We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rula Jishi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rula, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I remember launching my home staging business with so much hope, but for the first few months, it felt like I was shouting into the void—no calls, emails, or messages. I started to wonder if I’d done something wrong or missed a crucial step in promoting my services. But then I decided to list my staging services on Thumbtack, a platform where clients can hire professionals for various services. I filled out my profile, uploaded photos of previous projects for family & friends, and waited.

A few months later, I got my first notification—a message from a potential client who needed a property staged within a week! My heart was pounding as I read it, equal parts excitement and nerves. I responded right away, confirming that I could take on the job, Our first staging project, no walkthrough just a few pictures for reference and we quickly went on a panic shopping spree and got everything lined up!

On staging day, I remember stepping back to look at the finished space, feeling proud and relieved. When I received that first payment, it felt incredible—proof that I was really in business. That first client experience taught me a lot about resilience and the value of patience, and it set the stage (literally) for everything that came afterward.

Rula, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello! My name is Rula Jishi, and I’m the founder of Rulaz Designs, a studio specializing in home staging and interior design. With a background in interior design, I’ve always been captivated by the power of a thoughtfully designed space to transform both its look and atmosphere. I launched Rulaz Designs to help clients realize the full potential of their homes, whether they’re preparing to sell or looking to create a more beautiful, functional space for themselves.

What distinguishes Rulaz Designs is our commitment to genuine, collaborative relationships with our clients and a design approach that emphasizes warmth and authenticity. I believe in listening deeply to each client’s needs and vision, ensuring that every space feels true to them—not just a stylish showroom. Our style balances functionality with a personal touch, so clients feel completely at home in their surroundings.

Seeing the impact of our work on clients’ lives is incredibly rewarding, whether it’s a home that sells quickly thanks to staging or a room that finally feels just right. At Rulaz Designs, my team and I are passionate about making every project an experience, not just a service. We bring creativity, support, and a unique vision to every space we touch, creating results that are both beautiful and meaningful.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2020, my life took a major turn. Like many others, I was impacted by the pandemic, which quickly led to job loss and an unexpected relocation. My family and I had only just settled into Dubai, so the sudden changes were unsettling. Processing everything took time, and soon after, I experienced the personal loss of both my grandparents. It was a period filled with grief and uncertainty, but it became a turning point for me.

I took on seasonal jobs at Pottery Barn and briefly returned to teaching, which had been my profession when I first lived in Dubai. Each job was a stepping stone, leading me to the next and building my confidence. Eventually, I found work with a staging company. This experience was a revelation: it opened my eyes to the potential of staging as a service I could develop myself. I realized that I could transform my skills and my love for design into something lasting.

With my brother’s support to launch staging services, I finally decided to take the leap and establish my own business. It was a journey that taught me resilience and adaptability, and I’m grateful for every step that led me here. What started as a challenging time became the foundation for my career today, and each small step along the way was essential to making it happen.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience is truly at the heart of the home staging industry. Every project is a unique challenge, involving countless moving parts, from sourcing, planning, and moving heavy furniture to meeting tight, often last-minute timelines. Each staging requires sourcing specific items to create the right atmosphere, and often those pieces aren’t readily available, so we’re constantly searching for the perfect items to elevate the space.

No matter how tough the project or how unrealistic the timeline is, we find ways to make it work. It’s a race to the finish line each time, with careful planning, resourcefulness, and plenty of adaptability and each completed project is a reminder that no matter the obstacles, we can make it happen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rulazdesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rulazdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rulaz.designs/