She Built a Successful Business, Sold It, and Found Her Next Calling | Amy Schmiedeskamp

What does it take to build a successful business from the ground up, let go of what you've built, and trust that something bigger is waiting? On this episode of Around Quincy, we sit down with Amy Schmiedeskamp, Quincy entrepreneur, home staging expert, and interior designer, to talk about building businesses, following unexpected opportunities, and learning when it's time to turn the page to a new chapter. Amy shares how she turned a natural eye for design into Stage One, a successful home staging business she built over a decade, one couch at a time. What began with helping a realtor prepare a house for sale grew into a thriving business, eventually creating the opportunity for Amy to pursue her passion for interior design and custom home building through Homology. But her story is about much more than real estate and beautiful homes. Amy opens up about faith, family, taking risks, recognizing opportunities, and learning to hold success loosely enough to make room for what's next. She also shares the powerful story of Stage One returning to her family when her daughter eventually bought the business. IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT: → How Amy Schmiedeskamp built a home staging business in Quincy, Illinois → The story behind Stage One and how it grew into a successful business → How home staging helps homes sell and makes a difference in real estate → Transitioning from home staging into interior design and custom home building → The story behind Homology and Amy's work designing homes around the needs of each family → Selling a business, letting go, and trusting the person who takes it over → How Stage One eventually returned to the family through Amy's daughter → The role of faith in entrepreneurship, decision-making, and personal growth → Recognizing business opportunities and having the courage to pursue them → Why entrepreneurs need to hold their businesses loosely instead of making them their entire identity → How artificial intelligence can help homeowners visualize design choices before investing in renovations → Why human connection, trust, and relationships still matter in business → Building a business alongside your spouse and teaching your children the value of hard work → Creating a home that serves as a sanctuary for the people who live there Amy's story is a reminder that success doesn't always mean holding on to what you've built forever. Sometimes, the next opportunity requires trusting the journey, recognizing when a chapter is complete, and being willing to start something new. Whether you're a small business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone trying to figure out what's next, this conversation offers insight into business growth, leadership, faith, family, and finding purpose through the work you do. ABOUT AROUND QUINCY Around Quincy shares real conversations with the people, businesses, and organizations that make our community special. We explore the stories behind local entrepreneurs, community leaders, and everyday people making a difference in Quincy, Illinois. Around Quincy — People. Places. Stories. Discover the people, businesses, places, and stories that make Quincy, Illinois, home. Subscribe and come along with us as we explore what’s happening Around Quincy. Facebook:   / 1949833715691585