Let’s be honest: life isn’t a Pinterest board. There’s no perfect angle, no filter strong enough to smooth out the real challenges we face. Especially in our line of work — home stagers, decorators, real estate agents — we live in a world of perceived perfection while managing chaos behind the scenes.

And right now? It feels like chaos is everywhere. The economy’s unpredictable, markets are shifting, and sometimes it feels like we’re swimming against the tide. If you are feeling stress/anxiety even wondering if this choice of career is for you, it is so important to take time out- could be an hour could be a weekend, whatever you need to turn off the stress for a moment, find out what is the root cause and focus on what makes you happy. Make an action plan, reach out and find the help you need. Don’t forget to remind yourself how far you have come, catalog your accomplishments not matter how small.  Many times in my life and career I have faced adversity so if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Here’s the thing about “tough times”: they’re inevitable. Whether it’s a recession, a pandemic, a disaster, or simply a client who doesn’t know the difference between “quality” and “cheap,” challenges are part of the deal. What separates the ones who thrive from the ones who don’t is resilience, creativity, and good old-fashioned grit. So, let’s talk about what that looks like in our industry and how we can rise to meet the moment.

Shift Your Mindset

Your mind is a powerful thing. I remember Dr Wayne Dyer talking about imagining yourself in the back of a motorboat- looking at the waves caused in the wake. The question of the moment is “what is driving the boat?” is it the power of those waves? No! It is the engine. Meaning don’t let the past be driving your future.

So yes! your mindset matters. A lot. When the economy slows or uncertainty looms, it’s easy to panic. But panic doesn’t pay the bills. Instead of spiraling, think of tough times as an opportunity to sharpen your skills and prove your worth. The way I see it every challenge is a chance to build credibility and trust with your clients. Show them you are steady when the world isn’t.

For example, when agents/sellers are hesitant and properties sit longer, that’s your cue to shine. This is your moment to educate clients on why staging isn’t optional. Explain how a well-staged property doesn’t just sell faster; it sells for more. Remind them Staging is a strategic marketing process to maximize property value and creating an emotional connection Remind them you are not just “making things pretty” — you’re addressing challenges,  solving problems and driving measurable results.. Confidence is contagious, and when you believe in the value of what you do, your clients will, too.

Focus on the Fundamentals

When things get shaky, go back to basics. Think about the core of your business and what truly moves the needle. For most solopreneurs it is usually lack of systems and processes making you feel out of control, for stagers, it might mean revisiting your pricing or perhaps your inventory, ensuring it’s versatile and in great condition. For decorators, it could be re-evaluating how you sell your services, specialising in one niche, honing in on timeless design elements that create lasting impact. And for real estate agents, it’s reconnecting with your network and being the trusted advisor your clients need.

In uncertain times, people crave clarity. They want to know that someone has a plan. Be that someone. Stay consistent, communicate clearly, and deliver on your promises. Sometimes it’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about being the reliable professional who keeps showing up.

Get Creative with Marketing

Now, let’s talk about marketing. When budgets are tight, it’s tempting to pull back on marketing efforts. But that’s often a mistake. Instead of cutting back, think about how you can get more strategic. Use this time to experiment with new tactics and platforms.

For example, video content is a game-changer. Whether it’s a walkthrough of a staged home, a quick tutorial on styling a coffee table, or a market update, video helps you connect with your audience in a personal way. People want to see your face, hear your voice, and feel your energy. Don’t worry about perfection — authenticity beats polish every time.

Social media is another powerful (and often free) tool. Show behind-the-scenes moments, share client success stories, or highlight a favorite decor trend. Remember, you’re not just selling a service; you’re selling an experience. Let your personality shine through, and don’t be afraid to have some fun with it. The most often forgotten and under-valued effective marketing technique is building a relationship with your prospect/client. Nothing beats the personal touch. Make a phone call, meet for coffee, find out what they need instead of selling your service, how can you help them? Perhaps they need an ear, a shoulder to lean on, an offer to write an article for their newsletter?

Diversify Your Offerings

When the market shifts, adaptability is key. Think about ways to expand your services or reach new audiences. For stagers who only have worked with vacant properties this might mean offering owner occupied consultations. Decorators could create digital design packages or e-books. Agents might focus on educational content, like webinars or workshops, to position themselves as experts in a challenging market.  Diversification isn’t about abandoning your core business; it’s about finding complementary ways to serve your clients. The more value you can provide, the more indispensable you become. I teach stagers many different ways to make money offering their skills to a different audience.

Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions

In tough times, relationships matter more than ever. People work with those they trust, especially when stakes are high. So, make it a priority to nurture your relationships — not just with clients, but also with vendors, colleagues, and even competitors.

Reach out to past clients with a quick check-in or a note of encouragement. Collaborate with others in your industry to share resources and ideas. Join local networking groups or online communities where you can connect and learn from others. Remember, we’re stronger together. Building a supportive network isn’t just good for business; it’s good for your soul. Talking about souls…..what charity or service could use some of your time? We always say we don’t have time to give away but when we do something for others it helps us too. I always think of Jimmy Carter, building homes for Habitat for Humanity well into his 90’s; maybe you can volunteer some time at your local centre. Many people get caught up in helping over the holiday period, but people are in need all year round. Here is an idea: partner with a real estate agent, host an event for buyers & sellers, charge an item of food for the food bank as entry fee.

Embrace the Power of Resilience

Here’s the truth: resilience is like a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. When you’re faced with a challenge, remind yourself of all the times you’ve overcome obstacles before. You’ve been through hard things, and you’re still here. That’s no small feat.

Sometimes, resilience looks like putting one foot in front of the other, even when you’re not sure what’s ahead. It’s saying yes to the next project, even when you’re feeling burned out. It’s believing in your ability to figure it out, no matter what comes your way. And it’s choosing to see opportunity, even when all you want to do is curl up in a blanket and hide.

Celebrate the Small Wins

In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to focus on what’s not working. But don’t overlook the small wins. Maybe it’s a glowing review from a client or a staging that turned out better than expected. Maybe it’s finally mastering that tricky social media algorithm or closing a deal that felt impossible. Whatever it is, celebrate it.  Small wins build momentum. They remind you why you do what you do and keep you moving forward. So, take a moment to appreciate your hard work and let those wins fuel your fire.

The Bigger Picture

At the end of the day, remember why you started. Whether it’s your love of design, your passion for helping people find their dream home, or your belief in the transformative power of a well-staged space, hold onto that. That’s your anchor.

 Tough times don’t last forever, but tough people do. And if you’re reading this, I already know you’re one of the tough ones. You’ve got the creativity, the resilience, and the determination to not just survive but thrive. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, face the challenges head-on, and keep going. Because if anyone can turn tough times into success stories, it’s you.