By *Katherine S. Von Haden.
It was roughly 5:30 p.m. when the stars finally aligned between me and Nilou Henderson, the Charlotte-based entrepreneur mastermind. I caught her on the drive home, along with her fiery, fierce, and sweet 15-year-old daughter, Roya.
It must be said, anyone who has crossed paths with our beautiful, born-to-be-a-CEO matriarch would be as surprised as I was after reading the impressive display of altruism, ambition, and achievements—all accomplished at an unprecedented speed in her young life to date. Those are the first words that popped into my head when trying to express my gratitude for the privilege of speaking to this amazing mother, wife, friend, philanthropist, visionary, and trailblazer.
By the time we hung up the phone, I was smiling ear-to-ear and excited that I had just made a new friend.
How often is it that you empathically know, after just one fifteen-minute phone call, that the voice on the other end is unquestionably humble and genuinely endearing? I’ll go ahead and answer for the collective- it’s not that often. It was 100% clear that Nilou Henderson had an innate gift of making EVERYONE she meets feel at home.
It’s no wonder her newest venture, Stage of Designs, is taking the Queen City by storm.
Q&A
It is noticeably clear (and awe-inspiring) that family plays a significant role in your life. How have your daughters, Roya, Zara, and Yasi, and your husband, Gerald, influenced your journey as a businessperson and entrepreneur?
My daughters, Roya (15), Zara (8), and Yasi (2), along with my husband, Gerald, are the anchors of everything I do. Each of them pushes me to pursue my vision and values in a deeper way. Gerald’s own journey in the NBA taught me resilience and adaptability- two qualities that define my approach as a businessperson. My daughters remind me every day to strive for balance, to pursue dreams, and to create a legacy they will be proud of. It is their laughter, strength, and pure belief in me that inspire me to push boundaries.
Your experiences as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur are deeply intertwined. How do these roles inspire your creative process when designing spaces that reflect individuality?
My roles as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur interweave constantly, influencing my creativity in profound ways. Being in the business of designing spaces, I understand that each space is as unique as each family. I aim to create environments that reflect individuality because that’s what I want for my own family- a home where each person feels seen and valued. That philosophy translates directly into my design process, where I work to capture the essence of every client’s lifestyle.
Your passion for architecture and design has been a constant throughout your journey. What early experiences led you to pursue this path?
My passion for architecture and design was sparked early, growing up in a family where craftsmanship and attention to detail were deeply valued. Watching spaces transform always captivated me. As an immigrant, I learned early on that a home isn’t just a building—it’s a place where memories are made, cultures are shared, and futures are built. This perspective instilled a love for creating spaces that truly feel like a sanctuary.
Your success in luxury real estate laid the groundwork for Stage of Designs. How did your experiences with Henderson Ventures prepare you to offer a complete design solution?
Real estate at Henderson Ventures laid a solid foundation for me. Understanding the intricacies of the luxury market, especially with our sports and entertainment clients, has shaped how I think about design and functionality. My clients needed more than a beautiful space—they needed a space that enhanced their lifestyle and met specific needs. That understanding led to the vision behind Stage of Designs, providing a truly comprehensive design solution.
Working closely with sports and entertainment families, you’ve developed a keen understanding of creating homes that balance privacy, style, and comfort. How has that perspective shaped the services offered by Stage of Designs?
Working with sports and entertainment families taught me the importance of balancing privacy with luxury and comfort. This unique perspective is central to Stage of Designs. We tailor our services to prioritize discretion and efficiency while still delivering on the highest level of style. Our clients trust us to create spaces that feel like an escape—a true retreat from the public eye.
Relocating frequently during Gerald’s NBA career gave you a unique perspective on the importance of a home. How does that personal experience influence the way you design spaces for your clients?
Moving frequently during Gerald’s NBA career was challenging but gave me a unique insight into the emotional side of home design. A home is more than a place; it’s a foundation, especially when you’re always on the go. That experience allows me to empathize with my clients’ needs and design spaces that help them truly feel settled and at peace, no matter where they are.
Stage of Designs has been described as a one-stop shop for interior design, staging, and custom builds. What inspired you to create a firm that offers such comprehensive luxury services?
I was inspired to launch Stage of Designs as a one-stop shop because I saw a gap in the market for a comprehensive luxury design service. Clients often felt overwhelmed with managing multiple vendors for design, staging, and construction. I wanted to simplify this process, ensuring they could come to us for everything and leave with a space that’s truly transformed.
Your tagline might be, “Where vision meets impeccable design.” How do you and your team bring a client’s unique aspirations to life?
At Stage of Designs, also known as SOD Interiors, we believe in listening deeply to our clients. Each project begins with a visioning process where we explore not only their aesthetic preferences but also how they want to feel in the space. We take that insight and translate it into impeccable design, delivering spaces that feel uniquely tailored to each client.
With services ranging from bespoke custom builds to furniture rentals, how do you ensure that every step of the design journey feels seamless and luxurious for your clients?
We strive to make every interaction luxurious, from the first consultation to the final reveal. It is about anticipating needs and exceeding expectations, so clients feel pampered every step of the way. Whether it is custom build or luxury staging, we manage each detail seamlessly so clients can focus on simply enjoying the experience.
What role does personalization play in your projects? How do you ensure that every space reflects the unique tastes and lifestyles of your clients?
Personalization is at the heart of everything we do. No two clients are the same, so no two spaces should look the same. We take time to understand their lifestyle, preferences, and dreams to craft a space that reflects who they are.
Stage of Designs has redefined the luxury design experience for Charlotte. Can you share a project that highlights the firm’s ability to transform a space?
One project that stands out was a full redesign for a sports family seeking a home that felt private yet luxurious. We transformed the space with soundproofing elements, added subtle opulence in the finishes, and created an outdoor oasis that felt like a true escape. This project embodied the best of Stage of Designs, blending beauty, function, and privacy.
How does your background in real estate inform your approach to home staging, and how does it differ from traditional staging methods?
My real estate background informs our staging in a way that focuses on lifestyle appeal rather than just aesthetics. We stage homes with a keen eye for what buyers are seeking emotionally, creating spaces that invite them to imagine their lives within. It’s more about the lifestyle than simply dressing up a room.
Your bio emphasizes craftsmanship and attention to detail. How do these values shape the culture and work ethic at Stage of Designs?
Craftsmanship and attention to detail are central to our ethos S.O.D. We hold ourselves to the highest standards because we understand that luxury clients expect nothing less. These values are woven into our work culture, pushing our team to go above and beyond.
Beyond Stage of Designs, you have created Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa. How does this business reflect your dedication to creating elegant, personalized experiences?
Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa reflects my commitment to creating spaces that feel elegant, welcoming, and pampering. The salon was an opportunity to expand my vision for luxury beyond the home and provide clients with an environment where they feel valued and rejuvenated.
You are competing in Dancing with the Stars Charlotte, supporting causes like breast cancer and teen mental health. What does this experience mean to you, and how does it connect to your advocacy for community and women’s empowerment?
Competing in Dancing with the Stars Charlotte is a passion project that connects me to causes I deeply care about, like breast cancer awareness and teen mental health. It’s a chance to raise awareness, support important initiatives, and inspire others to contribute to their communities. It aligns with my commitment to empowering women and promoting mental health.
As an Iranian American entrepreneur, how do your heritage and personal journey influence the creativity and vision you bring to your businesses?
As an Iranian American, my heritage brings a unique perspective and richness to my work. The colors, textures, and history of my culture influence my creativity, pushing me to create designs that are both elegant and meaningful. I believe in honoring where I come from while shaping spaces that feel both global and timeless.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Stage of Designs? Are there new services, collaborations, or expansions in the works?
I envision expanding Stage of Designs Interiors to include more custom luxury services, for example, venturing into unique architectural designs. We are exploring and preparing our very own luxury spec builds- and considering new opportunities that expand into new markets, while keeping our high-touch service at the core.
How do you see the firm evolving to remain a leader in the luxury interior design space, both in Charlotte and on a larger scale?
We are committed to evolving with the luxury design landscape by staying connected with trends, investing in technology, and, most importantly, listening to our clients’ evolving needs. Our goal is to not only dominate Charlotte but also become a sought-after name for luxury design on a broader scale.
What excites you most about the future of luxury design, and how is Stage of Designs staying ahead of the curve?
I’m thrilled by the possibilities in luxury design to blend innovation with deeply personalized, curated spaces that genuinely reflect the lifestyle and aspirations of each.
As we close this glimpse into Nilou’s vibrant world of everything that defines luxury, taste, and style, it is clear that Charlotte will embrace Stage of Designs with the fervor of seeking a Hermès Birkin bag.
Behind every perfectly placed velvet cushion and meticulously selected marble countertop lies Nilou’s extraordinary vision, her passion for design, a genuine love for life- and her beautiful family. Her journey from the fast-paced world of real estate to crafting dream sanctuaries proves one undeniable truth: she delivers. Every. Single. Time.
Nilou’s story is one of grace and grit, where luxury meets soul. Her work is not about simply creating beautiful spaces; it is about crafting environments that resonate with meaning and emotion. Her journey encourages us all to chase our passions, aim higher, and laugh a little when the unexpected happens- because, let’s face it, when construction throws a curveball, a designer’s best accessory is a radiant smile- of which NO ONE can argue once you see hers.
So, here’s to the art of living boldly, the beauty of thoughtful design, and the belief that the most luxurious homes are made even better when filled with laughter, love, and intention. Because, in the end, true luxury isn’t just about living well—it’s about feeling well, dreaming big, and embracing every exquisite moment with style and a little humor.
If I had a glass of champagne in my hand, I would raise it to toast my new friend and say, “Stage of Designs, welcome to Charlotte. We are so glad you are here to stay. Cheers.”