Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Henke.
Denise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Naperville, IL and spent the last 32 years working in Corporate America as a Senior Program Manager implementing Microsoft Software for corporations – such as Hershey’s, Dallas Cowboys, Lids…to name a few.
In 2014, feeling unfulfilled and pulled towards a greater purpose in life, I wrote a fictional romance series called “The Beyond Series”. It was inspired by the loss of my best friend in a car accident in 1993. The plot is how he is leading my character to her destiny from the other side. The story is driven by synchronistic signs and symbols she received from him throughout her daily life making it undeniable that coincidences do not exist. The writing process was both cathartic and healing. It provided gave me the perfect outlet to channel my grief and to leave a legacy of him for the world to enjoy. I coined it my love letter to our friendship.
Shortly after I published the books my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Our family was faced with a difficult journey that led into Covid and resulted into him moving in with me for his final year while battling the disease. Two months after his passing, my moms health took a downward turn. She was in and out of the hospital for two years when she lost her final battle as well. Both of my parents lived with me, and were cared for by my sister and me, until their last dying breath. It was the honor of our lifetime to care for them.
During my moms final year, my goal was to find a winter rental in Florida to get out of the elements. Once he healthy made an unpredictable turn, I decided to purchase a home in Tampa and move with her permanently. Two days prior to the movers arriving, we laid her to rest. She sadly never made it to the next stop, but that is when my new journey began.
Working through the grief of losing both parents in two years, I began a new life here in Florida. The stability and familiarity of my job was the familiar constant. However, when the dust began to settle that nagging unfulfilling, life it too short feeling was back knocking, this time louder and more definitive than ever. So i began praying and searching for what was next for my back nine in life.
I was introduced to a matchmaker for “Franchises” through a dear friend. It was her brother. He was patient and thoughtful as he led me through the overwhelming process of reviewing and narrowing down a list of over 1000 Franchise options. I immediately found the perfect match in “Set the Stage”. As soon as I heard about it my soul lit up. I knew this was it. The perfect fit. My lifelong project management skillset would align perfectly with their business model and the cherry on top, is I have a deep love and passion for home decor. I had just finished an entire transformation of my 1920;s bungalow and refurnished it from top to bottom. Another project I poured my heart and soul into. It helped me with the healing and grief process – resurrecting the new from the old.
Six months later, I’m officially an entrepreneur and CEO of my own beloved business – “Set the Stage Greater Sarasota St. Pete”! With the backing of a corporate entity with key business processes and marketing, I found the perfect territory to bring this business to life! I purchased the Sarasota and St. Petersburg markets. My vision was immediate. This area has gone through its own grief process with several devastating hurricanes, experienced by so many over the last few years. This was my chance to bring sparkle, hope and style back to the masses by the refreshing and rejuvenating their spaces with love and compassion.
Tying it all together… my books include a fictional story of my family owning a home design business! Turns out my friend is absolutely leading me to my destiny from the other side…32 years in the making. His thank you to me for keeping his beloved memory alive.
Set the Stage is a National Franchise Set The Stage is your premier source for home staging and furnishing solutions. Whether you’re preparing to sell your property and need to create an enticing, market-ready atmosphere or need a complete furnishing package for a vacation rental, we have you covered. Our expert team specializes in curating tailored staging and furnishing packages that not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also elevate its functionality. With a keen eye for design and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we’ll help you set the stage for a stunning and inviting living environment that perfectly suits your needs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With any new venture, there are always challenges. Fortunately, given my Project Management background, I have the ability to anticipate obstacles and identify solutions in parallel. However, going into business for ourself is a very large undertaking. From creating a legal entity, to funding, to finding a commercial real estate location. It’s important to align with experts in their field to facilitate the process and help with a smooth transition.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I love seeing an empty space, creating a vision and bringing it to fruition! Sourcing furniture and decor is a fun process and I love working with people! If I could make a business out of relationship building, I would. I love each unique project and style. When the project is revealed to the home owner, the reward is in their reaction when they fall in love with their space!
I’m an HGTV and Food Network coinsurer. I love to learn new seek new out styles and creations. I thoroughly enjoy the creative process by weaving in layers of texture and design.
I’m most proud of my overall resilience and tenacity. My ability to never give up! I’ve also leaned in and focus on hope. Hope for a bigger, better and brighter future. A future with filled with purpose. I’m grateful for the canvas life has presented me.
I think my energy is what sets me apart. What you give is what you get back and it is helping me to attract the perfect clients and partners.
How do you think about luck?
As mentioned, I don’t believe in coincidences. As cheesy as it sounds, everything happens for a reason. Even the setbacks are lessons to learn to do it differently but the next time you’re doing it with experience. I also believe in finding your “tribe”. The cheerleaders that will love and support you through the trials and tribulations along with way!
I truly believe in positive energy and manifesting the outcomes you want. It takes just as much energy to be negative as it does to be positive. Putting positive energy towards your dream is a formula that has always benefited me.
I don’t live in fear, I live in hope.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gsp.wesetthestage.com
- Instagram: @setthestage_sarasotastpete
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/setthestagesarasotastpete
