From AHSD to HGTV: How Crystal Bennett Built Her Dream Career
When Crystal Bennett’s beautifully remodeled home was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters on July 15, 2018, it was a dream come true. But this moment didn’t happen overnight. Her journey was filled with challenges, determination, and the right interior design education that helped her succeed.
If you’re wondering how The Academy of Home Staging & Design (AHSD) played a role in making this possible, keep reading. Crystal’s inspiring story is a testament to how passion, perseverance, and the right training can transform lives.
A Strong Foundation: From Coal Plants to Home Design
Crystal grew up in a small Texas town where hard work and determination were a way of life. Her father, after serving 20 years in the Air Force Reserve, spent 38 years fixing factory machines. Meanwhile, her mother worked at a local prison.
Crystal’s natural curiosity led her to a job at a coal plant, where she quickly learned everything she could about its operations. When a new plant was announced, she immediately took the opportunity to be involved in its planning and construction.
However, life had other plans. Within just three months, she was laid off and diagnosed with breast cancer. After going through treatment and surgery, she asked herself, “Now what?”
She applied for jobs and went through multiple interviews. Yet, nothing seemed to work out. Frustrated but deeply spiritual, Crystal realized, “Maybe this isn’t what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Turning Passion into a Career: The AHSD Connection
At the same time, her husband, Nate, had started flipping homes after attending a seminar. He was making progress, but Crystal saw the need for proper training. She told Nate,
“If you are going to do this, you have to do it right.”
Then it hit her—why not get trained herself? With her experience reading blueprints and managing projects, she realized interior design and home staging could be her next career move.
After researching, she found The Academy of Home Staging & Design (AHSD), which provided the hands-on training she needed.
Crystal recalls,
“The real-life examples from Kim, Wanda, and George, along with the ready-to-use forms and contracts, made AHSD truly special.”
Her new skills didn’t just help her design better homes. They attracted the attention of HGTV!
HGTV Calls: A Dream Becomes Reality
Shortly after graduating from AHSD, Crystal and Nate completed a home remodel. When an HGTV realtor saw their work, they were impressed. They asked to feature the property on House Hunters—a show that follows buyers as they search for their perfect home.
For Crystal, it was both thrilling and unexpected.
“I came back from AHSD’s Interior Design program with a heightened sense of design and a better understanding of what buyers want. But I never imagined we’d be on HGTV!”
The feature was a huge success. Since then, Crystal and Nate have flipped two more properties, earning up to $60,000 in profit, with a third project already underway.
Building a Six-Figure Business with AHSD Support
Even with her HGTV debut, Crystal sometimes wonders whether she should go back to a traditional corporate job. But her love for design and the support from Kim Kapellusch, Wanda Colón, and the AHSD team keep her moving forward.
“Kim and Wanda genuinely want their students to succeed. That’s why I’m still committed to making this business work.”
Today, she’s proof that interior design and home staging can be both fulfilling and lucrative.
Want to Build a Career Like Crystal’s?
If you dream of turning your passion for home design into a thriving business, AHSD’s immersive courses are the perfect place to start.
💡 Check out our upcoming in-person certification courses:
- Los Angeles Home Staging Certification – September 4-9, 2023
- New York Home Staging Certification – October 16-21, 2023
- Tampa Home Staging Certification – October 30 – November 3, 2023
- Los Angeles Interior Design Certification – October 16-21, 2023
💬 Join our Facebook Community: The Interior Design/Home Staging Business Incubator
📞 Have Questions? Call Us Today! 1.800.574.5576
🔗 Interested in learning more about our students? Visit our Student Success Page
Your future starts now—take the first step toward your dream career today!
