We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Dugas-Richard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
I’ve always been into interior design, architecture, and decorating since I was young. My mother was always studying trends, creating her own custom pieces like drapery and upholstery in our home, so naturally, I inherited this trait. My main career is communications and marketing, so it was easy to take my career and translate it into something creative…it’s basically creatively marketing a home to interested buyers! I always assisted friends with decorating their homes since college and recently, a friend of mine suggested I looked into home staging. From there, I decided I might as well turn it into a business since everyone was always asking for my advice! The funny thing is, I started this with the intention of staging, but I haven’t staged a home yet. I’ve been interior decorating since day one and love it!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

So by profession, I’m in education admiration where I work in marketing and communications. I’ve also been a communications professor since 2010, and I always say staging and design is just another creative way of communicating and marketing to potential buyers. Staging a home elevates the listing’s potential to sell quicker and designing a home tells a story you want your visitors to understand, while setting a mood. I’m proud of how I’m able to translate what I do in the office into a more creative outlet that creates stories. Starting a business wasn’t and isn’t easy. Especially in a pandemic…but one thing I’ve learned is, you’re literally learning every day. There are definitely experts out there, but even they are learning how to constantly improve their business. My brand is a reflection of me, my style and mood.

It exudes a level of calm, class and individuality with an outgoing personality. Even though this started as home staging, my love for interior design has taken the first chair, and to be able to give families a true sense of home and an unmatched level of pride, brings me extreme joy and a sense of accomplishment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

My friends know I’m all about the best possible time! It can go either one of two ways when friends visit. First off, I’ll try to get them to come to work out with me at my gym, 9Round Galleria, or maybe yoga downtown at Discovery Green. They either look at me crazy and we sleep in, or I’ve convinced them!

After working out, we brunch! I’ve discovered this new place in the Heights called La Lucha that’s amazing, but my go-to for brunch is Toulouse, A’bouzy, or Brasserie 19. I’m all about a good time, great French cuisine, and wine!
After brunch, we may hop around a bit, maybe visit Milk & Honey Spa or take in some shopping, before heading home for a nap. Yes, I’m a serial napper. Dinner…definitely B&B Butchers for the ultimate cheat meal. They literally have the best steaks in the city! Then head back to the River Oaks District get drinks at Mad…but their duck paella is top-notch!

Now if we opt to stay home, I live to entertain! It’s in my blood! After I welcome my girls with wine, champagne & of course cookies from Tiny’s No. 5, they’ll see fresh florals throughout the house and in their suites, along with guest robes and a small gift. Fresh florals in a home are a MUST! I love to give my guests that hotel feeling when they stay at my home, so I make sure to include personal touches and items for their stay.
Brunch at home includes fun small plates like cordon bleu or beef wellington bites, rosemary pecan wrapped brie en croute and shrimp & crab dip are always a win! For a big brunch, a southern classic parmesan grit cake with a crawfish cream sauce & blackened redfish is an easy go-to. And of course…wine or mimosas!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First shoutout…God! He’s my ultimate business partner who always steers me in the right direction, provides sound advice, and hypes me up when I’m down! My husband is my all around partner in crime. He encourages me when I have these ideas that come to mind and he stays “on” me until I achieve my goals. He allows me to be creative in our home, and never doubts the visions I have. My mom gets credit as well. Seeing her consistently dedicate herself to studying interior trends, renovating and redesigning our childhood home throughout the years, and watching her and my dad juggle their careers and businesses together really showed me the ups and downs of owning a business while having a steady career and family life. And of course, my big sister, because duh…, she’s the best big sister!

Website: www.duricheinteriorstaging.com

Instagram: @duricheinteriors

Facebook: @duricheinteriors

Other: To schedule a design consultation, email sarah@duricheinteriorstaging.com

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