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Our Passion in Practice
Success Stories
My name is Lori Butler, the owner and founder of Upstaged Home Staging & ReDesign. I am a USC™ Certified UltimateStager™ & Redesigner, having proudly graduated from the Ultimate Academy® in 2017.
I have been staging and redesigning homes, in one way or another, for as long as I can remember. It is more than a passion for me; it's a way of life. Design, decor, color, and the flow of a room are things that my mind is processing and transforming from the moment I walk into a space.
Although, this has always been a love of mine, completing the staging and redesign course gave me the confidence and desire to move forward. Generally, most people are thinking about winding down in their fifties, not starting their own company. However, sometimes life has different plans for you, and you can either choose to be safe and stick with what you know or embrace the opportunity and follow your dreams. I chose the latter.
I remember so well the “high” I felt when I completed this course, like I could conquer the world. Now, I did have temporary setbacks as we all do. I felt very nervous when I was offered my first job shortly after returning home. This was however short lived and with each job, I gained more confidence and trust in myself.
I now run a successful staging and redesign business, one that I am immensely proud of. I am always looking for ways to enhance and improve our service to give each client the best possible experience. Enrolling my daughter, Kenedie, in the same course is one of the ways that I am looking to do just that. I am excited to have her work with me, knowing that she will have the same foundation and skills taught to her as I did.
I truly believe that being a certified stager and redesigner gives me an advantage over those that are not, and I am so grateful to the Ultimate Academy® for the experience, support, and expertise. I would not be where I am without it.
I have been staging and redesigning homes, in one way or another, for as long as I can remember. It is more than a passion for me; it's a way of life. Design, decor, color, and the flow of a room are things that my mind is processing and transforming from the moment I walk into a space.
Although, this has always been a love of mine, completing the staging and redesign course gave me the confidence and desire to move forward. Generally, most people are thinking about winding down in their fifties, not starting their own company. However, sometimes life has different plans for you, and you can either choose to be safe and stick with what you know or embrace the opportunity and follow your dreams. I chose the latter.
I remember so well the “high” I felt when I completed this course, like I could conquer the world. Now, I did have temporary setbacks as we all do. I felt very nervous when I was offered my first job shortly after returning home. This was however short lived and with each job, I gained more confidence and trust in myself.
I now run a successful staging and redesign business, one that I am immensely proud of. I am always looking for ways to enhance and improve our service to give each client the best possible experience. Enrolling my daughter, Kenedie, in the same course is one of the ways that I am looking to do just that. I am excited to have her work with me, knowing that she will have the same foundation and skills taught to her as I did.
I truly believe that being a certified stager and redesigner gives me an advantage over those that are not, and I am so grateful to the Ultimate Academy® for the experience, support, and expertise. I would not be where I am without it.
Lori Butler, USC™
UpStaged Home Staging & ReDesign
My name is Justysia I have completed my staging course about 6 years ago with Ultimate Academy®. I had completed my course online as it worked better with my schedule at that time.
At the beginning, I did staging part-time and then just last year I decided to try to do this full time.
My business has grown over the past few months, going from one house a month to 6 to 10. I enjoy every moment of it. I was able to grow my crew to 4! I am able to get more inventory and try different things with decor every time I stage a home.
My goal this year is to hit 100 clients. And keep growing that number year after year. I didn't always believe in my self. But with all the support I have from Ultimate Academy® and fellow stagers, I am getting stronger every day and believe in my self.
My problem was I was too scared to start, too scared to ask for help if I was unsure about something. But there is so much support any one can do it. If you just believe in yourself, you will succeed in anything you strongly believe in.
At the beginning, I did staging part-time and then just last year I decided to try to do this full time.
My business has grown over the past few months, going from one house a month to 6 to 10. I enjoy every moment of it. I was able to grow my crew to 4! I am able to get more inventory and try different things with decor every time I stage a home.
My goal this year is to hit 100 clients. And keep growing that number year after year. I didn't always believe in my self. But with all the support I have from Ultimate Academy® and fellow stagers, I am getting stronger every day and believe in my self.
My problem was I was too scared to start, too scared to ask for help if I was unsure about something. But there is so much support any one can do it. If you just believe in yourself, you will succeed in anything you strongly believe in.
Justysia Sandoval, USC™
Justysia Staging + ReDesign
I’m Ann Maria Bridgelal, Graduate of Ultimate Academy® and I would love to share my story of starting my own home staging business.
After becoming a mom to twin boys, I had to find a career path that would enable me to have a flexible schedule as well as pursuing my passions and interests. I know that the kids would eventually start school and I would have time on my hands but still wanted to be available for them before and after school.
After helping my parents get their home ready for sale, I decided to get into this industry. So, my husband encouraged me to take a course so I could learn more about the business and what attracted us to Ultimate Academy® was being able to do it in your own time, in the comfort of your own home.
We instantly signed up and I am so thankful that I have made this connection. In addition to learning about the business, I was also guided on how to get my own business started with easy steps and lots of templates. In just 3 months, I was able to get set up and ready to go. I am very happy and learning from every opportunity and have also worked with other stagers that graduated from the program. I would highly recommend anyone interested in perusing a career in this industry to get enrolled with Ultimate Academy®.
After becoming a mom to twin boys, I had to find a career path that would enable me to have a flexible schedule as well as pursuing my passions and interests. I know that the kids would eventually start school and I would have time on my hands but still wanted to be available for them before and after school.
After helping my parents get their home ready for sale, I decided to get into this industry. So, my husband encouraged me to take a course so I could learn more about the business and what attracted us to Ultimate Academy® was being able to do it in your own time, in the comfort of your own home.
We instantly signed up and I am so thankful that I have made this connection. In addition to learning about the business, I was also guided on how to get my own business started with easy steps and lots of templates. In just 3 months, I was able to get set up and ready to go. I am very happy and learning from every opportunity and have also worked with other stagers that graduated from the program. I would highly recommend anyone interested in perusing a career in this industry to get enrolled with Ultimate Academy®.
Ann Maria Bridgelal, USC™
The Sunflower Staging Co.
I completed Ultimate Academy®’s Home Staging Program back in 2016 before I started by business. It has remained the single most important investment I've made in myself and my business to this day. I loved the program because it gave me the ongoing support, I needed to start my business and they were there for me along the way during the challenging times and during the successful times.
In the beginning I spent a lot of time building my brand, my website and staging/styling anything I could get my hands on to build my portfolio. I remember taking apart my parents living room to style it for photos, I'm pretty sure at the time they had no idea what home staging was and why I quit my job to start my own home staging business.
Being an entrepreneur definitely has its perks and challenges, but it's such a good feeling to know you're building something of your own. My job takes me to so many great areas of the city that I would otherwise not know about, meeting different people everyday and getting to see the direct results of what home staging can do for the sale of someone's home are some of the many perks of this job. The opportunity to be creative everyday is what keeps me going and seeing my team grow into strong creatives themselves is such a great feeling.
Over the past 6 years we have grown from a team of 1 to a team of 3 and have built successful staging business solely on word of mouth from clients. We have our own studio space where we work, and curate staging designs based on the clients needs and to attract the right buyer market for that specific listing. Our clients are always our number one priority and want to make sure we make the staging process for them as easy as possible. We take on a maximum of 6 staging installs in one week so we can ensure that the quality of our staging installations is not affected by taking on more than we can handle. We pride ourselves on delivering modern and minimal staging designs. Quality over quantity. Every. Time.
In the beginning I spent a lot of time building my brand, my website and staging/styling anything I could get my hands on to build my portfolio. I remember taking apart my parents living room to style it for photos, I'm pretty sure at the time they had no idea what home staging was and why I quit my job to start my own home staging business.
Being an entrepreneur definitely has its perks and challenges, but it's such a good feeling to know you're building something of your own. My job takes me to so many great areas of the city that I would otherwise not know about, meeting different people everyday and getting to see the direct results of what home staging can do for the sale of someone's home are some of the many perks of this job. The opportunity to be creative everyday is what keeps me going and seeing my team grow into strong creatives themselves is such a great feeling.
Over the past 6 years we have grown from a team of 1 to a team of 3 and have built successful staging business solely on word of mouth from clients. We have our own studio space where we work, and curate staging designs based on the clients needs and to attract the right buyer market for that specific listing. Our clients are always our number one priority and want to make sure we make the staging process for them as easy as possible. We take on a maximum of 6 staging installs in one week so we can ensure that the quality of our staging installations is not affected by taking on more than we can handle. We pride ourselves on delivering modern and minimal staging designs. Quality over quantity. Every. Time.
Marie Whittaker, USC™
Simply Abode
Sorted by Mari LLC offers personalized organizing and staging solutions designed with the entire family in consideration.
Sorted by Mari LLC excels in handling projects with creativity, efficiency, and professionalism.
Services extend beyond organization for homes, businesses, and personal lives, including tailored home staging services poised to leave a significant impact on the real estate market.
Sorted by Mari LLC excels in handling projects with creativity, efficiency, and professionalism.
Services extend beyond organization for homes, businesses, and personal lives, including tailored home staging services poised to leave a significant impact on the real estate market.
Mari Stewart, UCPO™, USC™
Sorted by Mari
Mena Jannetta-Conte, the Creative Director and Founder of Moonflower Elements Inc., specializes in Home Staging, Home Décor, Redesign, Professional Organizing, and Feng Shui. With a deep-rooted passion for design, Mena pursued certification through the Ultimate Academy® and holds a certificate in Fashion Design. Additionally, Mena has experience in the Financial Industry, which complements skills in providing excellent client experiences, managing people and projects, and collaborating with Realtors to achieve client aspirations.
MoonFlower Elements understands the importance in creating and bringing your home to its highest potential.
MoonFlower Elements will work to achieve mass appeal to your home by highlighting the “wow” factor of your home.
In addition to Home Staging services, MoonFlower Elements also offers Feng Shui, Professional Organizing and Decorating & ReDesign services.
MoonFlower Elements understands the importance in creating and bringing your home to its highest potential.
MoonFlower Elements will work to achieve mass appeal to your home by highlighting the “wow” factor of your home.
In addition to Home Staging services, MoonFlower Elements also offers Feng Shui, Professional Organizing and Decorating & ReDesign services.
Mena Jannetta-Conte, USC™, UCPO™, UDRC™, UFSC™
MoonFlower Elements
After 8 Years of Running a Successful Business -
I am Ready to Sell and Retire!
After 8 successful years in the home staging industry, I am ready to pass on my legacy to a fellow USC™ stager. After completing Ultimate Academy®’s Home Staging certification course in 2016, I launched a successful home staging business implementing everything I learned from the course. I hit the ground running and rapidly grew my network of realtors and clients. My personable approach and business training from Ultimate Academy® provided me with a strong foundation to build a successful business, enabling me to build genuine connections doing what I love. Everyone at Ultimate Academy® is amazing!
Aneesa, USC™ Certified UltimateStager™
After 8 Years of Running a Successful Business -
I am Ready to Sell and Retire!
After 8 successful years in the home staging industry, I am ready to pass on my legacy to a fellow USC™ stager. After completing Ultimate Academy®’s Home Staging certification course in 2016, I launched a successful home staging business implementing everything I learned from the course. I hit the ground running and rapidly grew my network of realtors and clients. My personable approach and business training from Ultimate Academy® provided me with a strong foundation to build a successful business, enabling me to build genuine connections doing what I love. Everyone at Ultimate Academy® is amazing!
Aneesa, USC™ Certified UltimateStager™
Our Passion in Practice
Google Reviews From Our Graduates
"I finished my Staging course Yesterday at Ultimate Academy. I cant explain enough that how organized, knowledgeable and informative were everybody on Ultimate Academy. I could ask all of my questions and Greg and Eileen were so keen and patient to answer. The manual is comprehensive and it exactly shows us what to do before staging, on the day of staging and after that. I will definitely take another course of Ultimate Academy soon. Thank you!!"
Shahrzad D., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"Being an Ultimate Academy® student was a great experience. I’m so grateful for all the team and their hard work. Eileen and Greg shared with us all their experience in staging. They were so transparent and wanted to share with us every single detail and secret they know about staging. Jill is amazing! She’s always here to help. I bombarded her with questions on many occasions and she answered me with all possible details. Ultimate Academy team is very professional, friendly, and supportive. If I would want to take more courses in décor or professional organizing, I would definitely choose to go with Ultimate Academy®!"
Kim G., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"I just finished my Staging course I have also completed Professional Organizing &Decorating -Redesign and wow I can not express it enough how great and amazing Eileen Taylor is such a inspirational person so helpful with everything! I enjoy the classes I have taken with UA . I’ve learned so much from Greg as well he’s the best marketing director. Also, Jill is wonderful and answers every question at any time. I 100%recommend Ultimate Academy to everyone you will learn so much they teach you and guide you through everything. Thank you to all the UA family (staff)because that’s how they make me feel like we are all family. I’m excited and thankful for everything I have learned."
Cindy C., USC™, UCPO™, UDRC™
Certified UltimateStager™, Professional Organizer™ & Decorator & ReDesigner™
"I am from California, and I just would like to say this is an amazing class. Eileen and Greg take you step by step through the 5 day course. I learned a lot and I am very happy I took this class.
Thank you Eileen and Greg so much!"
Yafit P., USC™, UFSC™
Certified UltimateStager™ & Certified Ultimate Feng Shui Specialist™
"I just finished my staging course with Ultimate Academy. I am looking forward to my next course with them this coming week. I learned different techniques on staging any kind of property, big or small. I also learned how to successfully run a staging business. Eileen and Greg are incredible instructors and so kind. The course is interactive, you learn so many things that you may have overlooked. I live in the state of Connecticut and having this course through zoom was a delight. I would recommend anyone to do their certification through Ultimate Academy!"
Alicia R., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"I'm from Houston, Texas. I took the Home staging course through Ultimate Academy. I loved my experience of becoming a Certified UltimateStager.
Eileen, Greg, Jill & Emily were amazing"
Oluwbunmi A., USC™, UFSC™, UDRC™, UEPC™, UWPC™
Certified UltimateStager™, Feng Shui Specialist™, Decorator & ReDesigner™ & Event & Wedding Planner™
"Being an Ultimate Academy® student was a great experience. I’m so grateful for all the team and their hard work. Eileen and Greg shared with us all their experience in staging. They were so transparent and wanted to share with us every single detail and secret they know about staging. Jill is amazing! She’s always here to help. I bombarded her with questions on many occasions and she answered me with all possible details. And Emily provided encouraging and constructive feedback which helped a ton! The Ultimate Academy® team is very professional, friendly, and supportive. If I would want to take more courses in décor or professional organizing, I would definitely choose to go with Ultimate Academy®!"
Dalia T., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"You never really know going into something if it's really going to be what you're looking for & the material that's going to benefit you. Let me assure you, the material in this course is insightful, engaging & teaches you the morals with owning your own business. Take any one of the courses offered and improve your self knowledge and your moral fortitude, I know it helped me and I learned from it."
Gary B., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"Just finished the Staging Certification and looking forward to the Feng Shui Course. Amazing content, delivery and coaches. Very happy with the course and the additional resources available."
Preethi A., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"There are a lot of options when choosing a Staging certification course, and I am so pleased I chose Ultimate Academy! Eileen and Greg are true professionals and experts in the business. I intend to utilize their amazing system they offer to launch my business and look forward to my next certification course in Feng Shui through Ultimate Academy! I highly recommend using Ultimate Academy."
Deb W., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
"I am from Pennsylvania and just finished the live staging class today. It was so informative!!! They gave us the step by step process of starting a new career!! We could ask as many questions as we needed to. They inspired me to pursue my passion!! I'm so glad I took this class!!"
Betsy l., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
“My name is Furrukh. I have recently done my Staging Course with Ultimate Academy. I am so happy that I choose this institution. They do above and beyond. I enrolled in last minute and they tried to provide me each and everything relevant to that course just in time. They are so professional and have highly skilled team. Everyone is so helpful and friendly there that you feel like a family. I highly recommend to those who wants to start their staging, Decor, Organizing business. They will guide you step by step plus they have very good services for their students to avail.Thank you Ultimate Academy to provide me amazing knowledge.”
Furrukh W., USC™, UFSC™
Certified UltimateStager™ & Certified Ultimate Feng Shui Specialist™
"I just got my UltimateStager Certificate from Ultimate Academy. I am from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I must say it is the best experience. The Ultimate Academy team is very knowledgeable and experienced. I learned a lot from Greg and Eileen-- they are awesome! I will definitely take their other courses! THANK YOU ULTIMATE ACADEMY!!"
Pakinam E., USC™, UFSC™
Certified UltimateStager™ & Certified Ultimate Feng Shui Specialist™
“Ultimate Academy offers a variety of live, interactive online courses using Zoom. I just graduated from the Home Staging Certification Course and I can’t say enough about it to do it justice. I had a solid week of interactive learning that has given me all the tools and systems to launch my own Home Staging career. Eileen and Greg are so engaging and offer a wealth of knowledge and real life experiences in the business. I also got to know my classmates quite well over the week and we can now bounce ideas off one another and stay in touch for years to come. The manuals that accompany the course are comprehensive and provide everything from Vendor Lists, the step by step process of doing a complete Home Staging, answers to answers to the most difficult questions customers might ask and everything else in between. I have so much confidence in my learning experience that I have no doubts about where I see myself in 10 years. I have already signed up for 3 more courses to give me a further edge over the competition. If you are considering a career in Staging, Decorating or Professional Organizing, then get yourself signed up today! Jill is amazing and will guide you every step of the way. Major Koodo's to Ultimate Academy!”
Tammy C., USC™
Certified UltimateStager™
