Hello!  If we've never met, it's nice to meet you and I appreciate you taking the time to learn my story. 

So, who am I?  I'm a wife to the most supportive, encouraging, and romantic man on the planet, Rob.  I'm also a mom & ladder madre to three amazing kids - Holden, Kendal & Parker ("ladder madre" because we don't like the label stepmom).  

​

My company has gone through some re-branding over the years but then again, I have too!  I'm often asked where the name HolKen Park originates.  It's a combo of our kids first names who are my why.

​

I've always had a full-time job in another industry (including now) and started staging to unleash my creativity on nights and weekends.  I pride myself on being a funny, tell-it-like-it-is professional "resuscitator" and can be hired to perform the full scope of work or give you a comprehensive DIY proposal.  

​

My mission is to make you comfortable with an often-uncomfortable exercise of decluttering and/or selling your home.   

​

I stage properties of all shapes and sizes.  I am a Chicago native but recently moved to the northern suburbs of Atlanta.  This devout Chicago Bears fan even staged a home with a Green Bay Packers welcome mat (check out my exteriors gallery)!    

​

I have staged over $50 million in real estate throughout Illinois and Wisconsin.  Many of my projects have been featured as Crain's Luxury Home of the Week and Wall Street Journal's House of the Day. I have also staged a 4-time Emmy award winner's penthouse in the Gold Coast of Chicago as well charming bungalows and stately mansions. 

​

One of the most notable projects in my 10+ year career is staging the largest home in Wisconsin, Sur la Baie, once owned by famed philanthropist and heiress Judith Blazer.  I drove back and forth from Chicago for 5 weeks to complete this 35,000 sq. ft., 43-room estate in Ellison Bay and it was worth every mile!    

​

This photo was taken the day I finished that project in the Fall 2012.  I am proud of this accomplishment (not just because it made headlines) but because I completed the project myself (aside from the painters and arborists).  Even though this picture is several years old, this project became a turning point in my career.  I realized if I could stage a house this big, I could stage anything!  Plus, it gave this dress from Target more meaning!  

​

I'm different from most stagers. Why? 

​

• I'll always shop in your space first and give new life to things your never thought possible (hence the resuscitator). 

• I shop local before ever stepping foot in a known retailer.

• I'm self-taught and can tell you the story about every project I have ever done.

• I don't keep an inventory of furniture because I purchase most pieces for a project from estate & garage sales, thrift stores and re-purpose when necessary, saving YOU money!

• I tell-it-like-it-is for your benefit.  You may not like me (or the process) at first and that's normal.  In the end, you're hiring me for my professional expertise and the experience is not always comfortable, but I promise in the end, we'll have wine!

 

Enough about me.  How can I help?