Where are you from and how long have you lived in town? What brought you to the area?
I have lived in the area for over 40 years. I am happy to call it home!
Do you have child(ren)? Age(s)
I have two adult daughters, ages 25 and 21.
What are your favorite things to do in the area?
I love being on the go and exploring new things. My family and I love hiking and playing tennis. I recently took up pickleball and paddleboarding and can’t wait to be out on the lake again once the weather warms up!
Can you share your TOP 3 favorite local businesses? It could be spots that you frequent for healthcare, fitness, wellness, stores, family resources (photographer, financial advisor, lawyer)… We love supporting local.
I spend a lot of time at Independence Grove, and although it isn’t exactly a local business- I highly recommend it to everyone. Wild berry is on my list for all things yummy and I love looking for treasures at Reclaimed Artisans and Renew.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor or in the corporate world?
Yes! I give people peace and calm by decluttering and organzing their spaces, sometimes before, during, and after a move! My business is called Organize You Happy.
Visit my website to learn more about Organize You Happy!
When and how did your business come to be?
Wow! I can’t believe I started my business 9 years ago already. When they say one door closes and another one opens- it couldn’t be truer for me. A job loss and an illness made me reevaluate what was important- and that was flexibility and freedom. I love being my own boss and doing something I love each day.
Can you tell us about the service offerings provided by Organize You Happy and what sets you apart?
We offer decluttering, organizing, packing, and unpacking services to residential customers. We specialize in helping clients who may be overwhelmed and help them through the process of organizing their homes, preparing for a move, or getting set up and unpacked after a move. We understand that each client has different needs, so we set ourselves apart by getting to know our clients, and their needs and customizing the solutions they need.
I love that you offer Moving Services! That is so unique. Tell us more about this.
Moving can be stressful and overwhelming. We help clients to declutter, purge, and pre-pack so their home looks decluttered for selling. When you are ready for moving day- we can finish up packing and take care of last-minute details. Clients save money by not moving unneeded belongings and when they arrive at their new home- they are organized and less stressed. We even unpack, set up, and organize the new home and haul away the moving boxes so you can relax and enjoy your new home sooner.
That is incredible that one of your many, helpful blog posts was featured on Redfin! I especially love the tip for storing food storage wraps in over-the-door storage. What other tips do you have for us, our favorite blog posts you’d like to mention?
I love that blog post too! I find that people often overlook prime storage spaces in their homes. I had a client that didn’t even realize she had a coat closet and overlooked it for years! I love using shoe bags and racks on the back of doors for snacks in the pantry, socks, baby supplies in the nursery, and gift wrap in the office. Under the bed storage bins provide a great out-of-the-way place for out-of-season clothes and toys.
Many creative business ideas and changes came out of this past year and a half. Do you have a pandemic pivot you would like to share?
Yes! Our moving services are relatively new. With so many people moving last year – we were asked over and over to help get ready for moves and help unpack after moves, that we designed a suit of services that catered to the need we saw. Decluttering before a move lightens the load that must be packed, organizing the packing process makes the move less stressful (no more, “Honey, where did we put the _____?”), and when things are organized and streamlined unpacking is a breeze!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Word of mouth has been instrumental in growing my business. Happy clients and their reviews will always be the most important business asset I have.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I hate cooking and I would happily organize and clean every day in exchange for someone cooking for me!
Are you involved in any volunteering or philanthropy? Do you have a favorite local non-profit or charity?
I recently had the privilege to learn about a non-profit called Special Spaces. They design and furnish custom bedrooms to children diagnosed with cancer.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from a Mentor?
“Don’t let the opinions of others consume you”
Tell me about your favorite book/s. I love receiving fiction and non-fiction recommendations!
DIY and self- improvement books and magazines are my thing! I love finding decorating, handy tips and organizing advice.
What is your favorite thing about the Libertyville Area Moms Network?
I love that Libertyville Area Moms Network highlights moms who step out of their comfort zone, ignore the opinion of others, and do what they set out to do!
*This post was sponsored by Organize You Happy and in collaboration with Lindsey Oaks Personal Branding