Crib Sheet #12: Clear The Clutter’s Meagan Farrell

Clear The Clutter, Meagan Farrell’s answer to my messy office (how did she know?), is a Seattle-based business that will organize anything. Talk about one seriously organized momtrepreneur/professional organizer.

What business did you start up?

I am a professional organizer doing in home organizing as well as project management for business and organizations.

What motivated you to do it?

My daughter was going to be starting school full-time and I wanted to do something, but getting a job meant that I would not be able to be as flexible for my child. People had always told me that I should do professional organizer so I just decided to go for it.

How many children do you have, and how old are they?

I have one daughter who is 7.5 years old.

How long were/have you been running your business?

I have been running my business for 2 years.

How long did it take you to start becoming profitable and/or successful, however you choose to measure success?

I got clients immediately. I felt like things were going really well and then the economy tanked. Up until then I had been focused on doing just in-home organizing. A friend who was a director for a non-profit asked me if I was still offering project management services. I realized that there would be a lot of opportunity there, so I started marketing that aspect of my business. In the last six months, the project management work has continued to increase. Despite the economy, I feel like my business is continuing to grow.

How did your family react to you starting your own business?

Everyone was really supportive and excited. I think everyone knew that I would do it one day.

Easiest part of your job?

The actual organizing is the easiest for me. I love doing it and it comes naturally.

Hardest part of your job?

As a professional organizer I think the self promotion/sales part is the hardest for me. I am not naturally someone who talks a lot about themselves, so when people ask, I need to really put on my business hat so that I can sell myself.

What, if any, tools or advice do you wish you knew then that you know now?

I wish I had joined a networking group right off the bat. I found a wonderful group that is free (on MeetUp.com) and it has been so helpful!

Any people or materials that you recommend for fellow momtrepreneurs to use/buy for their companies?

Nancy Juetten of Main Street Media Savvy is wonderful. She is a wealth of information on how to promote yourself using the internet and media.

A few more questions, just because American Express should be featuring more momtrepreneurs…

childhood ambition….to be a television news woman.
fondest memory…. riding my pony.
indulgence…. travel.
last purchase….. eye brow wand.
favorite magazine….. Family Fun Magazine.
inspiration…..My family.
My Life…..fulfilled.