When Rejection Builds Resilience: Jason Saft’s Full-Circle Moment
Episode 1 | The Staging Insider Podcast
Guest: Jason Saft, Founder of Stage to Sell Home
Host: Felicia Pulley, Creative Director of RESA
“Rejection is hard, but when you get past it, you can dissect why—and that’s how you grow.” – Jason Saft
Rejection Can Be a Catalyst for Growth
Jason’s story of losing Bethenny Frankel’s project, only to stage it years later and win a national award, is proof that setbacks often sharpen your skills and prepare you for bigger opportunities.
Photography Is an Investment, Not an Afterthought
Jason emphasizes that staging is a visual business. Investing time and money into high-quality photos not only elevates your portfolio but also builds credibility with agents and clients.
Your Design Voice Is Your Differentiator
By blending antiques, vintage finds, and modern pieces, Jason shows that staging doesn’t have to be “neutral and bland.” Developing a signature style helps stagers stand out while still serving the market.
Episode Highlights & Timestamps
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[01:45] – Jason’s full-circle story: from rejection to award-winning project
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[10:12] – Why photography is the most important investment for stagers
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[18:50] – Building a boutique staging business in NYC
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[28:20] – Balancing modern pieces with antiques and vintage finds
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[39:10] – When ROI isn’t about money but about artistry
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[50:30] – Managing difficult clients (including a brutal email)
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[1:08:40] – Parenting while scaling a business: systems, boundaries, and guilt
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[1:20:15] – Advice for stagers who want to scale smart
Listen To the Jason Saft Staging Podcast with Felicia Pulley
Episode Description
In our very first episode of The Staging Insider, Jason Saft joins Felicia Pulley for a candid conversation about rejection, resilience, and the realities of scaling a staging business in New York City.
From losing a career-defining project in Bethenny Frankel’s apartment, to later winning RESA® Best Luxury Vacant Staging Project of the Year for that very same property, Jason shares what it means to play the long game in the staging industry.
We dive into sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces, creating spaces that sell while staying true to your design voice, managing employees in a boutique business, and balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with parenthood.
Whether you’re a new stager looking for inspiration or a seasoned pro navigating growth, Jason’s story offers lessons on confidence, creativity, and carving your own path.
About Jason Saft
Jason Saft is the founder of Stage to Sell Home, a boutique New York City staging firm known for blending high-impact design with market-savvy storytelling.
Featured in Architectural Digest and recognized with multiple RESA® Home Staging Industry Awards, Jason is celebrated for his ability to layer modern, vintage, and unexpected pieces into spaces that feel aspirational yet deeply personal.
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About The Staging Insider
Hosted by Felicia Pulley, Creative Director of the Real Estate Staging Association®, The Staging Insider takes you behind the scenes with today’s most influential stagers. From creative strategies to business realities, every episode dives into what it really takes to thrive in the staging industry.