We recently connected with Marissa Cortese and have shared our conversation below.

Marissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard

I don’t believe staging should stop at neutralizing every space into shades of beige. Instead, I partner with my real estate agent clients as the Strategic Creative Director on their listings. I offer a full-service visual marketing experience that helps agents elevate their properties and their personal brands—positioning them as market leaders in an increasingly competitive landscape.

My approach is part design, part psychology, and part visual marketing. I help agents transform listings into memorable, high-impact brand statements that attract not only buyers but new clients.

Traditional staging often defaults to safe, carbon-copy spaces. I take it further—crafting editorial-style vignettes and weaving in a property’s history to create something unique and emotionally resonant.

One of my favorite examples is a Victorian home I staged recently. Instead of hiding the original yellow tile bathroom—which most would consider a liability—we leaned in. I transformed it into a swanky retro showpiece that became a highlight of the listing, and the home sold within days.

To me, every so-called flaw is just an opportunity to solve a puzzle and reimagine the space. That’s the difference when you approach staging through the lens of designing an aspirational lifestyle that buyers can’t wait to step into.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My career journey has taken plenty of twists and turns, but at the heart of it, I’ve always been a passionate and creative leader.
Like many young millennials who grew up on early 2000s rom-coms—like 13 Going on 30 and The Devil Wears Prada—I dreamed of landing a glamorous, high-powered job in New York City. In my early twenties, I set out to carve my own path, and eventually made that vision a reality, working in the entertainment space before spending nearly a decade in SaaS tech as a Customer Success Leader for companies like Indeed and Wix.

While I gained invaluable experience leading and scaling global teams, implementing systems, and driving revenue growth, I also honed my skills in project management and the art of taking exceptional care of clients. And while I loved that chapter, I always carried a vision of building something of my own—something that blended my love for design, marketing, and psychology. For years, pursuing interior design felt like a pipe dream I’d revisit “someday.” But I finally decided it was time to stop waiting and make it happen.

In 2024, I made a huge pivot and launched Vienna Lane Interiors, a boutique firm specializing in luxury home staging and interior design consulting. As a Strategic Aesthetic Consultant, I help clients at every stage of the home journey: staging and preparing properties for market, designing spaces that reflect who they are, and supporting anyone ready to reimagine their home.

What sets my brand apart is the combination of refined design sensibility and a strong operational backbone. I don’t just create beautiful spaces—I manage every detail with care, clear communication, and a thoughtful, strategic approach that makes the process feel seamless.

I’m most proud of building a business that reflects both sides of who I am: a creative visionary and a trusted advisor. My goal is always to make people feel confident, inspired, and excited about the possibilities their spaces hold.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

To me, nothing beats real, in-person connection. When I was starting out, I spent an entire summer hitting the pavement—mapping out routes to visit as many open houses as possible and introducing myself to real estate agents face to face. It was all about tenacity, consistency, and showing up.

I also made a point to connect with agents who clearly valued their brand, inviting them out for coffee to learn more about their business. For me, it’s never been about hard selling or cold calling. It’s about building genuine relationships and trust over time.
That approach has helped me grow not only my staging business but also my design consulting work, since many agents now refer me to their clients or gift my services as a closing gift.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I’ve always been passionate about personal development, and I’m an avid reader and podcast listener. I have a deep commitment to supporting other entrepreneurs, and I’ve drawn inspiration from many voices along the way.

I’m continually inspired by the classic personal development wisdom of Earl Nightingale and Bob Proctor, as well as the spiritual perspective and guidance for women that Marianne Williamson offers. I am consistently inspired by the work of Ed Mylett, Jen Sincero, and so many other thinkers, philosophers, and artists whose ideas have shaped my view of human potential.

Mentorship has played a huge role in my growth, and I believe deeply in the power of combining spirituality, resilience, and consistent action. I’ve always been a hard worker and a go-getter by nature—someone who believes in showing up, trying again, and staying committed to a vision even when it feels challenging.

One piece of writing that has stayed with me over the years is Teddy Roosevelt’s speech The Man in the Arena. It’s a reminder that there is honor in striving, in daring greatly, and in choosing to pursue your dreams wholeheartedly, regardless of the outcome.

In a world so focused on comfort and convenience, I have to admit— I love the exhilarating feeling of putting in a hard day’s work. Even on the days that feel exhausting, I’m invigorated by knowing I’m building something meaningful and authentic to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.viennalaneinteriors.com
• Instagram: @viennalane.interiors

Image Credits

Ryan Damiano from Front Door Photography

Lisa Kollberg from InHouse Photography