Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Lynn.
Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I first realized there was a need for organizing help in my early 20’s when I was a nanny. I would naturally straighten the kids’ areas to make them more efficient for me and enjoyable for the kids. Moms would come over for playdates commenting on the organized areas, and I would then go to their homes and do the same for them. A lot of people would tell me I should become a full-time organizer, but I knew nothing about owning a business and was not interested in that journey at the time.
After 20+ years of working in corporate America including some tiptoes into business ownership, I decided to do what gives me the most joy: organizing spaces for people that bring harmony to their worlds. All along the 20+ year journey, I would spend my Friday nights helping my friends with bathroom drawers, kitchen shelves, and shoes – now I get to share my expertise and passion with others.
It was a long journey before I finally was brave enough to step out onto my own, but I truly believe our paths are created for us. While my journey of first realizing not all people were organized to finally following my exact purpose may seem long, it was necessary. The lessons learned along the way are what makes me successful today.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Ha, is it really a smooth road for anyone who ventures into their own business? I feel it’s the bumps along the way that make us a better business owner. I tiptoed into owning my own business. My first step was selling furniture; it was a job that paid hourly {you could not live on that rate} plus commissions. Helping people visualize the placement of furniture in their homes was a natural extension of my organizing skills. I learned to budget not knowing precisely the income I would have, to not take no personally, and one of my most valuable lessons – not every client is a good client, and some are not worth the headache.
During this time I met someone who shared the exciting opportunity of being a commission only insurance representative. I was excited and set off on the next step to owning my own business. I obtained my insurance license and was NAIVELY on the way to owning my business {with the big company name behind me}. There were so many lessons learned here; going from working in a store where people came to you to have to go out and create business was a whole new world for me. The first month was extremely tough, but I learned quickly, had some great mentors, and am still receiving residual income from my six years of effort. I left that world behind when I moved to another state,
I decided I should go the more “stable” route and obtained employment at a staffing agency; I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of a suitable base salary, commissions, health insurance, sick days, and vacation time! I felt I hit the employment jackpot. After a year of working for someone else and being miserable. I realized; I was not a good employee, I did not like working for someone else, I could work this hard at something that brings me joy and helps others as well.
While I tiptoed into owning my own business the lessons, I learned along the way I needed to succeed today. I get asked a lot do you wish you would have started your organizing business earlier, and without hesitation, the answer is no. I know the lessons and tools I learned along the way not only help me to be successful, but I am also able to share them with my clients and help them as well. Organizing isn’t just about putting items in their place; it is also about decluttering negative thoughts in your mind, decluttering our over-scheduled calendars, decluttering negative people. All lessons I have learned along this fantastic journey of entrepreneurship.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Decluttered Spaces | A Wave Maker story. Tell us more about the business.
I started Decluttered Spaces in 2013 to help people organize their homes and offices, thereby living happier lives with less stress. Today, Creating simplified internal systems, offering training classes for small businesses, and consulting in private, and creating an online community of Wave Makers.
As an organizer, I was attracting a lot of people who work from home, some working for larger companies and get to office from home while others are leaving corporate America to follow their dreams and passions. Over the years, one of the things I noticed when working with business owners is a lot of us deal with the same challenges and concerns, regardless of the particular field and point of our business journeys. Which is why Wave Maker’s was created; from personal to professional growth, surrounding yourself with like-minded people – building a community! Your own private board of directors, helping to establish clear goals, plans to execute them, and accountability.
Areas of focus include; productivity planning, time chunking, activity management, scheduling efficiency, growth, strategies, effective communication, accountability strategies, maintenance planning, effective systems. Wave Makers is a community of support, to stimulate creativity, obtain fresh ideas, hold each other accountable, all free from judgment.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck so to speak. I think luck is where opportunity and preparedness meets. The saying goes you should dress for the job you want. I believe you should prepare for the life you want, whether personal or career when the opportunities arise you will be there ready for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.declutteredspaces.com/
- Phone: 469-269-5311
- Email: nicole@declutteredspaces.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decluttered_spaces/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PiperTheFlyingPig/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleLynnSC
- Other: https://www.awavemaker.com/
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