Where are you originally from and how long have you lived in town?
I have been a lifelong Ohio resident! I grew up in North Royalton, went to college at Kent State, and after graduation lived downtown in the Warehouse District. We then lived in Lakewood for 8 years, and most recently moved to Avon Lake three years ago.
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
My daughter Amalia is 8 and my son Kean is 6.
Favorite things to do with your kids?
We have a very active neighborhood with a ton of young families, so you can typically find us on our patio or a neighbors while the kiddos bounce from yard to yard. We also love exploring our local parks and beaches. Prior to COVID we were frequent travelers and our kids passports have already acquired a few stamps from our travels.
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
I love trying new things and am always coming up with crazy ideas! Whether it’s skydiving in my 20s, or coming up with the never ending home improvement project I am my happiest when I push myself out of my comfort zone.
What are some of your favorite things about NE Ohio?
NE Ohio is the perfect mixture of Midwestern values and East coast energy and love of culture. You will find the city filled with hard working, fun loving people that are genuinely kind and unpretentious. Our culinary and art scene easily rivals those in a big city, but without the hard to get reservations. And last but certainly not least, Lake Erie and our park systems are beautifully maintained and provide relaxation and adventure to everyone from the extreme athletes to families alike.
Please tell us about Cleveland Neat! Why did you start it and how did you know this is what you wanted to do?
NEAT Method is a luxury home organization service with 75 locations thorough the US and Canada. We are the county’s largest home organization company, our mission is to create custom solutions to keep your home organized based off of your family’s needs. What sets us apart from other organizers though is our access to NEAT Method’s product line. This ensures that the system is also beautifully appointed and gives that “wow” factor so the insides of your closets, pantries, playrooms etc. match the ascetic of your home. I know I am biased but these products really are swoon worthy!
When I found NEAT Method I was shocked (and ecstatic) that no one had launched a Cleveland location. I had been organizing on the side for a few years, and was ready to dip my toe into the entrepreneurial world. The training, support and network you get from NEAT Method helps new owners scale quickly. And last but certainly not least is the passion this company has for providing a top notch client experience sealed the deal. We truly have a passion for our craft and want to help every home experience the value organization can bring.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
When I was starting to get serious about the idea of leaving my corporate job to start my own business reading and hearing from other moms that have made it work has been so inspirational! The more that we can highlight and share what others have done, the more other moms will think “I can do it too!”
Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own business?
Don’t let the fear of the “what ifs” and the “how” get in the way of starting. No one knows what they are doing when they first start out and that’s ok! Try to take it one step at a time, and most importantly trust in yourself. Enjoy the process of growing your business. I think a lot of people get caught up in the “I will be happy when I have 50 clients, or make six figures” but life will have new challenges when you get to that point. So try to enjoy each phase in the journey.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
Other than my two kiddos, from a business perspective I would say I am most proud of no longer being scared to hear “no”. As a business owner you will hear no a lot, and you can’t let it shake you or make you feel like you failed, it’s all a part of the process.
What was your biggest failure?
I honestly don’t believe in failure, because every failure is simply a lesson. I would say the biggest lessons I have learned so far though is to always be honing my communication skills. I am trying to talk less and listen more, and for a chatter box like me that can be a challenge!
How do you juggle being a working mom?
Having a very supportive husband has been instrumental to us making two working parents work. There were times I stepped back in my career due to his demanding work hours, and times where he has done the same. Also, not being afraid to ask for help and seek support from others.
Where do you hope to be in 10 years?
In 10 years I hope to have organized thousands of homes throughout the area! My goal is to scale my business to have multiple teams so that I can teach other women how to break out of the corporate world and manage a business on their own terms. And having a vacation beach home would be nice too!
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
Gosh there are so many folks in my circle to thank. Girlfriends that I share the highs and lows with, neighbors that are always willing to carpool or pick up a kid if we get stuck at work, our parents for supporting us, our church that grounds us in our faith, helping guide us to raise our children to be kind and caring. It really does take a village, and I am extremely grateful for ours!
For more information on Cleveland Neat, visit: neatmethod.com/pages/cleveland or on IG: @clevelandneat
