Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Holtz.
Hi Jodi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Jodi Holtz, founder of Happy Helper Organizing. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Indiana University. I am now happily settled near family in Northern Atlanta Suburbs with my husband and two boys Asher (7) and Ezra (5).
My journey to starting my business begins ten years ago, while teaching primary school in the United Kingdom. I attended a conference where one session was led by a woman who introduced herself as a home organizer. I was not aware professional organizers existed before meeting this energetic lady, but the more I listened to her, the more I knew this was the job I was meant to do.
I began to read every book I could get my hands on and enthusiastically help any family member and friend who would let me gain experience organizing their spaces.
Organizing homes and offices turned out to be very similar to teaching children and fellow teachers how to maintain order in a classroom. This experience taught me that simply organizing another person without their involvement led to the area needing to be redone within a few weeks. I learned the importance of teaching people how to keep order and working along side them to achieve a functional space. I also learned functional does not mean that it is Pinterest worthy as many of the most glamorous spaces are the hardest for people to maintain.
I am a proud member of National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) and am certified as a Professional Organizer from the International Career College (IAP College).
When I am not organizing, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, riding my bike, photography and traveling.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Since I was a teacher with no business experience, I was not sure where to start so I mostly did everything and anything that was suggested. I learned how and where to network and got a mentor through SCORE.
What surprised me the most was how beneficial it was to join the Georgia chapter of the National Association of Productivity and Organizing. I attended a social event last spring, and two organizers referred potential clients to me the following week! I was expecting that organizers in the area would see each other as competition, but instead it appeared everyone wanted to help one another and help clients find the best fit. I have even worked along side other organizers on packing and unpacking jobs.
Overall it has been smooth although I found networking scary at first I have gotten used to it and improved a great deal. It has given me a chance to meet business people throughout Atlanta.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When working with a professional organizer it is important to find a good match. Often people with young children feel like I get them, since I also have two elementary school aged kids.
While I love working with families with kids, what sets me apart from other organizers is that I am one of a few in the area that also loves working with seniors. Seniors have the most interesting stories to share and I feel fortunate to hear them all. A lot of times, seniors’ belongings are intertwined with important memories. So when helping them to declutter and organize, it’s very important to be respectful of the connection between their belongings and their life story.
I enjoy speaking at the local senior centers. This month I will be speaking at the center my mom attends and have included some of the video on creating legacy I have filmed with her in my presentation. I am very proud of the work I do in helping people, especially seniors, tell their stories as part of decluttering. Family and Friends need to know what objects are important to you and why and this processes helps people identify what is important and what can be given away.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My children matter to me the most. The name Happy Helper Organizing comes from their names. My oldest child’s name is Asher meaning Happy and my youngest is Ezra which means Helper.
In terms of my business, it’s helping individuals and families to craft functional personalized organizational systems for their homes and offices. When clients say they can get out of their house easier and feel more relaxed being in their space that feels like success.
Pricing:
- 30 minute consultation – free
- Project-based pricing after consultation or $65/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: www.happyhelperorganizing.com
- Instagram: @happyhelperorganizing
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/happyhelperorganizing
- Youtube: @happyhelperorganizing
