Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Schroeder.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Before launching my business as a Professional Organizer, my first career began in Corporate America. As time went on I knew I didn’t want to stay there, so when the opportunity came to leave I sought mentors, read books, and began to research opportunities to find a new way to earn a living while hopefully, doing what I loved.
What I found was the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and immediately knew I had found my people! For most of my adult life, I had organized people and homes in my spare time. However, I didn’t know that I could be a full-time Professional Organizer and make a living doing so! I made up my mind immediately – I built a business plan, a website, and launched my business the day after I ended my career in Corporate America.
That was over 10 years ago and I’ve never looked back! My Professional Organizing business, Unhurried Life, utilizes real-world experience and years of study to help clients simplify their areas of overwhelm. I help my clients define what “enough” looks like for their family and lifestyle, strengthen their decision-making muscles, and build confidence in knowing what to keep, how to keep it, and where to find it when they need it.
Has it been a smooth road?
Like any small business, there are challenges to building and keeping a healthy customer base. I’ve been fortunate in my business to have a steady clientele, and at times, a little too steady! In year seven of my business, I found myself becoming an overworked, “busy” person who neglected to manage my free time to efficiently manage my business, let alone relax and recharge. Needless to say, this is the opposite of an Unhurried Life!
While I continued to work, I decided to slow down, recalibrate, and relearn all the principles that I was teaching my clients. Slowing down and reprioritizing isn’t easy, and may seem counterculture to the American way where “more is better.” I’m so thankful for the lessons I learned and relearned (and am still learning) for managing different seasons and rhythms of life and how to maintain balance during those transitions.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Unhurried Life – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
For my proudest moment I’d have to go with the first time I felt the “bursting at the seams” pride in what I do. One day, I received a call from a potential client who told me they received my name from their therapist. I hadn’t met or heard of this therapist, but I found his info online and sent a thank-you note for the referral.
The therapist called and told me he learned of me from a different client of mine (without revealing her identity). During her appointments, this client would talk about all the work we were doing and the freedom she felt from the progress. Pleased with what he was hearing, the therapist began giving my name to his other clients!
While this therapist helps his clients from his office, he said he appreciated that I would “get in the trenches” with them. And, I do! I work side-by-side and help them reach their goals. That was a great moment early in my business, receiving that call and compliment for the work that I do! Since then, I’ve also been featured as one of the “Top Professional Organizers in Dallas” for 2016 and 2017!
Also, I can’t mention pride in my company without mentioning my clients. Sometimes, organizing is easy and straightforward – perhaps it’s a pantry, closet, or kitchen and the client is energized and ready to work. Other times, organizing follows the death of loved one, or downsizing because of an awful diagnosis, or maybe a parent is having a hard time managing life, home, and little ones all at the same time. When my clients find the courage to face the hard things and push through to find freedom on the other side of their stuff, well, there’s nothing better than those moments!
What I’m known for is my personal approach towards clients. I offer complete acceptance for where they are in life and have no tolerance for any shame in how they got there. My clients and I work together to transition the skill sets they desire to learn, and I have a strong “toolkit” for helping them overcome their emotional roadblocks and stuck places. Organizing and simplifying can be a vulnerable process, but it becomes fun and freeing as we go!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love being a Professional Organizer in Dallas!
With our strong Texas jobs growth, there are many families moving into our area who need help setting up or maintaining their homes and offices. I would encourage anyone interested in joining the organizing industry to become a member of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (napo.net) as well as the local chapter, NAPO-DFW (napodfw.com). Both groups provide excellent support to new and veteran organizers, ongoing educational opportunities, and a wonderful community to cheer each other onward.
Contact Info:
- Address: Dallas, Texas
- Website: www.unhurriedlife.com
- Phone:4695442285
- Email:michelle@unhurriedlife.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/unhurriedlifeco
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/unhurriedlifeco
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/unhurriedlifeco
- Other: www.linkedin.com/in/unhurriedlifeco
Image Credit:
Amy Jo Secker
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
