Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Fegen-Herdman
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began reading, watching, and listening to stories of minimalism and simple living about a decade ago. I found it inspirational and began decluttering my whole house with great success. It was hard work but at the end of it, I felt free and light. I wanted to share that joy with others which brought me to creating Declutter with Devon LLC. As a professional organizer I love that I get to work with other people. With a background in social work, I am prepared to help with the big emotions that come with decision-making. I started my business in 2022 and have found that many folks either need services themselves or know someone who does. Now, in 2024 I am bringing on additional organizers to expand our capacity to help.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting a business always comes with challenges. Luckily, in 2014 I co-founded a non-profit in Cleveland, Upcycle Parts Shop, with a savvy entrepreneur. I learned so much from that experience that I was able to apply to creating my own small business. When you are a solopreneur, you have to wear all the hats. I really didn’t know anything about marketing when I started so I had to find ways to learn. Time is always a challenge, I was working part-time when I started my business. At some point you have to make the leap to work on your small business full-time so that it can generate enough work and funds to support you.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I help folks declutter and organize their things to find peace and ease at home. When I arrive at someone’s home, I ask them what area they’d like to work on. Basically, we take everything out, decide what to keep and what to get rid of, and then put it back in a more pleasing way. It usually gets worse before it gets better. Often there is a moment in the middle when things are everywhere! This is when a person working by themselves could become overwhelmed and give up. As a professional organizer I keep the momentum going and make sure everything gets put away. I am known for my caring and nonjudgemental manner, as well as being able to laugh with my clients. Some reviewers have said it feels like having a friend there. While some professional organizers want to be left alone to organize things, I relish the interaction. I especially enjoy working with seniors and/or folks with health problems who want to go through their things but physically or emotionally need assistance. I ask gentle questions to make sure we are putting things back in a way that makes sense for the individual. I provide emotional support when making difficult decisions about sentimental items and move at a pace that is comfortable for the client. I am proud of putting forth a business that demonstrates my personal values of caring and inclusion.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can easily reach out to me through my website to schedule a free consult or initial organizing session. If you do use services, leaving a review is fantastic and I would be very grateful. If you have a complimentary business in the area, I’d love to get together for a coffee to discuss how we could work together. Like all small businesses, spreading the word is a great way to let others know I’m here. Finally, following, liking, commenting and sharing on my social media accounts and posts on Facebook and Instagram can help increase my online exposure. Hopefully I am putting out interesting content for you to enjoy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.declutterwithdevon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/declutterwithdevon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/declutterwithdevon
