My Business Life: Vanya McCarthy

Vanya McCarthy, founder and managing director of Stage My Home, shares her life and business lessons.

What began as a moment of reflection during the Covid-19 pandemic has blossomed into one of Ireland’s most in-demand home staging businesses.

Vanya McCarthy, founder of Stage My Home has built a career out of helping property owners and agents showcase homes in their best light – bringing the “wow factor” that inspires buyers and renters to fall in love at first sight.

From humble beginnings—one project at a time—McCarthy grew her business into a thriving enterprise. Today, she leads a team of five, operates multiple vehicles, and runs a large warehouse in Rathcoole. Projects have increased from one or two a month to one or two a day.

Tell us about your background, what journey did you take to arrive at where you are?

My journey into home staging began during the Covid-19 pandemic. For 13 years, I had worked as a retail manager—a role that gave me great experience but never felt like my true calling. When the pandemic forced me to pause, I explored creative outlets like blogging, clay decoration, and painting, but nothing clicked until I discovered home staging online.

With a degree in interior design and personal experience house-hunting, I instantly recognised a gap in the Irish market. Many listings showed empty or uninspiring rooms. I saw the potential to transform how homes were presented – and that’s when StageMyHome.ie was born.

Why are you doing what you are doing? What need are you meeting? What’s your USP?

I help homeowners and estate agents present properties at their very best, turning plain spaces into homes people instantly connect with.

The “wow factor” is what I deliver – making buyers fall in love at first sight. My USP is a combination of creativity, practicality, and empathy. I understand both the emotional side of buying a home and the commercial value of a great presentation. That’s why staged homes often sell faster and at higher value.

How did you fund and start the business and what are your growth plans?

I started with 9k savings, no childcare, and no team – just determination. I completed a certified course on home staging, built my own website from scratch, and staged my first property within two weeks. Growth has been organic: from one project a month to one or two a day. Today we have a team of five, multiple vehicles, and a warehouse in Rathcoole. My goal is to expand our reach nationwide and introduce more bespoke staging packages that suit every budget and property type.

What are your key skills and qualities that set you apart?

I have exceptional drive and determination. Scary sometimes! I don’t believe in problems and always look for solutions. I focus on people-first service, always. I treat every client as if they’re my last, ensuring they feel valued. That approach has built strong word-of-mouth and repeat business.

I’m adaptable and resourceful – as soon as I completed my first project, I realised that I am capable of managing logistics and deadlines with ease. We, as a company, act as a one-stop shop and provide add-on services, such as painting, flooring and carpet replacement. This makes the process for our clients much easier, especially for those who live outside of the country.

What (or whom) has helped you most along the way? Who was your greatest mentor/inspiration?

My husband has been a huge influence. His advice to say YES first and find a way to deliver after shaped the way I do business. My children also inspire me daily; they’ve been part of this journey from day one and remind me why persistence and resilience matter.

What was the greatest piece of business advice you ever received?

My dad was a business owner, so from an early age, I witnessed firsthand the do’s and don’ts of running a business. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if I don’t delegate, I won’t grow. Finding the right team is essential – not only within the company but also among the subcontractors we partner with.

When we surround ourselves with dedicated people, growth happens faster and with greater impact. In a service-based business like ours, building strong relationships is priceless because, at the end of the day, people buy from people.

What circumstances/qualities/events can mark the difference between success or failure in life or business?

Business challenges are constant, but how I respond defines success. The pandemic could have stalled me—but instead it pushed me to reinvent myself. To me, having time is equal to success. Time to spend with my children, time to train my team, time to make every client feel special. Ultimately, true success is finding balance between growth, family, and creating lasting impact for others.

What was the most challenging aspect of either starting or growing the business?

The early days were toughest: no childcare, no team, no financial safety net. It was just me balancing motherhood with building something from scratch. The realisation that I am the face of my business, as well as getting out of my comfort zone consistently, was very challenging. The self-doubts and self-beliefs.

How did you navigate your business through the pandemic and what lessons did you learn?

The business was born out of the pandemic. That challenge became an opportunity. I learned the importance of adaptability, seizing opportunities, and trusting your instincts when the world feels uncertain.

How has digital transformation been a factor in your scaling journey and do you believe Irish firms are utilising digital technologies sufficiently?

Presentation on digital platforms have been crucial. From building my own website to using social media for visibility, digital transformation has allowed me to scale quickly without traditional advertising. I think many Irish firms are still underusing digital, especially in creative industries. There’s huge untapped potential.

If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Honestly, nothing. Every challenge and opportunity shaped the business into what it is today. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Who inspires you in business today?

I’m inspired by entrepreneurs who create something meaningful from scratch, balancing creativity with commercial success. To name a few, I look up to Regina Mangan with Liberty Blue Estate Agents based in Waterford. I also love the work of Noor Charchafchi with Celine Interior Design based in UK.

What advice/guidance do you give new hires and how do you nurture talent in your organisation?

We share our values of efficiency, clear communication, and attention to detail. We tell our new team members: treat every project like it’s the most important one, because to our clients, it is. We nurture talent by involving the team in creative decision-making and encouraging them to bring their own ideas and flair. We are a small team and rely on one another every day.

What business books do you read or would recommend?

I love podcasts more than I read books. My favourite one is The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett – it covers everything from business and investments to health and building relationships. I also love and highly recommend How to Build a Smarter, Faster, Better Estate Agency Business by Regina Mangan. While it’s written for estate agents, the lessons apply to business in general. It’s easy to read, straightforward, and practical –unlike many other business books that can feel heavy or overly complex.

What technologies/tools do you use personally to keep you on track?

Digital design tools, and good old spreadsheets keep me organised.

What social media platforms do you prefer and why?

LinkedIn for building community and relationships and Instagram for showcasing my portfolio.

What are your thoughts on where technology overall is heading and how it will apply to business generally and your business particularly?

Technology will continue to democratise opportunities. For staging, it means using digital showrooms, VR tours, and AI-driven design tools to give clients more immersive previews of what’s possible. However, none of those can replace the real impact a real furnished home can make on any buyer.

Finally, if you had advice for your 21-year-old self – knowing what you know now – what would it be?

Be patient! Understand that life has seasons. Trust your instincts, embrace change, and don’t be afraid to start over.

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