Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Hora.
Candace, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My older sister told me along time ago “the way you keep your space is a reflection of how you feel on the inside.” I found that to be so interesting then and to this day I am mindful of it as a powerful honing tool in understanding others through observing their space.
I grew up in a small town in Michigan. One of eight kids. I turned 20 and packed up and moved to Chicago as I thought that was the natural next step in getting to New York. Once there, I stumbled into Interior Design by showing up for a tour of a design school…I started classes the next day. During my last few years of school, I worked at a high-end residential design firm. Durning client installations (when all the construction is complete, furniture is delivered & rugs, lighting & accessories are placed) I observed the overwhelming amount of stuff in these big beautiful homes that just got moved into different rooms over & over. Some clients were completely overwhelmed by bringing all their stuff back into the newly designed space. It was as if they thought all their old possessions would disappear and at the same time they desperately struggled departing with them. I spent a lot of time helping clients decide what to keep and what to toss. In the process of sorting and purging, people really open up and beautiful friendships are created.
That was just a small aspect of my responsibilities and eventually over time I realized I wanted to help people in a more meaningful way, something that high-end interior design could not offer me at that time. So I started working on the side with an organizing company, taking clients nights & weekends while maintaining my full-time job. I worked like that (nights & weekends) as an organizer for 5 years, always maintaining my full time job. I developed a true passion for it and was really good at it… I mean really good! I learned how to refine the organizing process by incorporating design and thats what has impressed people the most; my ability to transform a space so quickly – simply by reworking what they already own.
With the help of my partner Lailaw Taherzadeh (seen alongside me in the photo), I was able to branch off and start my business. In 2014, I left my full-time job to have more time to care for my mother. Time for booking clients was limited, since caring for my mom was a priority.
In late 2016, my mother passed away. Shortly after that Lailaw got a job offer in Dallas, so we decided to move. I’m so glad we did- I absolutely love Dallas!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
When I first started the business my mom was really sick and I absolutely could not devote as much time to my work, which meant not to many funds coming in. Without work coming in at a steady pace, there were definitely times we were living on the polar end of abundance. I had to make a choice between working to make money or working to help my mom feel better. I chose my mom. Caring for her helped me develop a unique compassionate response and a desire to help others.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about HORAstudios – what should we know?
We specialize in Professional Organizing and provide packing/unpacking services. As Professional Organizers, we advise individuals and businesses on how to think outside the box to implement tailored, effective and creative solutions to achieve an organizational style that maintains efficiency and success.
Our approach to organizing is unique in that we believe our surroundings reflect who we are and who we are aspiring to be. We bring to light the energy that flows through a space and help to remove any obstacles that may be negatively affecting someone.
Our packing/unpacking services are top notch! We work at a much faster pace and in far greater detail than a standard moving companies packers- We started offering this service when we saw how much time & supplies are wasted by move companies. We get the job done quicker, more efficiently by using WAY LESS supplies! We take care of everything so that your move experience is stress-free.
Our clients love our ability to quickly rework a room by rearranging existing furniture and decor to bring life back into a space. It’s really fun for us but the best part is watching people fall in love with their home all over again.
What makes us different is that we are NOT “bin happy” organizers. So many new clients say to us before our first appointment “I’ll go to Container Store & get a bunch of bins…” YIKES! No- No- No, I say first we PURGE, then we SPLURGE! If a client knows there’s a bin waiting for them to put stuff in- they will keep WAY more stuff. Container Store is a great resource for organizing but there is this dis-service in that people trick themselves into thinking if they just put it in a bin or if it fits in a bin then they’re organized. Except they don’t feel the lightness and freeness that comes from truly processing and eliminating. When you buy specialty things to become more organized you just get trapped in the cycle of accumulating more things.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Well, this is funny because we realized somehow after all these years we’ve been playing secret matchmaker! The majority of our clients are single, highly successful career professionals that don’t have the time or energy to put into their homes. We go in, do our thing and voilà, a long awaited relationship comes knocking at the door! It’s the craziest thing! The secret?…it’s about letting go to make space for something new.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My partner and girlfriend, Lailaw Taherzadeh is the one that made it all possible. When finances were tough I would think I should go back to working a secure 9 to 5, she always reminded me that we would be okay & to be grateful for the availability to care for my mom. She trusted so much that God would find a way for us to make ends meet- and they always have!
My sister Shilin Hora has been a mentor to me my whole life. She’s so creative and wise and has taught me so much about being a person with integrity.
Shiren Apte, my partner’s sister really created momentum for us to do this and not be afraid- to just do it. She sent us an article touting Professional Organizing as the next big thing and I saw that she really believed in me. I have always kept that article nearby for inspiration.
Giety Burke, my partner’s other sister has been an incredible resource in referring us to her clients and friends since moving to Dallas. I arrived not knowing anyone and she’s promoted us soooo much! I am so grateful for her.
My old co-workers Sarah & Gina are the ones who helped get my website up and running. They really made it happen super quick. They deserve so much credit in that it actually got done! I love them.
Most importantly, I owe my success to all my long time clients who have supported me so much throughout the years. I love them all!
Pricing:
- Hourly 85 | 2 hour minimum
- Package | 20 hours for 1500 – Save 200
Contact Info:
- Website: HORAstudios.com
- Phone: 312.731.6359
- Email: Candace@HORAstudios.com
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