Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Shirey.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always had a knack and passion for design. I consider myself a creative person, and that has always flowed over into my living spaces, as well. I parted ways with my last job as a marketing assistant at a sporting company, and I wanted to be able to utilize my creative design talents! That led me to Home Staging for Houston, where I am now a designer and manager of marketing. I knew after my initial interview that this company was a perfect fit for me! After speaking with the owner, Rhonda Conchola, I felt really inspired by her story. She started her company over ten years ago by using her own personal home furniture to stage properties. Home Staging for Houston now houses a 4,500 sq.ft. warehouse stacked from floor to ceiling with inventory. It’s a wonderful success story, and the business just continues to flourish. I love working alongside strong women. I feel as though we really try to lift each other up and encourage each other to be the best versions of ourselves, both professionally and personally.
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?
People might view design as a “glamorous” job. It has its moments, but it is hard work! There is a lot of physical effort that is behind staging and design. We certainly have to roll our sleeves up at times and get the job done. We are fortunate to have a wonderful logistics team, but nonetheless, we get a workout in.
Another challenge the design world poses, is the everchanging direction of design. We are always trying to stay on top of the latest trends, so that our designs are fresh and stylish. Our design team makes yearly trips to the World Market Center in Vegas to stay on top of what is on next year’s horizon. We love to gather inspiration from fellow creatives and are constantly trying to grow and evolve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Home Staging for Houston, as the name may suggest, started out strictly as a staging company. However, over time, we have morphed into providing home design services to our clients, as well. I really love this part! While I enjoy staging, I am a total people person, and this enables me to work alongside clients on their design journeys. It is very fulfilling to transform a space into something that our client just loves! I think it is so important to really enjoy the space that you live in. Your home should say a bit about who you are. I personally love a clean and classic look, something that is chic, but comfortable. My ideal space would be one with plenty of natural light, slipcovered sofas, white accents, fresh florals, rustic textiles, and of course, books! Something straight out of a Nancy Meyer film.
I think what sets my design technique apart from others is my personal connection to it. I try to envision all of the future memories that will be made in these spaces and really design with love on my heart. I am a deep thinker and that flows over into my projects. I want families to gather in an atmosphere that is inviting and warm, where they can reflect on their time together and feel a real sense of home. I try and pour my heart into every life experience, and my career is no different.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the pulse of the city. The energy of it is palpable, and I really appreciate its diversity. The Houston Art District has the highest concentration of working artists in Texas! We have a large and talented art community, and I feel really fortunate to be able to experience and participate in all that it has to offer. I really take delight the inspiration that it provides. I am so blessed that my daughter, Avery, shares the same love of art. We have a fabulous time relishing in all that Houston has to offer; whether it be a museum, concert, ballet, or restaurant, we find delight in anything cultivated around creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: homestagingforhouston.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/homestagingforhouston
Image Credits
Morris Malakoff
