Home staging changed her life. From a corporation to your own company

Agata Palec worked in a corporation for almost 10 years. She earned – as she says – “several thousand zlotys a month”, which was a truly impressive result even before the pandemic. But Behind the financial comfort there were costs that she did not want to notice for a long time.

“The money was good, but it wasn't worth the stress, the constant tension and the fact that the work never ended,” he recalls. — Even after turning off the computer, one was still at work, thinking.

Maternity leave turned out to be a turning point. It was then that, for the first time in a long time, she could stop and ask herself: what next?

– I understood that I don't want to go back to the same mode. I wanted to have more time for my family, but also find something that would be truly mine.

She started searching. Creative by nature, she has always liked to draw and create. During the pandemic, she even started a YouTube channel where she taught children simple drawings. However, she still felt that this was not the right direction yet.

The breakthrough came unexpectedly.

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Home staging: an idea that came “from life”

Friends and family increasingly asked her for help in furnishing their apartments.

— I heard: “Agata, you have an eye. You know what goes with what, how to arrange the furniture, what colors to choose.” At first, I treated it as a compliment, nothing more, she says.

Until she saw her friend's advertisement for an apartment for rent.

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— It was an apartment I knew well. It looked really good in real life. And in the photos… terrible. It was so bad that I didn't even want to share the announcement, she recalls.

She offered help. She went, rearranged the interior, took care of the details and took new photos.

— The effect was immediate. The phone was ringing off the hook. So many people wanted that the owner could raise the rental price. That was the moment when I thought, “this makes sense.”

This is how her adventure began home staging – professional preparation of apartments for sale or rent.

— This is a relatively new industry in Poland. I thought it was a niche that could be developed. And something that perfectly suits my character, he says. — Each apartment is different, each project is a new challenge. There is no routine.

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Agata is largely self-taught.

— I was looking for courses in Poland, but none met my expectations. I taught myself, mainly from foreign materials. I also completed American training. You could say that I learned from the pioneers – says.

Today for preparing a two-room apartment with an area of ​​​​approximately 50 square meters, he charges an average of PLN 3,000. zlotydepending on the scope of work. However, sometimes its role goes beyond just “decorating”.

— I cooperate with renovation teams and interior photographers. It's a comprehensive service. I often paint pictures myself and then hang them on clients' walls. On the other hand, I assemble wardrobes and chests of drawers from Ikea almost with my eyes closed – he adds with a laugh.

Independence: less money, more life

Although its income is lower today than in the corporation, the balance sheet is still positive.

— I earn a few thousand less, but I feel free. Independent. I have influence on when and how I work.

That's it freedom is the greatest value for her.

— I can pick up my child early from school and go away with my family without asking anyone for permission. It's something that can't be put into money.

As he admits, the beginnings were not easy – also in social terms.

— My mother asked: “Great, daughter, but when will you find a normal job?” – Agata laughs. — Today, no one doubts that it was a good decision.

It also came with time business support. During one of the industry meetings, she met her current partner, Beata Zielińska.

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— It turned out that we had a similar approach to business and the same aesthetic sense. We started working together and today we run Studio Bee togetherwhich is one of the few on the market that offers, among others: rental of furniture for apartments in a premium standard.

Agata emphasizes that people are important in this work.

— I have contact with clients, often very close. I became friends with some of them. The more I am happy that I can actually increase the value of their properties.

And adds:

– The most important thing is that I do something that gives me satisfaction. And that I have a life outside of work.

Home staging is gaining popularity

Although it is still a relatively young industry in Poland, in developed markets – such as the American or British – home staging is a standard.

The key element of home staging is first impression. A properly arranged interior, neutral colors, well-selected accessories and light make the apartment look better in photos and attract more people.

The benefits are tangible:

• apartments sell faster,
• often reach a higher price,
• the offer stands out from the competition,
• the owner saves time and avoids costly mistakes.

A professional home stager can look at the property without emotion and indicate which changes will bring the best effect with relatively low financial outlay.

In practice, this may mean both minor corrections – such as changing the arrangement of furniture or accessories – as well as larger actions, including renting equipment or cooperation with renovation teams.

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As Agata's story shows, it is not only a profession, but also a way of life — especially for those who value independence, creativity and real influence on the effects of their work.