“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”....Walt Disney
I hope you have browsed our new website and visited our entrepreneurs on ‘Our Partners’ tab. Please take the time to browse their websites, stores, FaceBook or Instagram pages. While you are there, we hope you encourage them by liking their page, following them on social media, and referring them to friends and colleagues for their services.
Our entrepreneur for this month is someone whom we could all reach out to for help organizing our home, office, garage or any space we want decluttered. Generally when I spotlight an entrepreneur, my usual routine is to interview them and bring their story together. However, with Purnima Kamath, true to her business she was so organized even in her writing that I sent it straight to the printer!
In her own words is the journey of Cozy Organized Nook…Honestly, I didn’t even know Home Organizing was a thing! Just before moving to Canada, I was reading a book in which one of the characters was a Professional Organizer. As I read more about it, it felt like my calling. Anyway, I loved cleaning and keeping my house organized, so this was something I would enjoy doing and get paid for it!
As soon as we moved here, I went ahead to get my Certification as a Professional Organizer. Soon after, I started my company, Cozy Organized Nook. As excited as I was to start my venture, I was also clueless on where to start and how to find clients. The lockdown that started in December was a big blow to my fragile confidence in running a business. The frequent lockdown extensions brought me to tears as I was incurring business costs but wasn’t bringing in any returns.
What do I do as a Professional Organizer?
When I went into the course, I was skeptical that people would hire me to do such basic activities. I voiced my panic and concern to my mentors and they pointed out that what I feel is “basic and easy” may be a herculean task for another person. They said “Not everyone finds it enjoyable or has the time to do what you love to do.”
I now know, my mentors were indeed right. I see people riddled with anxiety and frustration over not being able to keep up with the household organization.
As a Professional Organizer, I get to know every client and their family/ work dynamics so I can tailor solutions for them. I understand that each person and their situation is unique and that is how I offer solutions that work for them.
A lot of my clients are working parents and/ or those who love being outdoors. This means their home is often neglected and even if they want to, they cannot gain control over their clutter and mess. Most of them need a guide to tell them exactly what to do and how.
When I enter their space, I encourage them to declutter and get rid of things that have been collected over the years. My main goal is to have them cut down on the amount of things they own that they do not need in their daily lives. It is interesting to note how easily they let go of things with me by their side to coach them. All they need is a gentle nudge in the right direction.
I help my clients create space and bring function into their home that suits their lifestyle. I believe in giving each client that “AHA!” moment when they witness the beauty and full potential of their home. I love how at the end of my project, my clients are ecstatic over not just the physical transformation but also the mental shift that has come about in the process. Initially, I used to think I’d be proud of myself for delivering a successful session. However, nothing pleases me more than seeing that my clients undergo a change and take control of their space. It is rewarding when my clients tell me they are already starting to feel better when I’m still not done completing the project with them”
I know we can all use Purnima’s help to transform our spaces. Her anxiety as she launched her business just before the pandemic appears to be just that. She has been busy with clients since the economy has opened seeking her help to transform their homes, de-stress and enjoy the place we call home. Please visit her website www.cozyorganizednook.ca and her FB & Instagram @cozyorganizednook. We wish Purnima much success in her venture.
About the author…
Surekha Shenoy is a Strategic Business Consultant and has worked with SMBs across North America for over 20 years. She is deeply passionate about supporting small businesses. In her free time, she loves to study the stars…