Our Story
The Story Behind Mustard Seed Staging
I came to this country at eighteen.
Since I was a little girl, I always dreamed of having my own business. I didn't know exactly what it would look like, but I knew I wanted to create something of my own.
When I came to this country at 18 years old, I had to start high school all over again because I didn't know a word of English. I was working two jobs while learning a new language and trying to build a new life. It was not easy, but I kept moving forward.
You don't need a lot of money to make a space feel special.
One thing that has always been part of me is my love for decorating. Even when my home was very small and we didn't have much money, my mom always encouraged me to keep our home clean, organized, and beautiful with whatever we could afford. I learned that you don't need a lot of money to make a space feel special. You need creativity, love, and attention to detail.
As my children grew up and got married, decorating became something I naturally did for my family. I helped with bridal showers, wedding rehearsal dinners, baby showers, and celebrations for my grandchildren. People would often tell me, "Elena, you should do this as a business."
But for many years, it was simply something I loved doing.
It happened in a quiet oncology office.
Then, about three years ago, I started working in hematology and oncology. I noticed that the office was very plain, and I understood why. Patients coming into an oncology office are often dealing with fear, uncertainty, and difficult circumstances. I wanted to create an environment that felt warmer and more welcoming.
So I started bringing decorations from my own home and decorating the office for different seasons and holidays. I didn't have a budget for it. I simply brought things from home because I enjoyed creating a beautiful environment for the patients.
One patient told me that when she saw the decorations, it made her feel like she was in good hands. That moment stayed with me.
Patients would ask me how much money the office had given me for the decorations, and they were surprised when I told them I brought everything from my own home. For me, it was a joy to bring some happiness and comfort to people who were going through difficult moments.
I realized that decorating wasn't just about making a room look beautiful. It could change the way people feel.
The Moment
Rooted in Faith
But my journey wasn't always easy.
After I got married, I went through some very difficult seasons with depression and anxiety. For a long time, those struggles held me back from pursuing the dreams I had always carried in my heart. There were times when I felt like a failure and wondered if I would ever accomplish the things I dreamed about.
My husband was the person who truly knew how difficult those years were for me. He stood beside me, supported me, and believed in me during times when I struggled to believe in myself.
Through those difficult seasons, my faith became very important to me. I began to understand that God's timing is perfect, even when we do not understand it. I had to go through struggles and depression to realize that God was—and still is—walking with me.
The Mid-Life Bloom
Today, I am 55 years old, and sometimes people ask me why I am starting this business now. Even my own sister has questioned me, asking, "Why are you doing this now that you are older?"
My answer is that I believe this is the time God has prepared for me.
I may not have understood the timing before, but now I can see that every experience, every struggle, and every season helped shape me into the person I am today. God was preparing me, even when I felt lost or held back.
I believe that no matter how old we are, if we are still here in this world, we still have a purpose. It is never too late to follow a dream, begin again, or allow God to use our lives in a new way.
Eventually, the idea for Mustard Seed Staging came into my heart.
From the smallest seed grows the mightiest shelter.
The name represents so much of my journey. A mustard seed is tiny, but when it is planted, nurtured, and given time, it can grow into something beautiful.
That is how I see my life.
I started with a small dream.
I came to this country without knowing the language.
I worked hard.
I experienced struggles that held me back.
But I never completely gave up on that little dream inside of me.
And today, I feel like that tiny seed is finally beginning to bloom.
What started as a tiny seed has begun to bloom.
Mustard Seed Staging is more than just a business to me. It represents my journey, my faith, my family, my husband, my patients, and the little girl who always dreamed of having something of her own.
Today, my goal is to use something I have loved my entire life to help homeowners and real estate professionals prepare homes for the market.
I want to create spaces that feel beautiful, welcoming, sophisticated, and warm—spaces where potential buyers can walk in and imagine themselves living there.
I am currently serving the Tracy, Livermore, Dublin, and Pleasanton areas, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to work with you.
Whether you are a realtor looking for an additional staging resource, a homeowner preparing to sell, or simply need help making a property market-ready, Mustard Seed Staging is here to help.
I am grateful for how far I have come, grateful for the people who supported me, and grateful for the opportunity to finally pursue the dream I carried for so many years.
What started as a tiny seed has begun to bloom.
And I am excited to see what God will grow from it next.
Ready to begin?
Let's chat about your home.