Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Ruth V..
Hi Caitlin Ruth, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My life’s journey has been an exhilarating rollercoaster of adventures, challenges, and fulfilling accomplishments. It all started when I stepped aboard a private yacht as part of the crew, traveling to breathtaking remote destinations all around the world. Those years on the sea instilled in me a deep appreciation for beauty and aesthetics, which eventually led me down an unexpected path.
In 2016, fate introduced me to the world of interior design when I became the protege of a renowned celebrity interior designer. Under their guidance, I soaked up knowledge like a sponge, learning the art of transforming spaces into stunning works of art. It was during this time that I discovered my passion for design and realized that I wanted to make it a significant part of my life.
As life often does, it threw a curveball at me, leading me to be part of a startup called “Meditation Genies.” We aimed to create an at-home meditation device to help people find inner peace and tranquility. While the venture didn’t pan out as expected, the experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of finding balance in both work and life.
Eventually, I found myself regularly commuting from Chattanooga to Atlanta for design and staging work. It was during this time that an unexpected opportunity knocked on my door. Some of my design clients began asking if I knew anyone who could help them organize their homes. It sparked an idea, and that’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands.
In 2020, I took the leap and founded “Organized | AF – Home Organizing and Staging.” The name might be a little cheeky, but it reflects my commitment to helping people transform their living spaces into well-organized and aesthetically pleasing havens. With my eye for detail, creativity, and love for organization, I set out to help clients declutter, arrange, and optimize their living spaces, bringing them a sense of peace and functionality they had never experienced before.
Running my own business has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I get to work with amazing clients, turning their needs into reality and witnessing the joy on their faces as their spaces are transformed. Whether it’s staging a home for sale or creating an organized oasis for everyday living, I pour my heart and soul into each project.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the diverse experiences that have shaped my journey. From sailing across oceans to exploring the world of interior design and venturing into entrepreneurship, every step has been instrumental in bringing me to where I am today. As I continue to grow Organized | AF and help more people love their spaces, I can’t wait to see what exciting twists and turns the future has in store for me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Indeed, the road of entrepreneurship has been far from smooth or easy. It has been a journey of profound self-discovery, pushing me to test my limits and learn valuable lessons along the way. When I first started “Organized | AF,” I had a strong belief in my skills and abilities, thinking I could handle everything on my own. But as the business grew, I soon realized the importance of collaboration and the joy of working with a team.
Building a team, however, proved to be a challenge in itself. It required not only finding the right people with the right skills but also being a leader who could inspire and guide them effectively. Learning to delegate and trust others with crucial aspects of the business was a significant development for me, as it allowed me to focus on the areas where I could make the most impact.
Entrepreneurship, at its core, is about building and falling and building again. There were times when things didn’t go as planned, and I faced setbacks and obstacles. But it was during those challenging moments that I learned resilience, adaptability, and the importance of never giving up. Success in entrepreneurship is not solely defined by achieving a specific milestone or reaching a certain level of financial success; it’s about the willingness to keep trying, to keep pushing forward, even when faced with adversity.
Throughout this journey, I’ve discovered more about myself than I ever thought possible. I’ve learned to embrace my strengths, acknowledge my weaknesses, and continually work on self-improvement. The entrepreneurial path has been a catalyst for personal growth, forcing me to confront my fears, take risks, and step out of my comfort zone.
I’ve come to understand that true success in entrepreneurship is not just about the destination but about the process of learning and growing along the way. It’s about finding fulfillment in the journey itself, celebrating the small victories, and learning from the failures.
While the road may be bumpy and uncertain at times, the satisfaction of pursuing my passion and making a positive impact on my clients’ lives keeps me going. I’m excited to continue this journey of development and discovery, to build and fall and build again, all while staying committed to giving my best effort in everything I do. After all, that’s what being an entrepreneur is all about.
As you know, we’re big fans of Organized | AF. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We find our niche in the world of home organization, with a particular focus on closets, kitchens, and pantries. These spaces, often overlooked but critical for daily functionality, are our canvas to showcase our expertise and creativity. Combining my design background with organizational skills, we have mastered the art of transforming cluttered spaces into beautifully organized sanctuaries.
One of the unique offerings that set Organized | AF apart is our listing/moving assistance service. Recognizing that moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, we are alleviating the burden. We embraced the opportunity to not only declutter and organize a client’s current home but also to partially pack, stage, and get the house ready for photography to facilitate a smooth and successful selling process.
Similarly, on the other end of the move, we take care of the unpacking, organizing, and staging of the new home. We want to ensure that our clients have the opportunity to start their new chapter with a sense of order, comfort, and beauty in their living space from day one.
What truly sets Organized | AF apart, though, is our approach to client interactions. We firmly believe that organizing a home is not just about tidying up physical spaces but also about respecting the emotional journey of our clients. We foster an environment of trust and acceptance, making it clear that we are there to help without judgment. No matter the state of a home or the circumstances of someone’s life, we treat each client with delicate care and utmost confidentiality.
We embrace the motto, “We’re not for everyone, but neither are you.” We understand that our services might not be the perfect fit for everyone, and that is okay. Our focus is on forming genuine connections with those who appreciate our approach and value the transformation we bring to their lives.
As we continue to grow, word-of-mouth referrals have become one of our most significant sources of new clients. Happy and satisfied customers shared their positive experiences with others, allowing our business to expand organically.
The journey of Organized | AF has been more than just creating functional spaces; it was about making a positive impact on people’s lives. Witnessing the relief and joy on our client’s faces as they see their homes transformed gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond financial success.
Our dedication to excellence, commitment to understanding our client’s needs, and ability to create organized, aesthetically pleasing spaces ensure that Organized | AF continues to thrive. We were excited about the future and the opportunities to make a difference in more lives, one organized space at a time.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Living just outside Atlanta, I’m captivated by the accessible nature trails and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains nearby. In the city, the vibrant Beltline fuels my love for skateboarding, followed by cheeky cocktails at Ponce City Market. It’s an enchanting balance of urban charm and natural wonder.
What strikes me as the least appealing aspect of Atlanta is its vast urban sprawl. The city’s wide expanse creates a significant divide between those who reside Inside the Perimeter (ITP) and those living Outside the Perimeter (OTP). This geographical distance often fosters a sense of disconnect among the city’s residents, which can be disheartening.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theorganizedaf.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/organizedaf_
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/organizedafatlanta
