Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhiannon Kirk.
Hi Rhiannon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Have you ever had something unfold in your life that is just too perfectly orchestrated to be coincidence? That’s how I ended up launching my personal home-organizing business, Minimized Mess.
My background is in hospitality management, and prior to 2020, I was working for a company that serviced the event industry. When the Pandemic hit and all of the major Cleveland events started to shut down, the business I worked for quickly followed. So, after years of full-time, 9-5 work, I suddenly found myself with way too much free time that I desperately wanted to fill. To keep my mind busy during that crazy time, I focused on helping friends and family with their errands and tasks.
Sometimes, other people see talents in us that we don’t always see in ourselves. In my case, it was my aunt who first picked up on my skillset while I was helping her prepare her home for sale. After working together for a few days, she praised my decluttering, packing, and general organizing abilities and said it should be my next career move. I had no idea at the time that professional organizing was an actual profession, so I thanked her for the nice words and shrugged off her comment with laughter.
But then, just a few days later, I was searching for a new audiobook to listen to, and I stumbled upon a title called “Mastering the Business of Organizing.” I couldn’t believe it. It was just too perfect to be a coincidence. And in that moment, I just knew this was something that I was supposed to explore. And clearly, that exploration has proven to be a valuable investment that has transitioned my life.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly – No. On a purely personal level, I suffer from Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
From a business perspective, having ADHD causes me to hyper-focus, and this adds a layer of complication to handling many of the back-end administrative tasks that are necessary for running the business. It was especially challenging for me in the early days as I was trying to navigate through all of the systems and processes that needed to be in place prior to my launch.
On the positive side, I’ve since learned that the methods and techniques I’ve developed over the years to help cope with this disorder, such as zoning and space planning in my own home, actually prepared me quite well for the world of professional organizing.
And because I’ve learned to embrace my ADHD and talk about it, I’ve actually had clients with the condition seek me out to help them with their home-organizing challenges because they know that I can relate to what they are going through. That’s been an unexpected blessing.
For so many years, I had looked at my ADHD as a hindrance, but now, through Minimized Mess, I have been given this awesome opportunity to help others who are struggling in a unique way. It has brought a true level of joy to my life that I could have never imagined.
As you know, we’re big fans of Minimized Mess. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Minimized Mess is a professional home-organizing business serving the greater Cleveland region. I myself serve as one of the lead organizers and I also have an awesome support team that I bring in to help on larger projects.
I take on a variety of home-organizing projects (kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, closets, playrooms, garages, etc.) I also assist soon-to-be home sellers with their decluttering/packing needs, and I help new home buyers with unpacking and organizing prep.
I work with all types of clients, but as a toddler mom with a second daughter on the way, I really enjoy helping busy families with kids. I understand the challenges they face having to rethink the space within their home to ensure it works for a growing family. Before my first daughter was born, I re-arranged my space so that it was tidy yet practical for a newborn. These tactics serve me well in helping soon-to-be-moms come up with personalized systems and strategies to prepare their homes for this transition, whether it be creative diaper-changing stations, tidy bottle stations, or organized nurseries. As you can imagine, I’ve also gotten my fair share of experience coming up with creative solutions for toy overflow and overall “toddler mess.”
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
There are a few professional organizer groups and minimal mom groups that I participate in regularly on Facebook. There are also a few local Cleveland organizers who I really admire and stay up to date on their work. I am also a member of NAPO (National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals). They have a great discussion forum for their members as well as a great weekly podcast.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://minimizedmess.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minimizedmess/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinimizedMess
Image Credits
Allison Hopkins Photography
