Staging? If one asks coworkers, associates, and clients, the word is "unforgettable"!

For some time, the circumstances in their lives had been catapulting them towards this moment. Shayla had just given birth to her second child and the company in which Sherrie worked had recently been sold. As a result, both Shayla (daughter) and Sherrie (mother) simultaneously came up with the idea to establish their own company. Inspired by Shayla's sons, Erik and Zachary, EZ Design Staging was born.

Shayla and Sherrie sat down and discussed the attributes that their ideal company would possess. As a mother of two young children, Shayla felt it important to have a career that enabled her ability to choose her own hours, thereby offering the flexibility to be with her children.

While this was important to Sherrie, Shayla's mother also enjoyed the freedom to set her own prices. Both women appreciate the fact that their business is a labour of love and that finally, both of them are truly doing exactly what they want to do.

Although the timing of their new venture was fortuitous, the seeds had been planted years ago. As a young girl, Sherrie had dreams of becoming famous, studying drama throughout school and doing some modeling following graduation. It was then that she found her love for the other end of the design world and promptly enrolled in Fashion Design College, receiving her certificate with honors.

Her tenure at college was where she developed her eye for colour, original creativity and intuitive business savvy--a powerful combination for the home staging business. Moreover, her daughter's interior decorating skills were honed at the tender age of 5 as she dutifully informed her grandmother, "That couch doesn't look right on that wall". At age 9, Shayla's "eye for straight lines" and uncanny ability to notice improperly-hung paintings, photographs, and door frames, assisted many family members.

An award-winning artist since her teens and a high school Art scholarship recipient, Shayla had always wanted to utilize her artistic abilities in a meaningful way. Although talented in all artistic media, Shayla received most rave reviews for her pencil drawings.

Prior to her maternity leave, she had worked in property management, which enabled her to learn a great deal about real estate. While she enjoyed her real estate education, Shayla felt disappointed at the fact that her position did not enable her to utilize her vast creativity. At the property management firm, however, coworkers were amazed at Shayla's excellent organizing skills and soon she was arranging all of the offices' files and contracts. When she left to commence EZ Design Staging, her colleagues were immensely excited for her.

Not only do Shayla's experiences serve her well in her current role, but Sherrie's business skills were helpful as she advised a friend around the sale of a decorating company. Sherrie's wise encouragement was evident as she counseled, "You can't quit; you own the company."

Soon after, as Residential Manager for a Cleaning Company, "the stage was [beginning to be] set" for Sherrie's new business venture. As a result, Shayla's organizing abilities, combined with Sherrie's financial capabilities, came into play during the creation of EZ Design Staging's first year business plan. With this set-up, Shayla happily exclaims, "There is so much potential to succeed!"

Not only do these two business partners possess the inherent skills and background experience to run EZ Design Staging, but they are ambitious life-long learners who believe in enhancing their professional development.

Shayla and Sherrie just completed the Certified Staging Professional program, and are well on the way to receiving their Residential Interior Decorating Certificate. As such, they plan to take at least one course per year to keep current with developing trends in the residential staging industry. In fact, Shayla and Sherrie are already enrolled in next year's Staging and Decorating Conference.

Furthermore, the unstoppable ambition of these two ladies has translated into their joining Toastmasters, Roaring Women, and the Real Estate Staging Association, as well as networking with other useful contacts. Calgary's huge real estate market boom is a great opportunity for the "Staging for Sale" division of their business. Their mandate is for house sellers "to get the most equity for what they can" and "to make big bucks" from the dynamic duo's application of their talent to fixer-uppers and higher-end homes. To this end, clients describe Shayla and Sherrie as enthusiastic, optimistic, "un-terrified", and determined.

Additionally, Shayla and Sherrie also believe in following their gut in the implementation of new ideas. For example, not only do they offer staging services to the Calgary real estate market, but also provide "Staging for Living". This is a unique service for those individuals who "no longer see what they've done" when they have inhabited a house for many years. Shayla and Sherrie clear the clutter and children's toys to render these homes aesthetically-pleasing, stylish, and comfortable.

When asked for their advice to budding entrepreneurs, both Shayla and Sherrie echo each other's sentiments by exclaiming, "Go for it--just do it." The ladies believe that if one has a dream or a goal, one must pursue it. When queried about their future expansion plans, these business partners comment, "go big or go home", one of their favourite tenets. Shayla and Sherrie have big plans to expand their business, space, and activities.

Both mother and daughter desire a successful growing business, a happy family, and a legacy to pass onto future generations, described as "something for ourselves and our family".

When asked about hobbies, it becomes evident that their thirst for life and varied interests keep them busy and satisfied. Both women play darts in the City of Calgary Dart League with their extended family whom are lovingly known as "the twisted sisters". Ladies' golf is one of Sherrie's favourite summer pastimes, while Shayla is a voracious reader of classics, mysteries, "business for dummies", decorating, and the list goes on.

They continue, "Remember, we are not here for a long time; we should enjoy the things we love and the things we love to do." Most definitely, it is obvious that Shayla and Sherrie are both doing exactly that as they embark on this exciting voyage together.

Written by Olga Cordeiro, Roaring Women

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