22 / matters magazine / fall 2026
THRIVE ON 
CHANGE
Sharon du Plessis
MDS STAGING
973.585.4158
@mds_staging
mdsstaging.com
“
Throughout my life I've been 
shaped by change, first as a child mov­
ing within my home country of South 
Africa and later to the United States. I 
learned how to be flexible, adapt to new 
environments and find ways to thrive. 
All these moves gave me firsthand 
insight into the challenges and emotions 
that sellers face as they aim to get the 
most value for their biggest asset. I use 
that valuable perspective in home stag­
ing to bring compassion to the process 
so sellers have a smooth and seamless 
experience. With my international lens 
I'm able to create distinctive spaces 
designed to appeal to a broad range of 
buyers. The result is homes that sell 
faster and for more.”
LOCAL BUSINESS 
WOMEN TELL US WHAT 
THEIR SUCCESS IS ROOTED IN.
REPORTING: ELLEN DONKER
PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIA MALOOF VERDEROSA
The Roots of 
My Success
We asked 28 professional women to 
reflect on their roots – the early 
influences, people, hard-earned 
lessons and values that helped 
shape the successful careers and 
businesses they have built.

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