We had the good fortune of connecting with Andi Nault and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Andi, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I started my organizing business to help people by doing something I love- organizing all things. Now seasoned in my profession, I have realized how much the relationship aspect of this work guides a client’s progress and success. When I first started out in this field I thought that there were lots of organizing skills I’d have to perfect in order to help my clients, but what I have learned is that people skills are 80% of this work and that the ability to learn about my clients, support them, encourage them and help them discover which solutions feel the best for their lifestyle is truly what gives my business momentum- the organizing is just a byproduct.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I entered the world of organizing by subcontracting for any and all established professional organizers I could find. I knew I had the skills to tackle the physical organizing, but wanted to learn more about running a business and how to strategically complete projects with clients. I learned so much in my first year and received such wonderful support and guidance. Figuring out the business side of things was definitely a learning curve, but I had a few wonderful mentors who helped to guide me in the right direction. Additionally, learning how to manage larger projects with a team was full of learning opportunities which demanded data collection over time to accomplish projects more and more efficiently as I earned familiarity with the scope of more involved projects. After seeing the many different approaches to running an organizing business I took what was valuable to me and the vision I had for my own business and began to take on my own clients. Now that I have settled into my approach on running an organizing business, I’ve noticed that what sets me apart from others is consistently working alongside my clients throughout a project. Many organizers complete their work with little contact to the client- perhaps meeting briefly a few times throughout the day to get answers to questions or check in. A project can certainly be completed with this model. However, 90% of my work is completed alongside my clients. Because of this I prioritize building meaningful relationships with my clients and getting to know them well in order to learn how I can best support them in their pursuit of organization and functionality. I love when my clients share that I feel like an ‘old friend’ coming over when I show up for our sessions. I have made such wonderful connections with my clients and am truly invested in their happiness and success as it relates to organizing and their lives in general.
After taking all the steps to get where I am today, I wanted to be able to offer support to other organizers like I received starting off in this industry so I started a networking group specifically for my fellow organizers in Colorado.
We meet several times a year to talk about our businesses, learn about resources that will support our businesses or our clients, and make connections for referring or hiring each other. It is wonderful to be surrounded by like-minded business women whose focus is on complementing each other rather than competing with each other. I feel a great sense of pride in having created this group when we all get together and I see the connections that form and having the ability to help support new organizers starting out.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
It’s funny you ask because my bestie is visiting next month and I absolutely plan to submerse them in the Colorado lifestyle.
Some activities or places to visit I plan to invite them to would include
-a horseback riding adventure
-a mellow yet scenic hike
-a trip to the hot springs
-an overnight stay in a mountain cabin
-day on the water paddle boarding
-a concert at Red Rocks
-a game night with friends featuring a bonfire
A few places we might check out for food are
-Edgewater Public Market
-Machete Cherry Creek
-Safta
-Ubon Thai
-Himchuli Highlands
-Grammy’s Goodies
For drinks- some of the local speakeasies.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give my shout out to a fellow organizer, close friend, business collaborator, and bright soul- Edna Lugo. Working alongside Edna and ultimately joining forces with her to tackle larger organizing projects has been super rewarding. I’m eager to see what we learn and accomplish together in this new journey. I am constantly inspired by her work ethic, big dreams, and endless support. Thank you friend!
Also, I must include a huge shoutout to all of my wonderful clients. I wouldn’t be able to enjoy this amazing career without you. You make each day exciting and full of joy, I appreciate each and every one of you!
Website: https://Www.Avidorganizing.com
Image Credits
Photos were all taken by me (: