Meet Heather Cook Stiefel | Style Coaching + Real Estate Home Staging

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Cook Stiefel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My motivation for starting a business came from a combination of factors that culminated in late 2020. Although I had completed my real estate home staging certification back in 2015 and had done projects on the side for several years, I had not made the commitment to full time, opting to keep my career in healthcare transportation for stability (and let’s face it, out of a complete and utter fear of failure). Despite the security my day job provided, I found it extremely draining, and I wasn’t feeling good about the work I was doing. Fast forward a few months to Q4 2020. The real estate market in San Diego was extremely hot, and my mom decided to put her condo on the market. I helped her organize, clear out 20 years of stuff, and stage the place for real estate photos…and her place sold within 48 hours of being listed! The entire process was incredibly energizing, and just pure fun. It inspired me to realize that I could realistically do this as a full time job, and gave me the nudge I needed to make the jump. In April 2021, I officially launched my style coaching business and began taking on clients.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Mine is a relatively new business (less than one year), and I’m truly learning as I go! Transitioning from the corporate setting to a creative entrepreneurship has been humbling, and I’m incredibly thankful for my project management skills and background in client management, which have both helped me immensely. Creating systems and routines for myself has been key, as well as challenging my introvert-self to step out of my comfort zone and talk about what I do! Making a genuine connection with others is truly the way to grow your business. As a style coach, I find my passion in helping others define their own personal design styles which can then be translated into their space(s). Really, there are no rules or limits when it comes to style…whatever brings you joy and comfort is what ideally should shape your space. I am not the typical interior decorator/designer who presents their vision for your space…instead, I ask you questions that you may have never considered before and use the answers to help you define your unique style blueprint. I think what sets me apart is my collaborative approach to interior styling.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am a San Diego native (rare, I know!), so I definitely have my opinion of the must-sees in my beautiful city. For a more family-oriented trip, you can’t miss a trip to the San Diego Zoo, followed by lunch or dinner at Panama 66 in Balboa Park, which has live music and delicious food and drink. If you’re here in fall or winter, head to the Hotel Del Coronado to see the giant sandcastles and take in the best sunsets of the year from their outdoor lounge, or visit Wonderland in Ocean Beach for equally good views. For the artsier crew, a trip to MoPA (Museum of Photographic Arts) in Balboa Park and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla is a must (their newly renovated space opens in 2022). If you have time, stop by the Athenaeum to see what they have on view, or take in a show at La Jolla Music Society’s gorgeous venue. For drinks or dinner, try George’s by the Cove in La Jolla, or venture Downtown to Anime for Asian-Fusion fare. Outdoorsy visitors will love a hike at Torrey Pines overlooking the ocean, or Iron Mountain in east county for amazing panoramic views of the city. If you’re into craft cocktails, try Oculto 477 in Old Town, Young Blood in the Gaslamp Quarter, or False Idol in Little Italy. Lastly, if you’re into live music, try Belly Up tavern in Solana Beach or The Observatory for the best indie shows.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to give credit to my mom Susan who gifted me a Real Estate Home Staging Course back in 2015. She saw my potential and supported a shift to the creative side! Also to my husband Ben, who gave me the confidence and support to jump in and run with this opportunity!

Website: heathercookstiefel.com

Instagram: @heathercookstiefel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathercookstiefel/

Image Credits
Bill Deridder, Realtor