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Rising Stars: Meet Pantea Bionki

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pantea Bionki.

Pantea Bionki

Hi Pantea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
My journey into interior design began long before I pursued formal education in the field. Even as a child, I was drawn to design, often assisting friends and family with their projects. Pursuing formal education in interior design felt like a natural progression to refine and structure my passion into a viable career. 

Obtaining my Associate Degree in Interior Design provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to embark on my entrepreneurial journey. However, it was during my studies that I discovered the multifaceted world of interior design, including the captivating realm of home staging. 

Delving deeper into home staging through coursework and practical experience, I found myself captivated by its transformative power. Witnessing the immediate impact of our work and the satisfaction of aiding homeowners and real estate agents in selling properties swiftly and at higher prices was incredibly rewarding. 

Seeing how interior design and staging complemented each other so well, I decided to dive into both. My formal education equipped me with the expertise to meticulously plan and execute staging projects. It’s been a game-changer, especially since many in the industry start out just dabbling in it as a hobby. 

My journey into professional staging began with a close friend’s home sale, which served as our inaugural project. Since then, we’ve staged a diverse array of properties, from cozy townhomes to sprawling mansions. Winning the RESA Rising Star Occupied Staging Award for our first project really showed that we were onto something special, and it fueled our drive to keep pushing the boundaries of excellence and creativity. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road hasn’t always been smooth sailing, that’s for sure. Like any journey, there were definitely some bumps along the way. One of the biggest struggles was getting started in the industry without a lot of experience. Building credibility and trust with clients took time and effort, especially when competing against more established businesses. 

On a personal level, I found that the creative aspect of the business came naturally to me. Walking into an empty space, I could immediately envision how it could be transformed through smart staging for showcasing a house. However, the real challenge for me was the day-to-day running of the business – dealing with legalities, accounting, managing inventory, and all the administrative tasks. 

Thankfully, I was fortunate enough to bring in a very close and trusted friend on this journey with me, and that partnership has been vital. Having someone to handle the business side of things allowed me to focus on the creative aspects that I love. I truly believe that surrounding yourself with the right people is key to success. Along the way, I’ve built an excellent team, and that’s been a big factor in my accomplishments. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’d love to share more about my work! As I previously mentioned, my work consists of two parts – home staging and interior design. 

When it comes to home staging, we offer both vacant and occupied staging services. With vacant staging, we have an empty canvas to work with, allowing us to design the space from scratch and create a cohesive look throughout the house using our inventory. This approach often results in stunning transformations that help homes sell quickly and for top dollar. For occupied staging, we work closely with homeowners to maximize the potential of their existing furniture and decor. We provide objective guidance on rearranging and styling their belongings to enhance the appeal of their home to potential buyers. Our work in occupied staging earned us a national award. Even if a homeowner doesn’t have the budget for a full staging, we highly recommend an Occupied Staging Consultation, priced at only $300. It’s a thorough consultation where we go room by room, offering detailed tips on how to get each room ready for showing. We provide a written report for the homeowners to use as a guide, maximizing the value of their investment. 

Regarding what I’m most proud of and what sets us apart – I take great pride in the quality of my work. Every staging project is carefully planned and executed with attention to detail. Nothing is left to chance; every accessory and piece of furniture is strategically placed to enhance the space and maximize its appeal. We believe in doing business the right way – we’re insured, certified, and work with trusted movers and partners to ensure a seamless experience for our clients. Our inventory is extensive and up to date, allowing us to tailor our staging solutions to a wide range of homes, from cozy cottages to luxurious estates. 

On the interior design side of my business, I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients. I take the time to understand their unique needs and vision, and I’m with them every step of the way to ensure their vision becomes a reality. 

Whether it’s staging a home for sale or designing a dream living space, our dedication to excellence, customer satisfaction, and truly caring about our clients’ needs sets us apart in the industry. We believe in forming genuine connections with our clients, understanding their aspirations, and working tirelessly to exceed their expectations. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about making a positive impact on our client’s lives and helping them achieve their goals with warmth and compassion. 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Michelle Minch, a seasoned home stager in the Los Angeles area, has been an invaluable mentor throughout my journey. From the moment I embarked on this path to the present day, Michele has been a constant source of guidance and support, always just a phone call away to offer advice and assistance. Her generosity in sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with stagers like myself has been truly inspiring. 

Robin DeCapua, another accomplished stager in the area, has also played a pivotal role in my journey. Her unwavering support and encouragement have been a constant source of motivation, helping me navigate the challenges of the industry with confidence. 

Shell Brodnax, the esteemed head of RESA (Real Estate Staging Association), deserves special recognition for her tireless efforts in supporting stagers and advancing the industry as a whole. Her kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand have made a significant impact on our growth and success. 

Audra Slinkey, CEO of Home Staging Resource, was instrumental in helping us establish our foothold in the industry. Her guidance and wealth of knowledge provided us with invaluable insights and resources to kickstart our journey in the world of home staging. 

Of course, I can’t overlook the incredible team at Bionki Interiors. Their dedication, professionalism, and seamless teamwork have been instrumental in our collective achievements. When there’s good team chemistry, it truly shows in the results. Together, we share a strong bond and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients 

Last but certainly not least, I owe a debt of gratitude to my husband for his unwavering support and encouragement. His belief in me and his constant guidance has been the foundation upon which I’ve built my entrepreneurial journey. With his love and support, I’ve been able to pursue my passion and turn my dreams into reality. 

Pricing:

  • Vacant Staging – Starting from $ 4,000
  • Occupied Staging – Based on each unique house
  • Occupied Staging Consultation – $300
  • Interior Design Consultation – $300
  • Interior Design Fee – Based on the scale of the project

Contact Info:

 
Image Credits

Oscar Villagrana

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