Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Hutson.
Hi Shana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Thanks for allowing me to share my story! My family moved to Arlington when I was six years old, and I still call it home. In high school, I knew that I wanted to become an elementary school teacher or an interior designer. Teaching won out at that point, so I got my degree and began teaching fourth grade. My husband and I raised two sons while living in Dalworthington Gardens, right in the middle of Arlington. During school breaks, I always had a home project underway. I rearranged rooms, hung wallpaper, painted walls, purchased new furniture and accessories, updated bathrooms, installed a pavestone patio, and the list goes on, all because I simply loved home decorating and refreshing spaces. I treasured my 30 years of working with children and educators at Corey Academy, but it was time to retire. I was excited to pursue my other passion, interior design/decorating. Since I retired young (relatively, haha), I started my own business as a home stager. I received my certification through HSR and started my home staging and decorating business called Clover Lane Design, LLC. I chose the name because we lived on Clover Lane, and my house was extra special to me because my dad was the general contractor when we built the house. That was our second house, where I was able to pick all of the finishes and furnishings. What fun (and work) that was!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting a business from scratch was not easy at all! Everything about it was a huge learning curve since my background was not in the business world. Creating a website, determining my value, handling bookkeeping, and getting my name out there took a while. I joined RESA (Real Estate Staging Association), worked with a couple of great mentors, networked with many agents, taught a home staging class at U.T. Arlington, and shared the importance of home staging with many real estate agents through classes. So many staging opportunities eventually came my way that I began to only specialize in occupied homes. When a vacant home opportunity arises today, I usually refer them to other amazing stagers for these jobs. That works out great because the vacant home stagers I know usually don’t want to work in the occupied homes. It’s a win-win for all of us!
We’ve been impressed with Clover Lane Design, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
As a stager, I mostly work with real estate agents to provide home staging consultations with the sellers. I offer a walk & talk consultation or one with a written report. Many stagers offer only one type of consultation, but I have found that having two gives a more customized solution for many. As I explained earlier, I specialize in homes where the sellers still live there, so working with them in their home requires a different approach than when staging a vacant house. A few years ago, I started receiving more and more requests to help people decorate their new homes, so I added that additional service to my business. I became a Master Color Consultant and started working with a local builder, helping buyers select all of their new home finishes. I also work with a professional painter, providing paint color consultations to his customers. In 2020/2021, we all became accustomed to working from home, and I launched my online virtual/e-design service after much training and practice with the software. Many people have no idea what that is. Basically, it fills a gap in the design world. As a teacher, my salary would never allow me to pay for full-service design, yet I wanted my home to feel current, relaxed, warm, and inviting. I’m a huge fan of e-design because I can relate to others who want this for themselves. Many people just need help with inspiration and sourcing, but they can implement the project themselves with guidance. Now I can offer that service to anyone anywhere, as long as they can take pictures with their phone, communicate via email, and use a basic tape measure. It’s a very fun process!
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to continue helping homeowners and real estate agents. I believe that home is a very important place. I read a quote from Habitat for Humanity once that said, “Home is a safe haven and a comfort zone. A place to live with our families and pets and enjoy with friends. A place to build memories as well as a way to build future wealth. A place where we can truly just be ourselves. And whether our houses are big, small, fancy or modest, they are our shelters and our sanctuaries.” If I can a play a part in that, helping others to “Create a Home” with paint colors, furniture, design, or even staging to sell, that’s what I want to continue to do. It’s a privilege to work with people, doing what I love!
Pricing:
- Real Estate Staging Consultation $175-$250
- 2 Hour Photo Styling $250
- Paint Consultation – starts at $175
- E-Design $899 per room
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cloverlanedesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloverlanedesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cloverlanedesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-hutson-3ba829145/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/shutson/
