As a newbie, I've only done a few jobs, but have learned tons from each.  My last one was a full blown decorating job, which included painting 90% of the rooms, purchasing furniture, and bringing in 20 cases of accessories.  Before I walked in to stage, I had 14 hours of shopping, 19 hours of design and appointments, and 11 hours of packing invested into the job.  I hired two area stagers to help me execute, and paid each $50/hour for their 6 hours of work.  Now I find one of my helpers is taking credit for the entire job, not only on her website, but is using my project, with all my before and after photography (she didn't even take her camera to the job) as a marketing mailing to her client list.  Beyond that, she has turned it into a Realtor presentation with her name on the cover slide. 

Part of me says "fine".  I provided her the photos in the spirit of sharing, and she did, after all, work on the project, so she's allowed.  She at least called me to let me know what she was doing, and asked if I'd partner with her on future business she gets from her marketing effort. 

Part of me says "hmmmm", she's playing with fire if she markets this as her work, because she alone will not be able to produce the same style/result for a different client (which she's flat-out said to me).  And "hmmmmm" while it's fine to credit oneself with being a participant in a major project, the creator did all the negotiating, contracting, planning, design, and purchasing.  Six hours of helping doesn't give her ownership.  

Which part is correct?   

 

10 Comments on Doth She Protest Too Much?

APR
13
2007
6 Featured Posts

Jaynee, My suggestion is so much easier said than done. Can you talk to the person who is using your photos in what appears to be a less than honest way? Perhaps she doesn't understand what she is doing is wrong. You know the drill. Start with, "I think. . .I feel". . . sentences. It's not a good idea to say, "You did such and such." Like I said, easier said than done. On the few occasions I've gotten the courage to confront it has at least let me stop stewing in my own juices much more quickly.

Sounds like you had a fabulous job. Are you going to share the photos here?

 

9:28am • #1
5 Featured Posts

Hi Jaynee,

She needs to give credit to all of the participants on this job and you need to tell her so.  She needs to disclose on her marketing materials that she was part of a team that accomplished that fantastic staging feat and not take credit for it all (like she was the sole contributor) -- it's ridiculous of her to represent it like that.

Just tell her to give proper credit to everyone involved.

There's nothing stopping her from stating that she's perfectly capable of reproducing something to this effect on her own. She'd then have to back it up with results and it sounds like it remains to be seen whether or not she can indeed reproduce this on her own.

9:37am • #2
2 Featured Posts

Oh, yes, Yvonne....I had meant to do this, but am just learning how all things Active Rain work.  I also need more experience in taking my befores and afters, as I'm not capturing the exact angles correctly.  Nonetheless, I'm pretty proud of the project, and feel I really helped this homeowner.

We went from this

 LR before

to this

 LR after

and this

 DR to parlor before

to this 

Dining Room to Parlor

9:55am • #3
Hi Jaynee - Beautiful pictures! What a difference paint makes.  As for your dilema, I would not work with that other stager again.  She has proven she is not trustworthy.
11:44am • #4
6 Featured Posts
rain dancerJaynee, This is me doing a Rain dance for you. Wonderful project. Great work. Hurrah!
11:55am • #5
107,010 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Jaynee, I recently had a competitor use part of our slogan on her website.  FRESH EYE, I sent an email to her that said I recently reviewed your website and noticed the following statement

"You probably need 'fresh eyes'to see the full potential of your space.   My partner and I couldnt agree more!  smile "  

Needless to say, I haven't heard from this person...but one of my mentors told me...the cream will rise to the top and well you know, the rest will settle at the bottom!

Keep rising, Jaynee--that's my plan but in the meantime.....I would definitely let this person know that what she did or is doing - troubled you!

wink*

5:22pm • #6
APR
14
2007
185,934 Points 68 Featured Posts Outside Blog

ONE job does NOT make the stager.

The cream will rise to the top. Your graciousness is something that will ALSO be a reason people choose you to stage. Talent is important... but don't loose site of character.

Stage It Forward...

Me

5:19pm • #7
2 Featured Posts

I deeply appreciate each comment, and all the lovely elements of spirit behind them.  I still take full responsibility for sharing all the photos, and am taking to heart my son's advise to watermark/stamp them, moving forward, which protects everyone. 

I bow to each of you!

Until next time....

    Jaynee 

5:50pm • #8

Jaynee,

Smart Son, Great mom! 

5:56pm • #9
APR
16
2007
1 Featured Post

You can also let her know you will be using the photo's on your web site or marketing materials as well.  Therefore, she might want to consider giving you 'lead credit" along with credit to the other "assistant".  Of course, you are telling her this because you don't want her to have egg on her face. 

4:28pm • #10

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Jaynee Acevedo, Capital Style Home Staging

Kensington, MD

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Capital Style Home Staging

Cell Phone: (571) 294-8893

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