Meet Erika Boutwell of Holly Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Boutwell.

Hi Erika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Design and creativity has always been a huge part of my life. Even from a young age you could find me in my room rearranging furniture and accessories to create a new, fresh look. As years went on my passion for all things design followed me into my high school and college days taking interior design classes, and doing internships at Ethan Allen working with local design teams.

However, at the last minute I decided to take a career path that lead me into the medical field working as a clinical social worker. Having a family full of medical professionals, I knew there was job security in the medical world. Doesn’t really make sense does it? I didn’t follow my heart. I went into a job knowing there would be financial security. So I guess you could say I did what was safe. After 10 years, I was miserable. This job did not fulfill me. It left me drained, pouring from an empty cup. My husband and I decided it was time for me to take a break, and stay home with our two boys. This was of course a time in my life that I was extremely grateful for, as those days with my little ones were special and full of cherished memories.

Fast forward a few years, my entire world was turned upside down when my very best friend passed away from a very aggressive type of breast cancer. I share this as a huge part of my story because I learned so much about life through this journey. This horrific event changed me. It opened my eyes to the real meaning of life, family, and finding your joy. JOY. That what was missing. Life is just too short to not spend it doing the things that bring you the most joy.

I love that word. Joy is the premise of what I do, and the backbone of my business. I started my business on the foundation that I loved design and helping people. Every single day I wake up and this job brings a smile to my face, and joy in my heart. I literally started this business from the ground up. I started with a Facebook page, a website, and a lot of hope. Little by little, day by day, my business grew right before my eyes. I continue to be in disbelief over the growth and the outpouring of love and support from my clients and community. I am not anything special- just a girl who believed in herself and knew there was more to this life of mine that had yet been discovered.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am very thankful that I have not yet come across any major struggles. I have worked very hard to plan, strategize, and position myself to succeed. I have learned from my mistakes a long the way (no one is perfect!), because let’s be honest, making mistakes is how you grow.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Staging Solutions NC is a full service interior design and home staging business. Aside from working with home owners on design projects, I also help local real estate agents and their clients by offering both in home staging, and staging consultations.

While I enjoy staging, my strongest passions are found in design. I love to take a project from the ground up creating something new, fresh, and beautiful for my clients to enjoy. While I like many different design styles, my favorite styles are modern coastal, a little vintage, with a touch a modern farmhouse. I love spaces that are light and airy, yet warm and welcoming. Organization is key- each room and space I design has a primary function that makes sense to the lifestyle of my clients. I am known for my love of the color blue, and neutrals. My favorite part of designing a space is the thoughtful details. I absolutely love styling and finding those special pieces that help tell a story.

I feel what sets me apart from others is the relationships I build with my clients, and really taking the time getting to know them. I want to learn about their likes, dislikes, and passions. After all, how can you create a space that your client will love if you don’t REALLY know them? This part of the process is very important to me, and one that I enjoy immensely.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stagingsolutionsnc.com
• Instagram: @stagingsolutions_nc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stagingsolutionsnc