Are you doing what you love?

My home staging mentor, Debra Gould, mentioned once that if you were meant to be a home stager, there were probably indicators as a child. “Have you always walked into a room and noticed what was wrong and thought about how you might change it? That is not something everyone does. You may have thought this is normal but it isn’t. That is your talent and not everyone has it”.

That idea that what you were meant to be was apparent early in life fascinated me. Do you remember the things you loved or came naturally to you? Are they part of your life and career now?

Energy art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

I remember the first time I thought of what I wanted to be when I grew up it was a “paleontologist” because I loved dinosaurs and discovering things. Well, I never did anything with that love!

But I also loved animals and creating beautiful things, music, and yes, how a room looked wrong and I wanted to change it. My mom said my sister and I used to always re- decorate our play room.

From an early age my bedroom became my art studio with an endless production of decoupage and jewelry and other art projects.

I always loved animals and my earliest drawings were of wildlife like squirrels in the back yard.

As a teenager I continued to make art in my bedroom. I could never get enough of dreaming about building my perfect house and made endless designs of how that house would be laid out. Most looked like castles with turrets! We had many animals, all of which I loved like members of our family.

When it came time to think about college and what I wanted to be….I thought about being a vet but the idea of dealing with sick animals all the time or putting them to sleep made me sad. My dad thought I should be a lawyer, probably because he thought I was so good at arguing with him. Hah! So I went to school for Communications but it never felt inspiring and then later switched to Interior Design and got my BA. While I loved designing, I didn’t like living in the city (Washington D.C.) so decided to travel and explore for a while. I ended up in a remote mountain community in Arizona where I made my living as a jazz bass player and later as a fire lookout with the US Forest Service.

dutch joe lookout — Dutch Joe Lookout in Arizona. It was one of the last remaining wooden lookout towers(100′ tall) when I worked there (now gone).

Mary Ann Benoit — Playing with toys at work- building duck habitat

Time passed and I rediscovered that love of animals apparent as a child, and went back to school for my second degree in wildlife biology. I worked as a wildlife biologist for 33 years before retiring!

Throughout that time I still continued to make art and sell my stained glass and jewelry creations through my bed and breakfast.

Today that love of creating art has expanded to creating digital energy art.

My love of music and dance developed into teaching and performing dance and world percussion.

I Learned to Solve all my Interior Design Problems by Playing Music — Playing the doumbek at a performance where I also danced Persian dance.

stained glass by Mary Ann Benoit

Simorgh performance for President Obama — Get ready to perform for an event for President Obama in Anchorage.

The love and need to make beautiful rooms never left me either. Over the years I did some design work, helped others re-decorate and design their homes and designed and remodeled my own home. Several years ago I took one of those fun “tests” on Facebook on “What is your true profession”. It said “DESIGNER!” It made me pause and wonder what my life would have been like if I had chosen to stay on that path when I first got my degree rather than wandering down a different path to becoming a biologist. I knew that the creative aspects of my life always brought me joy. And I thought, well why not it do now! And I did! I started my business, Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, two months later and am so glad that I did! Now I have allowed myself to explore new roads as a digital energy artist and incorporated my love of creating art into my Interior Designs.

So I look back on all the roads my life has taken, the jobs and businesses I started, and see they all lead back to those things I loved as a child. I still have not designed and built that dream house yet but there is still time! I might have to save being a paleontologist for the next life though!

How about you? Are you doing what you love and did you know it when you were a child? You know, it’s never to late to start doing what you love now!

Prices are subject to change without notice.

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Are you Living Your Dharma?

My journey with dharma began at the onset of the pandemic and has continued to unfold in the most fascinating ways. As the world slowed down, I chose transformation and growth, immersing myself in personal development and business courses while recharging my spirit with daily online dance sessions. It became a path of deep enrichment and well-being.

Through my courses, the idea of dharma kept surfacing — a word I hadn’t even known before. But there it was, appearing again and again, almost as if calling out to me: “Hey, you! I’m your dharma… are you paying attention?”

Well OK, now I am. Who are you and what do you want?

“I am your purpose in life. Your true calling – what you were put here to do”. OK, well, you are a little fuzzy and nebulous. Could you make yourself a little clearer? “Yeah, but you have to do some work to help make that happen.” OK, I have time. Let’s get to it.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

At the time, I enrolled in Jim Fortin’s Transformational Coaching Program, hoping to elevate my design business. The heart of the program centers on a powerful truth: “Be more to do more and have more” — a refreshing shift from the conventional “have, do, be” mindset.

What I didn’t expect was how much personal transformation would lead the way. Like many others focused on business growth, I soon realized that inner change was the real catalyst for outward success.

Since beginning this journey, I’ve revamped my diet, lost 10 pounds, quit smoking, found a deeper sense of peace, and embraced the philosophy of doing less — but doing it better — all while cultivating a greater sense of gratitude for the life I already have.

Investing in this program during the uncertain times of the pandemic made it even more profound, reminding me that the journey into ourselves is just as important as any destination we hope to reach.

Inspired by the principles of Hal Elrod’s The Miracle Morning, I crafted a daily practice rooted in silence, visualization, exercise, reading, and writing — a ritual that nourishes both mind and spirit.

As I journeyed through the book, a powerful quote from Jim Rohn stood out to me: “Your level of success will rarely exceed your level of personal development, because success is something you attract by the person you become.”

It was a moment of clarity. I realized why so many, myself included, come seeking business growth but find personal transformation leading the way.

While my path has woven together both personal and professional evolution, it’s the inner growth — the quiet, steady unfolding — that I treasure most.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

One theme that kept surfacing in the program — and truly captivated me — was the idea that wealth doesn’t come solely from hard work, but from the universe itself. At first, I found this concept puzzling. How could that be?

The deeper message revealed itself: when you are fully engaged in your passion — the work you would do even without a paycheck — and it creates value for others, prosperity naturally follows.

One day, a business coach shared a quote from the legendary dancer Martha Graham. As a dancer myself, I thought, Now you’re speaking my love language. I’m listening.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

And now it makes more sense. We are all unique in all of time and space. We all have our individual voices. If we can just get out of our own way and out from under all the personal stuff that holds us back, by Being better, we can open the channel and let it come through. That is our dharma. When it happens, the money will come.

A fellow Interior Designer, Leslie Carothers said on Facebook once, NO ONE is YOU. NO ONE has your heart, your soul, your exact combination of the *magic* that makes working with you such a special experience.

Are you Living Your Dharma?

In truth, we don’t need to define our dharma. We simply need to stay open — receptive to its flow — and allow it to reveal itself through us, naturally and effortlessly.

For a long time, I believed my dharma was to bring joy and growth into people’s lives by creating beauty — through vibrant Interior Design, the rhythm of dance, the shimmer of handmade jewelry or stained glass, and the energy woven into my art.

My art celebrates vivid color and rich texture, honors the environment, nurtures our connection to nature, and embraces the diverse beauty of global design.

But as I looked deeper, I realized that these were simply the vessels. My true dharma is something more: to channel messages of universal energy that guide people back to their authentic selves — helping them awaken to their full potential.

When you feel drawn to my energy art or seek my design expertise, you’re not just experiencing beauty — you’re connecting with these deeper messages. You’re helping me live my dharma. And for that, I am truly grateful.

Now, I invite you to reflect: Are you living in alignment with your dharma? If not, perhaps I can support you on your journey — through the transformative power of Aligned Design.

My Dharma In Action

Here are some examples of some of my energy art and Interior Designs that I am inspired to create.

https://youtu.be/Ha0e7-NUpE4?si=TCVwcZKJBms3Th7f

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Inspiration- What gets you going! Why I am a Home Stager and Designer.

Reflecting on my 2016 musings about inspiration, I revisited them in 2020 and now again in 2024. This recurring introspection reveals the evolution of both myself and my business. It’s vital to periodically assess if our current direction aligns with our evolving selves.

What sparks your enthusiasm each day? What drives the essence of who you are? What ignited my passion for establishing a home staging and design venture, and why does it hold significance?

Many term this as one’s “brand”. What makes you the go-to choice over competitors? Likely, it’s that ineffable quality that motivates you, resonating with others, fostering connection and trust. While most discuss their exceptional products or services, the true differentiator is personal. What sets you apart?

For me, it’s not just beauty that captivates me, but also the underlying energy of everything I observe. It’s what you feel and how it transforms you.

Nature, with its myriad of colors, patterns, light, and textures, still feeds my definition of beauty. Undoubtedly, nature is the ultimate designer, offering magic at every glance!

"The Rose" by Mary Ann Benoit of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

During my alternate career spanning nearly 25 years as a wildlife biologist, I’ve minutely observed nature, from grand landscapes to microscopic details. This keen observation translates to my designs—whether envisioning a room inspired by a vibrant bird’s colors or imagining a fabric pattern based on a microscopic plant structure. Every natural element, from a glacial lake’s hue to a rising full moon’s light, propels my creativity. And now, I delve deeper into understanding the energetic messages of the natural world and how they can enhance your space and ultimately, you.

Crow Wisdom. Energy art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit. — Crow Medicine Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

This awe of nature, especially from witnessing the northern lights, inspired my business’s name—Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. It embodies the wonder I aim for clients to feel upon seeing their transformed space.

Butterfly Medicine Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

With each project, once I perceive a home’s potential, it occupies my thoughts until the vision materializes.

Over time, my core inspirations have remained constant, yet layers of depth and meaning keep expanding my vision and guiding my business’s trajectory. Nature’s allure steered me towards Biophilia and global style based designs, fostering a connection between interiors and the natural world.

Moroccan style energy art and edesign — Global Style- Moroccan Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

Get the Look- Global Style-Mexican #2 — Global Style- Mexican Energy Art and Edesign by Mary Ann Benoit.

My color fascination led to my certification as a color strategist, harmonizing both the art and science of colors. Notably, I’ve delved deeper into creating energy art which has become the foundation of my design and the unique Aligned Design philosophy which guides me. I’ve also ventured into creating home décor lines inspired by my energy art on platforms like Pixels.com, Society 6, Le Galeriste, and Contrado.

I eagerly anticipate the innovations the upcoming decade holds.

So, what fuels your life and business aspirations?

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What is Your Life’s Purpose?

Several years ago I was listening to Tony Robbins online inspiring people to discover their “life’s purpose”. I decided at the time that mine was to create beautiful things (whether it is a home interior, piece of jewelry or stained glass, a piece of music or a dance) and share it with others to give them (and me) joy.

What is your Life's Purpose?

That was my inspiration in starting Northern Lights Home Staging and Design i 2014. For those of you who do not know me, I am also an artist (stained glass, jewelry, alcohol ink, fractal art), musician and dancer. All these things give me joy, and I hope I can pass a little bit of that on to you.

What is your Life's Purpose?

When I create a beautiful space for you, whether it is to sell your home or to live in it, I want you to say “Wow!!!” and feel some of the magic you might experience if you saw northern lights. That is my goal and how Northern Lights Home Staging and Design got it’s name.

At the time, I silently thanked Tony Robbins for helping me put into words what I knew to be true about myself.

Now, five years later, I am looking back and wondering, is this still my life’s purpose?

What is your Life's Purpose?

The answer is YES!

And that makes me happy, because it makes me feel as if I am aligned with my true purpose, what I am meant to do. Are you? One of my favorite quotes is from another dancer and I truly believe this.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”

Martha Graham

So, while I still believe my life’s purpose is to create beautiful things, I realize that the outward beauty has more depth and layers than it used to. Whether it is in one of my Interior designs, pieces of art or a dance, the magic comes from a beautiful intersection of art, science and energy that goes into each creation. The more I learn about each aspect and grow as an artist, the more interesting and beautiful my creations become. To me anyways:) And hopefully to you!

Create Beauty in your home

I would like to show you how to create beauty in your home by aligning art, science and energy. An Aligned Design consultation to create a holistic plan is a great first step to map out your journey to a perfect space.

Imagine what that would feel like.

Curious about your Interior Design style? Take the quiz and find out.

Prices subject to change without notice.

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info@northernlightsstaging.com

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Interview with Mary Ann Benoit-Seward Public Radio

Mary Ann Benoit was honored to be asked to do an interview on Seward Public Radio last night with host Beck Dunn. She was the first guest on the “Knot so Fast” radio show. They talked about a wide range of topics including bats, wildlife, home staging and design, using home staging to increase your bed and breakfast income and bookings, dance, art and more!

Mary Ann has been a wildlife biologist for over 25 years, as well as an artist, dancer, musician, performance artist and teacher. She owns two businesses, including her Bed and Breakfast, Arctic Paradise Bed and Breakfast, Jewelry and Stained Glass which she started in 2002, and Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, started in 2014. Becky asked her about all different aspects of her life and businesses.

They discussed bats, bat research in Alaska, how to attract bats to your property with a bat box, what to do if you find a dead or sick bat and more. They discussed her Bed and Breakfast and home staging and design business and how she used home staging to increase her own bed and breakfast income and bookings. They also talked about her other interests such as teaching and performing different styles of dance, and creating beautiful stained glass and jewelry as an artist.

It was a fun interview! For those of you interested in getting to know Mary Ann, and if she might be the right person to work with you on your project, this is a good one to listen to.

It was also a fun and quirky broadcast that gives a good feel for life in our beautiful little town of Seward Alaska:)

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info@northernlightsstaging.com

Free Home Staging Workshop-Sell Your House in any Market Fast and For More with Home Staging

Join us for a free home staging workshop on March 12, 5:45-6:45 pm at 12*100 Cpffee and Communitas in Anchorage located at 12100 Old Seward Highway.

Thinking of selling your house? Stop by for coffee and learn how to sell quickly and for top dollar in any market with home staging. Potentially increase your selling price up to 20% and sell 79% faster. Learn what you can do yourself, and how a home stager can help you. Learn how and why home staging works and how to find a great home stager. Find out about the process and what it costs.

Your home is probably your greatest investment. Home selling is a stressful process. Make sure you get the most for your home and learn the tools to sell fast, reduce stress and costs.

Sell Your House in Any Market Fast and for More- Free Workshop by Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Get Your Free Ticket

Free Home Staging Workshop with Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Biography of Mary Ann Benoit, President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Mary Ann Benoit, provides an award winning, versatile, and unique one-stop shop for premiere Interior Design, Edesign, Color Consulting, Home Staging, Virtual Staging and Vacation Rental Staging for homes and vacation rental properties in south-central Alaska and online nationwide.

Customers and colleagues describe her in reviews as “the best at what she does” and her work as “stellar,” “fantastic,”” amazing,” “innovative,” “prompt and professional.” She is known for giving “above and beyond service,” being a “delight to work with,” and “a great coach and mentor.” “Hiring Mary Ann is more than worth every dollar and led us to success, and a new future.”

The only professional home stager with a degree in Interior Design that is also a certified color strategist and color expert in Alaska, she is a highly gifted leader in her field, winning numerous awards for customer service, Interior design, home staging, her blog and YouTube channel.

She provides diverse and unique Interior Design services using her Aligned Design system which combines art, science and energy. She focuses on global design styles with a modern twist, with expert and unique use of beautiful color. Living in Alaska on the ocean surrounded by dramatic mountains and glaciers, surrounded by antiques she has collected has also given her a love of Coastal, Rustic, Vintage and Art Deco styles. She loves to use eco-friendly products and incorporates sustainable design techniques and biophilia to bring the outside in whenever possible in her designs.

As a certified color strategist, she loves using both the art and science of color to created stunning and interesting combinations and helping clients with their color conundrums!

She provides premier home staging of vacant, occupied and vacation rental properties as well as virtual staging, online consultations and social media marketing to make your for-sale home or vacation rental property outshine the competition online. She is an expert at helping homeowners sell profitably, quickly and with less stress and helping vacation rental owners increase their bookings and attract their ideal guests.

In addition to her lifelong interest in Interior Design, she recently retired from a 33-year career as a wildlife biologist that inspired her with the beautiful colors, patterns and designs in nature and how they could be applied to interiors. Her career gave her extensive experience in project management, budgeting, and attention to detail. She also started a Bed and Breakfast in 2001 and applied her staging and marketing skills to double her income and bookings. Now she uses that knowledge to help other vacation rental property owners do the same with home staging, design and color. As a lifelong artist in a variety of mediums, she also creates stunning fractal art and alcohol ink art which she creates unique home décor products that can be custom designed for your home.

She has a BA in Interior Design, a BS in Wildlife Biology and is a graduate of the Staging Diva Home Staging training program. Featured on several home staging shows, she has also published numerous articles. She won the Best of Houzz Customer Service Award in 2016-2020. She won an award for one of the top Interior Designs of 2018 for her Edesign of a Turkish style living room. Her blog was awarded on of the top home staging blogs on the web and her YouTube channel was awarded one of the top 30 design channels on the web.

Her exceptional design sense, education, experience, diverse background, versatility and emphasis on customer service make her a great choice to “make magic happen” in your home. Ask her customers!

Get to know Mary Ann. Check out some of her recent radio or video interviews.

Interview with Mary Ann Benoit- Seward Public Radio’s Market Minute

Interview with Mary Ann Benoit-Seward Public Radio

Empire Radio Now with Mary Ann Benoit

Northern Lights Home Staging and Design- Tips to Finding the Best Home Stager

Anchorage Advice Givers- Interview with Mary Ann Benoit

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Prices subject to change without notice.

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Mary Ann Benoit with Northern Lights Home Staging & Design – Not The Usual Success Story

We hope you enjoy this article and podcast on Anchorage Advice Givers about Mary Ann Benoit and Northern Lights Home Staging and Design. Learn about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and to start your own home staging and design business.

Mary Ann, the foremost home stager in south-central Alaska, provides an award winning, versatile, and unique one-stop shop for home staging, Interior Design, Edesign and color consulting for homes and vacation rental properties.

Learn more about Mary Ann on her About Me page or see her full biography here.

View the full video interview with Mary Ann here.

Meet Mary Ann Benoit, Owner of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design, and Arctic Paradise B&B. Mary Ann was/is an artist and a scientist before she became an entrepreneur. She has been an artist since childhood and today she designs and sells one of a kind jewelry and stained glass. Mary Ann is also a performing artist in both music and dance. As a scientist, she pursued a career as a wildlife biologist for the last 30+ years based on her love for animals.

Mary Ann became an entrepreneur in 2001 in addition to her work as a biologist and artist. Her first business was Arctic Paradise Bed & Breakfast, Jewelry and Stained Glass in Seward, Alaska, The business continues to run smoothly and is very successful. Her second and current business is the Northern Lights Home Staging and Design.

What does Northern Lights Home Staging and Design offer?

In simple terms, home staging is decorating and preparing a home to sell. Staging helps buyers to get connected with home emotionally so they see themselves living there, which helps the home sell faster and for more money.

Challenging factor:

Some homeowners and realtors worry about spending money on staging because they think of it as a cost, rather than an investment which will help them sell their home faster (saving them money) and for more money. Staging increases the value of the house generally 1-20% and usually only requires 0.5% to1% of the home’s value to complete the staging process. Cutting costs through partial staging or not having it done by a professional affects the end result and hurts the home seller.

Love for the business:

She loves to see “the magic happen” when she transforms the house so beautifully during staging. This gives her a lot of personal satisfaction and appeals to her creative spirit. Some home owners don’t want to move after seeing their beautifully staged home! Mary Ann loves it when homeowners and buyers love the way the house looks.

Staging for a Quick Sale- Mary Ann Benoit is the President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design at northernlightsstaging.com. — Mary Ann Benoit is the President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design at northernlightsstaging.com.

Are you doing what you love?

Are you Living Your Dharma?

My Dharma In Action

Inspiration- What gets you going! Why I am a Home Stager and Designer.

What is Your Life’s Purpose?

The answer is YES!

Create Beauty in your home

Call 907-362-0065 today

Pin This

Interview with Mary Ann Benoit-Seward Public Radio

Call 907-362-0065 today

Free Home Staging Workshop-Sell Your House in any Market Fast and For More with Home Staging

Get Your Free Ticket

Biography of Mary Ann Benoit, President of Northern Lights Home Staging and Design

Get to know Mary Ann. Check out some of her recent radio or video interviews.

Download my Brochure

Call 907-362-0065 today

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Mary Ann Benoit with Northern Lights Home Staging & Design – Not The Usual Success Story

See My Online Design, Color and Home Staging Services.

Call 907-362-0065 today