How Do You Measure Success In Your Role As A Wife, Mother, Businesswoman, And Community Builder?
[Sam]I measure success by watching the people around me grow. As a mom, it’s seeing my kids grow spiritually and learn about finances responsibly. In business, success is watching my team develop and reach their goals. And in the community,
I find success in building connections and fostering a sense of belonging.
With Technology and Social Media, How Do You Use The Internet To Help Your Business, And What’s Something You Do To Connect With People In Person?
[Nicole ] I use technology and social media to boost my business in a few ways. First, I maintain a digital portfolio of my work, which is great for showcasing my projects and capabilities to clients. It’s like a virtual showroom where people can see
what I do and get a feel for my style and quality. I also create presentations for clients using online tools. This way, I can share ideas, progress updates, and plans with them quickly and effectively. It’s an easy way to keep everyone on the
same page, even if we’re not in the same room. But I know technology isn’t everything. To connect with people in person, I like to host or attend local events. Whether it’s a business networking meet-up, a community gathering, or a casual coffee with clients, these face-to-face interactions help me build stronger relationships and understand what people really need
and want. It’s a great balance between the online and offline worlds.
As A Successful Businesswoman, What Advice do You Have For Other Who Are Aspiring Entrepreneurs Or Looking To Advance In Their Careers?
[ Sam ] Here’s my advice: first and foremost, chase your passion. Find something that excites you, something you genuinely care about, and make that the focus of your journey. When you do what you love, work feels less like a chore and more like a fulfilling adventure. Second, put your head down and do the work. Success isn’t instant; it’s a process that requires dedication, resilience, and a lot of effort. There will be challenges and setbacks, but don’t let them discourage you. Stay focused, keep pushing, and do what it takes to get to the other side
Can You Highlight a Significant Milestone Or Challenge In Your Entrepreneurial Journey And The Lesson Learned From It?
[ Sam ] One significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey was when the pandemic hit. It was a time of uncertainty and fear, and many businesses were shutting down. My business manager advised me to keep going, despite the chaos. Instead of stepping back, I decided to take a huge risk. I bought out my business partner and opened a massive warehouse. The challenge was immense. I learned that in moments of crisis, there is also opportunity. By staying focused and continuing to build, I was able to not just survive but thrive. Now, I’m the CEO of one of the biggest staging company in LA, and it’s all because I chose to push through when everyone else was stepping back. It’s about having the vision to see beyond the immediate challenges and the guts to go for it. When you believe in your business and stay committed, even in the toughest times, you can achieve great things
In What Ways Do You Actively Contribute To Building A Sense of Community, Both In Your Personal Life And Through Your Business Endeavors?
[ Sam ] In both my personal life and business ventures, I’m all about fostering community vibes. It’s not just about money; it’s about making dreams happen. Take Elite Home Staging, for example. We’re not just staging homes; we’re making people homes feel like dreams come true. Plus, we’re all about giving back. Every year, we are donating to Home Light Family Living and Midnight Mission— charities helping families who’ve lost their homes. And that’s not all; we’re also in the business of empowering women to start their careers.
[ Nicole ] I’m all about building connections. At work, we’re not just colleagues; we’re a family. I make sure to have healthy and fun environment where everyone feels valued and heard. And when it comes to giving back, we’re all in. One cause close to our hearts is supporting Home Light Family Living and Midnight Mission. It’s about making a positive impact, one step at a time
What Are Your Top Tips for Managing Your Time?
[ Sam ] Managing time is my secret sauce, and here’s how I do it. First off, I start my day with meditation. It helps me slow down my brain and clear my mind. You see, I’m the type who can do twenty things at once, so this zen moment is crucial. Then, there’s my assistant who’s like my time wizard. She helps me with my schedule and keeps things on track. I believe in work-life balance. When I clock out, I leave work at the office and fully embrace living my life at home. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between hustle and harmony.
[ Nicole ] Get friendly with your calendar or notes app on your phone. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. It keeps me focused and on track, no time wasted. Simple and effective.
What Are Your Words To Live By That Inspire You Daily To Take Action?
[ Sam ] You can do anything that you can put your mind to.
[ Nicole ] Everything happens for a reason. One right action at a time.
What Made You Decide To Start Your Business?
[ Sam ] Well, after running a successful home staging company for 16 years, it hit me. Why not create a furniture website where people can shop the looks we create in our designed homes? This turned into Elite Maison—a luxury furniture website born from experience and a passion for making spaces beautiful. The decision to start Elite Maison was fueled by years of expertise in the home staging industry. I saw an opportunity to expand our reach and offer a convenient platform for people to access quality furniture. All the products were handpicked by me. This is a one stop shop where you can find everything for your home.
What Is Your Best Advice To Someone Trying To Balance Being A Mom While Running A Successful Business?
[ Sam ] Here’s the golden rule for all the mom entrepreneurs out there: First off, time blocking is your best friend. Seriously, schedule like a champ to ensure every minute counts. Second, nail your business tasks promptly so you can do your mom duties guilt-free. Balance is key, and that means having a life where both your business and family thrive
