Today we’d like to introduce you to Narren Smith.
Hi Narren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
One of my favorite childhood stories to hear my Mom tell is the one of us visiting family and getting a tour of her new place that included the bedroom for which my young toddler self cast immediate judgement as to why it looked a mess. My mom tells me I’ve always been a very neat and tidy person even from a very young age which is definitely why I am the way I am today. Growing up I was very much about routines, order and systems, details and plans; in school I was little more strategic about how I did things with hallway routes, meals and oh my gosh, the way I loved taking notes probably helped me realize I was OCD, haha.
For about 18 years I was an early childhood teacher and I absolutely loved teaching. Every aspect of the job was exciting for me and I did it all with great intention, care and love for each child entering my classroom. One important thing that I believe made me an outstanding teacher was the time I took to organize my classroom from the closet to the shelves. A successful year couldn’t be had if I didn’t do this first, which always made coworkers wonder why and laugh or ask for help because they understood that an ease of access for all materials caused less stress.
In 2020 I unfortunately resigned early from teaching to focus on my family since we had two deaths back to back (Grandma and Dad) along with a double breakup (then boyfriend and bestie) and becoming caretaker for my Mom while being a single parent of two. Talk about A LOT,wow. But God kept me. This moment allowed me to slow down, tend to the new family dynamics, figure out life and just be. As savings started dwindling I knew I had to start making money moves but I needed flexibility to still take care of home which led me into gig work. Quick easy money with shifts that worked out just right for my family but I still had ambition to do more than that or teaching. Over time I tested and researched my skills and hobbies as potential income while staying true to myself. Then one day as I’m watching one of my favorite shows (Hoarders) it hit me, this what you’re meant to do! Not to mention you’ve done it before but only as a cleaning business, is what I told myself. So I tweaked the name a little bit, changed the concept with a focus on helping others to clear the clutter then organize their home, office, classroom, vehicle, etc. to give the space new found order and purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Oh man I wish I could say it has been easy but that’s not truthful. I’ve struggled with this business in many ways from the personal to professional.
Decluttering and Organizing wasn’t thought of as business, service or means of income, it was a just hobby that helped me release stress when upset and to help my family with daily functions and flow. When I first started I was full of doubt because I’m wondering who wants or needs this service? How do I find them and keep them? What and how do I charge? What’s an llc and to obtain it? Oh and at one point I didn’t even have a vehicle urging me to ask “girl now how will I get to the client?” So many daunting questions and tasks that required research, networking and creativity on a whole new level as an entrepreneur. Slow days, rejections, cancellations are painful but I know this comes with the territory. Thankfully with patience, prayer and grace I pushed through and will continue to keep figuring it things out for OneNeatFreak and the people seeking this service.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
OneNeatFreak is to known for Decluttering and Organizing homes, offices, classrooms, vehicles, storage, paper management and so much more while creating customized systems for you and your families needs. Starting with a consultation to address and assess the issue, set a goal with a plan then attack it until the project is complete and satisfied.
I specialize in Decluttering and Organizing which takes the client through a simple process with compassion and care to clear their space and organize it with only the items needed or wanted to create an oasis that brings proper function, peace and happiness to the space and to those who will enjoy it.
Industry wise, I’m not sure what sets me apart from others since I’m not in a local network of organizers to see their work and talk firsthand. I do follow a group on Facebook but it’s more of a informational page to ask questions, suggestions and share tips. I honestly don’t compare myself because everyone does things differently with amazing results so for myself I just want to make sure I provide the best service with care, patience, understanding and love for my client and their belongings from the beginning to the end of the requested project with a free space, free mind concept.
I’m so modest because I wouldn’t say I have a brand nor do I have a following but I’m proud of OneNeatFreak because she’s real. I can relate to you on so many different levels it’s crazy as I’ve been through things that have tested my faith, strength and values but I’m still here as believer and ready to help others get through those same battles while clearing these items that started weighing them down more than the problem itself.
Letting things take place of our emotions is okay, letting things fill a void is okay, letting our space getting a little out of sorts is okay and letting someone save you from unforseen chaos is okay too. Let me rectify this for you and be the voice or hands with the power to let new life in and fill the room. I absolutely love what I do and want nothing more than for people to enjoy their spaces in every capacity with endless possibilities.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Once I make my mind up and commit to something I make sure I see it all the way through with my heart and soul which is what I’m doing with OneNeatFreak. This business wasn’t my original career choice but we know God laughs while we make plans because I dream about this business, pray on and over it often, take and make notes for myself and clients satisfaction. I’m here for it in every way because I believe in OneNeatFreak, it’s mission and values and what it means to the community I to serve as what I do isn’t taken lightly because it affects people, how they live their lives.
Pricing:
- FREE CONSULTATIONS (15-45 mins)
- $50-100/HR (each project)
- $15-50 Travel fee (15 miles or more)
- $25 Cancellation Fee (w/in 24 hrs notice)
- Tips welcome, referrals recommended
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneneatfreak?igsh=MWQzMWhydGlwM2d1aw==
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@oneneatfreak?_r=1&_t=ZT-97gPEIr9Grm
