I officially began my organizing business on Whidbey Island in Washington in 1998, but I had actually been organizing for friends and family for most of my life. I remember in my twenties asking the various friends I was visiting on a cross-country odyssey if I could rearrange their closets and cabinets, and relished the joy they experienced as a result. I never forgot that feeling, and so, years later, I decided to turn my passion into a full-time business creating order from chaos. I still carry that tireless sense of adventure and enthusiasm, so your home gets a full-blown dose of the energy of order every time.
My experience as an assistant to several of the top caterers planning events on Martha's Vineyard in the 1980's, as well as coordinating events and workshops for several seminar leaders on Whidbey Island in Washington in the 1990's, helped me hone my detail-orientation skills and my ability to work closely with people on involved and often long-term projects. I learned from the masters coast to coast how to track a myriad of details and to calmly hold the overview in stressful situations. Since moving to the L.A. area in the summer of 2000, I have been honing my skills on reading how people think and relate to their environment, and have become an expert on helping people let go of their "stuff" on all levels. What this means for you is that you get to have an easygoing “buddy” in your home, who can see the whole picture and who knows how to break the project down into manageable tasks, no matter how overwhelming it may seem to you. Most people use the exact same words of frustration when calling me, “I don’t even know where to start!” Well, I do!
Over the last few years, my experiences with my clients have led me to a deeper level of understanding of how to help people to get organized. I have come to realize that the journey from chaos to order is a powerful, transformative and spiritual undertaking and that my job is to stand witness for this process. Most people, when they call, have found themselves finally ready to look deep into their lives and begin letting go of the items and commitments that no longer serve them, that actually keep them from feeling the creativity and freedom that they yearn for. I am not a therapist, but the work we do together is therapeutic in nature, and it is not uncommon for you to experience emotional discomfort before, during or after our work. Not only is this normal, but in my opinion, it is a sign that the energy is moving and change is happening. It is an exciting and exhilarating feeling. I have always operated according to the philosophy that it is easier to go with the grain rather than against it, and I make it a priority in my work to take your personal style into account. This means that I help recognize and improve on successful techniques that are already in place, identify those routines and systems that are hindering your productivity, and I aim to redirect the ineffective behavior to a more efficient way of working and being creative. I sometimes call this the “lazy person’s” way to organize, because most of us have unrealistic expectations of ourselves and suffer from “perfection paralysis”: I can’t do something unless I do it perfectly, so I just won’t do it at all! (sound familiar?) I have come to realize that most clutter (if not ALL) stems from an emotional impasse of some sort—usually a mix of grief and rebellion. No worries! Once we decide to work together (I screen all my clients to make sure they are really ready to undergo the process), we go at a pace that works for you. Sometimes, just facing a pile of sentimental items may take a whole visit, but the profound sense of relief and freedom you feel when it is done is worth the effort. I walk you through these thorny patches with a sense of humor and respect that makes you feel both supported and motivated to finally get through.
My greatest organizing strength is my ability to be present for you, to get under the radar of your resistance, and to assist you in the process of letting go. I do this by sensing your individual work style, and helping create systems that prevent future chaos. I enjoy the comfortable, playful and efficient relationship I have with my clients, and they love the ability I have to staying focused and "on task" while having a good time. My favorite part of the visit is when I am leaving and my clients hug me in relief and gratitude for the work we have done!
As our company has expanded to include a delightful team of organizers, garage specialists, personal assistants, photo organizers and more, my role in the company has evolved into one of company spokesperson and marketing director.
I am available to speak on various topics such as productivity, time management, the emotional root of clutter and how to confront it gently, on techniques for letting go of things that are charged with emotion, and more! I am comfortable speaking in front of groups large and small, local and national, and have experience in appearing as an organizing expert in the media in Canada and the US (and beyond!).
Since late 2005, I thoroughly been enjoying expanding on my philosophy of organizing in my blog, It's Not About Your Stuff.
When requested, I come out of hiding to work one-on-one with the most highly motivated clients, those who want to go deep into their personal process and who are interested in examining and de-cluttering every nook and cranny of their life. I do this through my 6 S.T.E.P.S. Organizing Bootcamp, Sytematically Transforming your Environment into a Peaceful Sanctuary.
I also pack my bags and take along my best organizer when going on a Weekend Whirlwind, where we come and turn your chaos into order in a matter of two long, hard (but fun!) days! Try it, it's great fun and it happens so fast, it doesn't hurt a bit!
If you live outside of LA, I am available for weekly phone coaching sessions, where we take a look at your life and see how you can delve in and make some changes with the loving support, accountability and guidance you crave.
|
